Factors affecting the use of market information by wheat Farmers and its impact on their income: the case of omo beyam District, jimma zone, and southwest ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates factors affecting the use of market information by wheat farmers and its impact on their income in Omo Beyam district, Jimma Zone, and Southwest Ethiopia. Two-stage sampling procedures was chosen to select district and kebeles based on the high potential of wheat production and the participation of producers in wheat marketing. The study used data on 245 respondents collected through a structured questionnaire from Omo Beyam district, Jimma Zone. Descriptive and Propensity score-matching inferential methods were employed to analyze the data. Findings show that 59.19% of respondents use market information, with family size as a significant determinant; larger households are more likely to use market information. Proximity to markets also facilitates better access to timely information, while education level significantly correlates with use rates, as literate farmers outperform their illiterate counterparts.