Factors Affecting Smallholder Farmers Potato Production in Shashemene District, West Arsi Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Potato production plays an important role in improving household income and nutrition and thereby contributes to food security. This study investigated the factors affecting smallholder farmers’ potato production in Shashemene district, Ethiopia with the objective of identifying and analyzing factors affecting potato production. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 120 potato producer households using probability proportional to size. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from potato producer households. Multiple linear regression model (OLS) were used to analyze factors affecting smallholder farmer’s potato production. Ordinary least square regression model results showed that five variables such as sex of household heads, land allocated for potato production, access to input supply, potato farming experience and households’ participation in non/off-farm income activities is positively and significantly affects potato production in the study area. Policy makers, planners and development practitioners are required to give due attention to these determinants in order to support smallholder farmers in improving potato production.

Keywords: Potato, Ordinary least square model, Smallholder Farmers, Shashemene District