The Analysis of Profitability of Smallholder Potato Growers in Bore District, Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study analysis the profitability of smallholder potato growers in Bore district. Due to various chronic constraints the profitability of smallholders are low. Data were collected by Questionnaire to a total of 192 sampled respondents. The collected data were analyzed by mean standard deviation and percentage. The mean of productivity, total costs and gross margin of potato was 109.95 qt/ha, 10938.38 birr/ha and 10930.97 birr/ha respectively. The mean of net farm income from potato was 10090.45 Birr/ha. The results of Ordinary Least Square showed that sex, improved variety, fertilizer, experience, access to extension, harvesting time, nature of access to land, access to irrigation schemes affect profitability of smallholder potato growers. To improve the profitability of smallholder potato growers the provision of improved seed, use of fertilizers and chemicals as recommendation should be used by the smallholders. In addition, the smallholders should conserve their soil and harvest potato as soon as it matured.

Keywords: Bore, Potato, Smallholder, Profitability.