User:Amare Molla1997

Peri-Urban: Production contexts vegetables are produced up to three times in a year with both rain feed and irrigation systems. # producers use both organic and inorganic inputs for their vegetable farming (Animal manure for leafy vegetables and fertilizer for all irrigable vegetables). The leafy vegetables are mainly produced near to the home (in the garden land). The land size for leafy vegetables ranges from100m2 to 200m2. Farming in the peripheries of urban areas is undertaken both by UPSNP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Most farmers (Tita) in Peri urban Dessie own 500 m2 residential area and 200 to 300 of it is used for vegetable production. Farmers cultivate only short-term crops to use the land more effectively. For example, 90% of the leafy vegetables (Swiss chard, Kale, and lettuce) are sourced from the peripheries of Dessie and Kombolcha cities. Agronomic practice According to the peri urban producers in Dessie frequent ploughing of the land and fertigation is the precondition to cultivate good vegetables. this could reduce the pests and diseases of vegetables. Farmers integrate  both natural and biological protection methods like disturbing the soil, spraying water, picking the insects, and varnish with ashes on the leaves of vegetables. Most people prepare compost for home garden vegetables. - In vegetable gardening, women also produce spices (those include, mint, bell pepper, garlic, rosemary, and lavender) aiming for home consumption. Those who have labor and irrigation access could benefit from vegetable production and marketing.

Role of UA 1. Economic, generate cash income regularly (both from own production and neighborhoods) Generally, our livelihood is strongly attached with vegetable production and marketing. 2. Recreational and astatic value 3. Food support we don't buy VEGs for consumption. 4. Social support (participate for weeding and funerals without, warry). 5. Creates strong linkage with market (Wednesday and social event in Tita). We are eating good food because, we are always going to market and secure food resources''. According to the key informant farmers vegetable production is an inclusive business which involves men, women, youth along the supply chain. Youth are more productive and advantageous in vegetable sector, because they have active labour access and good network to sell their produce. Young men show motivation to accept new technologies in the production process. Similarly, men’s FGD from Tita indicated that, vegetable production is eco-friendly and creates an attractive environment for the local area''

Gender role in production and selling: The selling of vegetables is both men’s and women’s responsibility, but the practice varies based on the volumes of the sale. For example, women sell only when they require money to cover their household needs. Men sell when high budget is needed to buy food crops, oxen, and small ruminants (sheep and goat). Overall, if more money is required, household head must decide the volume to sell. Community does not motivate men’s engagement in vegetable retailing. It is not because the sector is less productive, but the community considers it a social norm. A 57-year-old women retailer in Dessie said “''women have limited opportunity to work more productive jobs. Retailing is a job for anyone who has no option like me''”. Moreover, men do not show devotion to determine the value of product on a given price (low valuation capacity). Accordingly. Men mostly engaged if the product could be sold with package price. For example, they can sell a basket of vegetables than retailing in smaller sizes. Selling promotion if left-over. ! Reducing price,!! Movable marketing and!!! Exchange with other products.