Primary Trading Centers

Primary markets in Ethiopia are the first venues along the market chain where many small holder farmers, suppliers of agricultural products, consumers and traders complete transactions. Among agricultural products traded at these markets, grain trade is the largest economic activity in terms of output handled and the number of market participants involved. The trading space of these markets are segmented by type of commodities like agricultural products, industrial products, livestock etc. having an average space ranging from one to two hectares.

The quantity of marketable surplus delivered by the smallholder farmers ranges from 20 kg to 3 quintals in one single market day, depending on the status of the small holder. Theses farmers travel from 1-10 km to reach the primary markets .The mode of transport which farmers mostly use to reach these market places is donkeys and to a less extent by horse driven carts .Women deliver grain to theses market places unsupported, carrying the grain on their backs.

In most cases these primary markets are administered and managed by municipalities.