The Economic Impacts of Banana Export’s Decline in Marka District Somalia

: The objective of this study is to find out the economic impacts of banana export’s decline in Marka district, Somalia. Banana and its business is the backbone of the Somali economy. It is the second primary factor of Somali economy next to livestock and their production. For many reasons including Somali civil war and lack of security banana business exportation stopped, which caused very serious economic impacts to Somali society. Method: The study area was Marka district, which is the capital town of lower Shabelle region in Somalia. This study was descriptive research particularly cross-sectional survey used with planned questionnaire distributed to target respondents. The target population of the research was 60 persons consisting banana experts, farmers, Economists, and other banana exportation stakeholders. After calculation researcher received 52 persons through the use Slovene’s formula as a sample size. The sample procedure that researcher used for the study was non probability methods, specifically purposive sampling. The data analyzed method researcher used was descriptive statistics analysis, with mean and standard deviation, with SPSS version 16 application. Results of section two tables: This section comprises five factors that caused banana export’s decline in Marka, Somalia. They are Lack of security, Poor marketing; Lack of Infrastructure, Without Government facilities, and Land disputation Problems. As the table indicates majority (69.2%) of the respondents answered lack of security caused banana export’s decline. Such like that 48.1% of the respondents Agreed that Poor Marketing caused banana export’s decline in Marka, Somalia. And also 36.5% of the respondents were agreed that lack of Infrastructure caused banana export’s decline, while 42.3% of respondents were strongly agreed that Without Government facilities caused banana export’s decline in Marka, Somalia. Finally, 30.8% of the respondents refused or strongly disagreed that land disputation problems caused banana export’s decline in Marka, Somalia. Recommendations: Researcher of this study proposed the following recommendations to Somali Government, Somali people in general, particularly to banana farmers, Agronomists, Economists, and all banana stockholders. First to improve general security to Somali country, particularly banana farms area, Second to renew and improve previous banana markets, and search new markets for banana exportation, third to encourage banana farmers, in order to increase local production, Fourth to give investments to banana farmers, and fifth to enhance general infrastructure of the country, particularly to improve banana farms accessibility, such as roads between banana farms and their markets.


Introduction
The Somali Economy comes from its semi-arid climate and environment charactering frequent drought localized rainfall goats, cattle, and sheep are herded, but camel possession is regarded the most prominent, although the competition for scarce resources often creates conflicts over wells and pasture lands.Somalis are joined by the traditions of a herding lifestyle.Since livestock and livestock products make up the majority of Somalis exports, Bananas are the second primary source of foreign exchange and also are the major benefactor in creating job opportunities.Also, Somali banana sector has a dominant role on Somali Economy, and it had been the major cash crops, from the exportation, since the colonial period until the civil war, but the civil war had affected its role badly, both in production and exportation.
As we are aware of Banana sector has a dominant role on Somali Economic, and it had been the major cash crops, in the export, since the colonial period until the civil war, but the civil war had affected its role badly, both in production and exportation.During the civil war the equipment's of banana production including tractors, bulldozer, graders, irrigating machines and other complementariness had been looted.There are also many other factors contributing to increase problems, which have economic impacts to Somali people.The purpose of this study is to investigate, to make research and analysis to The Economic Impact Of banana Export's Decline in Marka, Somalia.The research questions were to examine why banana exports declined in Marka, Somalia?And what economic impacts of banana export's decline can be created in Marka, Somalia and other concerned parts?

Background
Somali banana was historically well known business between Somalia and some of European countries, especially Italy.Somali banana business was continuous up to Somali civil war, which started in 1991.As we are aware of Banana sector has a dominant role on Somali Economic, and it had been the major cash crops, in the export, since the colonial period until the civil war, but the civil war had affected its role badly, both in production and exportation.Banana sector had been collapsed completely without any exception.Banana farmers faced many obstacles, including unemployment, sustained or suffered all different workers, such as skilled workers, unskilled, drivers, machine operators, and canal workers.This unemployment is not limited or concentrated only to Banana producers, but also extended other Small-scale farmers.They are interrelated and dependent by each other's functioning properly.For example, banana plantations are irrigated with large canals, which some of them reached long distance about 36 km away from the river, carrying with large amount of water, to supply with sufficient water to the large area and also other crops cultivators used those canals.

