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on Agricultural Economics |
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Issue of 2011‒08‒15
149 papers chosen by |
| By: | Asuming-Brempong, Samuel |
| Abstract: | Agricultural land use and the management of agricultural lands in Ghana as evidenced from farmer practices have been analysed using descriptive and regression analysis. The analysis shows that different land management practices affect crop yields differently in the different ecological zones. Also, the types of land management practices farmers use differ across the different ecological zones. The policy implication is that agricultural interventions should be developed on the basis of agro-ecological zones, and blanket crop improvement packages should be avoided. The recommended policy action is that food crop farmers should be helped to improve the management of their agricultural lands by ecological zones at two levels. First, the practices that are common and promote agricultural production in each zone should be targeted for improvement. Such a policy will re-orient farmers towards the adoption of more sustainable farm practices. Second, land management practices that are not currently being used by farmers in each zone but have potential to improve crop production should be identified and promoted in the respective agro-ecological zones. A pro-active policy of this kind will provide farmers better land use alternatives in each ecological zone. |
| Keywords: | Land Management, Crop Yields, Ecological Zones, Productivity, Practices, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96830&r=agr |
| By: | Rao, Elizaphan J.O.; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Many developing countries are currently experiencing a rapid expansion of supermarkets. New supermarket procurement systems could have important implications for farming and wider rural development. While previous studies have analyzed farm profit and income effects, possible employment effects have received much less attention. Building on data from a recent survey of vegetable farmers in Kenya, in this article a double-hurdle model of hired labor use is developed and estimated. Farmer participation in supermarket channels increases the likelihood of hiring labor by 13% and overall demand for hired labor by 38%. A gender disaggregation shows that positive employment effects are especially pronounced for female hired labor. Given that agricultural wage labor is primarily an activity of low-income households in rural areas, the poor benefit over-proportionally. |
| Keywords: | Supermarkets, Off-farm income, Hired labor, Double-hurdle model, Kenya, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Labor and Human Capital, Land Economics/Use, Livestock Production/Industries, Productivity Analysis, C34, Q12, Q13, J43, |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:107745&r=agr |
| By: | Nambiro, Elizabeth; Chianu, Jonas; Murage, Alice W. |
| Abstract: | Maize is the staple food for most Kenyan households, and grown in almost all the farming systems. Due to diminishing farm sizes in Kakamega District, crop productivity and the efficiency of farming systems are of great concern. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the links between efficiency in maize production and access to soil-related agricultural information services. Using cluster sampling, a total of 154 farmers in Kakamega District were interviewed. A 2âstep estimation technique (Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit model) were used to evaluate the technical efficiencies among the farmers and the factors explaining the estimated efficiency scores. Data was disaggregated into farmers with and those without access to soil-related agricultural information services. The results shows that farmers with access to soil-related agricultural information services were more technically efficient (average technical efficiency of 90%) in maize production compared to those without access to information (technical efficiency at 70%). Given the significant role that access to soil-related agricultural information services play on technical efficiency in maize production in the study area, the paper recommends improvements in farmers access to this important resources through: (i) the strengthening of the formal and informal agricultural extension services, (ii) a stronger linkage among agricultural research, agricultural extension, and farm level activities; and (iii) policy support for increased distribution of soil management inputs. |
| Keywords: | Maize, Soil information, Technical efficiency, Tobit analysis, DEA, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95961&r=agr |
| By: | Langat, B.K.; Sulo, T.K.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Ngeno, V.K.; Korir, M.K.; Kipsat, Mary J. |
| Abstract: | Policies fronting commercialization of agriculture in Kenya assumed that realization of increased household incomes, through cultivation of cash crops, would guarantee improved food security and subsequent reduction of poverty. However, most communities in Kenya growing cash crops are currently struggling to put food on the table. Nandi South is a maize deficit zone despite being 68% arable and having good climate (GoK, 2005). Population pressure has led to competition for limited land resource, coupled with unfavourable poverty indicators; they have impacted negatively on food access in the district. Specifically significant is smallholder tea population in Nandi Hills division. The study focused the population of smallholder tea farmers in Nandi South who supply their tea leaves to the Multinational tea estates. The main objective was to investigate the factors influencing householdsâ food security among smallholder tea farmers in Nandi South. A modified Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) was used to model food demand of the smallholder households. Multi-stage proportional-to-size cluster sampling was used to sample 180 households. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interviews. Results point out that income, savings, food storage, land productivity, off-farm income, ratio of land allocated to tea significantly influence household food security. Policies that aim at improving household food security among smallholder cash crop farmers should target at increasing and diversifying household income sources and farm enterprises, provision of saving opportunities, storage facilities and proper allocation of land resource between cash crops and food crops. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97086&r=agr |
| By: | Eze, C.C.; Konkwo, S.O.; Orebiyi, J.S.; Kadiri, F.A. |
| Abstract: | This study examined land tenure systems, farm sizes, agricultural productivity and innovation in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, estimated the farm size of the farmers, identified reasons for not practicing mechanized farming, identified different innovations available to the farmers and identified the factors that affected agricultural productivity . Five communities were chosen randomly and from each of these communities, twenty farmers were randomly chosen. Data were collected, collated and analyzed using relevant techniques such as means, percentages, frequency distribution and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 85% of the respondents practiced individual land tenure system alone. It was also revealed that the laws of inheritance and increase in population led to the subdivision and fragmentation of existing farmland in such a manner that the sizes of farm holdings discouraged agricultural commercialization. Also, it was found that fragmentation led to a great distance between the plot which increased the waste in man-hour and energy. It was also shown that mechanization of agriculture was impracticable under land fragmentation and adoption of modern innovation was reduced since just 35.0% of the respondents claimed to have adopted other forms of innovation. Lastly, the null hypothesis was rejected concluding that socio-economic factors affected the farmerâs productivity in the area. It was recommended that formation of cooperatives by farmers is an imperative in farm land consolidation of the scattered farm holdings into economic size to encourage large scale operation and bulk input sourcing and procurement. |
| Keywords: | land Tenure system, farm size, Agricultural productivity, innovation, Productivity Analysis, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108934&r=agr |
| By: | Elgali, Mohamed B.; Mustafa, Rajaa H.; Bauer, Siegfried |
| Abstract: | The agricultural trade of the Sudan is expected to develop under the recent dramatic increase of world food prices. Sudan as one of the developing countries and as price taker on the world agricultural market has been affected greatly by the world price increase. This paper aims at studying the impact of the increasing world food prices on developments of the agricultural crops trade sector of Sudan. In this paper a multimarket model is used as the main tool to estimate the increase of the world food prices on the crop trade sector. Multi-market analysis is a tool for simulating the effects of agricultural price policies on outcomes considered of interest to policy makers. The model under consideration takes the normal specification of a standard partial equilibrium model; it is static and consists of a set of demand and supply equations for each commodity with the level of production and demand determined by factors including prices, income, and demand and supply-shift variables, in addition to various other assumptions about policies. Price transmission equations in the model establish links between the domestic price, the producer price (for producers of exportable products and of import-substitute products), the consumer price and the world market price. The model has been developed to calculate the impact of high food prices on the main economy variables including supply and demand of the major agricultural commodities. The scenario of high world food prices showed on one hand, an increase in farmers' incentives resulting in higher levels of production of agricultural commodities, on the other hand, consumers demand has decreased significantly, and trade indicators reflect a positive effect on the agricultural crop trade sector. |
| Keywords: | Trade, Multi-market model, Sudan, International Development, International Relations/Trade, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97067&r=agr |
| By: | Nyairo, Newton Morara; Kola, Jukka; Sumelius, John |
| Abstract: | The introduction of agricultural reforms has debatable effects on food security in developing countries. This research investigates how such effects influenced maize supply in two developing countries which were among the first to introduce agricultural reforms. Conclusions from the research suggest that agricultural reforms led to mixed results. This may be attributed to the sometimes stop-go nature of reform implementation. The mixed results are reflected in the weak maize output response to price changes. Overall country economic conditions, state of agricultural development can be attributed to the pace of response, hence effect on agricultural supply. Elasticity of maize output to changes in price and acreage are strongly significant in maize output for the case of Kenya. Both restricted models of maize production suggest that prior to the introduction of reforms acreage, prices and alternative crops were more elastic when simulated with Zambian data than with Kenyan data. |
| Keywords: | food security, agricultural reforms, elasticity of supply, International Relations/Trade, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96172&r=agr |
| By: | Mazvimavi, Kizito; Ndlovu, Patrick V.; Nyathi, Putso; Minde, Isaac J. |
| Abstract: | This study is based on a panel survey interviewing 416 farmers practising conservation agriculture for at least five cropping seasons. Farmers obtained higher yields on conservation agriculture plots than on nonconservation agriculture ones. The mean maize yield on conservation agriculture was 1546 kg/ha compared to 970 kg/ha for non-conventional draft tillage plots across all 15 districts. However, the contribution of conservation agriculture to total household food security requirements was limited due to small plot sizes. Labor and land still remains a major challenge that limits the expansion of conservation agriculture area. Winter weeding remains a challenge, with 63% of farmers practicing it. Application of residues is still limited (56% of farmers practising it). Fertilizer application is largely dependent on access to free fertilizer. The survey results show that the 78 % of the respondent farmers were initially selected by the NGOs and were provided with inputs such as seed and fertilizer. The other 22% of the farmers in the sample were selected as spontaneous adopters, who did not initially receive any NGO support to implement conservation agriculture practices. Eleven percent of the interviewed farmers had stopped conservation agriculture practices by the 2008/09 cropping season due to withdrawal of input support by NGOs. Research should continue to explore different recommendations for different areas as farmers face dynamic agro-ecological and soil environments. Conservation agriculture should not be introduced as a blanket technology for all areas, but should be flexible and adaptable to local conditions. |
| Keywords: | conservation agriculture, planting basins, yield gains, adoption labor, and fertilizer, Farm Management, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96822&r=agr |
| By: | Renwick, Alan W.; Jansson, Torbjorn; Verburg, Peter H.; Revoredo-Giha, Cesar; Britz, Wolfgang; Gocht, Alexander; McCracken, Davy |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the potential impact of agricultural and trade policy reform on land-use across the EU focussing particularly on the issue of land abandonment. Using a novel combined application of the well established CAPRI and Dyna-CLUE models it estimates the extent of change across Europe under removal of Pillar 1 support payments and trade liberalisation. Overall, it is estimated that around 8 per cent less land will be farmed under these reforms than under the baseline situation. However, some regions, areas and farm types face more significant reductions. The reforms are particularly felt on livestock grazing farms situated in the more marginal areas of Europe, which also coincide with areas of high nature value. Therefore, farmland biodiversity is likely to be reduced in these areas. However, using a range of environmental indicators, relating to nutrient surpluses, GHG emissions, soil erosion and species abundance, an overall improvement in the environmental footprint of agriculture is likely. In addition, the economic efficiency of the agricultural sector will probably improve. The paper considers several possible options available to deal with any negative aspects of land abandonment. Following the FAO (2006), it is argued that untargeted, rather general agricultural policy measures which maintain land in production are likely to be an ineffective and inefficient way to address the perceived negative consequences of abandonment. A more holistic approach to rural development is required, tailored to the specific context within each area. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Policy, Land Use Change, Land Abandonment, Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108772&r=agr |
