Boosting Meki Batu's vegetable sales

Meki Batu is a primary cooperative union with 7994 members (18% - 1414 female) and 141 member primary cooperative organisations. Most of the farmers farm next to the Ziway, a natural lake, and have irrigation access from the lake and are engaged mainly in vegetable production. Meki Batu members are strong in production of maize seed, and provide up to 40% of the maize seed requirements in the Oromia Region. The largest income earner for the union is the distribution of fertilizers. Meki Batu union members largest concern is the lack of marketing ability of the union for their predominant products which is vegetables including onions, tomatoes, green pepper, green beans, cabbage and papaya. Farmers sell their crops predominantly to local traders who market the products to the surrounding cities, including Addis Ababa.