Analysis of Major Factors Affecting Production and Marketing of Korarima (Aframomum Corrorima (Braun) P.C.M. Jansen) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Korarima(Aframomum corrorima) is indigenous spice to Ethiopia used as raw material for consumption.However, the spice faces production and market challenges. Thus, the study was done to analyze the majorfactors affecting Aframomum corrorima production and marketing in Ethiopia with the objective of analyzingthe major factors affecting Aframomum corrorima production and marketing in Tepi and Masha and the terminalmarket (Addis Ababa). The study identified that 86%, 74.50%, 41%, 35.95%, 62.10%, 52.25%, 32.75%, ofsampled farmers confirmed that inadequate fertilizer supply, inadequate planting materials, shortage of access tocredit, wild animal competition, price setting, scale and demand, respectively, are the major factors affectingAframomum corrorima production negatively. Concerning sources of market information, 24.40% and 20% ofthe total sampled farmers obtained from traders and personal observation on market, respectively. The studyfurthermore indicated that 92.7%, 88.3%, 86.1%, 77.50%, 75.2%, 70.6%, 57.8%, 40.4% and 35% of the sampledtraders reported adulteration problems, quality problems, capital shortage, demand problem, lack of governmentsupport, supply shortage, administrative problems, theft problem and absence of government control on unlicensedtraders were determinant factors of Aframomum corrorima marketing, respectively. Based on the study,there is a need for all stakeholders to decide production and market price setting strategies and improvingextension system and technical supervision and follow up must be strong. Policies that would improveAframomum corrorima production capacity by identifying new technologies are found to be crucial. Creatingstable demand for surplus production would enhance farmers’ decisions on Aframomum corrorima production.Furthermore, the results of the study indicated that terminal and regional markets are not integrated mainlyowing to crucial problems such as inadequate market price information. Competitive market and marketinformation services have to be strengthened to provide farmers and traders accurate and timely information oncurrent supply, demand and prices.Keywords: Production, Marketing, Aframomum corrorima, Factors