| By: | Babatunde, Raphael O.; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Reducing food insecurity in the developing world continues to be a major public policy challenge, and one that is complicated by the lack of a generalized comprehensive strategy for dealing with it. Around 854 million people are undernourished worldwide, many more suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, and the absolute numbers tend to increase further, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recent food price hikes have contributed to greater public awareness of hunger related problems, also resulting in new international commitments to invest in developing country agriculture. Whereas agriculture-led growth played an important role in reducing food insecurity and transforming the economies of many Asian and Latin American countries, the same has not yet occurred in Africa. Most countries in Africa have not yet met the criteria for a successful agricultural revolution, and factor productivity lags far behind the rest of the world. This has led to growing skepticism in the international development discourse about the relevance of agriculture to food security in the region. As a result, the promotion of off-farm activities as a pathway out of food insecurity has gained widespread support among development agencies and non-governmental organizations. So far, relatively little policy efforts have been made to promote the off-farm sector in a pro-poor way and overcome potential constraints in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. One reason is probably the dearth of solid and up-to-date information about the impact of off-farm income on food security and nutrition in specific context. While the poverty implications of off-farm income have been analyzed in different developing countries, much less is known about the impact of off-farm income on household food security and nutrition. 2 This paper analyzes the role of off-farm income in enhancing food security and nutrition for households in rural Nigeria. The analysis builds on a survey of 220 households in Kwara State, which was conducted in 2006. Food consumption data were elicited through a 7-day recall, covering 105 food items. The food consumption data are supplemented by anthropometric measurements that we took from pre-school children up to 60 months of age. In the 220 sample households, we obtained weight and height data from 127 children. Different Econometric analyses are employed to examine the mechanisms by which off-farm income affects household calorie and micronutrient supply, dietary quality, and child anthropometry. We hypothesize that off-farm income contributes to better nutrition in terms of calorie and micronutrient supply and child anthropometry. Issues of endogeneity are taken into account by using instrumental variable approaches. Both descriptive analyses and econometric approaches showed that off-farm income contributes to improved calorie supply at the household level. We find that off-farm income has a positive net effect on food security and nutrition, which is in the same magnitude as the effect of farm income. We also show that the prevalence of stunting and underweight is remarkably lower among children in households with off-farm income. Accordingly, improving poor householdsâ access to the off-farm sector can contribute to reducing problems of rural malnutrition. Our results demonstrate that both farm and off-farm activities can equally contribute to better food security and nutrition. Yet, while investing into agricultural growth is currently featuring high on the development policy agenda, promoting the rural off-farm sector receives much less attention. This should be rectified, especially in regions where agricultural resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Using a structural model, we also show that off-farm income contributes to higher food production and farm income by easing capital constraints, thus improving household welfare in multiple ways. Off-farm income diversification is already an extensive phenomenon 3 among rural households in developing countries. But without a clear policy strategy on how to support this process in a pro-poor way, outcomes might socially undesirable, because of unequal household access to certain off-farm activities. |
| Keywords: | Farm households, food security, micronutrients, child anthropometry, off-farm income, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97332&r=agr |
| By: | Leat, Philip M.K.; Lamprinopoulou, Chrysa; Revoredo-Giha, Cesar; Kupiec-Teahan, Beata |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the influence of agri-food supply chains on the sustainability-related activities and decisions of Scottish farmers, as well as the treatment of sustainability issues by food processors and retailers themselves. It is based on 8 whole chain case studies covering some of Scotlandâs major agricultural products. The cases identify differing levels of understanding and activities related to sustainability, but widespread acknowledgement that sustainability involves the development of chains within which all parties can achieve acceptable profits. Indeed, collaborative supply chains, which seek improved economic performance, frequently assist environmental and social sustainability. The main drivers of sustainability are found to be the cost of key inputs, product markets where customers increasingly seek sustainability in products, the ethos and values of the businesses and people involved, and legislation and strategies of industry bodies. At the farm level, many farmers are seeking more sustainable production systems, particularly in economic and environmental terms, but there is a need for greater guidance and assistance. The paper presents a review of several key food supply sustainability issues, the methods and concepts used in compiling and analysing the cases, as well as the principal findings and implications for agri-food supply chain and policy development. |
| Keywords: | Sustainability, Food, Supply chain, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q13, Q18, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108952&r=agr |
| By: | Baiphethi, Mompati N.; Viljoen, Machiel F.; Kundhlande, Godfrey; Ralehlolo, N.G. |
| Abstract: | The world recently experienced the food and financial crisis. The food crisis was an indicator of the challenges towards sufficiently feeding an increasing world population. Food production through rainfed and irrigated agriculture account for the bulk of the freshwater used globally but the water is still sufficient to meet the MDG goal on hunger reduction. Agricultural water management is thus an important challenge for feeding humanity; creates the need to find sustainable methods of managing water that will include all water users. Some of these methods include rainwater harvesting which has great potential in increasing food production as compared to irrigation. This paper aims to identify challenges and opportunities for small scale rainwater harvesting in enhancing food and livelihoods security. Given the large array of practices that are classified as rainwater harvesting, infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) developed and mainly practised in the Free State Province, South Africa is used. The technique has been in use in villages around Thaba Nchu for a couple of years. Previous studies have shown that the technique increased yield significantly, reduced risk and thus improved household food security. The paper traces the evolution of the technique based of previous studies and recent data, to identify the potential and challenges faced by adopting households. It is concluded that IRWH has great potential to improve household food security as well as contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods mainly as it can reduce dependence on market sourced food supplies. |
| Keywords: | food security, livelihoods, rainwater harvesting, household, yield, Food Security and Poverty, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96640&r=agr |
| By: | Asfaw, Solomon; Shiferaw, Bekele A. |
| Abstract: | Achieving agricultural growth and development and thereby improving rural household welfare will require increased efforts to provide yield enhancing and natural resources conserving technologies. Agricultural research and technological improvements are therefore crucial to increase agricultural productivity and thereby reduce poverty. However evaluation of the impact of these technologies on rural household welfare have been very limited by lack of appropriate methods and most of previous research has therefore failed to move beyond estimating economic surplus and return to research investment. This paper evaluates the potential impact of adoption of modern agricultural technologies on rural household welfare measured by crop income and consumption expenditure in rural Ethiopia and Tanzania. The study utilizes cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2007 from a randomly selected sample of 1313 households (700 in Ethiopia and 613 in Tanzania). We estimate the casual impact of technology adoption by utilizing endogenous switching regression and propensity score matching methods to assess results robustness. This helps us estimate the true welfare effect of technology adoption by controlling for the role of selection problem on production and adoption decisions. Our analysis reveals that adoption of improved agricultural technologies has a significant positive impact on crop income although the impact on consumption expenditure is mixed. This confirms the potential direct role of technology adoption on improving rural household welfare, as higher incomes from improved technology translate into lower income poverty. |
| Keywords: | rural household welfare, technology adoption, propensity score matching, endogenous switching, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Food Security and Poverty, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, C13, C15, O32, O38, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97049&r=agr |
| By: | Akudugu, M.A. |
| Abstract: | The global food crisis led to upward trends in food prices across the world. The millions of impoverished people living in developing countries including Ghana were the worst affected by the phenomenal increases in world food prices. This paper examines the implications of the global food crisis on the trends of food prices in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The data used for the analyses were average monthly prices of some selected grain cereals, grain legumes, vegetables, and root and tuber food items consumed in the region. The data were gathered from the Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The analyses revealed that on the average, the prices of food items grew over 200 percent during the last twenty years. However, the all time record high increase in food prices in the Upper East Region of Ghana was recorded in 2008 which is estimated as over 100 percent. It is concluded that the global food crisis among other things translated positively in terms of prices in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This has had negative effects on the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals especially on the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger in the area where over 80 percent of the people are said to be poor. It is recommended that farmers in the area should be supplied with subsidized farm inputs and credit facilities to help boost their production levels to help mitigate the effects of hunger, malnutrition and poverty on the vulnerable â women, children and the physically challenged. |
| Keywords: | Developing Countries, Food Crises, Ghana, Spiral Food Prices, Upper East, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97088&r=agr |
| By: | Chisango, F.F.T.; Obi, Ajuruchukwu |
| Abstract: | A development goal pursued by the Zimbabwean government even before the much-maligned fast track land reform programme (FTLRP) was expansion of agricultural production through agricultural mechanization. This goal has been pursued through the acquisition and use of tractors by arable crop farmers in communal and resettlement state land delineated during the period following the launch of the FTLRP. This research project investigated the combined impacts of mechanization and an unplanned land reform on agricultural productivity in the Bindura district of Zimbabwe. The existing land policy and the issue of technical efficiency in agricultural productivity are assumed to be the drivers of the programme. It is likely that these issues will be important considerations in determining the sustainability of the mechanization policy. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 90 farmers in the study area and structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic, investment and production data which were subsequently fitted by means of the Stochastic Frontier Model. Results revealed that mechanization was an important factor in the performance of the farmers who participated in the programme. The results also suggest that availability of land and access to production resources are crucial to farm productivity. Despite these, overall production and productivity remain low and the hyperinflationary situation triggered by supply constraints are only beginning to slightly ease. As the national unity government grapples with the huge task to restore growth in the Zimbabwean economy, it is important that these issues are borne in mind. |
| Keywords: | Technical Constraints, Market Access, Agricultural Development, Induced Innovation Model, The Stochastic Frontier model, The Productive Efficiency and Mandate of Extension, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97066&r=agr |
| By: | Omotesho, O.A.; Fakayode, S.B.; Tariya, Y. |
