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on Agricultural Economics |
|
Issue of 2010‒03‒20
forty-nine papers chosen by |
| By: | Fernandez, Ana; Richardson, Robert B.; Tschirley, David; Tembo, Gelson |
| Abstract: | FOOD SECURITY RESEARCH PROJECT, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA |
| Keywords: | zambia, food security, tourism, conservation, household income, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Land Economics/Use, q18, q26, q27, q56, |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:55053&r=agr |
| By: | Mather, David; Donovan, Cynthia; Boughton, Duncan |
| Abstract: | This brief summarizes detailed analysis of the determinants of household crop income in rural Mozambique from 2002 to 2005. Increased crop income is associated with increases in household land area, use of animal traction, crop diversification into tobacco or cotton, access to market price information, and access to extension agents (for tobacco/cotton growers). Decreases in crop income are associated with drought. Results demonstrate that there are both public and private investments that can enhance farmersâ ability to increase crop income and avoid losses. Priority investments include: development and dissemination of drought-resistant varieties for maize and cassava, conservation farming, animal traction, market information, access to high-value crops and small-scale irrigation. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, africa, mozambique, food security, assets, household, rural, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q12, |
| Date: | 2009–11–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:56805&r=agr |
| By: | Chamberlin, Jordan; Jayne, T.S. |
| Abstract: | Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development |
| Keywords: | kenya, agriculture, food security, market access, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Marketing, q18, q11, q12, |
| Date: | 2009–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:55056&r=agr |
| By: | Rashid, Shahidur |
| Abstract: | Prepared for the COMESA policy seminar on âVariation in staple food prices: Causes, consequence, and policy optionsâ, Maputo, Mozambique, 25â26 January 2010 under the African Agricultural Marketing Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Ethiopia, food security, food prices, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, q11, q18, q17, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58552&r=agr |
| By: | Randall, Alan |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57334&r=agr |
| By: | Minot, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | Prepared for the Comesa policy seminar on âVariation in staple food prices: Causes, consequence, and policy optionsâ, Maputo, Mozambique, 25-26 January 2010 under the African Agricultural Marketing Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Malawi, food security, food prices, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q18, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58558&r=agr |
| By: | Zaric, Vlade; Petkovic, Danijela; Radosevic, Milorad |
| Abstract: | Market success depends in large part on how well consumer behaviour and perception supplies understand. They need to understand how consumers evaluate products characteristics, gather information regarding various alternatives and use this information to select specific product. The object of this research was to determine consumer perception of Serbian agricultural and food products and especially perception of home made products. In October 2008, a research was conducted in the Belgrade market on a sample of 338 persons. The results were analyzed using univariant statistical analyses. The results of this research can be used by producers for defining marketing activities and by researchers to conduct further research in this field. |
| Keywords: | Traditional agricultural and food products, Territorial competitiveness, Consumers, Republic of Serbia, Agribusiness, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57418&r=agr |
| By: | Minot, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | Prepared for the Comesa policy seminar on âVariation in staple food prices: Causes, consequence, and policy optionsâ, Maputo, Mozambique, 25-26 January 2010 under the African Agricultural Marketing Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Tanzania, food security, food prices, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q18, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58555&r=agr |
| By: | Chapoto, Antony; Govereh, Jones; Haggblade, Steven; Jayne, Thomas |
| Abstract: | Prepared for the COMESA policy seminar on âVariation in staple food prices: Causes, consequence, and policy optionsâ, Maputo, Mozambique, 25-26 January 2010 under the Comesa-MSU-IFPRI African Agricultural Marketing Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Zambia, food security, food prices, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q18, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58556&r=agr |
| By: | Minot, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | Paper to be presented at the Comesa policy seminar âFood price variability: Causes, consequences, and policy options" on 25-26 January 2010 in Maputo, Mozambique under the Comesa-MSU-IFPRI African Agricultural Markets Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Africa, food security, food prices, global markets, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q17, q18, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58563&r=agr |
| By: | Novkovic, Nebojsa; Somodi, Sandor; Matkovic, Milenko |
| Abstract: | The modern concept of rural development implies the use of agricultural resources, primarily agricultural land, for other (non-agricultural) activities besides its agricultural purpose. The integral aim of this concept of rural development is the maximization of economic results, besides the sustainable development of rural areas, environmental protection and the production of strategic (staple) agricultural products. The objective of this paper is to define the general, theoretical, quantitative model for the determination of the size and quality of agricultural land which, considering the above-mentioned demands (criteria) is optimal for the utilization in agricultural production in certain regions. The remaining agricultural land would be available for the non-agricultural purposes. The economic optimal model for the selection of agricultural land in the traditional agriculture is the model of linear programming. The criteria of the land selection for traditional agriculture are the economic effectiveness (measured by net income or by gross national product) and the economic efficiency (measured by the production economy). The maximum economic effectiveness is determined by the standard method of linear programming and the maximum economy by the method of broken linear programming. The solution of compromise can be determined by multi-criteria programming, based on the minimum differences. The limitation groups in the mentioned variations of the model are: limitations of production quotas of agricultural products, minimum quantities of staple agricultural products, limitations of processing plants in a region (minimum and maximum), limitation of crop rotation, limitations of the needs in animal husbandry for bulky forage and limitations of agricultural land according to various types of utilization. By quantitative defining of the structure and size of agricultural land for traditional agriculture, âthe surplusâ and structure of agricultural land available for non-agricultural purposes is automatically determined. |
