Assessment of the Potentials of Avocado and Mango fruits and factors that affect the supply of fruits to the Market, the case of jimma zone

Abstract

This paper aims to assess potential existence of basic fruits of Mango and Avocado and examining the factors affecting its supply to the market in Jimma Zone Oromia National Regional State south west Ethiopia . In order to attain this objectives the study made use of primary and secondary data.The primary data were generated by individual interview schedules and focus group discussions using pretested semi structured questionnaires and checklists. Structure and Performance (SCP) approach was used to evaluate avocado and mango market to identify factors influencing the marketable supply of avocado and mango in the study area structure of the market indicates that licensing and years of avocado and mango trade experience did not affect entry into avocado and mango trade, but capital, education and market information were barriers to enter into the trade. Analysis of marketing costs and margins revealed that processors (juice house) received the highest marketing margin and producers received the least marketing margins in avocado and mango fruits. Using regression model, the study has identified the main determinants of avocado and mango quantity supply. Quantity of avocado produced, experience, education and price of avocado in the previous year are factors that significantly affect quantity of avocado supplied to the market positively while lack of market access affects the supply negatively. Similarly quantity of mango produced, education and extension contact are factors that significantly affect quantity of mango supplied to the market positively. Therefore, one of the most important variables influencing the market supply of avocado and mango is avocado and mango quantity produced. Due to this, future work should focus on encouraging farmers to participate in avocado and mango production by creating appropriate improved means .This particularly includes, capacity building, technological applications, improved extension and plant breeding activities, there is also a need to increase new varieties that are disease resistant and disseminate these technologies to potential areas. The findings suggests that, effective market information service has to be established to provide accurate and timely market information to farmers and traders on current supply of avocado and mango output, demand and prices at national and regional levels.