| Abstract: | Global trends nowadays towards long term sustainable crop production is hinged on either supplementing the use of chemical fertilizers with organic materials or a complete use of organic materials. This is more so since substituting chemical fertilizers with organic materials reduces the risks of exposure to ailments that arise on account of synthetic compounds and increases farmersâ gains via reduced soil erosion and carbon emissions and increased bio-diversity. In this vein, the current study investigated organic materials use in Nigeriaâs agriculture. Specifically, the study examined availability and use of chemical fertilizer and organic materials substitutes and investigated factors affecting the use of organic materials in the Nigerian food sector. The study data were drawn from a survey of sixty-one farm households that used organic materials as major nutrients inputs or as supplement with chemical fertilizers for their cropping activities. The study area is Shira in Nigeria. Farmers in this area usually incorporate the use of organic materials in their agriculture. The descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to analyse the study data. Results indicate that farmers in the study area source their chemical fertilizer inputs from the open market at an exorbitant price of N2000 (US dollar $13.8) per bag on average thereby using very low rates of chemical fertilizers. Organic materials used by farmers were sourced from cattle, goats, sheep and poultry droppings. The quantity of organic material used was 12,513.0 kg per hectare at a cost of N15,015.6 (US dollar $103.5). Major constraints in the use of organic materials by farmers include poor transport facilities and cutworm infestations of the organic materials. Factors revealed to influence the quantity of organic material used by farmers were the cost of organic materials and the quantity of chemical fertilizers used by the farmers. The study therefore calls for stakeholders in the food sub-sector to encourage the establishment of blending plants for the production of organic materials, burning of organic materials before usage, and the need to enhance researches aimed at establishing optimal material mixtures and application rates for organic materials used in the Nigerian farming systems. |
| Keywords: | farming systems, bio-diversity, carbon emissions, cut worm infestation, food sub-sector, sheep, goat, poultry, optimal mixtures, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97093&r=agr |
| By: | Butler, Allan; Hobbs, Phil; Winter, Michael |
| Abstract: | Expanding Anaerobic Digestion (AD) in the UK will not only depend upon finding appropriate economic structures to support onâfarm developments but also an appreciation of environmental issues such as less Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; reduced use of artificial fertilisers; and better management of farm wastes. At the core of this paper is the Anaerobic Digestion Analytical Model (ADAM) that examines the economic and environmental impacts of integrating AD into UK farming systems. However, the average dairy farm in the UK is not of sufficient size to enable profitable biogas production. Indeed, farm size, as represented by FBS/FAS data used in ADAM, needs to be scaled by three to four times for a biogas enterprise to breakâeven. To boost profitability, some farms may use additional energy (food and non food) crops as well as other high energy sources such as biodiesel residues etc. In some circumstances, possibilities may exist for neighbouring farmers to coâoperate and manage a biogas installation that processes manures and energy crops to increase the scale of an onâfarm plant. Despite issues of scale however, onâfarm AD plants do have the capacity to (i) reduce Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions that a dairy farm produces; and (ii) the byâproduct of digestate provides farms with greater nutrient availability for crops. |
| Keywords: | Anaerobic digestion, biogas, dairy farming, carbon dioxide, nutrients, digestate, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108937&r=agr |
| By: | Schipmann, Christin; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Supermarkets and hypermarkets are expanding rapidly in many developing countries. While consequences for farmers and consumers were analyzed recently, little is known about the implications for traditional retail formats such as wet markets. Using data from a market survey in Thailand and hedonic regression models, we analyze quality and prices for fresh vegetables from different retail outlets. Compared to wet markets, modern retailers sell higher quality at higher prices, indicating that they are primarily targeting better-off consumers. Hence, they are not directly competing for the same market segments. Yet there are signs that modern and traditional markets will gradually converge. |
| Keywords: | supermarkets, modern retailers, traditional wet markets, product quality, vegetables, Thailand, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, C21, L15, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:108348&r=agr |
| By: | Ouma, Emily Awuor; Jagwe, John |
| Abstract: | Smallholder farmers in developing countries need to improve their position in food value chains in order to improve their margins and as a strategy for coping with agricultural food price volatility through innovations within the chains. Value chain mappings and gross margin analysis were employed to assess constraints and opportunities for existing value chains for bananas in Central Africa using market survey data. The results showed weak linkages within the banana value chains with poor integration of value chain actors and minimal involvement with regional markets and high-value domestic chains such as supermarkets. Value addition in terms of agroprocessing was carried out at small scale levels using rudimentary techniques limiting the final product to low value markets. Transaction costs comprising transport, handling and storage comprised a high proportion of cost items in the value chain. Generally, the findings suggest that efforts aimed at strengthening linkages within the value chains, collective marketing, penetration into high-value chains and improved processing techniques may provide a potential avenue for enhancing banana value chains in Central Africa. |
| Keywords: | banana value chains, smallholder farmers, Central Africa, collective action, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96169&r=agr |
| By: | Jambor, Attila |
| Abstract: | In 2004, Hungary joined the European Union (EU) along with nine other Central and Eastern European Countries, causing several changes in the field of agriculture. One of the major changes was the transformation of national agri-food trade. The aim of the paper is to analyse the effects of EU accession on the Hungarian primary and processed agri-food trade, especially considering revealed comparative advantages, by using recent data. Results suggest that EU accession raised the intensity of trade contacts but had a negative impact on trade balance. Nominal values of both exports and imports increased after 2004, however, Hungarian agriculture is increasingly based on raw material export and processed food import. It also turned out that revealed comparative advantages of Hungarian primary agri-food products in EU15 remained almost constant after accession, while comparative advantages of processed agri-food products has been gradually increasing by time and even reached the satisfactory level in some cases. From the policy perspective, it is apparent that there is a need for deeper structural reforms of the Hungarian agricultural and food sector is the future. |
| Keywords: | EU accession, agri-food trade, primary and processed products, Agribusiness, Q17, Q18, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108946&r=agr |
| By: | Fewell, Jason E.; Bergtold, Jason; Williams, Jeffery |
| Abstract: | Farmersâ Willingness to Grow Switchgrass as a Cellulosic Bioenergy Crop: A Stated Choice Approach Agricultureâs role as a source of feedstocks in a potential lignocellulosic-based biofuel industry is a critical economic issue. Several studies have assessed the technical feasibility of producing bioenergy crops on agricultural lands. However, few of these studies have assessed farmersâ willingness to produce or supply bioenergy crops or crop residues. Biomass markets for bioenergy crops do not exist, and developing these markets may take several years. Therefore, an important, yet unaddressed question is under what contractual or pricing arrangements farmers will grow biomass for bioenergy in these nascent markets. The purpose of this paper is to examine farmersâ willingness to produce switchgrass under alternative contractual, pricing, and harvesting arrangements. Contracts are likely to be the preferred method to bring together producers and processors of biomass for bioenergy. Contract design may vary across farmers and crop type, and may include attributes specific to annual crops, contract length, quantity or acreage requirements, quality specifications, payment dates, and other important features. A stated choice survey was administered in three, six-county areas of Kansas by Kansas State University and the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service from November 2010 to January 2011 to assess farmersâ willingness to produce cellulosic biomass under different contractual arrangements. This paper focuses on the switchgrass stated choice experiment from the survey. The stated choice experiment asked farmers to rank their preferred contractual arrangement from two contract options and one âdo not adoptâ option. Contractual attributes included percentage net returns above the next best alternative (e.g. CRP or hay production), contract length, a custom harvest option, insurance availability, and a seed-cost share option. Respondents then ranked their preferred contract option. The survey also collected data on farm characteristics, bioenergy crop preferences, socio-economic demographics, risk preferences, and marketing behavior. The survey used a stratified sample of farmers who farm more than 260 acres and grow corn. A total of 460 surveys were administered with a 65 percent completion rate. The underlying theoretical model uses the random utility model (RUM) approach to assess farmersâ willingness to grow switchgrass for bioenergy and determine the contractual attributes most likely to increase the likelihood of adoption. This framework allows us to define the âprice,â or farmersâ mean willingness to accept, for harvested biomass sold to an intermediate processor. The estimated choice models follow the approach of Boxall and Adamowicz (2002) to capture heterogeneity across farmers and geographic regions due to management differences, conservation practices, and risk preferences. Using the percentage net return above CRP or hay production allows prices to float to levels that will entice farmers to adopt switchgrass. This will help determine a market price for bioenergy crops based on current market and production conditions without specifying an exact monetary value for the biomass. In addition, the survey results will facilitate contract designs between biorefineries and farmers while informing policymakers and the biofuel industry about farmersâ willingness to supply biomass for bioenergy production. Reference: Boxall, P.C. and W.L. Adamowicz, âUnderstanding Heterogeneous Preferences in Random Utility Models: A Latent Class Approach,â Environmental and Resource Economics 23(2002): 421 â 446. |
| Keywords: | Biofuels, Cellulosic, Biomass, Switchgrass, Farmers, Willingness to Pay, Crop Production/Industries, Production Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:waea11:109776&r=agr |
| By: | Bojnec, Stefan; Ferto, Imre |
| Abstract: | The paper investigates the impact of off-farm income on farm technical efficiency for the Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network farms in the years 2004-2008. Farm stochastic frontier time-varying decay inefficiency is positively associated with total utilised agricultural areas and total labour input, and vice versa with intermediate consumption and fixed assets. We find a positive association between farm technical efficiency and the off-farm income. Farm technical efficiency has increased steadily over time, the process, which was led by the off-farm spill over effect and most efficient farms. Farm technical efficiency is also positively associated with economic farm size, while association with subsidies is mixed depending on the estimation procedure. Quantile regression confirms the positive and significant associations between farm technical efficiency and off-farm income, and between farm technical efficiency and farm economic size, as well as also the positive association between farm technical efficiency and subsidies, but the results are sensitive by quantiles. |
| Keywords: | Off-farm income, Stochastic frontier analysis, Panel regression, Quantile regression, Slovenia, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108945&r=agr |
| By: | Kapfer, Martin; Hubner, Rico; Eckstein, Karin; Ziesel, Sigrid; Kantelhardt, Jochen |
| Abstract: | According to the concept of ecosystem services, agriculture not only provides commodities but also cultural and regulating services. While it is easy to value commodity production by market prices, the valuation of cultural and regulating services is complex because of their public good character. Non-parametric approaches such as the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) allow for estimating the contribution of agriculture to such services. However, it is not enough to know the extent of ecosystem services provided; it is also necessary to be aware of which farmers provide these services and where they are provided. In this paper, we suggest a plot-specific approach combining GIS analysis and DEA models. This allows a spatially explicit assessment of agricultural land use for different subject matters such as ecology and the contribution of a single plot to landscape diversity. The approach is undertaken in a marginal low-mountain region in Germany on 95 farms involving more than 5,800 plots. The results show the spatial distribution of externalities supplied by agriculture and the degree of segregation between âproduction areasâ and âprotection areasâ. The results also allow a deeper understanding of the spatial impact of policy measures on the provision of ecosystem services by agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural land use, data envelopment, environment-oriented technical efficiency, landscape-appearance-oriented technical efficiency, Land Economics/Use, Q12, Q26, Q57, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108954&r=agr |
| By: | Moss, Joan E.; Binfield, Julian; Zhang, Lichun; Patton, Myles; Kim, In Seck |
| Abstract: | Successive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms and trade liberalisation have led to a more market-orientated European agricultural sector, with EU commodity prices now more closely linked to world prices. As a consequence EU prices have become more volatile. Greater price volatility increases uncertainty and raises fresh challenges for projections of policy impacts in the EU. To take account of world price volatility stochastic modelling has been applied to the FAPRI-EU partial equilibrium model, which includes a UK modelling system. Stochastic modelling provides a means to capture some of the inherent uncertainty associated with agricultural production systems. By varying assumptions about certain exogenous variables, stochastic models can be used to examine the different ways markets may behave. Variable world prices are incorporated within the EU GOLD model. This process identifies the impact of a stochastic distribution of world prices on EU agriculture rather than the single point estimates in the conventional deterministic approach. The results outlined in this study demonstrate the impact of volatile world prices on EU and, in particular, UK prices and market control instruments |
