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This study was aimed at marketing chain of sesames in Gimbi Woredas of Oromia Region with specific objectives of identifying marketing channels and factors affecting outlet choice decisions of farm households. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data for this study were collected from 127 farmers, 17 traders and 22 consumers through application of appropriate statistical procedures. The study result showed that sesame producers are faced with lack of improved seed variety and high diseases and pests. On marketing side, limited access to market, low price of product, lack of storage, lack of transport and low quality of product are the major problems. The multinomial logit model results indicated that the probability to choose the collector outlet was significantly affected by Land, Market price of sesame, Membership to any Cooperatives, Credit Access, and Owning Transport Facility compared to wholesale outlet. Similarly, the probability of choosing cooperatives marketing outlet was affected by land and Quantity of sesame produced compared to wholesale outlet. Therefore, policy aiming at increasing farmers' access to modern inputs, developing and improving infrastructure, gender consideration, cooperative development and improving extension system are recommended to accelerate the chain's development.

This research intends to shed light on the household migration decision‐making process of Ethiopian irregular migrants heading to the Republic of South Africa. Data were drawn from a cross‐sectional household survey (n = 659) and in‐depth interviews (n = 24) conducted in 2022. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regressions and thematic analysis were employed to analyse the data. Our findings reveal that being a young male, having a large household size, the presence of family members and smugglers positively influence households' decisions for irregular migration. Possession of farmland, being employed and married have a negative influence on household decisions for migration. The study findings further show that prior information about the migration destination is important in the household's migration decision‐making process. We suggest that government actions and policy interventions should be based on such empirical evidence to promote safe and regular migrations while addressing potential migrants' aspirations and needs in their pursuit of a better life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Executive Summary: This paper examines the cultural influences on irregular migration to South Africa from the Kembata-Tembaro Zone of Ethiopia. It reports on a mixed methods study, with a cross-sectional household survey (n = 316) to examine indicators about society's perceptions, cultural values, and the impact of remittances on migration. In-depth interviews (n = 24) with migrant returnees and experts in the Kembata-Tembaro Zone Labor and Social Affairs Office explored their experiences and perceptions of irregular migration. The study established a connection between cultural influences and irregular migration of Ethiopians to the Republic of South Africa. Overall, the study demonstrates that the culture of migration among the Kembatas is primarily driven by a cumulative migration experience facilitated through migrant social networks. Economic incentives, such as prospects of better income and improved living conditions, are the main drivers for individuals to embark on this migratory journey. In addition, social factors, including familial networks, community ties, and remittances from migrants, significantly influence households' attitudes toward migration. The paper ends with recommendations to address the problems related to irregular Ethiopian migration to South Africa, to enhance the well-being of Kembata emigrants, and to maximize the benefits of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research suggests a significant rise in both international and intra-African migrations, with South Africa emerging as the primary destination for irregular migrants in the region. However, the phenomenon of irregular migration to South Africa has received limited attention despite the growing number of migrants hosted by the country. To address this gap, this study adopts a concurrent cross-sectional mixed-methods approach to explore the patterns of inter-state irregular migration in Africa, specifically focusing on Ethiopian migrants to the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The investigation draws on quantitative data collected from 316 migrant returnees, as well as qualitative in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions. The findings of this study reveal that there is a decline in the patterns of Ethiopian irregular migration to the RSA within the past decade due to tight legal restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the pattern of irregular migration, leading to a decline in the number of migrants from mid-2018 to 2020 due to stringent border closures. Irregular migration to the RSA tends to be temporary, with an increasing migrants returning to their home country once they have achieved economic success or as they encountered precarious conditions at the destination. Addressing the root causes that drive migration, improving border control mechanisms, and implementing inclusive integration strategies are key steps toward minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits associated with this migration phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]