Determinants of Commercialization among Home Garden Vegetable Producers in Kombo North District West Coast Region, The Gambia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the determinants and extent of vegetable commercialization among home garden vegetable growers in Kombo North District, West Coast Region, The Gambia. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire involving 140 home garden vegetable growers. Household Commercialization Index (HCI) was employed to evaluate the extent of commercialization of vegetable products. Factors influencing commercialization were analyzed using the Tobit regression model. The analysis reveals that 39 % of the respondents were semi-commercialized, 33% indicated subsistence, and 20.7% were moderately commercialized. The Tobit regression model indicates that sex, access to transport, credit, market information, and membership in a farmer association significantly and positively influenced growers’ decision to commercialize vegetable produce. The study recommend that improving access to essential farming supplies could enhance the commercialization of home gardens. Additionally, developing gender-specific intervention programs is vital for ensuring that both men and women can participate equally in vegetable production and marketing. Furthermore, providing smallholder farmers with regular market information and supporting farmers' cooperatives may facilitate their entry into markets and increase their market participation, ultimately leading fair returns.