| Keywords: | Agricultural policy, Stochastic modelling, Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108771&r=agr |
| By: | Katengeza, S.P.; Mangisoni, Julius H.; Okello, Julius Juma |
| Abstract: | The government of Malawi in 2004 initiated an ICT-based Malawi Agricultural Commodity Exchange (MACE), a market information service project, to improve access by farmers to market information. MACE was intended to improve the efficiency of agricultural markets as part of the strategy to improve food security. This study uses quantitative methods to examine whether MACE has contributed to efficiency of rice markets in Malawi. It especially tests if MACE has contributed to spatial integration of rice markets. As hypothesized, the study finds that the tendency of rice prices to move together in spatially separated markets has significantly increased since the implementation of MACE. It concludes that ICT-based market information services improve the efficiency with which agricultural markets perform. The study discusses implications of this finding for policy. |
| Keywords: | ICT-based intervention, market information service, market integration, rice, Malawi, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96170&r=agr |
| By: | Wiredu, A.N.; Mensah-Bonsu, Akwasi; Andah, E.K.; Fosu, K.Y. |
| Abstract: | The study assessed the effect of improved technology on land productivity of smallholder cocoa farmers in Ashanti Region, Ghana. With data from 366 smallholders cocoa farmers productivity was shown to be linearly related to and the use of improved cocoa technology in the study area. Both the decision to use improved technologies and the proportion of cocoa land allocated to cocoa production are all significant determinants of increased productivity. In addition, farm level factors characteristics as well as idiosyncrasies are shown to affect productivity. These including age, household size, participation in programs related to cocoa production, access to virgin lands, size of cocoa farm, labour resource use and nativity affect productivity at various levels of significance. Strategies to improve the productivity of the smallholder cocoa farmers must include the promotion of improved cocoa technologies as it evidently enhances productivity of the smallholders. These must not come alone but with appropriate training on their use. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97073&r=agr |
| By: | Darko, Francis Addeah; Allen, Benjamin; Mazunda, John; Rahimzai, Rafiullah; Dobbins, Craig L. |
| Abstract: | Replaced with revised version of paper on 01/14/2011. |
| Keywords: | Developing countries, nutrition, minimum costs, linear programming, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96161&r=agr |
| By: | Weber, Daniela |
| Abstract: | Chinasâ successfully increased food production during the last 30 years has caused significant negative external impacts and subsequent escalating environmental costs (Ash and Edmonds, 1998). This dilemma has recently become a popular issue and the government attaches great importance towards a more sustainable agricultural production (UNDP, 2006). The challenge is to enhance well-grounded approaches that accomplish of effective agricultural trainings, encouraging farmers to adopt optimized practices. According to recent decision-making theories, a successful implementation is also closely related to the target groupâs social and cognitive preferences. In order to get more information about farmersâ inherent decision-making factors an explorative quantitative survey of 394 farmers was conducted in Shandong Province. Next to descriptive economic and agronomic analyses, a structural equation model gave evidence that beside farmersâ economic reasons, values and guÄnxi-relationships indeed show an influence on the extracted agri-environmental attitude factors as well as on manifest behaviour variables. Concluding results reveal the farmers varying preferences and give explanations out of the social and cognitive paths to explain why they behave different or have other focussed attitudes. Finally, recommendations for more effective training methods are given that consider the farmersâ individual motivations. |
| Keywords: | China, agri-environmental attitudes, guÄnxi, SEM, values, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108964&r=agr |
| By: | Hennessy, Thia; Lapple, Doris; Newman, Carol F. |
| Abstract: | In December 2009 the Irish Department of Agriculture launched the Dairy Efficiency Programme. The Programme, which is operated through a series of discussion groups, is designed to promote technology transfer to dairy farmers. Drawing on National Farm Survey data from 2009, the purpose of this paper is to quantify the economic return to membership of dairy discussion groups. An endogenous switching regression model is specified for over 300 dairy farms to assess the impact of discussion group participation on farm gross margins. The results indicate self-selection into discussion groups, suggesting that âbetterâ farmers tend to participate. Generally, younger farmers who operate larger farms are more likely to join discussion groups. Discussion group members have higher gross margins than non-members, but non-members could increase their gross margins if they join discussion groups. Overall, the findings confirm positive returns to discussion group membership, thus supporting the Dairy Efficiency Programme. |
| Keywords: | Endogenous switching regression model, Discussion group membership, Dairy Efficiency Programme, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108784&r=agr |
| By: | Shingo Kimura; Christine Le Thi |
| Abstract: | This Working Paper serves as a technical background note for the Farm-level analysis of risk, risk management strategies and policies (OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Working Papers No.26). It describes: 1) the data source and analytical methods employed to measure risk exposure at the farm level; 2) the stochastic simulation model to analyze farm behaviour and policy performance under risk; and 3) cluster analysis as a way of selecting representative farms for model calibration. |
| Keywords: | risk management, cluster analysis, holistic approach |
| Date: | 2011–08–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:48-en&r=agr |
| By: | Adeniyi, Labintan |
| Abstract: | In poor countries the agricultural sector is essential to growth, poverty reduction, and food security. In Sub- Saharan Africa, the agricultural sector employs 65 percent of the labor force and generates 32 per cent of GDP growth (Christian Friis Bach and all, 2008).More than half of rural employment in Sub- Saharan Africa consists of self-employed farmers, many of whom are women. Women generally own less land and the land they have is often of lower quality than the land owned by men. According to the International Development Research Centre, women in Africa only own 1 per cent of the land. Women have to contend with limited access to financial and technical resources. Women lack political influence. However the recent economic crisis that has affected the food crisis may have considerable consequences on African rural women who are mostly vulnerable in African society and may increase some challenges that can limited the African agriculture growth as women is the heart of this sector in Africa even if most of politic donât consider them in the policies. This paper is to evaluate the major effect of this crisis on this vulnerable group In Africa and define some perspective that policies maker could use for Africa Agriculture sustainable growth.. The Descriptive analysis show that the economic crisis has increase in gender inequality in agriculture sector, increase women financial credit access lack, women farmer migration, women farmer income reduction, women land access facilities reduction and their health problem has also increase. It is clear that to solve the economic crisis impact on African agriculture for sustainable growth, policies maker should include more policies which should consider women farmers. Research also should focus more on women vulnerability in agriculture face the economic crisis. |
| Keywords: | Women Farmer-Africa- Economic Crisis-Challenge and Perspective, International Development, Labor and Human Capital, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97062&r=agr |
| By: | Nhundu, K.; Mushunje, Abbyssinia |
| Abstract: | Irrigation development is a gateway to increased agricultural, water and land productivity, increased household and national food security. However, irrigation development has been a major challenge in many developing countries, including Zimbabwe. The launch of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in 2003 ushered in new unskilled cadres and this was followed by a reduction in area developed for irrigation from 200,000ha to approximately 120,000ha. This was due to thefts, dilapidation, and vandalism of irrigation infrastructure. The government made efforts to develop and bring back the 200,000ha into operational, but little has been achieved. To assess irrigation development post FTLRP, a case study was done in Goromonzi District. Using a Trend Analysis to assess the trend in irrigation funding, a downward trend was revealed. A Gross Margin Analysis, modeled via the Business Coefficient Expansion Factor (BCEF) to evaluate productivity and profitability of the irrigation enterprises showed that farmers performed below average and major irrigation crops were below the ideal BCEF threshold of 2.5, suggesting non-profitability of irrigation enterprises. An analysis on infrastructure revealed that most of it was partially or non-functional, hence farmers reduced area under irrigation. The study also revealed non-accessibility of training services by farmers. The study concluded that inadequate irrigation funding, low irrigation productivity, nonprofitability of irrigation enterprises, poor cost recovery mechanisms and lack of relevant training has led to low irrigation development. The study recommends that national governments should formulate and hold sound irrigation development strategies and encouraged to partner with public and private institutions in defining and implementing such comprehensive strategies for sustainable irrigation development. |
| Keywords: | Irrigation, irrigation development, funding, productivity, cost recovery, viable, FTLRP, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97065&r=agr |
| By: | Gebrehiwet, Yemane; Meyer, Ferdinand H.; Kirsten, Johann F. |
| Abstract: | Agricultural inputs expenditure has not been widely incorporated in most partial equilibrium models. Moreover, input costs are treated exogenous and the recursive link between input and output side of the sector is overlooked in few of the models that attempts to incorporate input expenditures. The study has addressed both issues by integrating agricultural input expenditures into the South African sectoral partial equilibrium model by endogenising input costs and recursively linking both input and output side of the agricultural sectors to enhance the results of a standard partial equilibrium model in analysing the effect of policies on agricultural sector. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97050&r=agr |
| By: | Segun-Olasanmi, A.O.; Bamire, A.S. |
| Abstract: | Net gains on agricultural investments promote sustainable farm production. The costs and returns analysis to maize-cowpea intercrop was analysed in selected communities of Oyo state, Nigeria, to determine the profitability of the enterprise. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample size of one hundred and sixty maize-cowpea intercrop farmers in eighteen farming communities in the study area. Data were obtained from the farmers on their socio-economic characteristics, resource ownership, input and output used as well as costs incurred and revenue obtained for the 2006 production season using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected on a gender-disaggregated basis and analysed with the budgetary technique using the gross margin approach. Results showed that the difference between gross revenues and total variable costs for male and female maize-cowpea intercrop farmers was statistically significant at 5% level. Maize-cowpea intercropping was found to be profitable as indicated by mean gross margins of N31, 200 and N19, 900 per hectare for male and female farmers respectively. However, the difference in the mean gross margin was not significant at the 5% level. |
| Keywords: | Costs, Maize-cowpea intercrop, Returns, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96800&r=agr |
| By: | Mandleni, B.; Anim, F.D.K. |
| Abstract: | The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors that affected the decision of small-scale farmers who kept cattle and sheep on whether to adapt or not to climate changes. The Binary Logistic Regression model was used to investigate farmersâ decision. The results implied that a large number of socio-economic variables affected the decision of farmers on adaptation to climate changes. The study concluded that the most significant factors affecting climate change and adaptation were non-farm income, type of weather perceived, livestock ownership, distance to weather stations, distance to input markets, adaptation choices and annual average temperature. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, small-scale cattle and sheep farming, Binary logistic model, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108962&r=agr |
| By: | Revoredo-Giha, Cesar; Leat, Philip M.K.; Kupiec-Teahan, Beata; Lamprinopoulou, Chrysa |
| Abstract: | The main implication of the food miles indicator is that in order to protect the environment consumers should purchase food locally and seasonal. However, something that it is missing in all discussions is the evidence about how bad or good - in terms of locality and seasonality- is the actual consumption of food. This is probably due to the fact that food consumption statistics are available as aggregated annual data. In this paper we analyse the purchases of food, in particular the purchases of soft fruits in Scotland, which not only have marked production seasonality but also are imported from the rest of the UK and from abroad. For the analysis we use the Kantar Worldpanel dataset for the period 2006 until 2009. The results indicate that Scottish soft fruit covers a relatively small segment of the market and therefore eat locally would imply reduce significantly the consumption of soft fruit, even during the Scottish produce season. As regards the consumption seasonality, the purchases of soft fruit, particularly strawberry, seem to be seasonal despite the possibility of getting outof- season imported soft fruit. |
