SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING TOMATO SUPPLY AND CONSUMPTION IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA

Abstract

This study assesses the socio economic factors influencing tomato supply and consumption in the Tamale Metropolis. Specifically, the study sought to determine the factors influencing the adoption of dry season tomato production, estimate the gross margins at each stage of the tomato value chain and analyze the perceptions and factors influencing consumers’ choice of the type of tomato, among others. A cross sectional data was collected from three hundred and fifty major actors during the 2015 farming season. The method of analysis involved an estimation of a probit model, the use of simple mathematical computations and descriptive statistics. Results from the probit estimation revealed that, access to irrigation facilities and credit positively influenced farmers’ decision to go into dry season tomato farming. However, age, farm size, among others negatively influenced farmers. Along the chain, wholesalers made GH₵ 3,600 per season, the highest gross margin. Closely followed are farmers from Techiman and its surroundings with an estimated GH₵ 3,195.42 gross margins per farm. The retailers and farmers from Upper East made the lowest gross margin of GH₵ 1,260 and GH₵ 1,246.08 respectively and yet recorded the highest post-harvest losses. Among consumers, the fluctuating nature of prices of fresh tomatoes with seasons greatly influenced their choice and preference for the varieties and types of tomatoes. The study concludes, by arguing that; the wholesalers’ involvement in the chain is crucial to the survival of the trade. It recommends that government should increase farmers’ access to credit and irrigation by building more irrigational facilities.