ADIGRAT UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

FACTORS AFFICTING CROP PRODUCTION

(Case Study Seharti Samre Woreda)

ASENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS FOR PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF BA DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

BY: WELDEGEBRIAL GEBRU

ID .NO RBE 3011/05
ADVISOR: MERON. Z (MA)

FEB, 2015

ADIGRAT, ETHIOPIA

Table of content

Content Page
Table content ……………………………………………………………………………………………….I

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………....................................1

1.1.Background of the study ……………………………………………………………………………...1

1.2. Statement of the problem…………………………………………………………………………….2
1.3. Objective of the study………………………………………………………………………………..3
1.4. Scope of the study …………………………………………………………………………………..3
1.5. Significance of the study……………………………………………………………………………3

Chapter two

2,. Literature review ……………………………………………………………………………………..4

2.1. Theoretical literature ……………………………………………………………………………….4

2.1.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………..4

2.1.2, major crops …………………………………………………………………………………….5

2.1.3. Cultivation system …………………………………………………………………………...7

2.1.4. Farming system in Ethiopia……………………………………………………………………8

2.2empherical literature………………………………………………………………………………10

CHAPTER THREE

3. Research methods ………………………………………………………………………………….12

3.1area description ………………………………………………………………………………..12

3.2Datasource……………………………………………………………………………………...12

3.3methoofdatacollection………………………………………………………………………….12

3.4methodsofdataanalysis………………………………………………………………………….12

3.5samplingsize……………………………………………………………………………………13

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 CHAPTER I

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The seriousness of challenge of food security in Africa is underlined by the fact that at present 44to88 world
low income and efficiency countries are found in Africa (knife, 2001:1).

According to the untied nation development program (UNDP) two third of the people of developing countries
lives in rural areas where agricultural product is the main source of sustenanceand income for the majority of
the rural people .many of whom are small scale farmers (Oxfam,2002:1).

In any economy, farmers produce mainly two types of crops that are used cash crop and staple crops. Cash
crops are those which are produced mainly for sale in the market by the farmers to generate income. Staple
crops are used both home consumption and for market. In views of this fact it is important to know that the
types of crops are grown and their contribution to their income of the farmers (Tewdors, 2006:2).

Ethiopians crop agriculture is involving substantialvariation in crop grows across the countries different regions
and ecologies. Five major serials (Teff, wheat,meaize,surghum,andbarely)are the core of Ethiopians agriculture
and food economy accounting for about three quarter of total area cultivated yields and production since
2000.butields are low by international standard and overall production level and producing its variability are
essential aspects of improving food security in Ethiopian both to help and insure adequate food availability as
well as to increase household incomes.

Ethiopian crop agriculture in general and the cereals subsector in particular face serious challenges to increase
production in past decades has been due to increase in area cultivated. However little sustainable and cultivated
land remain in the high lands a port from posture land, soil degradation from erosion and soil compaction also
three tens crops yields (Hamza and Andersen, 2007).Specify main source of income in sehartisamre woredacrop
farming. It is
obvious that in less developing nations the crop production depending on traditional and back farming methods
and it the same for sahartisamre woreda. In the woreda large amount of farming is determined by so many
factors such as backward farming techniques. Lack improved seeds; lack of modern fertilizers, weather
conduction and so many factors including product market affects crop farming in the woreda.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Many empirical evidences indicate that Ethiopia and most sub-Saharan nations are poor and their economy
is based on agriculture. About 85% of the population living in the rural areas and they engaged in
agriculture and agriculture related activities. It shows agriculture is the back bone of the country’s economy.
But the sector is based on the traditional farming methods and most of rural peoples used to their Owen
consumption as a result production efficiency and it contribution to economic development are very low.

To narrow down the gap, a decisive agricultural policy measures were employed by traditional government
of Ethiopia in the early period (Kinfe, 2002; 2). Also the government developed the strategies to increase the
productivity focusing on small scale farmers, it is not yet able to minimize the gap to the possible desired
level. This concept is also true for sehartisamre worda, were everything is carried out traditionally. When we
come to the study area, the farmers are both crop producer and cattle rising people.

The agricultural researches are studied time to time repeatedly however a change in agricultural productivity
is not as well enough. Based on this past researchers on crop production are limited in their scope, sample
size mechanism of data collection and a data analysis and they also differs in a case study with comparing to
this study.
1.3 objectives of the study
General Objective
 The general objective of the study is to examine the determinants of crop production. Specific Objective
 To study the types of crop grown by the farmers and their cropping pattern
 To examine factors affecting crop production.
 To see economic contribution of crop subsector.

1.4Scope of the study

Scope of the study stressed on factors affecting crop production in seharti-samre woreda. The study focuses on
identifying the factors that are affecting crop production. The great attention is given to food crop production.
Also scope of the study focuses on putting possible recommendation for the problems in the study area.

1.5Significance of the study

Seharti-samre woreda is very familiar with temperate and sub-temperate regions. The people of Seharti-samre
woreda earn their income mainly from agriculture. Especially, staple crops are the dominant crops. The main
important of the study is to identify the factors that affect crop production and increase the income generated
from crop production.

CHAPTER –II

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 THEORETICAL LITERATURE

2.1.1 Introduction

Many scholars have been defined crop production as the production of temporary and permanent crops which
involves under the main categories of cereals, crop seeds, pulse crops oil crops and vegetable crops. Temporary
crops production is the production of seasonal crops, were as permanent crop production which have long life
crop production of seasonal crops .crop production can be divided in to two that are staple crop and cash crop
.staple crops are a variety of cereals, oilseeds and coffee .cash crops included flower, chat sugar cans and
others .those crops plays greatest role to foreign currency by export promoting (Ethiopian economy grade 12
text books, 2001).

The world book encyclopedia explain crop as subsector which used for home consumption and means of earn
income and used to get foreign currencies by export promotion and for home market .these use of crops can be
seen in different directions especially in developing countries .also several other advantages people begun to
farm in the early eager (Samson and tadess 2002).
For a country that proudly climes to have started settled agriculture thousands of years ago, Ethiopians currently
an able to fed its population and those continue to dependency on foreign donations of food to sustain a
significant portion of its citizens’ is busting predicament that tigers a bread economic and sociological study
.clearly the problem of Ethiopian agricultural cannot be principally explained by natural endowments .there is
no lacks of consensus even among competing political groups or academic circles that the countries over all
development is intrinsically linked to what happens to agricultural sector in general and the massive population
that resides in this sector in particular(Samson and Tadesse,2002).

The sheer size of the rural population and the high level of poverty that exists necessity according high priority
to the sectors rapid development (EEA 2002; 49).