Literature Review
Banana exportation is very important to Marka residents particularly and Somalia in general.There is a growing interest in the association between export and economic growth.Theoretically, it has been claimed that a transformation in export rates could change output.Export growth, therefore, is often regarded to be a main factor of the production, employment growth and the economics of Somalia [1].

Impact of Agricultural Export on Economic Growth
Banana plantation is among one of the crops that Somalia are proud of its dominant role of the exports, in the long period since the colonial period.The banana sector was not single the second export crop before war, it was also the main employer of the local people in the cropping zones Production in the farms absorbed a work force of up to a whole of about 10,000 workers [2].
Insecurity, land ownership difficulties and poor infrastructure caused by lack of essential investment in this sector are among main factors that are supposed to have subsidized to the decline of this subdivision, resulting fluctuations on the crop production arrangement as new comers and farmers moved to cultivate other crops include cereals, legumes sesame, vegetables etc [3].
Moreover, some other farmers now, with the help of International and donor agencies, there have been various efforts to revive the banana exports in Somalia but with little success.Banana sector has so far to reach its full possible ensuring food security, employment formation, and export earnings.There have been influences among the scholars and banana producers concerning the existence of number of methodological and capacity related limitations, that if talked would take the industry back to its feet, these include existence of limited skills and ability in production processes, lack of infrastructure and knowledge, Postharvest handling limitations in Somalia include problems of pass away ability, lack of proper storage knowledge, and a lack of proper maturing and packaging systems, limited access to investment, and poor overall market situations made the sector incapacitated.(Abdullahi A. S., september 18, 2018) [4].
Somali banana has basic economic importance for the Somali society and it is the most important cash crop of Somalia.Now, the risk for the Somali banana sector striving to recover export is the seemingly complex social-cultural environment in which the value chain wishes to be developed.This requires its specific stage by stage approach and understanding of the condition at hand which if not respected can easily stall mobilization and collaboration of the chain actors and stakeholders.While trade in Somalia is thriving smooth in the worst political confusion, a worsening political state could affect the prospective export of Somali bananas.Security also hampers access of external experts if believed convenient for direction in for instance quality control.Hence strong local statement and control structures would be required to guide the export route and this remains an area to be developed [1].
Somalia is known to produce good value banana which has been exported to Europe and Gulf markets for nearly a century.It is the first crop exported to abroad; and it constituted 20% of the GAP.Banana production which is a very profitable industry is considered as one of the most labor demanding agricultural projects.Prior to the eruption of the civil war, there was a strong banana business run by Somali fruit Company which was joined by Italian Businessman (51%) and Somalia (49%).The company managed about 7000 hectares, thousands of skilled and nonskilled labor force, large network of transportation trucks, chilled marine fleet, substantial agriculture supporting services, banana treating facilities, packaging factory among others.Suspension of such project has produced the release of thousands of technicians and farm labor.Almost the entire banana trade collapsed.As a result, the unemployment rate of the farming societies rose.(Jeilani, 24-26 October 2016) [5].
Bananas are the second primary source of foreign exchange and also are the main contributor in creating job chances in Somalia.Prior to 1991, Somalia was well-known for its thriving banana industry.However, insecurity, lack of inputs, and poor infrastructure, has over the last two decades led to an overwhelming decline and eventual collapse of banana exports.To recover what was once Somalia's leading basis of foreign earnings, FAO has established 5 banana varieties got to be virus free after testing them against local ones.Out of the five varieties, Somali banana cultivators chose Williams, as a favorite variety tolerant to virus attacks and drought.Over 60,000 seedlings are being shaped and made available to members of the Somalia Banana Cultivators Association.With appearance of interest by possible banana buyers in Iran and Turkey, Somalia is likely to revive its past beauty in the long run.With peace slowly recurring to southern Somalia, this makes investment in the banana industry a key priority for government, FAO and its national and international partners.(Organization, OCTOBER 2012) [6].
Bananas were formerly found in South East Asia, mainly in India.They were transported west by Arab conquerors in 327 B.C. and moved from Asia Slight to Africa and finally carried to the New World by the first travelers and missionaries to the Caribbean.World banana production for export is mainly focused in South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.Only 15 to 20% of world banana production is dealt globally (the biggest banana producing countries such as India or Brazil export very little and retain it for domestic consumption); it depend on only on one banana variety, the Cavendish, which was designated for its high yields, resistance of banana to Panama disease, durability in long distance transport, and consistent quality and appearance.The common of exported bananas come from countries in the so-called 'dollar zone' (Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala etc.), the rest from the Philippines and the African and Caribbean countries (part of the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) group).The five leading banana-exporting countries (Ecuador, the Philippines, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Colombia) account for almost 80% of global banana exports [7].

