Challenges of Women’s Local Food Production Value Chain of Red Pepper in Southern zone of Tigrai regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in southern zone of Tigrai regional state of Ethiopia with a main objective to assess and analyze challenges women local food processors of red pepper face in the value chain. Quantitative data is the main data set collected and analyzed in this study whereas qualitative data was collected and used as a supplement. Primary and secondary data sources were collected from 125 women red pepper processors that were selected using simple random sampling technique. The required data were generated and analyzed by employing descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Multiple data collection instruments were utilized in the data collection process, including questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interview and observation. The quantitative data collected using questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The findingrevealed that respondents are marginalized in ways. They are less educated and unable to use credit service from formal financial institutions due to high interest rate and collateral problem. They also work in rented housing, have limited exposure to formal business activities, and operate their business with limited financial capacity. Most of them prefer to engage in this business because of the necessity for self-employment and absence of other alternatives. Besides, the finding indicates that activities carried out in local food processing of red pepper are considered and practiced by women and girls. The outcome of the study indicates that most of the participants have the power to make decision on how to utilize their financial capacity. Factor analysis results signify that women have marketing challenges, lack of market information, financial constraint, high workload, and shortage of raw material and processing challenges in their business. In view of these, the researchers recommend that women red pepper processors should be given capacity building schemes to tackle their challenges.