The providing orthodoxy among the development practitioners is to see the problem of agriculture in the
developing countries such as Ethiopia strictly as a technical and resource related problem. This view identifies
the low of agricultural productivity as the key problem and the automatic solution that follows is to find ways to
enhance productivity. The three major food group categories that are analyzed here are cereals, pulses and oil
seeds. Thus three categories together account for over 90% of the total area covered temporary permanent
crops. So clearly the performance of this three crops sub sector by and large defines what happens to the
agriculture sector (IBID, 2003:52).

Furthermore, productivity is essential regarded as a technological problem. Since the technology required for
enhancing productivity is internationally available, what remains to be done is too widely to diffuse this
technology to areas with low productivity. Since the transfer from rich countries to the poor one’s in the short
and medium term to enable developing countries to acquire both the technology and technical knowhow that
goes with it. It also requires poor countries to reallocate their own resources from less productive endeavors to
worlds activity that could help in increasing productivity of agricultural sector (EEA 2002:51).

Officials were quick to announce not only in terms of to overall output for the year but also as an introduction
of the overall success the program in reaching its target of food self sufficiency mach earlier than forecasted. As
the time the future problem of Ethiopian agriculture was diagnosed as related to marketing partly to the sudden
drop in the prices of food crops following the bumper harvest of the year (IBID, 1999:50)

Statically comparisons could be very much based depending up on the base year used for comparison. However,
an advantage in using that particular year as the use of modern farm inputs (particularly fertilizer) has increased
since then.

2.1.2 Major crops

Crops can be classified in to different categories’ based on their type and use. Crop production can be divided in
to two major crops staple crops and cash crops. Staple crops are a variety of cereals, oil seeds, coffee and other
crops. These crops are playing a great rule to incur foreign currency by export promoting the importance of
crops can be seen in different directions especially in less developed countries (Samson and Tadese 2002).

A, major staple crops

Ethiopia’s major staple crops include a variety of cereals, pulses oil seeds and others grains are the most
important type of cereals and the chief element in the diet of most Ethiopians. The principal grains are teff,
barely, sorghum, and maize, millet are the most known others.

The first three types of cereals are primarily cool whether crops cultivated altitudes generally about 2000 meters
about sea level. Teff is endemic grain for Ethiopia, furnishes the flour for enjera leavened bread that is the
country. Barely is grown mostly between 2000 and 3300 meters above sea level.

Major subsistence crop barely is used as food and production of tella and also used to produce local beer
production. Maize constitutes the largest crop output in the country in the volume terms producing over 30%
more than its closest rival teff.

Sorghum millet and teff are cultivated mostly in warm and temperate areas at lower altitude along the countries
western and south eastern regions. Sorghum and millet both are drought resistant; grow well at low elevations
when rain fall is less available. Corn is grown chiefly between elevation of 1900 to 2600 meters above sea level
and it needs large amount of rain full to ensure good harvest. These three grains constitutes the staple food part
of the population and are major food items in diet of nomads (Kinf A, 2001:14).

B, Major Cash Crops

The most important cash crop in Ethiopia was coffee during the 1970’s coffee export accounted for 50 to 60
present of the total value of the all exports, although coffee share dropped in to 25% as a result of economic
deprecation in the dergue regime following the 1974 revolution. By 1976 coffee export had recovered and five
year ending in 1989 coffee export accounted for about 60percent (IBID, 2001).

2.1.3 Cultivation system

There are no of ways in which soil fertility can be maintained,

Minimum tilling: plowing is used to kill width, orate and improved drainage soils, provide a good tilt and bring
insects, larva and pests to the surface were they may be eaten by predators.

Soil conservation; soil degradation is the most serious ongoing threat to improve production on sustained basis.
The loss of top soil removes frequently the lay or richest in organic matter and nutrients.
Soil depth: therefore often plant rooting depth is reduced. Soil degradation also includes vulnerability to
drought, since the reduction in organic matter cuts the soil water holding capacity and plants with shallower
roots resist. Dry spells less well. The most extreme forms of degradation are crusting, gullies and sands from
production even for pasture.

Cropping system, mono cropping for continuous growing of one crop on the small and encourage on large
scale farmers using mechanization, require irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides and herbicides and
adverse environmental effects. If increase soil erosion produces the ability of soil retain moisture and encourage
the buildup of width pasts and disease (Von compan, 2004).

A, seed selection

In traditional cultivation system farmers known number of local varies, suitable for each site. This is to improve
their crops according to their own priorities through selection and propagation techniques.

B, pest control

Pests are subjected to a wide reality of pests, particularly birds and rodents which damage and attack various
parts of plants and fungal disease. There are organic or biological methods of pests control and pest avoidance
which are likely to be a greater help to resource poor farmers because they are cheaper and minimize
environmental damage.

Some elements of pests and disease control methods are listed below:-

 Crop diversity: - crop rotation and intercropping helps to prevent the building up of disease and pests in
the soil.
 Traditional seed verities are often more resistant to disease than improved “hybrid” seed.
 Pest predictors can be encourages by providing them with habitats. Organic pesticides can be used by
farmers to prevent insects from damaging the crops

C, weed control

Crop yield is strongly determining the extent of weed completion in the early stage of crop growth. Occurring in
large quantities they are detrimental to crop plants, which are evidenced in poorer yields. Even the conditions of
control are the land hoe or weedier rear rows. Further ways of suppressing those yields in habiting competitors
includes seed purification crop rotation and other cultivation measures such as closed stands(IBID,2001).

2.1.4 Farming system in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s varied climate and soils have created a large diversity of cultivated plants and natural vegetation.
Ethiopia’s plateaus exhibit, depending on altitude, contrasting climate in which autumn, summer, spring and
winter or tropical, subtropical and temperate climates are separated by only few hours of journey (up or down
the hills) foot. Farmers in Ethiopia have developed complex farming systems and cropping patterns is response
to this climatic diversity (EEA 2000:147).

Various attempts have been made to classify the difference system in Ethiopia we have taken as synthesis of this
classification and identified the following three major farming systems.

A, low land mixed agriculture

Low land agriculture is practiced in the mountain foot hills in the lower valleys of elevation below 1500 meters.
The climate is hot and dry with rain full ranging from 450 to 800 mm. the soils are shallow and have problems
of compaction and surface testing which lead to poor water infiltration and run- off.

Low land agriculture is common on the rift valley and the north areas of the Awash River. Drought tolerant
verities of sorghum, wheat, maize and teff are grown. A number of oil crops and low land pulses are also grown.
Livestock is raised on common grazing lands and crop residues. The land is ploughed with a pair of oxen as the
highland mixed agriculture system. In response to shortage or variability of rainfall in the low land areas often
diversity their cropping patterns by growing several types of crops and varieties. They grow up to 10 different
types of sorghum and maize at times of drought the farmers in the central refit valley shift to eerily maturing
crop verities and short cycle crops such as drought tolerant crops of teff as alternative to long maturing crops
such as sorghum and maize. High seed rate, more than double the recommended rate, is used to get animal field
through training (Tilahun, 1995).

