Determinants and Extent of Chickpeas Commercialize in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Background Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) is a pivotal crop in Ethiopia’s central highlands, contributing to smallholder livelihoods through income generation, food security, and sustainable farming practices. Despite its agronomic importance, the underlying factors driving chickpea commercialization remain insufficiently examined. This study addresses this gap by analyzing both the extent and determinants of market engagement among chickpea‐producing households. Methods Using a mixed‐methods design, data were collected from 362 randomly selected households. Descriptive statistics outlined production characteristics, while probit and reduced‐form regression models identified the drivers of commercialization decisions and intensity. The analysis incorporated key factors such as household demographics, resource availability, institutional access, and proximity to markets. Results Results indicate that 69.33% of households participated in chickpea markets, with an average commercialization intensity of 87.56%. On average, farmers cultivated 0.87 ha of chickpeas and owned 31.09 tropical livestock units (TLUs), highlighting the role of integrated farming systems. Significant determinants of market participation included access to credit and extension services, livestock ownership, household size (HHS), and involvement in social networks. While distance to markets had a negative influence, it was not statistically significant, though it remains practically relevant due to its impact on transaction costs and product quality. Discussion The reduced‐form model revealed that land allocated to chickpeas ( β = 16.83 and p < 0.01), use of improved seed ( β = 3.25 and p < 0.01), and access to off‐farm income positively influenced commercialization intensity. In contrast, larger family size ( β = −1.64 and p < 0.01) and aging household heads dampened commercialization, likely due to labor dilution and increased risk aversion. These findings underscore the interplay between productive assets, institutional support, and demographic dynamics in shaping market engagement. Recommendations To enhance chickpea commercialization, policy actions should prioritize expanding financial services, improving extension outreach, upgrading rural market infrastructure, and promoting adoption of improved inputs. These measures will contribute to a more resilient and market‐oriented smallholder farming system and align with Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.