| Keywords: | agricultural land, optimization model, use for non-agricultural purpose, Agribusiness, Land Economics/Use, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57504&r=agr |
| By: | Kowalski, Andrzej; Wigier, Marek; Chmielinski, Pawel |
| Abstract: | Paper is aimed in assessment of first period of Polandâs membership in EU and covering agriculture and rural areas with the support under the Common Agricultural Policy in the context of future challenges faced by the agricultural policy. Analysis shows that accession to EU became a strong impulse for growth of the Polish food economy, however the main challenge for the Common Agricultural Policy in future, from Polandâs perspective, will be strengthening the multifunctional agriculture, i.e. territorial cohesion and positive effects of agricultural activity on natural environment. |
| Keywords: | multifunctional agriculture, common agricultural policy, rural development, Poland, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57352&r=agr |
| By: | Pitoro, Raul; Walker, Tom; Tschirley, David; Swinton, Scott; Boughton, Duncan; de Marrule, Higino |
| Abstract: | Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique Directorate of Training, Documentation, and Technology Transfer |
| Keywords: | cotton, Mozambique, food security, Bio Technology, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Q16, |
| Date: | 2009–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:53461&r=agr |
| By: | MSU Food Security Group |
| Abstract: | Decades of research have led to substantially improved understanding of the nature of food insecurity. A combination of economic growth and targeted programs resulted in a steady fall (until the food crisis of 2007/08) in the percentage of the worldâs population suffering from undernutrition (from 20% in 1990/92 to 16% in 2006). Yet over a billion people still face both chronic and/or transitory food insecurity due to long-standing problems of inadequate income, low-productivity in agricultural production and marketing, and related problems of poor health and absence of clean water. Assuring adequate food security for such a large share of the worldâs population is increasingly challenging due to continuing resource degradation driven by a combination of population pressure and outdated agricultural practices, poorly functioning input markets, rapid urbanization, increased concerns about food safety, and climate change. This document contains an overview of the past 25 years of research, capacity-building, and outreach by MSUâs Food Security Group. The paper describes key elements of the FSG approach and draws lessons regarding the value of that model. Insights gained from research and outreach and their value in addressing the major current challenges facing food and agricultural systems in Africa are summarized in FSG (2009). |
| Keywords: | Africa, Food Security, research, capacity building, outreach, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Land Economics/Use, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, q10, q18, q12, q13, |
| Date: | 2009–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midips:55050&r=agr |
| By: | Jayne, T.S.; Zulu, Ballard; Kajoba, Gear; Weber, M.T. |
| Abstract: | Key Policy Message: - Despite having relatively low population densities, inadequate access to land is one of the major causes of rural poverty in Zambia. - The apparent paradox of inadequate access to land for many rural households in a country of low population density is partially reconciled when taking into account that economically viable arable land requires at least some degree of access to basic services, water, road infrastructure, and markets. The basic public investments to make settlement economically viable have yet been made in many areas of Zambia. - Depending of future land allocation policy, access to good quality land with a market potential may become increasingly beyond the reach of many small-scale farm households, making it more difficult to achieve a smallholder-led, pro-poor agricultural development trajectory. |
| Keywords: | zambia, food security, land, policy, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Security and Poverty, Land Economics/Use, q18, q15, |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:55054&r=agr |
| By: | Simasiku, Phyllis; Chapoto, Antony; Richardson, Robert B.; Sichilongo, Mwape; Tembo, Gelson; Weber, Michael T.; Zulu, Alimakio |
| Abstract: | Natural resource use, including land, and rural population location is an important topic for Zambia's development strategy. Among other efforts, the Government of Zambia (GRZ) has designated 22% of total land area, as Game Management Areas (GMAs) for human settlements and wildlife conservation. Other GRZ programmes seek to improve food security and agricultural productivity, including the use and improvement of conservation farming techniques. GRZ is currently reviewing policies in the agricultural, forestry, fisheries, wildlife and land sectors. Research in these fields has much to contribute to effective management of MAs, increased agricultural productivity and improved welfare, especially for the rural population. |
| Keywords: | Zambia, Africa, natural resources management, GMA, wildlife management policies, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q34, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58518&r=agr |
| By: | Rashid, Shahidur; Minot, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | Paper to be presented at the Comesa policy seminar âFood price variability: Causes, consequences, and policy options" on 25-26 January 2010 in Maputo, Mozambique under the Comesa-MSU-IFPRI African Agricultural Markets Project (AAMP) |
