Determinants of Market Participation among Smallholder Enset (Ensete ventricosum) Farmers in Cheha District, Gurage Zone, Central Regional State, Ethiopia

Agricultural market participation is widely recognized as a pathway to improving household income and food security in developing countries. In Ethiopia, Enset is a staple crop with significant market potential, creating trade-offs between its role in household consumption and income generation. Despite its economic importance, empirical evidence on Enset market participation remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to address the gap by examining the determinants of market participation among smallholder Enset farmers in Cheha district, Central regional state Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 246 representative households, comprising 116 market participants and 130 non-participants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, while secondary data were obtained from relevant documents. Descriptive statistics and a Probit model were used for data analysis. The model results indicate that market participation is positively and significantly influenced by educational level, access to market information, extension contact, access to credit, land allocated to Enset and total Enset output. In contrast, age, family size, and distance to the nearest market negatively and significantly affect market participation. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening extension services, promoting labor-saving technologies, improving access to market information, enhancing rural financial services and supporting income diversification strategies to increase Enset market participation.