Value Chain Analysis of Maize (Zea mays) in Hoko District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Although maize is economically and socially significant in the Hoko district, its production and marketing challenges as well as its economic benefit to society have not yet been studied. As a result, this study examined the maize value chain in the Hoko district of Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. This study used a multi-stage sampling strategy and a cross-sectional research design. To analyze the data value chain approach and econometric analysis were used. To move 4275.755Qt of maize, twelve marketing channels were found. Producers have the largest profit share when selling directly to consumers and the lowest profit share in a channel where many intermediaries are involved. The results of the multiple linear regression model showed that, out of the 13 explanatory variables that were assumed to determine the household's market supply of maize, seven of them—sex of the household head, age, family size, frequency of extension contact, amount of maize produced, net annual income, and use of credit services were found to have a significant impact on the market supply of maize. The main constraints for maize producers were a limited supply of improved maize varieties, poor technology, seasonality, and weather-related issues, a lack of irrigation, pests, and diseases, poor credit services, a lack of market information, and a lack of knowledge and skill. Lack of suitable storage, poor post-harvest management, the existence of unlicensed dealers, inadequate market knowledge, price volatility, and low maize quality were the main constraints to maize marketing. Therefore, it is advised to implement policy initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers' access to maize technologies, creating and improving market information, cooperative development, innovations, enhancing extension systems, and credit to hasten the development of the maize value chain in the study area.