Dairy product market participation and its impacts on household food security of smallholder farmers in Jimma zone Ethiopia: A PSM approach

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of dairy product marketing on household food security in Jimma Zone Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental research design was applied through the use of a cross-sectional data type. In order to identify the study kebeles and 266 respondents, a multi-stage sampling procedure was conducted, and the data was gathered through interview schedules. Descriptive statistics, Binary logit, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) models were used to analyze the data. From the randomly selected households about 54.9% were participated in milk marketing. The study discovered that family size, livestock size, off-farm engagement, access to dairy input, ownership of crossbreed cows, and cooperative membership significantly and positively influenced dairy product market participation. Conversely, age, education level, and market distance had a negative effect. The results of PSM indicated that dairy product market participation had a positive impact on the household food consumption score and dietary diversity, increasing them by 16.38% and 15.42%, respectively. All in all, the research found that milk market participation has a meaningful effect on household food security, and so measures like Innovations to increase dairy production and productivity, and cooperative membership should be promoted to strengthen the participation of smallholder dairy farmers in the area. The study can offer empirical evidence on the contribution of dairy product market participation to household food security.

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Dairy farming is a way of life for many people in rural Ethiopia, especially for women who reside there. It provides food, money, and work opportunities. Dairy enables them diversify their food offerings and provide women and children of marginal farmers with a healthy diet. Ethiopia’s demand for dairy products is rising as a result of the country’s fast urbanization. Nonetheless, farmers who live distant from an urban milk marketing hub participate in the market less. Therefore, in order to inform policy makers, an examination of how rural smallholder dairy producers affected in milk marketing and the effects of milk marketing is required. This publication will be important knowledge and information improving the position of smallholders’ dairy farmers to actively engage in the milk market that will have vital role for households’ food security.

Keywords:

• Dairy product
• market participation
• impact
• household food security
• PSM
• Ethiopia

SUBJECTS:

• Environment & agriculture
• agriculture & environmental sciences
• agriculture and food
• environmental studies & management
• environment & gender

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Pedro González-Redondo [email protected] Senior Editor
• University of Seville, SPAIN

Acknowledgments

This study authors would like to thank respondents of the study for their willingness and patience to be part of this research. We would also extend our grateful thanks to Jimma University for sponsoring the data collection and other expenditure for this research.

Authors’ contributions

GM design the research, preparing drafts analyzed and interpreted the data. GB, EY and TC made significant contributions in review, comment and editing from the draft paper to the report. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University and from the districts of study area. About the study was fully explained to the study participants to obtain consent and any information kept confidential.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data will be available upon request from the first author.

Additional information

Funding

Jimma University sponsored for research work.

Notes on contributors

Geremew Motuma Jebessa

Geremew Motuma Jebessa (Mr) is an ­academic staff of Jimma University Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. He is a PhD candidate at Jimma University, Ethiopia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension and MSc degree in Rural Development from Haramaya University and Jimma University respectively. His research focus includes food security, technology adoption, marketing and climate change.

Guduro Beriso

Guduro Bariso (Mr) is a lecture at Jimma University Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. His research mainly focuses on food security, livelihood and gender.

Eskindir Yacoob

Eskindir Yacoob (Mr) is a lecture at Jimma University Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. His research mainly focuses on sustainable environment and technology adoption.

Tamiru Chalchisa

Tamiru Chalchisa (Mr) is a lecture at Jimma University Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. His research focus includes technology adoption, marketing and value chain.