A Double Hurdle Approach on Factors Influencing Market Participation and Intensity of Participation Among Small-Scale Indigenous Chicken Farmers in Botswana

Abstract

Indigenous chicken farming is a crucial agricultural activity for small-scale farmers in rural areas as it provides high-quality protein from meat and eggs, create employment and income for the family. This helps to alleviate poverty in developing countries of Africa. Market participation and intensity of participation are critical determinants of income generation and economic sustainability for small-scale indigenous chicken farmers in Botswana. However, indigenous chicken farmers’ market participation is still minimal and has received little attention from policymakers. This paper seeks to analyze factors influencing market participation and intensity of participation among small-scale indigenous chicken farmers. The paper is based on the data collected in the Kweneng East district in Botswana. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 276 respondents, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using STATA and a double hurdle model was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the Tropical Livestock Unit, market access, leadership position of a friend/relative, trust in indigenous chicken traders, distance to main road, land size, marital status, trade experience and vaccination of chickens influence the farmers decision to participate in the market. Intensity of participation was influenced by the number of schooling years, dependency ratio, TLU, extension services, market access, support from friends/family and number of years stayed in a village. The paper proposes the posting by the government of extension officers in the villages for easier access to small-scale farmers.

Keywords: Market participation, intensity of participation, small-scale farmers, indigenous chicken, double hurdle.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/15-3-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2025