Analysis of Cattle Marketing System in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, has the largest livestock population in Africa. Livestock plays a vital role in the overall development of the country¿s economy. Yet, the existing income generating capacity of livestock as compared to its immense potentials in the country is not encouraging. One of the many reseasons is due to lack of rigorous marketing analysis done in the area that enables appropriate policy formulation and intervention. This book attempts to analyze cattle marketing system in central rift valley of Ethiopia.The study employed both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from the sample district¿s cattle producers, traders and butchers. Secondary data were also collected from different sources. Heckman two-stage econometric estimation procedure was employed to examine factors affecting cattle market participation and level of supply. The structure-conduct-performance approach was adopted for cattle marketing system analysis. Co-integration and error correction model was used for analyzing market integration. Appropriate policy consideration to develop well-informed interventions were also discussed.