Determinants of smallholder farmers in teff market supply in Ambo district, West Shoa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to identify factors affecting smallholder farmers teff supply to the market in Ambo district West Shoa Zone of Oromia. Two main teff producer Kebeles, namely Amaro and Gossu Kora were selected by using simple random sampling technique from 11high potential teff producing Kebeles in Ambo district. A total of 142 teff growing households were selected using random sampling and then interviewed. Both descriptive and econometrics analysis were employed to meet the objective of the study. By applying multiple regressions models frist identify the factors affecting teff market supply. Results of the study shown that four factors were found to have significantly affect the decision of smallholder farmers on the quantity of teff sold on the market; namely, teff production (yield) at 1%, labour at 5%, income from nonfarm at 5%, and price of teff which is significant at 10% probability level. The study recommends that farmers use modern technologies such as improved production methods, improved seeds, and farming tools; access to credit and labour reducing technologies to increase quantity supply of teff into the market. The district agricultual office must create an enabling environment, especially by given support to increase production of teff. Moreover, reducing non-farm activities by making teff production more profitable and farmers must devote more time to farming activities. Further research needed on teff market chain analysis starting from producer to final consumers, and critical analysis on the value chain of teff.