| Keywords: | Scotland agriculture, soft fruits, agricultural marketing, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108775&r=agr |
| By: | Chebil, Ali; Frija, Aymen; Abdelkafi, Belhassen |
| Abstract: | This study aims first to measure the farm specific irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), through non parametric DEA model; and second to evaluate the potential irrigation cost reductions and identify the main factors causing variations in IWUE among the sample farms. Cross sectional data collected from a sample of 75 farms participating in the WaDImena project in Nadhour region (northern Tunisia) was used for this aim. The results showed that the average level of IWUE across the farm sample was around 61.2% under variable returns to scale (VRS) assumption. However, the estimated mean irrigation water technical cost efficiency (ITCE) is much higher than IWUE. Farmers would be able to reduce their actual cost by 5% under VRS by adjusting irrigation water to its efficient level. This low level of cost reductions is consistent with the existing literature about IWUE in Tunisia. Moreover, education level of farmers, access to credit and agricultural extension service showed a positive relationship with the IWUE in our case study. |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96158&r=agr |
| By: | Magreta, Ruth; Magombo, Tennyson; Zingore, Shamie |
| Abstract: | The knowledge today recaps thatâs livelihood of many African farmers are constrained by poor access to both inputs and output markets, limited entrepreneurial skills for adding value to produce and to bargain for better prices and finally limited technical skills in agricultural production. Despite a tremendous attention to salvage this through government interventions and research, there is still a big problem in addressing the smallholder farmerâs needs. Farmer organizations open up opportunities for farmers to better overcome the above mentioned constraints through lobbying and collective action. Drawing from results of Participatory diagnosis and participatory market research done in Nkhate irrigation scheme in 2007 and 2008 this paper examines the effect of effective farmer groups in influencing rice price formation. Results demonstrated that farmer groups have the potential to effectively influence policy outcomes in their favour. This was however achieved through reorganization and mobilization of farmer groups to improve lobbying efficiency and reduce the inefficiencies caused by free riding. The results indicate that from the participatory gross margin analysis which was done by CIAT ( 2007) with rice farmers at the irrigation scheme, it was revealed that farmers have been making losses in the marketing of Kirombero and Super Fire rice varieties and have been realizing a very small positive margin for Mtupatupa a local rice variety. The analysis revealed gross margins of 36.78 US$ ha-1, -182.50 US$ ha-1, and 60.36 US$ ha-1, for Super fire, Kirombero and Mtupatupa varieties respectively. This shows that farmers were making losses when they sold rice to traders at a price dictated to them. However, after farmers were effectively organised in a group and linked to markets, farmers realized gross margins of 681.84US$ ha-1, 664.23US$ ha-1 and 1,028.69US$ ha-1 for Mtupatupa, Super fire and Kirombero rice varieties respectively. The paper further recommends that such farmer groups need to better articulate and deliver benefits to members hence ensuring that these members subscribe to the group and hence finance lobbying efforts which are often costly. |
| Keywords: | Farmer groups, Profitability, input and output markets, participatory market research, lobbying, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97043&r=agr |
| By: | Schipmann, Christin; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | There is an emerging body of literature analyzing how smallholder farmers in developing countries can be linked to modern supply chains. However, most of the available studies concentrate on farm and farmer characteristics, failing to capture details of institutional arrangements between farmers and traders. Moreover, farmersâ preferences have rarely been considered. Here, we address these gaps by analyzing different market channels for sweet pepper in Thailand. Using data from a survey and choice experiment with farmers, we find that there is a general preference for marketing options that do not involve a contract. Additional provision of inputs and credit can increase the attractiveness of contracts. Yet, the most important factor for farmers is to personally know the buyer they deal with, which may be related to issues of trust. Some policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Choice experiment, contract design, farmersâ stated preferences, modern agricultural supply chains, Thailand, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, International Development, L14, O31, Q12, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:108349&r=agr |
| By: | Vermeulen, Hester; Bienabe, Estelle |
| Abstract: | Internationally, alternative food quality movements have given rise to a quality turn from the mass consumption model toward an increasing qualitative differentiation of products and demand (Allaire, 2002). While food quality trends and their implications have been widely analyzed internationally, little has been written on the local quality dynamics in South Africa, a country with clear dualistic socio-economic features. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of South African consumersâ present food quality evaluation with a specific focus on âconventionalâ and âadvancedâ quality attributes associated with fresh food produce (fruit / vegetable and meat). Primary data was collected during 2009 through an extensive nationally representative consumer survey (n=420) (LSM 7 â 10), preceded by focus groups and retailer observations of actual quality claims on fresh food labels. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and comparative analyses and Kmeans cluster analysis in SPSS 17.0. The paper substantiates the fact that when selecting food purchase outlets and fresh food products, South African consumers largely apply âconventionalâ quality and convenience considerations (e.g. appearance, taste). Even though âadvancedâ / credence attributes (e.g. animal welfare, environmental practices, safety) are generally less important the results also demonstrate that they already have a relatively significant foothold in the local market, being more established for higher LSM groups in particular and suggesting potential opportunity for market growth.. The complexity of consumersâ behaviours and evaluation towards advanced food quality issues is also pointed out. Implications surrounding guaranteeing bodies and small-scale farmersâ market access are also addressed, as well as study limitations and recommendations for future research. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96194&r=agr |
| By: | Tuei, B. Chepkoech |
| Abstract: | Regulation in the dairy industry targets the small scale producers and milk traders with the aim of ensuring that they meet requirements for milk quality control. The paper presents results from a study carried out in Kikuyu division, Central province of Kenya that assessed the challenges and the benefits accrued to on farm clean milk production and the level to which farmers were aware of regulations governing the dairy sector. The farmers were producers of milk only and possessed no milk bar licenses, public health licenses, business producer licenses nor single business licenses. They had little knowledge of laws regulating dairying with 40% identifying Kenya Dairy Board (KDB)as law enforces, 20% as law enforcers and educators while 40% had no knowledge of their mandate. Farmers adopt hygienic milk production and handling if the practices are cost effective and simple to understand. Those who carried out milk production, disease control and facility hygiene were 55% while 21.1% tested for mastitis and another 22.9% able to keep the zero grazing units clean. Information on milk quality control was acquired from extension workers from the Ministry of Livestock development by 52% of the producers, 36% from the veterinary department of the same ministry and 12% through seminars. There is need to develop pro-poor interventions, strengthen infrastructure, farmer groups and security so as to maximize the production of quality and quantity of milk. |
| Keywords: | milk quality control, regulation, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97077&r=agr |
| By: | McVittie, Alistair; Hussain, Salman; Brander, Luke; Wagtendonk, Alfred; Verbur, Peter; Vardakoulias, Olivier |
| Abstract: | Food security is a major current and future policy concern. The world population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050 and continuing growth in economic output and incomes is expected to result in changing food consumption patterns. In particular the wider adoption of âWesternâ diets will result in both higher calorie intake and greater meat consumption. Continuing climate change is expected to add further pressures to agricultural production. This paper presents the results of a global analysis funded by the TEEB study on the environmental benefits of investment in agricultural knowledge, science and technology, specifically in terms of closing the gaps between developing and developed country agricultural productivity. The results show that by easing pressures on land use change on terrestrial biomes (forests and grasslands), and the ecosystem services they provide, investment in agricultural science and technology provides environmental benefits of US$161.3bn per annum in 2050. Between 2000 and 2050 these benefits amount to US$2,964bn in addition to US$6,343bn in carbon benefits and compare to costs of US$5,68bn |
| Keywords: | Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108955&r=agr |
| By: | Meliko, Majory O.; Phinea, K. Chauke; Oni, Stephen A. |
| Abstract: | The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the small scale farmers for the production year 2006/2007 in Limpopo province using policy analysis matrix. A total of twelve production systems were selected. Result shows that all were profitable under market condition with existing policies and all except Dry land maize had comparative advantage suggesting efficiency in the systems. Ranking the systems in term of PRC and DRC, irrigated vegetables like Potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes had higher profitability and comparative advantages than field crops like both dry and irrigated maize, Peanut and Beans. Despite competiveness in all and comparative advantage in most systems, these was not due to policy intervention as incentive indicators, e.g. SRP, shows that all production systems are being taxed indicating little motivation from policies for small scale farmers to production. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96801&r=agr |
| By: | Ohajianya, D.O.; Ugochuckwu, A. |
| Abstract: | This study determined the factors (related to fixed and variable transaction costs) influencing the decision to participate in sweet potato markets by a random sample of 320 small holder farmers in south eastern Nigeria. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire, and analyzed using the ordered probit analysis procedure. Participation decisions revealed that marketing experience, farm size, membership of cooperatives/social organizations, extension contact, farming experience and road conditions to the nearest town had positive relationship with decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic, and were significant at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of age, household size, and output were also positive and significantly related to decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic at 5% level of probability. The coefficients for access to credit, and access to communication facilities were positive and significantly relate to decision to remain autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. The coefficients for level of education, distance to the nearest town, distance from the farm to the market and cost of transportation were negative and significantly related with the decision to remain autarkic other than a seller and to be buyer other autarkic at 1% level of probability. The coefficient for sex was positive and significantly related to decision by female farmers to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. These decisions to participate as a buyer, seller or 2 remain autarkic were as a result of fixed and proportional transaction costs associated with participating in the market. |
| Keywords: | Ordered probit, Transaction costs, Market participation, potato, autarkic, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108936&r=agr |
| By: | Glover, Jane |
| Abstract: | The sustainability of the dairy supply chain is a widely debated topic in the industry. The purpose of this paper is to explore farmer behaviour in response to diminishing returns and investigates the possible long-term implications of low returns, identified by farming families. The paper argues that, sustained declines in margins, coupled with other structural changes in the industry, will eventually lead to an exodus of small family farms. A qualitative methodology ensures in-depth data were collected over a five year period. The results indicate that farmers and their families are concerned over the reduced margins for their produce, with many smaller farms forced to subsidies the business with alternative sources of income. Farmers also raise concerns over the sustainability of the dairy supply chain and how future English milk supplies will meet the demand. |
| Keywords: | supply chain, sustainability, family farming, behaviour., Farm Management, D400, J300, L110, M100, Q120, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108940&r=agr |
| By: | Zuniga Gonzalez, Carlos Alberto; Navarrere Blanco, Santos Angel |
| Abstract: | This article is the first working paper of the Researching Center for Agricultural Sciences and Applied Economic. It is a contribution for the INTA Nicaragua. |
| Keywords: | Total Factor Productivity Growth, Malmquist Index, Data Envelopment Analysis, INTA-Chinandega Technology, Panel Data., Agricultural and Food Policy, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, D: 24, O: 32, Q: 16., |
| Date: | 2011–07–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:naunwp:109312&r=agr |
| By: | Apata, T.G.; Folayan, A.; Apata, O.M.; Akinlua, J. |