| Keywords: | Sub saharan Africa, food security, food prices, markets, efficiency, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q18, q17, |
| Date: | 2010–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58562&r=agr |
| By: | Bedoin, Florence; Kristensen, Troels; Noe, Egon |
| Abstract: | The aim of this article is to explore how different quality dimensions (safety, aesthetics, ethics and rooted ness) are created in food networks; how these qualities are transferred until the consumers; and how this process is supported by the organisation of the food network. Our postulate is that combining the quality and organisation dimensions and exploring the link between them will provide an interesting perspective for improving the sharing of values in food networks. This framework is applied to five case studies of âpasture-raised beefâ food networks in France, representing a diversity of organisations such as public label scheme, cooperate owned brand and direct sell from farmer to consumer. The results highlight the importance of the role of certification and personal commitment for the creation, and also for the mediation of added-value. |
| Keywords: | Grassland, Meat quality, Sustainability, Food labeling, Case study, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57475&r=agr |
| By: | Mason, Nicole M.; Jayne, T.S. |
| Abstract: | After two decades of de-urbanization, Zambia is again becoming increasingly urban. While the urban share of the population fell to 35% in 2000 due primarily to the decline of the copper industry, over half of Zambiaâs people will be residing in urban areas by 2040. Given this urbanization trajectory, to be effective, policies to promote smallholder agriculture and improved urban food marketing system performance in Zambia will need to take into consideration the demand patterns of urban food consumers. Urban consumption patterns will increasingly determine the opportunities available to small-scale farmers. Accurate information on urban consumer preferences can also help identify key leverage points and investment priorities to improve the performance of the food marketing system. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, food security, africa, zambia, consumption urban, staple foods, survey, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q19, |
| Date: | 2009–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:56803&r=agr |
| By: | Food Security Group |
| Abstract: | Decades of research have led to substantially improved understanding of the nature of food insecurity. Until the food crisis of 2007/08, a combination of economic growth and targeted programs resulted in a steady fall in the percentage of the worldâs population suffering from under-nutrition (from 20% in 1990/92 to 16% in 2006). Yet over a billion people still face both chronic and/or transitory food insecurity due to long-standing problems of inadequate income, low-productivity in agricultural production and marketing, and related problems of poor health and absence of clean water. Among regions of the world, the greatest number of the food insecure lives in South Asia, while Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest proportion of population that is food insecure. Achieving adequate food security for such a large number of people is increasingly challenging due to a combination of economic, social, political and environmental factors. This document contains an overview of the past 25 years of research, capacity-building, and outreach by MSUâs Food Security Group. The paper describes key elements of the FSG approach and draws lessons regarding the value of that model. It also examines the insights gained from research and outreach, primarily in Africa, and their value to the U.S. Global Food Security Initiative in addressing the major current challenges facing food and agricultural systems. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Food Security, research, capacity building, outreach, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, q10, q18, q12, q13, |
| Date: | 2009–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:55047&r=agr |
| By: | Andreea, Raluca Ion; Turek, Magdalena; Turek, Adrian |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study is to describe the businesses of Romanian producers of agrofood traditional products traded to the Romanian Farmerâs Fair. The need of pursuing these issues is emerged from the changes happened on the market of agro-food products in those regarding the transitions to a healthier consumption, to ecological and/or traditional products, in the case of some consumers. Because of these, some producers identified opportunities of developing businesses with traditional Romanian products. In describing producersâ businesses, a qualitative marketing research is undertaken to the Romanian Farmerâs Fair, trying to identify future trends of the market of agro-food products. |
| Keywords: | Traditional products, Model of consumption, Agro-food productsâ market, Consumer, Agribusiness, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57421&r=agr |
| By: | Simasiku, Phyllis; Chapoto, Antony; Richardson, Robert B.; Sichilongo, Mwape; Tembo, Gelson; Weber, M.T.; Zulu, Alimakio |
| Abstract: | More effective policies are needed to improve access and secure rights to land and other natural resources for various stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers. Service delivery at all levels of governance needs to be restructured and strengthened in order to promote and improve economic development and management of natural resources in both open and protected areas. New strategies are needed for protecting and developing natural resource areas based on appropriate resource management systems that promote broad-based participation and sharing of benefits, and offer potential for more effective community-based natural resource management. Improvements are needed in natural resource policy and law review processes in order to take better advantage of accumulated technical knowledge among stakeholders. In addition more efforts are required to achieve effective public-private pooling of interests and resources as well to adopting business-oriented approaches to natural resource management. Coordinated efforts are required to raise productivity of smallholdersâ agricultural land through greatly expanded applied research and extension, and complementary infrastructure investments. |
| Keywords: | Zambia, food security, rural development, natural resource management, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q16, q18, q27, q30, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:58543&r=agr |
