Smallholder market access, commercialisation and livelihood outcomes in Werie Leke District of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Agriculture plays a critical role in Ethiopia's economy but suffers from low technology, traditional practices, and low productivity, leading to persistent poverty and food insecurity among farming households. Transforming the sector requires enhanced market access to promote commercialisation. This study examines smallholder market access, commercialisation, and livelihood outcomes in <italic>Werie Leke</italic> district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Using survey data from randomly selected households, the analysis employs mean, independent sample <italic>t</italic>-tests, and Tobit regression. Results indicate that smallholders face significant market access challenges, leading to low commercialisation levels. Notably, higher commercialisation correlates with improved livelihoods. Factors influencing commercialisation include household characteristics, asset endowments, market access, cooperative membership, and access to specific livelihood services. The study recommends investing in road and market infrastructure, improving access to extension and credit services, farm inputs, irrigation, and strengthening cooperatives to enhance market access, smallholder participation, and livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]