Assessment of watermelon production, marketing and consumption in the Central Rift Valley areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

Although the Central Rift Valley areas of Ethiopia are the dominant watermelon production, there is limited information on its production practices, market values and consumption. Hence,  documenting the existing watermelon production experience is necessary to adopt watermelon farming in the new potential areas of the country including the Amhara region. Therefore, a survey using semi-structured questionnaires was performed to assess the production practices, market values, and consumption of watermelon in the Bora and Lumme districts of the Awash River basin in 2019. From 133, 47, and 147 questionnaires of producers, wholesalers/retailers, and consumers, 102, 43 and 137, respectively were valid to generate information. According to the responses, most watermelon has been produced under a receding farming system compared to irrigation and rain-fed conditions. Farmers allocate up to 5 ha farm size for watermelon production which implies watermelon farming in the areas is substantial. Farmers have gained a gross benefit of 30,000-400,000 ETB ha^-1 with a productivity of 16 to 40 t ha^-1. Farmers implemented diverse agronomic practices such as spacing, seed and fertilizer rates, pesticide application, methods and frequency of irrigation. Such diverse agronomic practices in turn results in variations in yield and economic returns among farmers. Shortage of agricultural input, improper agronomic practices, lack of extension services, and market linkage were identified as major constraints of watermelon production in the survey areas. On the other hand, the availability of ample water sources, low capital investment, high demand for watermelon in the market, the proximity of the areas to central and roadside markets and relatively longer shelf-life of the fruit compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables were the major opportunities for the production of watermelon in the area. The return generated from watermelon marketing was considerable for women who were dominantly involving in the marketing segment. There was good experience for watermelon consumption in the survey areas which indicates the due attention of the society to the nutritional and health benefits of the crop.  Generally, the high price and bulkiness of the fruit negatively affect the extent of marketing and consumption. The study confirmed that optimization of proper agronomic practices such as planting density, nutrient management, integrated pest management and close involvement of stakeholders throughout the value chain is vital to exploit the potential benefit of watermelon thereby improving the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in the study area and other areas where watermelon production is emerging.