| By: | Surabhi Mittal; Gaurav Tripathi; Sanjay Gandhi |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates a series of questions that explore this topic: What kind of information do farmers value the most to improve agricultural productivity? Do mobile phones and mobile-enabled agricultural services have an impact on agriculture? What are the factors that impede the realisation of the full productivity enhancing potential of mobile phones? The answers to these questions have important implications for mobile operators, for information service providers, and for policymakers. The quality of information, its timeliness and trustworthiness are the three important features that have to be ensured to enable farmers to use it effectively to improve productivity. [ICRIER WP No. 246]. |
| Keywords: | information, Indian,socio-economic, fishermen, agricultural productivity, farmers, services, mobile operators, information, |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2443&r=agr |
| By: | Dembele, Niama Nango; Staatz, John |
| Abstract: | The situation analysis and perspectives on food security West Africa shows a widening gap between the needs of consumption and nutrition and food availability at Global countries, households and individuals. Low gains productivity in food production and import capacity are the major constraints to the achievement of security Food in the region. The agricultural growth becomes the prerequisite for improving the food situation. |
| Keywords: | Food Security, West Africa, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, q18, q17, q13, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58546&r=agr |
| By: | Vuylsteke, Anne; Van Gijseghem, Dirk |
| Abstract: | Agriculture is faced by permanent evolution and it is expected that this trend will continue in the next decennium. The question is what challenges lie ahead and which types of agricultural research can support the sector in order to retain its competitive power by the year 2020. To address this issue, a multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary process was initiated in Flanders. The process outcomes learn that two types of action are needed. Firstly, there is need for a focused knowledge production in 5 thematic fields. Central issues hereby are an efficient agriculture, the broadening of the value creation model of agriculture and the increasing sustainability of production. Secondly, efforts should be made to improve the organisation of research with emphasis on participation, anticipation, meta-coordination and validation of research outcomes. |
| Keywords: | Research organisation, Knowledge networks, Innovation, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57419&r=agr |
| By: | Ferto, Imre; Forgacs, Csaba |
| Abstract: | The organic agriculture represents a promising alternative for the future of European agriculture. It is consistent with the notion of sustainable development set forth already in the 1992 CAP Reform. Despite of increasing importance of organic farming, the research on organic farming is still limited. This scarcity of the research is especially true for New Member States of the enlarged EU. This paper investigates the choice between conventional and organic production technologies for individual farmers in Hungarian agriculture. We apply a model that explicitly accounts for the effects of farm-specific variables like age and education on the expectations farmers have on the utility of both production technologies. In addition we take into account the perceptions of farmers about the organic farming. The model was estimated on a cross-section data set of Hungarian farmers for the period 2007 using a logit specification. It appears that education has a positive impact on the choice between conventional and organic farming, and, the size of the farm in hectares has a negative effect on this choice. Age and some general considerations on environmental friendly technologies do not have a significant effect on choice between conventional and organic farming. |
| Keywords: | Innovation, Attitudes, Organic production, Diffusion, Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57488&r=agr |
| By: | Haggblade, Steven; Longabaugh, Steven; Tschirley, David L. |
| Abstract: | Zambiaâs population clusters tightly in cities along the north-south line of rail and in the primarily rural areas of Eastern Province (Figure 1). Staple food consumption and purchases are similarly concentrated in these heavily populated clusters (Figures 4 and 5). Across the border, several high-density population centers lie close to the Zambian border â in the copperbelt cities of southern DRC, in the highlands of southern Tanzania, in Malawi and in Zimbabwe (Figure 2). This results in sizeable potential food markets for Zambian farmers across the border in southern DRC and, intermittently, in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Zambiaâs staple food production and sales likewise cluster spatially in three main areas: along the line of rail, in the large commercial farming blocks of north-central Zambia, and to a lesser extent in Eastern Province (Figure 6). This spatial clustering offers opportunities for Zambia to benefit from regional trade in food staples. In normal and good harvest years, significant export potential exists in matching the large cereal-producing blocks in north-central Zambia with the nearby copperbelt cities of both Zambia and DRC. Conversely, in years of domestic shortfall, significant import supplies may be available from cross-border farmers and traders in southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique and, in time, Zimbabwe. If Zambian farmers are to invest in the productive capacity necessary to serve these external markets, they will require consistent and predictable trade policies. Figure 1. |
| Keywords: | Zambia, food security, Africa, staple food production, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, q18, q13, q17, |
| Date: | 2010–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:58544&r=agr |
| By: | Sasha C. Breger Bush |
| Abstract: | This paper critically engages the World Bank’s recent experiments in providing marketbased price risk management for coffee farmers. Using the case of Mexico and the recent 1998–2002 coffee crisis, I argue that such advocacy of farm-level use of derivatives markets entails large direct and indirect costs for coffee farmer wellbeing. This is especially so for smallholders. Not only might hedging with derivatives further destabilise and reduce producer incomes, but the opportunity cost of the Bank’s advocacy, in terms of foregone risk management alternatives, is also problematic. I conclude with a discussion of several risk management alternatives that may better support small coffee producers facing volatile commodity prices. |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bwp:bwppap:11309&r=agr |