When all crops are filing because of serious drought, livestock is relied up on for economic survival. Other
important service of income n the low lands include sell of fire woos and charkha and off –farm employment
opportunities. Much of the lands in rift valley highly grades due to less of vegetation cover, over cropping and
over grazing.

B. shifting cultivation

There is very little information in shifting cultivation in Ethiopia .according to Westphalia(1975)shifting

cultivation is practiced by some ethnic groups living in southern and south western fringes of the Ethiopian
highlands in low lands( among the gmouth ,Berta ,kefaa the gimiramaji groups).from polities are cultivated for
one or two years and left idle for several years to be covered with wood land (IBID,1995).

C, commercial agriculture
Commercial agriculture was introduced in 1960’s when the Haileselase government decides to enhance the rule
of commercial farms to meet the growing demand for food in the urban areas and agricultural inputs for
industry. The size and role of state farms to nearby farmers and privatize some of them at present there is only
13 state farm enterprises producing namely wheat, maize, cotton, coffee and tea on area of only 156, 040
hectares. The main problem faces the investors in agriculture is access to land conflict with local inhabitants is
not a conductive environment. Existing regulations prescribed that land be free of other users to be leased to an
investors by a regional government (EEA, 2001:152).

2.2. EMPIRICAL LITERATURES

2.2.1. Area of small farmers holding and land planted with crops

In 2007 crop year 11.32 million farmers cultivated about 10.6 million hectares of land that is planted with
annual crops. Annual crops occupied about 74 percent of the total area of cultivated land.

The average farmers planted different and harvested 13.2 quintals of cereals, pulses and oil sides (EEA,
2007:5).

Area planted with grain popes in 2007 was about 4 percent (420,000 hectares) bigger than that of 2006 crop
year. The ministry of agricultural and rural development gave the following explanation about the expansion in
2006 as quoted in FAO/WFP (2007).

 Farmers confidence in agricultural and rural development given the sustained high prices of
all crops
 Very good seasonal rains
 An increased use of fallow land in Oromia and SNNPR regions
 Expansion in to forest and grazing lands particularly in the vas an cultivated areas of the
western land
 Young farmers entrant program

Capability of plowing is another factor that affects area cultivated. Looking at the situation country side, there
have been sustained levels of cultivation since 2002. Hence there don’t appear to be wide spread concentrations
on plowing capacity however, in the wettest areas in (Dawaro ,Kaffa, bakogazer, welayta in SNNPR and low
land areas of jimma zone in oromia ), the deliberating effects of trypanosomes on the draft animals are noted to
be of concerned with regard to cultivation (FAO/WFP, 2007).

Also the number farmers if reported to increase by 3.05% to 11.32% in 2007 however most of the new entrants
cultivated extremely small areas of land. Even though, small sized farmers may not be class or fields
economical.
Especially based of experience from countries like china were agricultural productivity (both land and labor )
increased rapidly on comparable size farm, the recent extension program in Ethiopia shows the difficulty of
becoming self-sufficient for farmers who cultivated very small land holdings (LEEA 2007:55)

2.2.2 PRODUCTION AND YIELD OF GRAINS

Yield reflects the amount of grain harvested per unit of area. Its sustained growth is essential to agriculture to
contribute to overall economic growth and rural poverty reduction recent official statistics shows improvement
in grain yield. The report indicates that yield of cereals per unit of cultivated land has increased by5.7 percent in
2006 to 2007. most observer of Ethiopian agriculture would easily explain the sharp drop in cereal output in
1998 compared to the previous two year as a natural result of the negative weather out-turn surely, unfavorable
weather has something do with the decline in the particular year (Tewdros, 2006:12).

A) Production of Cereals

Cereals constitute the major staple food item as well as the source of income for the majority of small farmers in
Ethiopia. Production of cereals accounts for the largest share of cultivated land and farm inputs such as
chemical fertilizers. In terms of cultivated farm land, they are the dominant crops grown in all regions of the
country. Out of the total grain cultivated area about 80 % was covered by cereals by 2007 crop year. Teff and
maize covered larger area followed by wheat and sorghum. Among three crop categories, cereals are the most
dominant covering close to 84 % of the total area used for this three crop categories or over 76 % of all the land
covered by temporary and permanent crops in 2001. The share of the area covered by cereals in the total area
covered by the three crops slightly decreased in three years following 1998 although it maintained its dominant
position with an average of about 82 % of area cultivated (EEA, 2002:54).

In 2001 crop year, about 8.9 million hectares of area was cultivated to produce 90.6 million quintals of cereals
implying a yield level of 13.55 quintals per hectare. The total output produced this year was the highest ever
produced in the country’s history at least the past 25 years. What is remarkable about cereal output for this year
was that yield level achieved was also the highest in the record. To be fair, what give the impression of a
counting trend in agricultural output after 2001 harvests was that the high level of output for the year followed
another bumper production the previous year. With the total cereal out puts of over 90.2 million quintals, 1999
also registered the highest level of cereal production up to that period (IBID, 2002).

Most observers of Ethiopian agriculture would easily explain the sharp drop in cereal output in 1997 compared
with the previous two years as a natural result of negative weather out-turn surly, unfavorable has something to
do with the decline in that particular year (though it was not one of those drought years). But this is hard
explanation to maintain we look to the inability of cereal crop production to bounce back to its previous high
level even after the improvement in weather condition in the following two years. In comparison with 1997 crop
year, cereal production in 1998, 1999, and 2000 were less by 20 %, 15 % and 14 % respectively. This was so
despite an increase in area under crops. Except in 19998, area under cereals is high by over 0.8 % both in 1999
and 2000 from that of 1997 level (IBID, 2001).

The only good news in the performance of cereals over the past three years is that the output levels achieved
even during this low periods was significantly better than the average output levels of the Derge period. It is
most likely the case in the countries such as Ethiopia were settled agriculture has been around for a long while
and population pressure on the land is increasing more and more marginal land is added affects productivity
negatively. Even worse, the additional cultivable land could come from clearing forest land or hillsides with
significant negative implications to the country’s economy. However, both output and land use are significantly
higher than the average of not only dergue period but also that of the whole of the EPERDF era (CSA/WFP,
2003).

B) Production of Pulses

Pulses are grown for cash and staple food purposes. In 2005, pulse covered about 13 percent of total crop area.
Farmers harvested 15.6 million quintals which implies an average land productivity of 11.35 quintal per hectare.
In 2005 performance is better than the previous agricultural year.

C) Production of Oil Crops

The major oil crop produced in Ethiopia include nueg, linseed, ground nut, sun flower, sesame and rape seed.
Oil seed occupied 7 % of the total area under grain and contributed 3.32 % to the national production.

