Mapping of Gender Roles and Relations along Onion Value Chain in Mene sibu Woreda, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is a developing country situated on Africa’s horn. Ethiopia ranks 173rd on United Nations human development index where the least developed country ranks 186. About 85% of all Ethiopians are employed in agriculture. Onion is one of the basic ingredients in the Ethiopian cuisine and thus an important crop in Mene sibu district as well.  Previous studies on fruits and vegetables in Ethiopia points at post-harvest losses between 15% and 70%.To estimate the losses for onions in Ethiopia a supply and value chain analysis has been made. A literature review on supply chain management, value chain analysis, onion cultivation, and agricultural and logistical conditions in Mene sibu district of Ethiopia has been made in order to acquire a holistic view of the topic.Interviews from interpreters have been made to gather the necessary information from the chain actors. The chain actors have been identified and the losses at each level of the chain quantified and analyzed. The value chain for onions in Mene sibu district of Ethiopia has been researched to identify the different actors and their activities carried out when the onions move from producer to consumer. All expenses related to the activities in each step has been studied to find the value added and to calculate the profit for each actor. The complete chain consists of six actors; farmer, broker, transporter, wholesaler, retailer and consumer. The onions can reach the end-consumer without passing through all steps; broker, transporter and retailer are not always involved.

Keywords: Value Chain, Onion Mene Sibu, Actors and Supply Chain