| By: | Chapoto, Antony; Jayne, T.S. |
| Abstract: | There is continuing debate in east and southern Africa about the effects of food market reform on the welfare of small-scale farmers and low-income consumers. At the center of this debate is the perception that food prices have become more unstable in countries that have liberalized their staple food markets, thereby exacerbating the plight of poor consumers and farmers. This perception has led many governments in the region to shun an open maize borders policy and pursue a variety of food marketing and trade policy tools to stabilize food prices. Unfortunately, there remains a dearth of empirical evidence on the effects of alternative food marketing and trade policies, including that of liberalization, on price stability and predictability. Assessments of this issue are complicated by the fact that market reform programs are not monolithic in their design or implementation â impacts of reform on price instability may depend on variations in implementation. It would be particularly important to compare the magnitude of food price instability in countries that have embraced relatively comprehensive staple food market reform policies over time versus those in which the state continues to influence and stabilize food prices through the operations of marketing boards and controls on trade. This study examines the amplitude of price instability and unpredictability between countries using trade barriers and marketing board operations to stabilize prices versus countries with relatively open trade policies. Instability is defined as the unconditional variance in food prices over time, whereas unpredictability is defined as the unanticipated component of price instability, i.e., the conditional variance from a price forecast model. |
| Keywords: | africa, food security, maize, trade, markets, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, q13, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:56798&r=agr |
| By: | Mason, Nicole M.; Jayne, T.S. |
| Abstract: | ⢠The Zambia Urban Consumption Survey, a survey of 1,865 urban households in Lusaka, Kitwe, Mansa, and Kasama, was conducted in August 2007 and February 2008 by the Central Statistical Office in collaboration with the Zambia Food Security Research Project. ⢠Survey results indicate that in Lusaka and Kitwe, wheat has overtaken maize as the most important staple in terms of urban consumer expenditures. Maize is no longer the dominant staple food in urban Zambia, except among the poor. This finding is consistent with broader regional trends toward declining dependence on maize for urban staple food needs. ⢠Hammer-milling services are readily available to the vast majority of urban households and in most cases their cheapest maize meal option is to obtain maize grain and have it custom-milled for a fee. However, maize grain is not consistently available in public markets during the lean season (December-March). GRZ could promote urban food security by ensuring that maize grain is available in public markets at all times. ⢠In Kasama and Mansa, and particularly among relatively poor households, cassava is an important consumption item and serves as a buffer against high maize prices and poor maize grain availability during the lean season. ⢠Supermarkets have only 5-17% of the market share for staple foods and are frequented mainly by wealthier households. Urban consumers are heavily dependent upon non-supermarket, informal retail outlets such as public markets and grocers for their staple food purchases. Policies and public investments to support these traditional retailers, help them operate more efficiently, and reduce the transaction costs they face may have higher payoffs for most urban consumers as well as smallholder farmers than policies presupposing the rapid takeover of supermarkets and other more formal retail channels. |
| Keywords: | zambia, food security, consumption, household, urban, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, q19, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:56810&r=agr |
| By: | Petrovic, Zivojin; Jankovic, Dejan; Cikic, Jovana |
| Abstract: | In the paper, the authors analyse problems in the extension work and farmersâ needs on the basis of the empirical sociological survey that comprised attitudes of all the agricultural extension workers in Serbia. The survey has been conducted by the authors during 2008 in all of the extension offices in Serbia using the semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis reveals the regional specifics of the farmersâ needs and the problems that the advisors face in daily work, as well. According to the survey results there are three types of problems that are mutually connected: 1. general crisis of the agricultural sector, 2. problems regarding characteristics of farm holdings and farmers population in Serbia and 3. problems that are related to extension organization. Farmersâ needs analysis points to four dominant needs of farmers in Serbia: 1. farm management, 2. help in establishment of farmersâ cooperatives, 3. plant protection and 4. information and advice regarding the agricultural policy. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural extension, Problems in extension work, Farmersâ needs, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57511&r=agr |
| By: | Ivanovic, Lana; Jelocnik, Marko; Bekic, Bojana |
| Abstract: | Belgrade, as administrative, economic and cultural centre of Republic of Serbia, covers total area of 3.224 km2. From this area, 69,1% is agricultural land, which represents fundamental base for establishment of agricultural production. Live stock breeding, on the territory of Belgrade city, as well as in entire Republic of Serbia, is the most important branch of agriculture. On observed territory animal productsâ processing industry (dairies and slaughter houses) especially is developed. Because of that, increment of total live stock breeding production is of great importance for this territory. For growth of live stock breeding competitiveness, in this paper work concrete activities are suggested, such as specialization and increment of production intensity, accomplishment of better financial conditions, selection, accomplishment of better primary agricultural products purchase, etc. In this paper work also are considered and described necessary measures which have to be done by governmental institution, local communities, agro complex companies and family husbandries, with main goal to increase livestock breeding production competitiveness. |
| Keywords: | competitiveness, live stock breeding, Belgrade city, agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57351&r=agr |