D) Production of Other Crops

i. Vegetables

In the agricultural year of in 2005, vegetable production covered 0.84 % of the area under all crops at national
level. Out of the total area vegetables covered 59.7 % and 24.6 % were planted with red pepper and Ethiopian
cabbages, respectively. There were about 4.9 million vegetable growers and on average they cultivated 0.02
hectare of land. The recent high rise in price of berbere might have influenced the area covered by red peppers
as the farmer reacted with the favorable price situation.
 ii. Root crops

Next to grain root crops are the major crops in terms of crops production. Although the cultivated area share of
root crops was only 2 %, root crops contributed 8 percent of the total crop production in 2005.

iii. Fruits

Fruit crop grown by small holder farmers cover only a small proportion of cultivated land and production. Only
2.6 million farmers practiced fruit crop farming in 2005 and the average holder cultivated about 0.02 hectares of
land were under fruit crops in 2005.

iv. Stimulant crops

According to the latest statistics, area covered by chat, the second most stimulant crop after coffee (in farm
income generation as well as export earnings) is almost three items the area of size planted with all fruit trees
combined. Stimulant crops have their own contribution to economy.

2.2.4 PRODUCTIVTY OF FOOD CROPS IN ETHIOPIA

Two sets of data, CSA and FAO, were used to analyze the structure and trends in the production of cereals,
pulses and oil seeds in Ethiopia for the period 1980 and 1996. Area and production figures of cereals are quite
different for the two sets, with FAO data being up to 28-31% higher in some years. However, the directions of
change are similar for the most part. FAO’s estimates appear more consistent with the larger estimates of area
under cultivation given by other sources. Cereal production averaged 6.6 million tons during the period under
consideration. On the average, 5.4 million ha of land was cultivated to grow cereals, giving a yield level of 12.2
quintals or 1.2 tons per ha. Annual pulse production amounted to 807,168 tons, compared to 55,226 tons in the
case of oil seeds. Only 930,560 and 145,930 ha of land was allocated to the production of pulses and oil seeds.
Yield levels were also low, averaging 8.7 quintals for pulses and 3.8 for oil seeds (CSA/FAO, 2001).

Cereals productivity increased by 1.4% (significant at less than 1 percent) per annum during the period 1980-
1996. On the other hand, no significant growth rates were recorded for pulses and oilseeds respectively. Overall,
the productivity of field crops remained very poor, especially when compared to rapid population growth. In
particular production stagnated during the seventeen years tenure of derge. Cereal production, for instance,
fluctuates between 62 and 65 million quintals during the period 1986 to 1991(immediately after the drought
years of 1983-85). Area under cereal crop production also stayed at around 5.2 million hectares over the same
period. Annual production of pulses and oil seeds in 1986-91 was lower than the level attained in 1980.the
productivity of field crops improved after 1991 owing to improved policy environment, increased availability
inputs such as fertilizer and the relatively good weather. The period from 1994 until 1997 has been particularly
favorable: cereal production rose to 110.6 million quintals, while area harvested jumped to 8.8 million hectares
in 1996. While a similar positive was observed with respect to pulses the performance of oil seeds remained
poor even after 1994 (IBID, 2001).

a) Teff

Teff is endemic to Ethiopia and its cultivation as human food is unknown outside the country. Many landraces
with considerable genetic and phenotypic variability are grown by farmers. Teffis generally considered as the
most important cereal crop in Ethiopia. It is grown an optimum altitude range of 1800 to 2200 meters. It is
better adapted to heavy clay soils with poor drainage than most other cereal crops. Teff flour is favored above
all other grain flours for making the local flat bread, injera. It is a staple food in the central and northern parts of
the country as well as the urban areas. Teff straw is an extremely valuable fodder for livestock. It is widely used
for construction purpose as it is often mixed with soil to plaster wooden walls. Consequently, the straw is
completely removed from the field to meet not the feed and construction demand of the household but also to
sale surplus in the market place. The practice is believed to have depleted the nutrient and organic matter in the
soil. Annual teff production averaged 1.3 million ton between 1981 and 1997 and registered the growth rate
1.9% per annum the recovery of output after 1992 was very strong except in 1994. Teff production increased
(over the previous year) by 29% in 1996 and 14% in 1997. About 23% the total cereal production is made up of
teff, making it the second most important crop after maize. However given its high price which is often up to 2
to 3 times higher than maize, teff remains the single most important cereal crop in the country in value terms.
The dominance of teff is more clearly shown if area cultivated is considered on the average, about 1.5 million
hectares was allocated for teff production during the period 1981 to 1997 (CSA annual report on Ethiopian
economy, 2003).

Teff accounts for the highest share in the total fertilizer consumed by the peasant sector. In 1997, for instance, it
absorbed 45.2% of the total fertilizer applied in the peasant sector or 49.3% of fertilizer applied on cereals.
About 54.2% of the teff area was fertilized and the rate of application for fertilized area was 99 kg per ha.
Nevertheless, the relatively higher level of fertilizer application failed to bring a significant yield increases. One
of the problems is limited use of improved seeds: only1.7% of the teff area was covered with improved seeds in
1997. Fertilizer was applied along with local seeds, hence reducing its effectiveness (IBID, 2003).

b) Wheat

Ethiopia is primary gene center for durum (macaroni) type which accounts for more than two-thirds of the total
wheat cultivated. Most wheat utilized by farmers is landraces of mixture of different genotypes and species. The
major wheat producing areas lies between 1500 to 2500 meters. Arsi and Shoa is the principal producer of
wheat in the country. Wheat straw is important as feed for animals and as roof cover in rural areas. Wheat flour
is used to making home-made bread at house hold level or commercial bread by bakeries in the urban areas. The
number of flour mills relaying on locally produced and imported wheat is growing is growing rapidly. It is
believed that per capita consumption of wheat has risen sharply during the last 15 or 20 years due to large
quantities of wheat coming from abroad in the form of food aid and commercial imports and domestic
production (CSA annual report on Ethiopian economy, 2003).

Given the high level of modern input application, the productivity of wheat yield is not encouraging. The yield
gap between the well managed research or extension plot and farmers field is very wide (over 40 quintals per ha
has been reported by the latter). Low average yields at farm level may be attributed to poor quality of local and
improved seeds and frequent attack by insects/disease. Lack of wide adaptation and resistance to wheat rusts
have plagued high yielding exotic durum lines introduced from external sources from Ethiopia and interest is
gradually shifting toward the use of indigenous germplasm in breeding programs (Cladwell, 1992).

c) Barley

Ethiopian highlands have the highest endemic percentage among the genetic centers of barley. It the most
important crop in the cooler highland areas. Barley cultivation is rare less than 1900 meters. It is also most
widely cultivated belgcrop. Apart from household consumption, barley is made in to local beverage in most
parts of the country. Beverage industries in the country also purchase some 10,000 tons of barley per annum to
prepare malt for breweries. The main surplus barley producing areas barley producing areas are Arsi and Bale.
The straw of barley is highly valued as animal feed. Between 1981 and 1997, annual production of barley
averaged 0.84 million tons and accounted for 15% of the cereal production. The level of output remained
unchanged after 1993, but its share declined to 12.4%. On the average, a total of 717,160 ha, 15.2% of cereal
area was devoted to barley production and yield averaged 11.9 quintals per ha (Kuma and Mekonen, 1994).

