Pages: 21-30

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted in Enebse Sar Midir District, Northern Ethiopia with the objectives of identifying the different marketing channels, evaluating the marketing margins and examining the market structure and analyzing the functions of the various marketing actors in the marketing chain. Data were gathered using formal and informal methods of data collection and processed using SPSS. The result revealed that a total of 15,200 tons of haricot bean was produced in the district in and of this; 13,468 tons was found to pass through the marketing channels during 2011/2012. Following the marketing chains, 7 marketing channels were identified. Markets were found to be strongly oligopoly and inefficient in structure (with wide final consumers’ price spread). Gross marketing margin was maximum for city wholesalers (38.60%) and minimum for farmer traders (13.22%) of the consumers’ price). Net marketing margin was maximum (11.52%) for processors and minimum (7.36) for rural assemblers. In order to empower producers, marketing actors and intensify the existing commercialization, the structure and efficiency of haricot bean markets have to be improved. Intervening in activities that add value to the product and delivering credit services can improve the marketing performance and structure.