| By: | Doitchinova, Julia; Kanchev, Ivan; Miteva, Albena |
| Abstract: | The purpose of the paper is to analyze and to assess the status of the multifunctional agriculture in Bulgaria and on the basis of the attitudes of the agricultural producers to develop such activity to suggest trends for strengthening their adaptation to CAP conditions. The paper presents the main results from a scientific research of a team from the University of National and World Economy, Department âEconomy of Natural Resourcesâ, Agribusiness Section - Sofia, Bulgaria (2006-2007). |
| Keywords: | multifunctional agriculture, multifunctional agricultural holding, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57509&r=agr |
| By: | Luca Alinovi |
| Abstract: | 33 countries currently face a food security crisis, 14 of which have been in this situation for more than a decade. When emergencies continue for such extended periods of time, traditional humanitarian and development paradigms are not suitable for guiding effective responses. Rather than engaging in ad hoc relief programmes, interventions should follow longer term strategies and build on local institutions. |
| Keywords: | rural development, hunger, food security, economic crisis, prices, agriculture |
| JEL: | Q18 Q11 O13 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fao:pbrief:07en&r=agr |
| By: | Popovic, Blazenka S.; Paunovic, Tamara Z.; Maletic, Zoran M. |
| Abstract: | Agriculture as the economic sector is an important factor of economic development of Serbia and an important part of economic structure. Serbia has agrarian resources (land, climate and water) that are not used enough, and therefore, represent a significant economic potential for further development. Vojvodina is the best-developed economic region of the Republic of Serbia, with dominant role of agricultural production. The main economic potential of Vojvodina development is, among other things, the strengthening and improvement of agriculture in the private sector. Economic potential of agriculture impose the need to analyze this situation in the field of small and medium sized entrepreneurship as the bearer of the future development of agriculture in Vojvodina. Cluster analysis is a method that will determine how to group communes in Vojvodina according to the level of development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of agriculture, and thus get an insight into the current state of development of this sector of agriculture, as well as point out the possibilities for the future development of SMEs in agribusiness of Vojvodina. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural production, Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), Clusters analysis, Clustering of communes in Vojvodina, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Public Economics, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57643&r=agr |
| By: | Akay, Alpaslan; Martinsson, Peter; Medhin, Haileselassie |
| Abstract: | We investigated attitudes toward positionality among rural farmers in northern Ethiopia, using a tailored two-part survey experiment. On average, we found positional concerns neither in income per se, nor in income from aid projects among the farmers. These results support the claim that positional concerns are correlated with absolute level of income of a country. |
| Keywords: | Ethiopia, relative income, positional concern |
| JEL: | C90 D63 |
| Date: | 2010–02–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-10-05-efd&r=agr |
| By: | Ladegard, Gro; Romstad, Eirik |
| Keywords: | regional development, multifunctionality, municipalities, demand, coordination, networks, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57335&r=agr |
| By: | Matei, Mirela; Stancu, Adrian; Vukovic, Predrag |
| Abstract: | Global climate changes are taking place and its impacts on economy are already occurring in fields like tourism, agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, insurance industry or capital market. Specialists draw attention that climate change has negative effects and positive effects. For example, in some parts of Europe, especially in north, the agricultural may benefit from temperature rise increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The most important part of these changes is due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity. Between greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest contributor with a weight around of 80 % of total GHG emissions. The agriculture is the most affected sector by the climate change, but agricultural activities have many implications on environment through emissions of methane and nitrous oxide that result from changes in land use and agricultural production or through the production of bio fuels. |
| Keywords: | climate change, agriculture, greenhouse gas, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57350&r=agr |
| By: | Vassalos, Michael; Dillon, Carl R.; Karanikolas, Pavlos |
| Abstract: | Multifuncionality has become a central concern at both conceptual and empirical levels. In this study, a comparative evaluation of the economic performance of conventional and multifunctional farms (mainly organic farms) was conducted for Lake Kerkini region (North Greece) with the use of mixed integer non-linear programming method. Economic performance was evaluated in terms of farm income, resource allocation, production level etc. The results indicate that multifunctional farms have overall better economic performance and young farm managers are keener to adopt multifunctional farming than the older ones. |
| Keywords: | Greek farming, Multifunctionality of farming, Farm, Farm decision making and age of farmers, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57640&r=agr |
| By: | Ceranic, Slobodan; Maletic, Radojka; Jankovic Soja, Svjetlana |
| Abstract: | Development of strong and competitive sector of small and medium enterprises has very important role in process of total transition in Republic of Serbia. This sector should be one of the guidelines of economical development in the future, like in developed countries. Within the ²Strategy of development of SME and entrepreneurship in Republic of Serbia from 2003 to 2008² government of the Republic of Serbia, not accidentally, placed, among many other sectors (which are expected to contribute and boost economical development, increase the employment rate, and realize increased foreign export earnings), the sector of agricultural products processing. It can be concluded that significant contribution from agriculture to improvement of overall economic status is expected. Accession to EU should be considered not only as the opportunity, but also as a serious task in agriculture restructuring. However, aggravating circumstance, in regard to export of agricultural and food products, first of all to EU countries, is the fact that this market is under strict protective measures within the policy of agriculture and measures of agrarian protectionism. In such conditions, it is very difficult for producers and food processors to enter such closed markets. Considering the flexibility of small and medium enterprises with regard to production programs, as well as their capability to adjust to economical trends, it can be expected that they become one of the most important subjects of support of agribusiness development in Republic of Serbia. |
