Determinants of rice production and market supply: A study of Bench Sheko zone in Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia rice crop is considered as a strategic food security crop which is expected to contribute to ensuring food security in the country. Bennch Sheko Zone is one of the major rice growing areas in the South Western Regional State. The study was conducted with specific objectives to investigate factors affecting smallholder farmers' market supply of rice and identify constraints related to rice production in the study area. Two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 119 representative rice-producer households. Descriptive statistics and appropriate econometric models were used to analyze the collected data. Multiple linear regression model used to analyze factors affecting rice market supply. Descriptive result of the study showed, the average annual rice production at the household level was 2.8 tons, of which 70% was supplied to the market. Econometric result showed farm size owned, credit use, annual income, number of oxen owned, and quantity of rice produced were found to be significantly affecting the market supply of rice in a district. Major constraints related to rice production in the district were a lack of proper weed management practices, improved seed, proper method and time of fertilizer application, weak institutional support, disease, and post-harvest handling problems were also important. The research findings suggest that attention should be given to rice production constraints through generation and wide demonstration of demand-driven rice production and post-harvest handling technologies for increased production and productivity to have a better market supply of rice to the market and benefit smallholder farmers.