Assessment of Horticultural Crops (Vegetables, Tubers & Fruits) Production Constraints and Opportunities in West and Southwest Shewa Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

摘要

Horticulture is the branch of agricultural science that uses technology and marketing strategies to increase vegetables, fruits, flowers and ornamental plants production for human welfare. In Ethiopia, more than 85% of the population depends on agriculture. However, agricultural production is less due to lack of advanced agricultural technologies and yield losses caused by damaging pests, diseases and environmental conditions. Many farmers in west and southwest Shewa zones also depend on agricultural production especially cash crops like fruits and vegetables. The study was conducted in the seven districts producing major horticultural crops and the data collection was done in May 2013. The study districts did not have enough information on horticultural crop cultivation constraints and opportunities. Data on horticultural crops constraints and opportunities were collected based on prepared questionnares with group discussion of farmers and other responsible bodies. The two zones are suitable for growing of various horticultural crops. Farmers are faced a lot of problems such as abiotic (lack of pure planting materials, long chain marketing systems and adverse environmental factors) and biotic factors (fungus, bacterial and insects) on the horticultural crop production.