| Abstract: | This study examined the role of subsistence-oriented agriculture in Nigeria in the 1990s to 2000s. The start out by discussing the diverging economic effects of the growth of subsistence agriculture in Nigeria since the transition process started. The quantitative analysis of this sectorâs role is carried out by means of an applied Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model applying a 1994 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) as base year data. The innovation of the article is to disaggregate primary agricultural production not by products but by farm types, which enables us to distinguish their institutional and economic characteristics. The study simulates two Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the government. The results of the post SAP period highlight that Nigeriaâs subsistence agriculture was an important shock absorber against further agricultural output declines during transition. A simulation, which looks into the effects of a devaluation of the Nigeria Naira, shows that the financial crisis should have increased the relative competitiveness particularly of large-scale crop farms versus small-scale farms. The reforms of successive governments show that efficiency enhancing institutional change would benefit both large-scale and small-scale farms. However, within small-scale agriculture, a shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture would take place. |
| Keywords: | Subsistence agriculture, CGE model, Exchange rate, Institutional Development, Structural Constraints, Nigeria, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108942&r=agr |
| By: | Hamade, Kanj; Malorgio, Giulio; Midmore, Peter |
| Abstract: | While peripheral rural regions in Lebanon face typical problems of lagging development and economic marginalisation, they have not been regarded as a priority for policy-makers, and significant disparities between these and other regions have emerged as a result. Local extensionists have encouraged technological innovation as a means to improving farmersâ livelihoods, and this has led to increasing input use and an intensification of agricultural production. This paper applies contrasting quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyse the effects of such changes at the level of the overall economy of Lebanon and also to explore the impacts on rural households. A Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model explores several simulation scenarios in which agricultural output increases due to intensification in the use of intermediate inputs. The results are evaluated at local level through the use of qualitative case-study analysis carried out in the Hermel region of northeast Lebanon. Quantitative simulations indicate that, while intensification has a positive effect overall on the Lebanese economy, the effects on rural households and the income of farmers are negative; the case-study demonstrates that, at local level, agricultural trade liberalisation, increased agricultural output and greater volatility of commodity prices has resulted in farmers opting for lower input use and more secure market forms of production. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108960&r=agr |
| By: | Mukarumbwa, P.; Mushunje, Abbyssinia |
| Abstract: | Successive droughts, in Zimbabwe compounded by other economic shocks in recent years have resulted in decreased maize productivity amongst the communal farmers most of whom reside in regions IV and V which are considered semi-arid. This has given rise to the need to find alternative food crops, which may be suitable for these areas. Generally, research in the world indicates that sorghum and millet have the potential to end chronic food insecurity in semi-arid areas because of their drought tolerance. Whilst this might be the case, research, government policy and assistance from non-governmental organizations on food crop production in Zimbabwe have shown a continual inclination to maize production in semi-arid areas. However, maize is regarded as a high risk crop in these regions. The main objective of this paper is to review relevant literature on the potential contribution of small grains to alleviate household food security in semi arid regions of African countries with specific focus on Zimbabwe. These findings will enable developing countries to craft a policy shift that encourage increased production of finger millet and sorghum in their semi-arid regions. It is suggested that this may increase household food security in these regions. |
| Keywords: | semi-arid, sorghum, finger millet, small grains, food security, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96430&r=agr |
| By: | Rusike, Joseph; Jumbo, S.; Ntawuruhunga, Pheneas; Kawonga, J.M.; James, Braima; Okechukwu, R.; Manyong, Victor M. |
| Abstract: | Ex ante evaluation of agricultural research for development projects has become important in recent years for priority setting, ex post impact assessment and learning about generalizability to other populations and contexts. We apply farm household and random utility modeling to baseline survey data and evaluate the impact of a cassava research for development project in Malawi prior to its implementation. The project is being implemented to unlock the potential of cassava in response to the global food crisis. We find that a high proportion of farm households are not self-sufficient in food production and can be assisted by increasing the productivity of land and labor in production, processing and marketing of cassava to reduce deficits and increase marketed surplus. The research for development embeds research in an innovation systems network and speeds up exposure, awareness, adoption and diffusion. This increases the likelihood that incremental benefits will be generated and accrue earlier compared to the counterfactual without the project. |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96182&r=agr |
| By: | Odendo, Martins; Obare, Gideon A.; Salasya, Beatrice |
| Abstract: | Most adoption studies have employed cross-sectional data in a static discrete choice modelling framework to analyze why some farmers adopt at a certain point in time. The static approach does not consider the dynamic environment in which the adoption decision is made and thus does not incorporate the speed of adoption and the effect of time-dependent elements in explaining adoption. The adoption speed of an innovation is important in various aspects. Based on data from a survey of a random sample of 331 smallholder households in western Kenya, this study investigated determinants of time to adoption of mineral fertilizer, animal manure and compost using Duration analysis. Results revealed that factors that influenced timing of the adoption varied by the practices. Whilst education level of the household head, cattle ownership, location of the farm, access to extension services, and participation in land management programmes accelerated the adoption of different practices, age of household head, relative farming experience and market liberalization retarded the adoption. Gender of household head gave mixed results. To speed up adoption of the practices requires policies that promote farmersâ participation in land management programs, access to extension services and markets in addition to stratified targeting of different practices to specific locations and farmers. |
| Keywords: | Adoption, duration analysis, soil nutrients, Crop Production/Industries, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96192&r=agr |
| By: | Chemak, Fraj |
| Abstract: | In order to cope with the water scarcity, Tunisia has to manage efficiently the demand of the economic and social sectors mainly that of the agricultural irrigated activities. Within this context our investigation aims to analyze the technical efficiency, the water use efficiency and the dynamic of the productivity of the irrigated areas in the Sidi Bouzid region. Hence, farm surveys, regarding the cropping years 2003 and 2007, were carried out. We have assessed the technology performance using the Data Envelopment Analysis approach and we have computed the Malmquist index in order to characterize the productivity change. Our empirical findings showed that the technical efficiency of the farms has increased by 17% during this period leading to an improvement of the water use efficiency up to 22%. Both, the technical efficiency change as well as the technical change have contributed to this improvement. However, the farmers have to enhance further their irrigated practices in order to save more water. Indeed, in 2007, the water use efficiency was only 78%. |
| Keywords: | Irrigated Area, Technical Efficiency, Water Use Efficiency, Productivity Change, Data Envelopment Analysis, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, C14, Q12, Q25, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97046&r=agr |
| By: | Shiimi, T.; Taljaard, Pieter R.; Jordaan, Henry |
| Abstract: | About 70% of the Namibian population depends on agricultural activities for their livelihood. Moreover, agriculture remains an important sector to Namibia because its national economy is widely dependent on agricultural production. Cattle producers in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) have an option to market their cattle via the formal or informal markets. Efforts have been made to encourage producers to market their cattle through the formal market; however, limited improvement has been observed. In this study a number of factors have been analysed to determine its influences on cattle marketing decisions. Factors influencing the marketing decision of whether or not to sell through the formal market are analysed using the Probit model. Factors influencing the proportion of cattle sold through the formal market on condition that a producer uses the formal markets to sell cattle are analysed with the Truncated model. Testing the Tobit model against the alternative of a two-part model is done using Craggâs model. Empirical results revealed that problems with transport to MeatCo, improved productivity, accessibility to market-related information and access to new information technology, are some factors significantly affecting the decision of whether or not to sell through the formal market. Payment arrangements by MeatCo, animal handling, accessibility to new information technology, age of respondents and lack of access to marketing expertise, are some factors influencing the proportional number of cattle sold through the formal market. The results suggest that substantially more information is obtained by modelling cattle marketing behaviour as a two decision-making instead of a single decision-making framework. |
| Keywords: | Cattle marketing, decision-making, formal markets, transaction costs, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96641&r=agr |
| By: | Sauer, Johannes; Gorton, Matthew; White, John |
| Abstract: | Drawing on survey data, this paper identifies the determinants of variations in farm gate milk prices for three CIS countries (Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine). We apply a multilevel modeling approach, specifically a bootstrapped and selectivity bias corrected mixedeffects linear regression model. The analysis suggests three main strategies for farmers to improve the price received for their output: consolidation, cooperation and stable supply chain relationships. While selling through a marketing cooperative has a significant and positive effect on farm gate milk prices, the majority of non-members are reluctant to join. The size of dairy operations, trust and contracting also impact positively on the prices received by farmers. Policy implications are drawn. |
| Keywords: | price heterogeneity, milk, cooperatives, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Marketing, O13, P32, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108938&r=agr |
| By: | van der Merwe, J.D.; Cloete, P.C.; van Schalkwyk, Herman D. |
| Abstract: | In the light of past development failures, coupled with the pressure on government to deliver on their promises made, a framework is needed to improve the success of rural agricultural development. Consequently, detailed agricultural development plans were drafted with the intent to provide a framework or roadmap that will enable small-scale farmers to be more successful over the long term. However, development plans can only improve the success of agricultural development once they are implemented. This conveys another dimension of agricultural development, with government that is often faced with strict budget constraints. Budget allocations to agricultural development initiatives should therefore be done in a way that will yield the highest economic, social and environmental returns. Such a decision can become extremely complicated when in search of optimal allocation of limited budget resources. Consequently, a decision support system that will guide budget allocation for agricultural development initiatives is sorely needed. This article provides a framework on how multiple-criteria analysis can be used as a decision support tool that will ensure optimal budget allocation for agricultural development. |
| Keywords: | International Development, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96435&r=agr |
| By: | Mandleni, B; Anim, F.D.K. |
| Abstract: | This paper investigated the extent of awareness of climate change by livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It further explored the choice of adaptation measures that were followed and factors that affected adaption measures. The results indicated that marital status, level of education, formal extension, temperatures and the way in which land was acquired, significantly affected awareness of climate change. Variables that significantly affected adaptation selections were gender, formal extension, information received about climate change, temperatures and 2 the way in which land was acquired. The study suggested that the positive and significant variables that affected awareness and adaptation measures by livestock farmers be considered when awareness and adaptation strategies are implemented. |
| Keywords: | Climate change awareness, Heckmanâs two step probit model, decisions to adapt, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108794&r=agr |
| By: | Mignouna, D.B.; Mutabazi, K.D.S.; Senkondo, E.M.; Manyong, Victor M. |
