Production and Marketing Constraints of Cotton Under Smallholders: The Case of Arbaminch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

The study focused on the analysis of production and marketing constraints of cotton among rural farmers in Arbaminch Zuria district of Southern Region of Ethiopia. A total of 68 respondents were interviewed using questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and to identify major production and marketing constraints. The main production constraints noticed were inadequate knowledge of recommended packages and practices, non-availability of improved seed both in quality and quantity, lack of technical knowledge regarding the crop and insects, pests and disease attack. The main marketing constraints that hampered smallholder cotton producers were non-availability of reliable market information, price fluctuation, involvement of large number of intermediaries/ brokers in marketing, smallness of quantity to be sold, product absence of cooperatives among producers and lack of value addition in the seedcotton product. Given the high local demand for cotton and the potential for expansion, it is important to address these challenges for producers to benefit from market opportunities and increase their income. However, dealing with these challenges will require a whole value chain approach. Keywords: Cotton, Production, Marketing, Constraints, Smallholder producers, Arbaminch Zuria DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/67-01 Publication date: April 30th 202