Participatory Approach for the Development of Agribusiness Through Multi Purpose Cooperatives in Degua Tembien Woreda, South Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Degua Tembien Woreda, South Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia. with the objectives: (a) To identify the components of participation efficiency and develop a participation efficiency index; (b) To assess the existing problems and prospects of agribusiness in Degua Tembien woreda of Tigray region, Ethiopia; (c) To study the factors affecting participation efficiency in agribusiness carried out through multi-purpose cooperatives; (d) To identify the constraints in adopting participatory approach by the multi-purpose cooperatives; and (e) To develop a strategy for effective participatory approach for development of agribusiness through multipurpose cooperatives. To address the objectives of the study, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in this study. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources, the primary data necessary for the quantitative study were collected through personal interviews from 120 farmers drawn from four tabias by conducting formal survey using structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussion, observations, and informal discussion with key informants and extension workers. This study used a two stage sampling procedure in which both purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the tabias and sample respondents. Descriptive statistics with appropriate statistical tests, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, chi-square, Cramer’s V and other relevant tests were used to analyze the data collected for the study. A participatory efficiency index was developed in the study and was used as a tool to assess the participation efficiency of the respondents. Accordingly, 29.2 % of the respondents are classified having low participation, 57.5% medium participation and the remaining 13.3% with high participation. All the ten components of participation efficiency constitute to form the PEI. The survey result shows that the average age, size of land holding, and total annual income were found to be 48.71 year, 0.9833 ha, and 2763.75 Birr respectively. The major problems perceived in the progress of agribusiness by the sample respondents were inadequate knowledge and skill in post harvest techniques, inadequate market infrastructure, and inadequate market information especially on the tastes and preferences of customers. Based on the results obtained, the following policy implication can be drawn: Multi purpose cooperatives need to be involved in promotion of participatory approach for agribusiness development and sufficient training opportunities need to be provided for the cooperative members to upgrade their knowledge and skill in agribusiness development.