Barley is the only crop among the cereals whose production declined by 0.4% per annum. Both yield and area
under barley tended to decline during the period under consideration. The reasons behind the low productivity
of barley are known. However there are some indications of rapidly declining soil fertility in traditional barley-
growing areas. A shift towards a cultivation of ‘sinar’ is mainly motivated by the poor yield of barley on the
degraded highland areas. The level of fertilizer may also have been too low to prevent the declining trend. Only
30% of the barley area was fertilized and the rate of fertilizer application was lower than wheat (Tsehay, 1996).

d) Mize

Maize was reportedly introduced in to Ethiopia by the Portuguese in the 16 th or the 17th century. It is mainly
grown in medium altitudes of woinadega regions. Lowland types grow well below 1600 meters in the kola
regions. Maize is grown under a variety of cultural practices, including both long and short season rain fed
cultivation and short season irrigation. It is often the dominant cereal crops in most areas of southern region.
And western parts of Oromia. Maize is staple food in the areas where it grown. It also thought the maize
consumption has significantly increased the years over the years, as maize is the cheapest grains for the farmers
in the food deficit rural areas and the low income household in the urban areas. Its use in homemade beverage is
also believed to have increased. Maize stalk is valuable as animal feed, fuel and construction material
(Caldwell, 1992).

Mean annual maize output which amounted nearly to 1.5 million between 1981 and 1997 increased to 1.9
million ton, denoting the largest share (28.4%) among cereals, in 1993-1997. maize output increased by nearly
2% per annum during 1981-1997. The main pest and disease of maize are earworms, birds, smut and rust. But
storage is perhaps the major problem in producing maize. Storage losses can be substantial if maize is stored for
more than 4 or 5 months without the use of insecticides against weevils. As farmers are forced to sell their
maize soon after harvest, prices tend to show extreme seasonal as well as yearly variations (Kuma and
Mekonen, 1998).

e) Sorghum

Sorghum is reportedly to be domesticated in Ethiopia over 5,000 years ago. It has developed in to many local
landraces and spread out of Ethiopia to different parts of Africa. It knows grows in the highlands, as well as the
lowlands, where rainfall is low and erratic. It is produced and serves as a staple food mainly in Hararge, Wollo,
and many parts of Shoa. The stalk is the main fuel and construction material in areas where sorghum is grown.
Sorghum is commonly planted at high density with the aim of thinning, a major source of animal feed during
the growing season. After harvest, softer parts of the stalk and the leaves are used as hay for animals (Cladwell,
1992).

Sorghum is the third most important crop after teff and maize. On the average, it accounted for some 18% of the
total cereal production and 15% of the total area between 1981 and 1997. Output, area and yield of sorghum
show no significant increase over the same period. Among the major problems of sorghum cultivation are string
(parasitic weed) and birds it have been reported that birds can easily reduce yields by half. Serious insect
problems have also been reported very recently, as in the case of maize, sorghum is easily attacked by weevils
under storage (IBID, 1992).

2.2.5 IMPORTANCE OF CROPS TO ETHIOPIAN ECONOMY

As we know the Ethiopian economy is on agrarian economy, agricultural products dominate merchandise export
and the most and the most dominant merchandise export item of the country is coffee. Coffee in Ethiopia is
grown by small scale as cash crop. The share of coffee in total merchandise export value fluctuates year from
year. This is due to fluctuation in price and in variations in climatic conditions. This is why world markets for
farm products are not stable (Samson, 2001).

In the current government policy of agricultural development food self- sufficiency is considered to be the
central objective. In the objective it also include improvement of the life of the rural household and promotion
marginal environments, promotion of agricultural export commodities, expansion of industrialization on the
basis of agricultural development. In addition, other poverty alleviating measures need to be assessed. In values
of this, cash crops and other agricultural products suitable for industrial processing are also important
agricultural enterprises that need to be considered in the strategies for agricultural development, research, food
security and improved income for rural as well as urban population. According to the bore publication markets
in the canary in general are fragmented, they remain in the short term less reliable to signal scarcity of
resources. Under this condition farmers participatory research approach useful to focus research on processing
problems or need of farmers. Knowledge and technological innovations are to be expensed for increasing
agricultural productivity should aim addressing the needs of small scale farmers and urban dwellers. Inputs
required for increasing agricultural productivity share not be distributed on the basis of achievable targets in the
short run but should be examined for their technical feasibility and socio-economical acceptability (Girma, et al,
2003).

In agricultural sector the Ethiopia composed of crop production, livestock, forestry and fishery sub sectors. The
crop production contributes 65% of agricultural GDP and animal husbandry contributes 25% and the remaining
10% is generated from forestry and other activities. Agricultural production contributes the so many functions
and the strength of the economic and social fabric of community (Ethiopian economy, 2001).

On the primary importance especially to rural society that agricultural products creates employment and
provides income if agricultural sector is thriving more people will be earning income either through their own
production or as wage labor. For society to develop it need to acquire resources for investment which can be
used to increase capital asset formation in rural area settling (UNICEF, 1998).

In Ethiopia crop farming is a source of food it plays a great role by contributing food for increasing population.
(I.e. variety of cereal such as, wheat, sorghum, maize, millet, teff and etc). Pulses, oilseeds and beans has make
proteins for human being and also sources of cash income. In the seed farming system, cattle and sheep chiefly
for tilling which provides traction power for more than 5 million hectares of crop land. Moreover, animal dung
used as major source of fertilizer in mixed farming system, although tails is decreasing due to its ever increasing
used as household energy associated with the virtually disappearance of forests in the rural areas. From other
point of view, crop farming is closely related to social and cultural live of million source of low income farmers.
From whom from land owner ship ensures varying degrees sustainable farming activities (Dejen, 2000)

CHAPTER III

3. RESEARCH METHODS

3.1 Area of description

Sehartisamreworeda is one of the woredas in the tigray region of Ethiopia, part of the south eastern zone. Samre
is bordered on the south by the amhara region, on the west and north by the central zone, on the north east by
Endertaworeda, on the east by hintalowajirat and on the south east by southern zone. based on the 2007 national
census inducted by the central statistical agency of Ethiopia (CSA) sehartisamrewereda has a total population of
124 ,340 almost about 92.61% of which is live in rural area. While the remaining percentages are live in urban
areas. The cropping system of this worda is predominantly under taken by the use of traditional farming
techniques. Towns in this woreda include Gijet and samre.this woreda is located around 62km from south west
of the capital city of tigray region Mekelle.

