Pathway analysis of vegetable farming commercialization

Abstract

High-valued vegetable farming can increase farmers’ income if the vegetables are cultivated in commercial manner. This paper analyses factors that determine farmers’ intention to commercialize vegetable farming; and the effect of commercialization on farmers’ income. The study used structural equation model to estimate paths affecting farmers to engage commercial farming and its impact of commercial on households’ income. Household and farm characteristics, business environment, and market support were hypothesized to influence farmers to commercialize vegetable farming. Data for this study were compiled from a quantitative survey of 360 farm households located in 4 major vegetable producing regions of Eastern Indonesia. Results indicate that commercial vegetable farming provides economic advantage in terms of increased income. To encourage commercial vegetable farming, vegetable agribusiness terminal with all market infrastructures should be established in the potential vegetable producing regions of Indonesia. This article is the result of funding from the World Vegetable Center. The World Vegetable Center is partly funded by the UK Department for International Development