Value Chain Analysis of Sesame the Case of Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

This study was analyzed value chain analysis of sesame in Bench Maji Zone of Southwestern, Ethiopia. It was specifically aimed to address the research gaps by, identifying the major value chain actors and mapping the value chain, and identifying major factors affecting market outlet choices of sesame producers in Meinit Goldya and Guraferda Districts. For addressing these objectives the study used both primary and secondary data obtained from field survey and desk review. Multistage random sampling technique was used to draw 270 sesame producers. Descriptive statistics and econometric method of data analysis were used to analyze the data. The major value chain actors for sesame marketing in the districts were producers, wholesalers, rural collector, cooperatives, broker/commission agents, retailers, local consumers, ECX, exporters and non-governmental organizations. The multivariate probit model results indicated that Years of experiences, Coop membership, household size, Education level, Land under sesame, Quantity supply, participating in training and distance to nearest market significantly influenced sesame producer's choice of market outlet. Depending on results of this study recommend that strengthening farmers sesame cooperative and enhancing the financial capacity of cooperative, improving accessibility of Transport services and developing infrastructure, improving farmers' knowledge through adult education as well as their experience sharing with other sesame producing farmers, improving productivity through strengthening supportive institutions(extension service provider) motivating sesame producing farm household to participate different training. Therefore, those important socioeconomic and institutional factors which are mentioned above must take into account to improve the productivity of sesame in the study area.