Potato Value Chain Analysis: the Case of Lemo Woreda, Hadiyya Zone

Abstract Even, in the study area potato is very important for food security there is a gap in the potato value chain analysis. Therefore this study has attempted to identify potato value chain analysis in Lemo woreda of Hadya zone southern Ethiopia. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative data types were employed. Data were obtained from a sample of 202 producers, 37 traders (6 Wholesaler, 8 Collector, 4 Processor, and 19 Retailer), and 24 consumers by using semi-structured questionnaires. To take sample from the actor both probability and non-probability sampling techniques’ were used. For data analysis, descriptive statistics was employed. The result shows that the main potato value chain actors were input suppliers, producers’, wholesalers, collectors’, retailers, processors, and consumers. And Supporting actors were cooperative, banks, universities, Ethio-telecom, research institutions, NGOs, and government offices. Potato value chain opportunity and constraints were identified at the producer, trader, and consumer stages. Performances analysis in the value chain shows that, the highest share of profit, cost, and the market margin was shared to the producer which accounts for 43.01%, 33.55%, and 39.07% of share respectively. Based on the findings of the study, I recommend that the government and concerned stakeholders should focus on promoting improved potato seed, encouraging education, promoting farmers’ cooperatives, empowering females, strengthening rural-urban infrastructure, and protecting informal labor trading.