Evaluating Market Structures and Credit Services for Small Scale Almond Producers in the Samangan and Balkh Provinces, Afghanistan

The objectives of the study were to investigate market price structure, market information systems, and credit services for smallholder almond producers around the Samangan and Balkh provinces of Afghanistan. Â A sample of 125 almond producers were the participants of the study. The primary tool for data collection was a questionnaire conducted by face to face interviews, and the secondary data of the survey collected from various sources, (CSO, FAO reports, government publications, USAID reports, NGOs reports, journals, and websites). Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. Results of the study showed that there were significant fluctuations in the average price of different almond varieties between 2014 and 2018 period. Exporters and local traders have the most influence on price determination. According to the study on the market information; 41.6% of producers acquired market information regularly, and 58.4% of them did not receive market information regularly. The research concludes that Afghanistan has a high potential and many opportunities to produce good quality of almond not only for domestic use but also for export to neighbors and more distant countries. This will help the country to take steps towards sustainable horticulture and the improvement of a viable economy.