3.2 data sources

In order to obtain the relevant data about the factors affecting crop production and its contribution for economic
development in seharti samre woreda.The study would use both primary and secondary data. The primary data
would be collected from farmers’ household selected by simple random sampling from the total population who
are generating the essential livelihood from agricultural activities and the secondary data would be collected
from seharti samre development agencies etc.
3.3 methods of data collection `

The study comprises both primary and secondary data, which collected from respective sources. To obtain the
relevant data from house hold and developmental agency, socio- economic questions would be employed. In
addition to informal interviews and discussion would be conducted with them to get much valuable information
on the prevailing problem.

3.4 methods of data analysis

After required and relevant data were collected processed and arranging properly, analysis should be undertaken
with a great care to meet the objectives of the study. To this end, the researcher would apply different data
analysis which consists theoretical descriptive analysis of qualitative data and based simple statically analysis
such as table, percent and graphs.

3.5 Sampling size

Since the number of kebeles in the woreda is 23and the total number of population is around 124,340. Based on
this information the study selected three kebeles based on applying the methods of stratified sampling technique
such as dega, weynadega and qola, because the areas have different climatic condition. The researcher used
random sampling technique method because this method is more representative of the totalpopulation. The
study would be selected 10 farmers from each kebelles and totally the study would be used 30 farmers by
interviewed methods of primary data collection methods.
 CHAPTER_FOUR
4 ANALYSIS AND INTER PRITATION

4.1 Productivity’s of Food Crops and Cropping Patterns in Seharti-samre woreda

There were various types of crops grown by sample farmers. The crops are categorized as cereal crops, pulses,
oil seeds, and root crops. The crops grouped under each category along with the total area occupied by them
are given below in table 4.1.

Table 3.1 Total production of major crops in quintal, area cultivated per hectare quintal per hectare.

Year Cereals Pulses Oil seeds

E.C
Production Area Yield Prodn Area Yield Prodn Area Yield

(qt) (ha) (qt/ha) (qt) (ha) (qt/ha) (qt) (ha) (qt/ha)

2002 305,500 32,935.3 9.27 18532. 1230.4 15.06 842.22 102.9 8.184
75 231 5

2003 287,184.32 35,388.5 8.11 34143 2020.9 16.89 609.6 123.49 4.93
4 0 3

2004 1, 35,560.2 33.39 35628. 1887.5 18.87 893.72 150.34 5.945

2 332
187373.32
5

2005 1, 35,778.7 31.70 31032. 1564.6 19.83 1240 150 8.266

3 775 85
134,445.60
 2006 1,047,783. 34,961 29.97 40935. 2459 16.64 1502.2 100.83 14.898
60 5

Total 3,962,286. 174,623. 22.69 9162.5 14.44 5439.0 619.55 8.779

69 825 65 5
- 13237
1.838

Aver 792, 34924.76 22.69 26474. 1832.5 14.44 1087.8 123.91 8.779
age 5 3676 13 18
457.338

Source: Seharti-samre woreda agricultural Office report, 2002-2006 EC.

Table 4.1, were used to analyze the productivity and the trends in production of cereals, pulses and oil seeds in
Seharti-samre woreda for the period 2002 to 2006 EC. Area and production Figures of cereals are different
from other crop types, with seharti-samre agricultural and rural d development office data being up to
841,381quintals of cereal production in 2001crop yearly Cereal production averaged 792, 457,255.2 quintals
during the period of 2002 to 2006. On average 34924.765 hectares of land was cultivated to grow cereals and
its yield averaged 22.69 quintals per hectare. Average pulses production amounted to 26474.3676 quintals,
compared to 1087.818 quintals in the case of oil seeds production, it was very high, but low when compared
with cereal crops. Productivity was also low, averaging 14.44 quintals per hectare for pulses and 8.77 quintals
per hectare for oil seeds. However, the productivity of pulses and oilseed crops was decreases after 2000 EC
Crop year; it was very low in the early period. Given the average rural population in Seharti-samre woreda for
this period, the average output per labor was very low.

Cereals output increased by about 9.72 percent per annum during the year 2002 to 2006 EC. On the other
hand, no significant growth rates for pulses, but there was also comparative growth rates were recorded for oil
seeds. Overall, performance of food crops remained very poor, especially when compared to the rapid
population growth of the woreda. In particular, production of crops in Seharti-samre woreda was fluctuated
during the year2002 to 2006 because of variable rain fall in most Keble’s in the woreda.

Area cultivated under cereal production also stayed at around 35,388.22 hectares over the same period.
Annual production of pulses and oil seeds in 2000 EC was lower than the level attained even in previous years.
The production and productivity of field crops improved after 2004EC year, owing to improved policy
environment of the woreda, increased availability of inputs such as fertilizer and relatively good weather in few
Keble’s. The period from 2002 until 2006EC, except 2004 has been particularly favorable; cereal production
rose to 841,381 or 0.84 million quintals, also area harvested was jumped to 37036 hectares. Therefore, the
productivity rose to 22.717quintaals per hectare in 2001 crop year. There were a similar positive trend was
observed with respect to other crops until 2001 EC, in the woreda.

Cereals are by far the most dominant among the staple crops accounting for 86.74 percent and 84.6 percent of
the total production and cultivated area respectively, for the period 2002 and 2006 EC. The pulses and oil
seeds was 13.75 percent 1.1 percent in the total production and 12.76 percent and 1.15 percent in the total
area harvested. It is important to consider that the share of cereal crops increased overtime. Farmers seem to
allocate a larger proportion of their lands to the staple cereal crop mainly due to decline in farm size. Declined
share of pulses and oil seeds implies less with other crops, hence declines in the level of organic matter.

Table 4.2 Age of the respondents

Age

Frequency Percent

18-36 5 16.7

37-50 15 50.0

51-65 7 23.3

more than 65 3 10.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

The above Table shows that 16.7% of the respondents are under age of 18-36, 50 %under age of 37-50,
23.3%which are under age of 51-65 and lastly 10% of the respondents are whose age are more than 65.From
this table we can conclude that the most of the respondents are in the age gap of 37-50, whose percentage
cover he highest percentage from the four age groups. This implies that the most respondents were from
working age groups. In opposite of this the age above 65 are the list number consistent, which consists three in
number and whose percentage cover 10%.

Table 4.3 Level of education

Illiteracy 22 73.3

1-8 8 26.7

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

The table above shows that from the total respondents 73.3% of the sample farmers are illiterate and whereas
the left once (26.7%) are primary educated. According to the above table more of them are illiterate so they
lack knowledge to use modern agricultural inputs. This leads them to decrement of their yearly productivity of
output.

