Determinants of Choice of Market Outlets among Smallholder Vanilla Farmers in Antalaha District, Madagascar

Abstract

This paper examines the factors that influence the choice of vanilla market outlets among smallholder farmers in the Antalaha district, Madagascar. A cross-sectional survey of 384 vanilla farmers was conducted in Antalaha district, Madagascar. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and personal interviews. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit model were used. The data was analyzed using SPSS and STATA software. Multivariate probit model results show that gender, education level, off-farm income, land ownership, group membership, vanilla yield, dry vanilla, and green vanilla significantly influence the choice of market outlets among smallholder vanilla farmers. This study recommends the need to enhance educational initiatives, improve market access, provide agricultural training, and develop infrastructure to help smallholder vanilla farmers overcome market limitations and optimize their choice of profitable market outlets.

Keywords: Vanilla, Choice of market outlets, Smallholder farmers, Green and dry vanilla

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/15-1-06

Publication date: February 28^th 2025