| Keywords: | SME, agribusiness development, transition, market, Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57345&r=agr |
| By: | Blasi, E.; Cicatiello, C.; Passeri, N. |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to deeply analyze some of the theoretical and methodological implications linked to the definition, the characterization, the evaluation and the estimation of the economic results of a multifunction agricultural farm. A deep study of these aspects seems essential for two reasons. On one hand, society is pressing farms to enlarge the existing set of goods and services; on the other hand, sector policies offer to farms new opportunities, which regard the allocation of services linked to the different functions that agriculture is able to carry out. In these conditions, in order to make the entrepreneur able to decide which services to set in motion, considering the economical input that their activation could bring to the farm, it is fundamental to identify an analytic method that is capable to estimate and evaluate the economic results of a multifunction farm. |
| Keywords: | Multifunctionality, Economic indicators, Rural development, Agribusiness, Labor and Human Capital, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57503&r=agr |
| By: | Privitera, Donatella |
| Abstract: | Many farmers, in addition to normal farming activities, have already turned to agritourism as a source of additional farm income and opportunities. There are numerous benefits to be gained from the development of agritourism: it may strengthen local economy, create job opportunities and develop and promote training and certification programs to introduce young people to agriculture and the environment. Agritourism helps preserve rural lifestyles and landscape and offers the opportunity to provide "sustainable" tourism. Organic agriculture is due to demand for healthy foods with a high quality standard and limited use of chemical substances. Organic agriculture is closely connected to agritourism and tourism. The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine those factors that have helped rural communities to successfully develop agritourism, in particular organic-agritourism, and to discuss its entrepreneurship opportunities. Several focus groups were conducted with local business people and leaders regarding an applicative case of Southern Italy. |
| Keywords: | agritourism, organic agriculture, competitiveness, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57347&r=agr |
| By: | James Roumasset (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa) |
| Abstract: | In spite of healthy demand for a renaissance in economic policy for agricultural development, the academic supply response is found wanting. The infusion of public economics into the economics of agricultural development, which thrived during the 1970s and 80s, has stagnated due to the lack of foundations in transaction costs, dynamics, and the co-evolution of specialization and governance. Many of the policy ideas found in the World Bank’s, WDR 08, for example, reflect a post-modern tendency to seek and destroy market failures with new mandates and subsidies for farmer cooperatives, microfinance, crop insurance, and land reform. The new development microeconomics favors form over substance and overemphasizes multiple equilibria, trap theories, new market failures, and the new case for social insurance. Empirical research has likewise suffered from the quest for clever instruments and methods instead of informative results that estimate parameters of established theories, distinguish between competing theories, or challenge theory to explain empirical patterns. These latest fads and fancies have distracted economists from the quest for fundamental explanations of development patterns, especially the nature and causes of specialization as an engine of growth. The stage is set for young dynamic scholars to develop new tools of analysis to explain empirical patterns in behavior and organization in developing agriculture and to build the foundations of a public microeconomics of development. |
| Keywords: | Post-modern, fundamental explanation, small-farm bias, social insurance, new institutional economics |
| JEL: | O1 O2 O3 O4 Q1 |
| Date: | 2010–03–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hai:wpaper:201003&r=agr |
| By: | Haggblade, Steven; Longabaugh, Steven; Tschirley, David |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to develop and test methods for spatial mapping of population, food production, consumption, and marketed quantities in Africa. As an initial, exploratory exercise, the paper examines the spatial pattern of population, food production, consumption, and trade in the three countries of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. This largely descriptive initial work will lay the empirical foundations for future analytical work modeling regional trade flows of food staples. By mapping population, food production, and trade flows, the paper aims to help policy makers better understand and anticipate spatial interactions in staple food markets. Through visual presentation of market information, these spatial mapping tools offer prospects for animating an ongoing dialogue among public and private stakeholders on key market flows, key bottlenecks, and key opportunities for improving food security in good and bad harvest years. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Food Security, Production, Marketing, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, Q13, |
| Date: | 2009–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:54553&r=agr |
| By: | Manole, Victor; Popescu George, Cristian; Davitoiu, Sorin |