Challenges of Banana Export's Decline
Somalia is the one of the most African countries that exports banana.But nowadays there are many challenges toward banana exporting which caused dramatically decline of banana.These challenges include lack of infrastructure, security, Governmental support and effective policy regulation related banana export.Successful the commercial prospects of root, tuber and banana crops requires the suitable institutional and policy interventions to facilitate improvement in production and marketing that will in conclusion allow their alteration from subsistence commodities to high value yields.This change will enhance the income generation role of root, tuber and banana crops and increase the employment opportunities for community throughout the world's many and diverse crops producing areas [8].

Disease Impacts to Banana Production
Somali banana production has diseases caused decline its production as same as world banana production affects diseases caused by fungi damages.Study on heredities, refinement and selection for disease confrontation should be complemented by modification of the genetic basics of the banana industry and be joined with other categories of resolutions, such as soil controlling or mixing banana with other crops.Alterations in the banana industry to resistor require the association of resident and global industry participants and consumers to decrease the present dangerous level of genetic susceptibility and escape making the same errors once more.[9].

Study Area
Marka district is one of the eight districts in lower shabelle region in Somalia.It has borders with Mogadishu (Benadir region) to the north east direction and Wanlaweyn district to the west direction, Afgoi district to north direction and Barwa district to south direction.The population lives Marka district estimates around 65,461 people.The most of Marka populations are farm owners, farm workers, and business people.

Study Time
This study was started in November 2020 and finished in November 2021.Duration time of this research was one (1) year, seasonally it was in two raining seasons Gu' (spring) and Deyr (autumn) and two dry seasons Haga (winter), Dira (summer).

Research Design
This work was used descriptive, that was attempting to discover and capable to describe characteristics of variables of interest in situation.The study was based on crosssectional study and views of the respondents collecting data from them with questionnaires.Information provided was designed relevant to the Economic impacts of banana export's decline in Marka Somalia, and the research problem too.

Sample Size
The target population of the research was 60 persons consisting banana experts, farmers, Economists, and other banana exportation stakeholders.After calculation researcher received 52 persons through the use Slovene's formula as a sample size.The sample procedure that researcher used for the study was non probability methods, specifically purposive sampling.

Data Analysis
The data analyzed method researcher used was descriptive statistics analysis, with mean and standard deviation, with SPSS version 16 application.Reliability test was used to test research internal consistency.Cronbach's alpha can take values between 0 and 1.The closer to 1 is more reliable of the scale of our variable.As every reader can see researcher has analyzed 15 items.So, this reliability test is very reliable, because 0.990 is very close to 1.As percentage it is equivalent to 99.3%.This analysis is reliability test.

Section One: Demographic Data
The banana exportation is very crucial case on economy of Somali Society, because it is the first cash crop that Somali nation receives its most hard currency.Bananas are the second primary source of foreign exchange and also are the major contributor in creating job opportunities.Its sector was the major export and country's second largest export earner after livestock.

Table Interpretation
This table 2 demonstrates the majority 45 (86.5%) of the respondents were male, while 7 (13.5%) of the respondents were female.

Data Interpretation
This table 3 displays different ages of people who participated this study, where 33 (63.5%) of the respondents were between 20-25 years, and 3 (5.8%) of the respondents aged between 26-30 years of age.While 6 (11.5%) of the respondents were between 31-36 years of age.Finally 10 (19.2%) of the respondents, were above 36 years of age.Majority of the respondents 26 (50%) were singles, while 22 (42.3%) of the respondents were Married, and also 3 (5.8%) of the respondents were divorced, finally 1 (1.9%) of the respondents were widow.

Data Interpretation
This table shows that the majority of respondents 33 (63.5%) were Bachelor degree holders, while 14 (26.9%) were Master degree holders, the third group of respondents were very small number 4 (7.7%) who were Doctor of Philosophy "PhD".Finally, 1 (1.9%) of the respondent were secondary level.