| Abstract: | Declining yields of maize as a result of Striga infestation has necessitated a new technology known as Imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM) to contain the problem. As a result, research and development initiatives with substantial participation of the private sector to transfer this new technology to farmers have been made in western Kenya. This study therefore assesses the adoption of IRM variety and efficiency levels of farmers in western Kenya. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 600 households from Nyanza and Western provinces for this study. Tobit model and stochastic production frontier analysis were the analytical methods. Results show that age, education, maize production gap, risk, contact with extension agents, lack of seeds, membership in social group, effective pathway for IRM dissemination and compatibility of the technology are the variables that were found to be significant (P<0.05) in shaping the decisions of households on whether to adopt or not. The study reveals that the mean technical efficiency of maize production of sampled farmers is 70% indicating some inefficiencies of maize production in western Kenya. Also, adoption of IRM significantly increased frontier maize output (P<0.01); household size decreased inefficiency along with farm size. It was recommended that efforts to increase adoption of IRM for enhanced farm efficiency should focus on farmersâ education, farming experience and access to information and farm basic inputs. |
| Keywords: | IRM technology, efficiency, stochastic production frontier, Tobit model, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96160&r=agr |
| By: | Salois, Matthew J.; Tiffin, Richard |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the health effects of a fiscal food policy based on a combination of fat taxes and thin subsidies. The fat tax is based on the saturated fat content of food items while the thin subsidy is applied to select fruit and vegetable items. The policy is designed to be revenue neutral so the subsidy exactly offsets the revenue from the fat tax. A model of food demand is estimated using Bayesian methods that accounts for censoring and infrequency of purchase (the problem of unit values is also discussed). The estimated demand elasticities are used to compute nutrient elasticities which demonstrate how consumption of specific nutrients changes based on price changes in particular foods from the fiscal policy. Results show that although the fat tax decreases saturated fat intake, consumption of other important nutrients is also decreased, which may lead to negative health outcomes. |
| Keywords: | fat tax, nutrient elasticities, obesity, thin subsidy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, D30, D60, H20, I10, I30, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108789&r=agr |
| By: | Wilson, Paul; Harper, Nicholas; Darling, Richard |
| Abstract: | Results from a pilot application of Defraâs segmentation model applied to the Farm Business Survey for England are presented. Interviews with 750 FBS co-operators during 2010, using a discursive approach, classified co-operators into one of five segmentation groups: Custodians (14.0%); Lifestyle Choice (7.2%); Pragmatists (53.3%); Modern Family Business (21.1%); Challenged Enterprises (4.4%). On average, Modern Family Businesses operated the largest land area, achieved the greatest farm financial (and agricultural) output, and Farm Business Income (FBI), whilst the Lifestyle Choice segment returned the lowest average FBI. Variation in regional tendencies across the segmentation groups was observed, with variation also noted for forms of business, LFA and lowland classification, organic, farm assurance and tenure status. Pragmatists and Modern Family Businesses recorded the greatest proportion of co-operators with college, or higher level, qualifications, drew more heavily upon external technical and business advice supplied for a charge, had higher level skills in management accounting and use of IT, and were associated with younger co-operators. Qualitative findings signify a range of comments which reinforce the quantitative analysis. Future research should seek to more explicitly account for a range of business and personal factors, and explore the potential for using a structured questionnaire based approach |
| Keywords: | Behaviour, Segmentation, Income, Output, Agriculture, Farm Management, D22, Q12, Q14, Q15, Q16, R52, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108783&r=agr |
| By: | Martin, Elsa; Destandau, Francois; Rozan, Anne |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implication of wetland construction for the cost-effective design of a pesticide charge. A model is developed in order to show that, for a given target, the introduction of wetland construction can reduce overall abatement costs and can lower the input charge asked to the farmers. This result remains true as long as the cost of constructing a wetland is not too high. A numerical illustration is carried out in order to simulate pesticide regulations in a wine catchment in North-East of France |
| Keywords: | water policy, constructed wetlands, agricultural pollution regulation, Agribusiness, Land Economics/Use, Q25, Q58, K32, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108777&r=agr |
| By: | Idsardi, E. |
| Abstract: | South Africa has relatively not been affected that significantly by the global food end economic crises. Although, the exports of South Africaâs traditional agricultural exports showed a moderate dip over the last two years. However, the countryâs agricultural export base that earns valuable foreign currency is quite shallow. Against this background the study indentified ten agricultural export products which showed a significant increase in exports over the last years. These emerging agricultural exports form the basis for the analysis of the determinants of export growth. The identified determinants will provide a guideline for future trade diversification. An augmented gravity model was applied to investigate factors such as transaction cost, market size, the stage of economic development, exchange rate fluctuations and the impact of trade agreements on the export flows of the selected products. Various factors were found to have an significant impact on trade flows amongst which: economic market size, supply capacity and physical market size. |
| Keywords: | agricultural exports, diversification, South Africa, augmented gravity model, determinants of trade, International Relations/Trade, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96639&r=agr |
| By: | Schaller, Lena; Drosler, Matthias; Kantelhardt, Jochen |
| Abstract: | Using a significant amount of public funding, large-scale nature-conservation projects in Germany aim to secure and develop ecologically valuable areas and endangered habitats and species. Due to the substantial land-use changes accompanying these projects, their implementation can also have relevant climate effects â one result which has not been explicitly focused upon previously. Our study analyses major cost positions in implementing such projects, particularly the expense of changing or abandoning agricultural land-use for conservation purposes. We link public funding to relevant climate effects and derive CO2 abatement costs. Therefore we conduct plot-specific ex-post analyses of agricultural land-use and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Our study takes place in regions where changes in agricultural land-use for conservation purposes have been fully implemented in the past and where climate effects are expected to be high. Our analysis is based on data provided by regional stakeholders and our project partners. First results show that land-use changes for conservation purposes can lead to positive climate effects. The efficiency as regards âabatement costsâ we derive on basis of the data set available lies within the range of costs for alternative measures of climate change mitigation. However it becomes clear that CO2 abatement cannot be seen as the only benefit of such measures; the high cost of agricultural compensation has to be contrasted with further effects such as biodiversity and water conservation |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108797&r=agr |
| By: | Kirumba, E.G.; Pinard, F. |
| Abstract: | This paper sought to investigate determinants of farmersâ compliance with coffee eco-certification standards in Mt. Kenya region. Socio-economic, institutional and farm factors were analyzed and the binary logistic regression model was used to predict factors enhancing compliance. The findings show that perception of benefits, coffee as the main source of income, annual coffee production, and the number of times a farmer sprayed annually; were the main drivers of compliance. The findings point towards a growing concern that certification projects focus on âprogressiveâ farmers rather than seek to uplift and integrate âweakâ farmers. This calls for concerted efforts among all key stakeholders to enhance inclusivity and participation. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95970&r=agr |
| By: | Bernard, Munyua; Hellin, Jonathan; Nyikal, Rose Adhiambo; Mburu, John G. |
| Abstract: | The rising world prices for major tradable staples such as maize have been a concern for sub- Saharan countries such as Kenya which are maize deficit countries. Maize is a major staple food for over 80 percent of Kenyaâs population. Kenya relies on maize for up to 40 percent of its dietary energy supply and is accordingly searching for ways to increase maize productivity. Maize productivity has been rising in the last decade manly as a result of the use of improved germplasm and fertilizer. However, the proportion of farmers using these technologies is low and the aggregate productivity in maize is low compared to other countries and its potential. Previous studies on input adoption have often assumed the existence of perfect supply and product markets, tending to ignore the important but significant role played by institutions as well as the role of transaction costs associated with market exchange. This study makes use of qualitative information from institutions and actors in seed input value chains as well as quantitative information collected from a sample of 150 farmers, in the Moist Transitional Maize Zones of Kenya. A two stage regression model was applied to analyze determinants of adoption and factors affecting degree of adoption of certified improved maize seed. The results show that as farmers adopt certified seeds, they incur higher transaction costs than non adopters, rural infrastructure, social capital such as membership in groups and trust play an important role in the decision of whether or not to use certified seed. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96423&r=agr |
| By: | Fischer, Elisabeth; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Collective action has become an important strategy for smallholders in developing countries to remain competitive in rapidly changing markets. However, within farmer groups, the commitment of individual members can vary, as the expected net benefits are not the same for all individuals, and opportunities to free-ride exist. Since the benefits of collective action emerge primarily through the exploitation of economies of scale, low participation rates in joint activities may put a serious threat to the success and viability of farmer groups. This article investigates determinants of smallholder participation intensity and free-riding, using the example of banana groups in Kenya. The results suggest that family labor availability and previous benefits that members received through the groups positively influence their intensity of participation in group meetings and collective marketing. Free-riding can mostly be attributed to structural and institutional conditions, such as group size and the timing of payments. More diversified farmers are less likely to sell collectively. Since smallholders are often highly diversified in their agricultural activities, farmer groups should also diversify, focusing on more than a single crop. Further policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | collective action, participation intensity, smallholder farmers, Kenya, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, International Development, D23, D71, O13, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:108551&r=agr |
| By: | Aye, Goodness C.; Mungatana, Eric D. |
| Abstract: | The current food crisis all over the globe has necessitated alternative policy actions by various stakeholders in almost all countries of the world. Consequently, efforts are focused on increased investment in agricultural research and development. The study evaluates impact of technological innovations on estimates of technical, allocative and cost efficiency from a parametric stochastic and non-parametric distance functions. Inefficiency effects are modelled in a second stage endogeniety-corrected Tobit regression model as a function of technological innovation and other policy variables. The results from both approaches show there is substantial technical, allocative and cost inefficiency in maize production and that analysis of technical, allocative and cost efficiency with respect to technological innovation and other policy factors are robust. Our results show that policies aimed at maize technology development and their timely dissemination, improvement in education, access to credit and extension among others could promote technical, allocative and cost efficiency, reduce yield variability, enhance farm income, food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria. |
| Keywords: | technology, efficiency, maize, parametric, non-parametric, distance function, Nigeria, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95965&r=agr |
| By: | Dzivakwi, Robert; Jacobs, Peter T. |
| Abstract: | Official data show that a small proportion of Eastern Cape households evidently derive their main or primary income from farming. But the same data also show that the majority of households with access to small plots suitable for farming are concentrated in Eastern Cape. Furthermore, comparative analyses of standard indicators of human wellbeing and development of Eastern Cape with the rest of South Africa show that the province consistently reports worse than national average rates of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and inequality- reaching extreme levels in rural locations. Over the medium term, higher economic growth and service-oriented sectoral change, might be inadequate to reverse this dismal track record in human well-being. In this context, this paper considers the potential of better targeted public spending on agricultural development for resource-poor small farmers to raise living standards in the Eastern Cape. According to the latest official evidence, slightly more than half a million households in Eastern Cape (representing roughly 40% of all South African households) reported that they have access to farmland- with average land size in the order of 1-1.25 ha per farmily. Interventions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity among these small producers, such as the CASP launched in 2004/05, must be better targeted to meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries. |
| Keywords: | International Development, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96808&r=agr |