Table 4.4 Marital status

Frequency Percent

Married 24 80.0

Widowed 3 10.0

Divorced 3 10.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

According to table 4.4 marital status of the sample farmers 80% of the respondents are married,10% also
widowed and 10% divorced from the total sample farmers.

Table4.5 Do you have a land?

Frequency Percent
Source: own survey 2015
Yes 29 96.7
The table above indicates that 96.7 % of the total respondents are
No 1 3.3 land owners, and 3.3% are they haven’t land so according to the
above table most of them are a land owner in the study area.
Total 30 100.0
Table4.6 Are your oxen enough for farming activities?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Yes 21 70.0 72.4 72.4

No 9 26.7 27.6 100.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

As indicated in table 70.0% of the respondents have enough oxen for their farming activates whereas the rest
of them (27.6%) of them have not enough oxen. This implies that the major respondents have enough oxen for
filled farm activities. As the presence of enough oxen or non-presence of enough oxen are one of the
determinants for decrement and increment of farm output; the above table over view that same of the
farmers are affected by in availability of oxen for farming activities. This leads to getting of a few farm output in
yearly.

The farmers who have not enough oxen where doing coupling with others for survive of them their children or
for their livelihood. However coupling way of farming is not enough for their basic needs.

Table 4.7 access of extension service

Frequency Percent

yes 7 23.3

No 23 76.7

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

As indicated in table 76.7% of the respondents were got extension service; whereas the rest of them (23.3%)
of them have not got extension access.as we got information from the table above the most of the farmer
have got extension access. However same of the farmer are far from extension access.

Table 4.8 type production system

Frequency Percent

crop production 21 70.0

Both 9 30.0

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

As we understand from the above table the70% of the respondent were depend up on crop production.
However the rest (30%) of them were depend on both livestock and crop production activities. So most of the
farmers are depend on crop productivity.
 Table 4.9 if your answer is no, why did not get extension service?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid because you are not

5 16.7 71.4 71.4
interested

because you live very

2 6.7 28.6 100.0
far area from FTC

Total 7 23.3 100.0

Missing System 23 76.7

Total 30 100.0

Source: own survey 2015

According to the respondents responses their whey they not get extension services numerous factors affected
the farmers such as absence of their interest, their farness from extension service and so on, covers71.4% and
28.6% respectively.

According this table able to conclude that the woreda farmers are they fearing of loan debt even if they are in
problem of credit service for their farming productivity .But this activity is not advisable.

Table 4.10 Do you use fertilizer to improve your production?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Yes 18 60.0 60.0 60.0

No 12 40.0 40.0 100.0

Total 30 100.0 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

As indicated in table 60% of the respondent was use fertilizer to improve their crop production whereas 40% of
the respondents were not use fertilizer to improve their crop production. From this table we can decide the
most the farmer were use fertilizer to improve their production. However the same of the farmer didn’t used
fertilizer for their improvement of crop production. Which have negative impact on their yearly output.

The reason for not use of the fertilizer is the increment of price of the fertilizer, non-availability of the land to
use fertilizer, by fearing of debt of fertilizer for the coming year…etc.
Table 4.11 Do you access to credit service for the crop production?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Yes 17 56.7 63.0 63.0

No 13 43.3 37.0 100.0

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

As indicated in table 4.11 56.7% 0f the respondent were have access to credit service for the crop production
whereas the rest of the farmer or 43.3% of the respondent have not enough credit access for their crop
production service. The requirement of the credit access for the farmer is for the baying of fertilizer, improved
seeds, and oxen and so on.

Table 4.12 If yes, for what purpose?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid to purchase fertilizer 10 33.3 58.8 58.8

to purchase
1 3.3 5.9 64.7
pesticides

others(specify 6 20.0 35.3 100.0

Total 17 56.7 100.0

Missing System 13 43.3

Total 30 100.0

According to above table some of the farmers use the credit access for the sack of purchasing fertilizers and
the some of them are fore the sack of purchasing pesticides and the rest are fore the other poroses.whose
percentage coverage presented as 33.3%; 3. 3%; and 56.7%respectvily.
 Tables 4.13 are you participating in other jobs rather than
agriculture? As indicated in the table the 36.7% of
the farmers participate in non-farming
Cumulative activities whereas the 53.3% are only
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent who produces farm activities only in
farming activity. Totally they consists
Valid Yes 11 36.7 40.7 40.7
90% 0f all, the rest parts are out of
both whose percentage is 10%.
No 16 53.3 59.3 100.0
According to the above table I can
Total 27 90.0 100.0 conclude that most of the farmer
participate in both activities means that
Missing System 3 10.0 in agriculture and both.

Total 30 100.0

Table 4.14 if yes, in what job you participate?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Shopping 2 6.7 22.2 22.2

hand craft 4 13.3 44.4 66.7

petty
3 10.0 33.3 100.0
trade

Total 9 30.0 100.0

Missing System 21 70.0

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

According to above table the respondents who are participated in non-farming activates are participated in
shopping, handcraft and petty trade whose percentage consists of 6.7%, 13.3% and 10% respectively. The rest
of them are none of above whose percentage cover 70% which is highest coverage.
 Table4.15 do you use any irrigation scheme?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid yes 15 50.0 50.0 50.0

No 15 50.0 50.0 100.0

Total 30 100.0 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

From the table above I understand that the farmer who used irrigation are half of the farmer who don’t use
irrigation whose percentages are 50% and 50%.And whose total percentage is 100%. So I can criticize the
farmer who don’t use irrigation and give advice to use irrigation.

Table 4.16 if yes what type is it?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Modern 6 20.0 33.3 33.3

Traditional 12 40.0 66.7 100.0

Total 18 60.0 100.0

Missing System 12 40.0

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

According to the above table same of the farmers use the irrigation in traditional way whereas same use in
modern way whose percentage is 40% were in traditional and 20% of the farmers use modern. The rest part of
them is missing from the participation.
 Table 4.17 if no, state your reasons?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid lack awareness 2 6.7 13.3 13.3

no water
12 40.0 80.0 93.3
available

lack of finance 1 3.3 6.7 100.0

Total 15 50.0 100.0

Missing System 15 50.0

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

From the table above the farmer who don’t use irrigation for the reason of lack awareness, no water
availability and lack finance which used to generate or pump water from river whose percentage represent 6.7
and 2 in number. The reason for why those who not use irrigation for the lack of awareness however the
farmer who were not use irrigation for the no availability of water whose percentage is 40% and 12 in number.
Lastly the farmers who not use irrigation because of lack of finance are the list in percentage as well as in
number which is 3.3% and 1 in number.