Section Two: Factors Caused Banana Export's Decline in Marka District, Somalia
Tables Interpretation This section comprises five factors that caused banana export's decline in Marka, Somalia.They are Lack of security, Poor marketing; Lack of Infrastructure, Without Government facilities, and Land disputation Problems.As the table indicates majority (69.3%) of the respondents answered lack of security caused banana export's decline.Such like that 48% of the respondents Agreed that Poor Marketing caused banana export's decline in Marka, Somalia.And also 36.5% of the respondents were agreed that lack of Infrastructure caused banana export's decline, while 42.3%of the respondents strongly agreed that Without Government facilities caused banana export's decline in Marka, Somalia.Finally, 30.8% of the respondents refused or strongly disagreed that land disputation problems caused banana export's decline in Marka, Somalia.
Water scarcity, floods, shortage of agricultural services, and repairs of canals are secondary motives for diminished production and/or dislocation.Deficiency of equipment and services created that farmers are incapable to clear the shrub in riverine areas, and waterways silt up.The chief cash crops produced in Somalia nowadays are sesame, lemon, and banana, with large profits to be prepared when demand is high.Creating large profits involves obtaining and combining land and having usable employment [10].There was non-existence of a systematized market, low demand during the production period, expensiveness of developed varieties and disease were topmost recognized problems by banana producers [11].And also a main constraint is the lack of infrastructure and equipment to store bananas, so as to usage them throughout times of shortage [12].
In Conclusion the majority of the respondents accepted that those factors above mentioned were caused banana export's decline in Marka district, Somalia.

Tables Interpretations
This section presents five factors involved about "The Economic Impact of Banana Export's Decline in Marka, Somalia".Those factors are: creation of Unemployment, commencement of general poverty to Somali Society, devaluation of Somali money and inflation, creation of migration of banana farmers and their families, encouraged Somali Youth to participate civil war and emigration.
As above table shows majority (44.2%) of the respondents strongly agreed the economic impacts of banana export's decline created Unemployment to Somali society.The same kind of that (42.3%) of the respondents agreed that the economic impacts of banana export's decline commenced general poverty to Somali Society in Marka district.While (42.3%) of the responders accepted that the economic impacts of banana export's decline created devaluation of Somali money and inflation.And also (40.4%) of the respondents accorded that the economic impacts of banana export's decline created migration of banana farmers and their families.Finally, (40.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that the economic impacts of banana export's decline Encouraged Somali Youth to participate civil war and emigration.
In the Horn African country of Somalia, youth joblessness is a main problem.According to current records, 41% of young persons among the ages of 15 and 19 are looking for labor [13].Borgen project (2020) they mentioned that "the poverty rate is currently 73%.Seventy percent of the population in Somalia is under the age of thirty and the life expectancy is as low as 55%" [14].Such like that the yearly inflation rate in Somalia accelerated to 5.67% in December of 2021, from 5% in the last month.It was the maximum inflation rate since August of 2019, mainly due to higher prices of transport [15].
In Conclusion, those five components above stated (Created Unemployment, Commencement of General poverty to Somali Society, Created devaluation of Somali money and Inflation, Created Migration of Banana farmers and their families, Encouraged Somali Youth to participate civil war and emigration), resulted from the economic impacts of banana export's decline in Marka district, Somalia.

Discussion and Conclusion
The study clearly denotes us that banana business exportation can play an important role for economic development in the society and without it can have negative impacts to Somali people in general, and particularly to banana farmers, their families, and all banana stockholders.Those negative economic impacts can be: 1. Unemployment 2. General poverty to Somali society 3. Devaluation of Somali money and inflation 4. Migration of banana farmers and their families 5. Encouraging Somali youth to participate civil war and piracy.In summary banana plays an important role employment and has major contribution for job opportunities.There were several main reasons that caused to decline banana exportation in Somalia such as: 1. Prolonged civil war and anarchy.2. Poor Marketing 3. Lack of security.4. Lack of Government policy which encourages banana exportation.

Table 6 .
Work experience.This is the table 6 of work experience of the respondents and it shows that, (1.9%) of the respondents have one year experience, while (5.8%) of the respondents have two years of work experience, (25%) of the respondents have three years of experience, (3.8%) of the respondents have four years of work experience.Finally, (63.5%) of respondents have above four years' experience, who are the majority.

Table 8 .
The economic impact of Banana Export's decline.