| Abstract: | On agro-food productsâ market of the European Market a saturation of products has been reached, attaining the stage of limitation, by means of certain policies and specific levers, of the expansion of this market. Romania faced the situation of member state of EU, when, after year 2006, it entered a harsh competition, in which the predominant word is saturation. This is the reason for which the post-accession studies in agriculture must aim both at valorizing the natural potential of not-exploited or less exploited resources of Romania, and at finding out solutions to increase competitiveness of the field, in which Romania feels threatened, aiming first of all at the markets of traditional products. Competitiveness is based on criteria of economic efficiency, according to which an important place takes the rational and efficient exploitation of the natural resources, especially in agriculture. In order to point out the significance of MAP cultures, we will make a comparison of some indicators of efficience of the wheat, corn, colza cultures and several medicinal plants which were cultivated and studied. The comparison will be made taking into consideration both the data of average efficiency in case of MAP (using classical technologies, without applying the knowledge discovered by the researches of the field), and the maximal ones on the crops and MAP cultures (by application of knowledge resulted from agronomic research specific for the improvement of the technology of each species of MAP). This field MAP is so much the more important for Romania as this country owns elements of environment favourable for a potential exploitation of the medical aromatic plants, without affecting the traditional cultures in the agricultural areas. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57341&r=agr |
| By: | Chamberlin, Jordan; Jayne, T.S. |
| Abstract: | This report uses panel data on 1,267 smallholder households to monitor changes in their access to markets and services. We find that Kenyan smallholdersâ proximity to infrastructure, markets, and services has improved markedly over the last decade. These improvements, however, have not been uniformly distributed over either time or space. Farmers in high-potential areas of the country continue to enjoy closer proximity to most kinds of markets and services compared to low-potential areas, but the greatest relative improvements over the 1997-2007 period have been in areas of medium and low potential. We also distinguish between public and private investments in examining changes in smallholdersâ access to markets. Changes deriving from public investments have tended to be most geographically equitable; private investments appear to have been relatively concentrated in the less productive farming areas of the country, possibly because earlier investments focused on high-potential areas, leaving unexploited investment opportunities in the less productive areas. These changes in smallholdersâ access to markets may offer important insights about the private sectorâs response to market liberalization in recent Kenyan history. |
| Keywords: | Kenya, markets, food security, Africa, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, q18, q13, |
| Date: | 2009–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:58545&r=agr |
| By: | Popovic, Rade; Knezevic, Marija; Tosin, Milos |
| Abstract: | In the paper is analyzed competitiveness of Serbian family dairy farms in lowland region in 2007, with some aspects of possible perspectives. Globalization process, expected EU integrations and set of free trade agreements will expose Serbian farms in close future to higher level of competition. Identified structural changes, refers on dairy farms concentration and specialization in lowland region in recent years. Estimated model of cost function revealed that family farms with bigger herd size have lower average costs of milk production. Economic efficiency, measured in terms of cost efficiency, shows that larger dairy farms are more efficient. But, not all smaller farms are inefficient. Due to good management some smaller farms are competitive on national market. Milk price volatility in period 2007 to 2009 hurts all farms, but the most farms with higher average costs, which are usually inefficient dairy farms. |
| Keywords: | Competitiveness, Dairy enterprise, Dairy farm, Milk production, Serbia, Agribusiness, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57416&r=agr |
| By: | Seth R. Gitter (Department of Economics, Towson University); Natalia Caldes (ETSIA- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) |
| Abstract: | Nicaragua’s Red de Protección Social (RPS), is part of a wave of conditional cash transfer programs that provide substantial cash payments to households if certain requirements are met such as school attendance, visits to health care facilities, and participation in nutritional seminars. Utilizing the experimental design of RPS we test the impacts of the program on food expenditures and variety in consumed food bundles by examining the influences of initial poverty and an exogenous shock to coffee prices on coffee producing communities. Through cash payments, RPS was able to increase food consumption and variety. Additionally, nutrition education programs provided by RPS appear to have been successful, as household expenditure share on food increased (although not significantly), while Engel’s law suggests that food share should decrease with a conditional cash monetary transfer. Results also show that coffee price shocks tended to decrease both the variety and expenditures on cereals and vegetables. Moreover, the shock to coffee prices seems to have had a greater impact on the consumption of households relatively better off pre-program. Finally, RPS impacts on food security appear to remain constant across households even when there are differences in initial poverty or the exogenous shock to coffee prices. |
| Date: | 2010–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tow:wpaper:2010-07&r=agr |
| By: | Materia, Valentina Cristiana; Esposti, Roberto |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses, through a Random Utility Model (RUM), how a public institution selects among competitive agricultural R&D projects on the basis of observable distinctive features. In particular, we aim at verifying if, which and how other criteria, beyond the pure scientific value, are decisive for selection. From such information, like cost, duration, etc., the institution must infer about the unobservable actual ability, effort and reliability of the scientists themselves. Such analytical framework is empirically applied to a real case, the agricultural R&D activity funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) between 2001 and 2006. |
| Keywords: | Public Agricultural R&D Funding, Random Utility Model, Logit Model, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Public Economics, |
| Date: | 2009–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ea113a:57642&r=agr |