Table4.18 do you sell some of your produce?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid yes 19 63.3 63.3 63.3

No 11 36.7 36.7 100.0

Total 30 100.0 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

From the above table whose response from the sailing and non-selling of farm products we get 19 in number
and 63 .3% in percentage who sell their farm products whereas 11 in number and 36.7 in percentage the
farmer who produces their farm activities is subsistence or hand to mouth farming activities.
 Table4.19 if yes, where do you sell your farm products?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid taking to the local

20 66.7 100.0 100.0
market

Missing System 10 33.3

Total 30 100.0

Source; own survey 2015

According to above table the farmer’s soles their farm products in local market whose percentage cover 66.7%.
According to this data the respondents’ farm products are totally sold in local market only. This implies that the
shortage of farm output. Which is valuable for external market that emanate from above reasons, namely
lack of fertilizer, past Saied, improved pest seeds etc.

. 4.21 Factors Affecting Crop Production on Sample Farms

The nature of crop production in seharti-samre woreda coupled with various natural and man-made factors. As
we have tried to see in the above sections crop production is determined by natural and manmade problems.
Crop production is one of the main activities of medium and small scale farmers of seharti-samre woreda. As
presented on the above table 3.6 crop production was the main source of income on sample farmers during
the period between 2002 and 2006 EC.

However, the earned income was not equivalent with what was expected by farmers. As the response from
farmers revealed, even the crop production was the main activities of seharti-samre woreda farmers, it was
characterized by low level of yield. Some of the problems are mentioned below. 4.21.1
Weather Condition
Change in weather condition is the main factor that influences crop production in seharti samre woreda. As
the response obtained from farmers, the start of raining is not certain. It can be start earlier than expected in
one year while late in another. Most of the seasons the rain starts earlier, but it was not equally distributed to
each party of the district. Moreover, in some areas stopped before the time crops matured enough, due to this
the expected result was reduced. Thus, this also reduces the yield in crop production.

4.21.2 Small Size of Land Holding

Land holding size is one of the main factors that determine the types of crops grown the amount of harvest,
given good soil fertility.

Based up on this fact, interviews were made to farmers to farmers and their response indicated that shortage
of holding size is the main problem of farmers in seharti-samre woreda. Land holding size per head was not
sufficient to under taking of growing of various types of crops simultaneously in the same season. This means
it was not possible to divide the existing farm land in to different pieces to grow on various crops. In addition
to this large number of family were working on small plot of land throughout cultivation season. This reduces
average yields of labor in family. This also lowers the annual income from crop production.

4.21.3 Poor Application of Production Package Program

The interview with some officials of agriculture and rural development office of the woreda shows that, the
development of use of farm inputs especially application of fertilizer, improved seeds, pesticides and weed
controls revealed were low. The reason for this was stated that, the farmers were not can able to pay the
amount they expected to pay at legally stated time. Thus, the farmer has not being used fertilizer and any
modern farm inputs. This causes the production and yield to decline.

4.21.4 Low Credit Facilities to Farmers

According to the agricultural office report of the woreda, some factors were lacking assets that could serve as
input (seeds, oxen, and shortage diet during the cultivation season). Because of this production was not
sufficient or poorly performed that the expected income per households was not sufficient. Due to this aids
were distributed by agents such as, non-governmental organizations in the months of transistor period.

4.21.5 Infrastructural Related Problems

It must be noted that there are traditionally recognized stock routs and fairy developed memorable root
network that could be used by traders for transport purchased crop products by trucks from producing places
to market area. The road facilities in the woreda till very poor, it makes difficult the transportation of product
to market area. Consequently, most of crop products travel on human head and animal holding, this leads to
significant amount and quality loss on the products.
 CHAPTER FIVE
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion
Based on the whole discussion and interpretation of data presented in the earlier chapters regarding the types
of crops grown by sample farmers can be grouped under the major categories of cereal crops, pulses crops, oil
seeds.

 Among these categories cereal crops occupied the prominent place in the plan of the farmers which
was followed by pulses crops and oil seeds, the corresponding percentage share of each categories
were, 86.74, 13.75, 1.68 and 1.1 percent respectively. And 84.6, 12.76, 1.53 and 1.15 percentage share
for the total area harvested.

 There were many kinds of major food crops grown by sample farmers. Cereal crops are the most
dominant such as, maize, sorghum, barley, wheat and teff were grown in the woreda.

 Also we have seen the economic contribution of crop sub-sector in micro and macro level. As we have
discussed in the crop production was the main source for income, food supply, and government
revenue and employment opportunities.

 The largest part of farm income was from crop production when compared to livestock rearing.

 Although crop production was the main activity of the farmers and also can generate largest part of
farm income, it was mainly determined by some factors and therefore, the earned income was not
what was expected by the sample farmers.

 The factors that determine the amount of annual income generated from crop production were
weather condition, absence of modern of farm inputs, poor application of production package, small
holding size of land, lack of credit facilities, and infrastructural related problems. Beside to this price of
the grains at the market, distance from main road and farm places were the major problems.

4.2 Recommendation

As the researcher tried to show in discussion, analysis, and finally on the conclusion part of the paper, the crop
production in Seharti-samre woreda there are many factors determine the overall production performance and
the yield of crops per hectare. Based on this the following suggestions are recommended for tackling different
problems faced by farmers and to enhance their profitability.

The problem of in sufficient farm lands should be relaxed; the following can be measures to minimize the
problem.

 Increase yield of crops through adequate and proper application of modern farm inputs such as
fertilizers, improved seeds and herbicides.
  Improving farmer’s knowledge through teaching how to use modern farm inputs and organic
fertilizers.

 Changing traditional farm implements and production practices.

 Improving the quality of labor and method of farming by extension programs.

To improve the productivity of crop and increase the farmers income, the concerned body either regional or
local government should use the following remedies.

 Provision of micro finance institutions and cooperatives union for financing the farmer’s production and
marketing activities, and create credit facilities to farmers.

 Establish light industries which can consume labor force from agricultural sector.

To minimize the problem with change in weather condition:

 The farmers themselves as well as the government should plan and implement extensive farming by
the help of irrigation schemes for better productivity in the woreda.

Reference

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 EEA, Ethiopian economic association,2001:152 Addis Ababa Ethiopia
 Ethiopian economy, grade 12 text book, 2001
 FAO/WFP, food and agricultural organization of united nation, 2007, food balance sheets Debase,
http:// fao state. Fao. Org/
 Knife Abraham 2001: 1ethiopia: the dynamic economic reforms liberalization and political
transformation. Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
 CSA, central statistical authority, 2001, Ethiopian demographic and health survey Ethiopia
2002CSA. Addis Ababa Tuliahan (1995) indigenous risk management strategies of small farms in
centralleftvalleyofEthiopia,AddisAbaba,Ethiopia
Homza. HA/and WK Anderson 2005, soil compaction in cropping system