Constraints of vegetables value chain in Ethiopia: A gender perspective

Tomato and onion production play an important role in improving household's income, nutrition and food security. Despite its importance, the productivity of these crops is very low compared to the potential yield. Cross-sectional data was collected from random samples of 380 producers, 186 retailers and 293 wholesalers. A total of 550 male-headed and 309 female-headed households were sampled. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage, t-test and chi-square were used to summarize and compare the key variables between the two groups. Moreover, censored Tobit model was employed to identify determinants of severity of production and marketing constraints. The two households have different perceptions on tomato and onion value chain constraints. Social and institutional factors created barriers for both FHH¹ and MHH² actors in respect to tomato and onion marketing and production in each stage of the value chain. Therefore, tomato and onion production and marketing policies need to take into account determinants of severity of production and marketing constraints to enhance efficiency, quality and linkages among actors. To address the existing gap of women in terms of low agronomic practice, low yield and financial problem, specialized programs and intensive training efforts need to be designed and executed for them.