| By: | Doherty, Edel; Campbell, Danny |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the demand for improved safety and quality for meat products among consumers in two regions using a discrete choice experiment methodology. The study takes account of preferences from consumers across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The features explored in the choice experiment include food safety, traceability, animal health and welfare, region of origin and price. The results suggest a large difference between willingness to pay and implicit ranking of attributes across regions. Meat products that come from âIrelandâ are most highly demanded among the features for Irish consumers, whereas consumers based in Great Britain value enhanced testing and animal health and welfare standards highest. Furthermore, a high correlation exists, in both regions, between respondents perception of the risk associated with consuming the meat products and the price premium they are willing to pay for the enhanced features |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108791&r=agr |
| By: | Poudel, Krishna Lal; Yamamoto, Naoyuki; Sugimoto, Yasuhiro; Nishiwaki, Aya; Kano, Hideyuki |
| Abstract: | Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach used to estimate technical efficiency and followed by regressing the technical efficiency scores to farm specific characters under tobit regression model. Primary data was collected from random samples of 240 (120 from each) coffee famers. Mean technical efficiency score was 0.89 and 0.83 in organic and conventional coffee farming respectively. Farms operating under CRS, DRS and IRS were 31.67, 3.83 and 37.5% respectively in organic coffee and 29.17, 25 and 45.83% respectively in conventional farming areas. Tobit regression showed the variation in technical efficiency was related education, farm experience and training/extension services and excess to credit. |
| Keywords: | Production frontier, Resource use, Technical efficiency, Organic, Altitude, Productivity Analysis, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108949&r=agr |
| By: | Blandford, David; Gaasland, Ivar; Vardal, Erling |
| Abstract: | Despite the failure of the U.N. Copenhagen climate conference in December 2009 efforts are continuing to reach agreement on binding global commitments on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, efforts are still underway to conclude the Doha Round of trade negotiations through the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both of these agreements could have a significant impact on the level of activity in agriculture and the GHG emissions that it generates. In this paper we explore strategies to comply with both trade liberalization and GHG emission reduction commitments. We examine the implications of trade liberalization and a carbon tax, both of which affect agricultural output, as means of achieving emission reductions. We emphasize two diametrically different responses to a carbon tax. One adaptation is to change the way agricultural commodities are produced, i.e., choosing less polluting techniques, which we argue will require more land per unit of output. The second response is to use agricultural land for carbon sequestration purposes (offsets), e.g., for perennial grasses or forestry. We show that when an offset option is introduced, production intensity tends to increase, such that emissions per unit of output rise. The theoretical results are illustrated by using a partial equilibrium model of the Norwegian agricultural sector. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108780&r=agr |
| By: | Bonnet, Celine; Requillart, Vincent |
| Abstract: | Healthier food diet is likely to prevent numerous non communicable diseases. Then there is a growing interest in evaluating the impact of food price taxation on food consumption. However, strategic reactions of both manufacturers and retailers are missing in empirical analyses. Rather, passive pricing is assumed. Ignoring strategic pricing might lead to under-estimate or over-estimate the impact of food taxation. Based on the example of the soft drink industry, we analyse the bias which is introduced when assuming passive pricing. Using structural econometric model, we first estimate models of vertical relationships between the beverage industry and the retail industry. After selecting the âbestâ model of vertical relationships, we then simulate different scenrios of input cost changes or final products taxation. Our results indicate that assuming passive pricing by firms leads to under-estimate the impact on food consumption. In our example, the under-estimation amounts to 15% for regular products and 50% for diet ones when contracts between manufacturers and retailers are not taken into account. We thus conclude that for empirical analysis of food price policies for better health, considering strategic pricing is a key issue. |
| Keywords: | vertical contracts, two part tariffs, competition, manufacturers, private labels, retailers, differentiated products, soft drinks, non nested tests, sugar CMO, passthrough, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108788&r=agr |
| By: | Adetonah, S.; Coulibaly, Ousmane; Sessou, E.; Padonou, S.; Dembele, U.; Adekambli, S. |
| Abstract: | Intensifying inland valley systems will require the promotion of high value commodity chain system involving rice and vegetable with increased productivity and low per unit cost of production and natural resources. The objective aim to identify the current production systems assesses their constraints and analyzes the profitability of best bet rice and vegetable cropping systems under different levels of input use and access to market. A total of 235 producers selected in Benin and Mali according to input use and access to product market. The value chain approach used to analyze the performance associated with productivity. The results show that four main chain stakeholders operate in the inland valley: producers, processors, trader and consumers. This study specifically focuses on producers and major constraints reported by this group are attacks of the insects and birds, the poor access to products markets and the unavailability of key inputs (seeds, pesticides, small equipment,) in both countries. Other constraints are high costs of transport, post-harvest losses and poor conservation of fresh vegetables and tubers. The most profitable systems in the inland valley are the ones based on rice and vegetable (Gboma: Solanum sp) using improved seeds, follow-up of the system containing rice and `'gboma'' using improved varieties of rice like NERICA associated with chemical fertilizers and herbicides. Rice associated with improved varieties of potato and mineral fertilizers is more profitable in Mali. Rice as sole crop is not profitable in both countries. Women are more involved in the sole cropping of rice in Mali. |
| Keywords: | Promotion, Value chains, Rice/Vegetable, Benin, Mali, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96815&r=agr |
| By: | Saunders, Caroline M.; Saunders, John |
| Abstract: | New Zealand implemented an emissions trading scheme, the NZ ETS, to regulate the production of Greenhouse Gases. This ETS is the first of its kind to include the agricultural sector, as is expected to significantly raise costs to both producers and consumers. The aim of the paper is to assess the potential impact of the New Zealand ETS on the economy and the environment. The paper reports first on the development and nature of the legislation itself, and then continues by mapping the cost of the ETS on producers, and then furthermore the transfer of these costs as increased prices. Then by utilising the Lincoln Trade and Environment Model, or LTEM, a partial equilibrium model which forecasts international trade and domestic production and consumption of agricultural commodities, a number of scenarios revolving around the NZ ETS are projected. The paper finally presents the results gathered from the LTEM, showing the impact of the NZ ETS on both the production of agricultural commodities, and the production of GHGs by the industry. These results demonstrate the potential cost of the NZ ETS on the agricultural sector, and its ability to reduce emissions |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108781&r=agr |
| By: | Jaleta, Moti; Gebremedhin, Berhanu |
| Abstract: | Most studies on smallholder market participation decisions analyze crop or livestock market participation separately. However, in mixed crop-livestock farming systems, smallholdersâ participation decisions in crop and livestock markets may not be separate as a householdâs position in one market may be influenced by its position in the other. Where there is limited income from off-farm and/or non-farm activities, household cash requirements for crop production or household consumption are usually met by selling livestock. Similarly, livestock purchase is usually financed by income from crop sales. However, to what extent the position in one market influences the other is still not well explored in the literature. The aim of this paper is to investigate the interactions of crop and livestock output market participation of smallholders, by analyzing the determinants of household market participation positions in both commodities simultaneously. Household level data collected in 2009 from 1075 sample households in ten districts of the four major regions of Ethiopia is used for the analyses. Using simultaneous equation models, we test whether the position of being a net seller in crop market is affected by the position of being a net buyer in the livestock market, and vice versa. Results show that the decision to be a net buyer in crop market is associated positively with the decision to be a net seller in livestock market. Similarly, the decision to be a net seller in crop market is associated positively with the decision to be a net buyer in livestock market. This implies that crop purchase is financed by livestock sale and excess income from crop sale is saved in the form of livestock asset. Thus, policies/strategies enhancing smallholdersâ participation in crop and livestock markets in mixed crop-livestock system should pay attention to the production and marketing of both commodities simultaneously. |
| Keywords: | market participation, market position, crop-livestock system, smallholder, Ethiopia, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96168&r=agr |
| By: | Feizabadi, Yaser |
| Abstract: | Rice comes second after wheat in Iran`s food consumption economy. Rising population and recent growth in GDP has made Iran one of the greatest rice importer countries all over the world. That is why rice marketing has always been a controversial issue in Iran`s agricultural economics. To study rice marketing system in Iran, this paper aims to calculate rice marketing margin, market efficiency and marketing cost coefficient in seaside Mazandaran province( where 70 percent of domestic rice production is obtained )Over the period 2000-2010. Results show that firstly HYV`s wholesale marketing margin is less than local varieties in 2000 while this trend is reversed in 2010. Secondly, retail marketing margin, total marketing margin, market efficiency and cost marketing coefficient for local varieties are all greater than HYV. Consequently, agricultural cooperative`s encouragement would lead to decrease in rice marketing margin and role of traders and raises rice farmers earnings |
| Keywords: | Mazandaran Province, Marketing Margin, Rice, Marketing, Q13, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108944&r=agr |
| By: | Strydom, D.B.; Grove, Bennie; Kruger, Y.; Willemse, B.J. |
| Abstract: | The use of modern marketing strategies to minimize risk exposure is not a widely adopted practice under maize producers. The producers tend to use high risk strategies which include the selling of the crop on the cash market after harvested; while the current market requires innovative strategies including the use of Futures and Options as traded on SAFEX. However, due to a lack of interest and knowledge of producers understanding of modern, complicated strategies the study illustrates by using a SERF and CDF that the use of three basic strategies namely a Put-, Twelve-segment-, Three-segment- can be more rewarding. These strategies can be adopted by farmers without an in-depth understanding of the market and market-signals. The results obtained from the study illustrates that producers who tend to be more risk neutral would prefer using the Twelve-segment- or Spot-strategy while a risk averse producer would prefer the Three-segment-, or Put-strategy. It also indicates that no strategy can be labelled as the all-time best and that the choice between strategies depends on risk adverse characteristics of the producer. The purpose of the study is to prove that the adoption of a basic strategy is better than adopting no strategy at all and to convince producers to reconsider the adoption of modern marketing strategies. |
| Keywords: | Marketing strategies, futures, options, SERF, Crop Production/Industries, Marketing, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96812&r=agr |
| By: | Dhehibi, Boubaker |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to measure productive efficiency of irrigation water efficiency based on the concept of technical efficiency and compared among different sizes farms. The proposed methodology is applied to a randomly selected sample of 144 citrus growing farms located in Nabeul (Tunisia) and differentiated by size (small, medium and large farms). A stochastic production frontier approach, based on Battese and Coelliâs (1995) inefficiency effect model, is used to obtain farm-specific estimates of technical and irrigation water efficiency. The last step of the analysis consists on the identification of the factors influencing irrigation water efficiency differentials across citrus growing farms on the basis on a second-stage regression approach. Empirical results show that estimated mean technical efficiency ranges from a minimum of 12.82% to a maximum of 90.69% with an average estimate of 67.73%. This result means that 32.3% increase in production is possible with the present state of technology and unchanged input uses, if technical inefficiency is completely removed. Thus, improving technical efficiency will result to significant increases in framerâs revenue and profit. On the other hand, mean irrigation water efficiency is found to be 53%, which is much lower than technical efficiency and also exhibits greater variability ranging from 1.6% to 98.87%. The estimated mean irrigation water efficiency implies that the observed quantity of marketable citrus could have been maintained by using the observed values of other inputs while using 47.0% less of irrigation water. This means that farmerâs can achieve significant savings in water use by improving the utilisation of irrigation system and by utilizing more advanced irrigation technologies. |
| Keywords: | Water Efficiency, stochastic frontier production function, small, medium and large citrus farms, Tunisia, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97328&r=agr |
| By: | Victor, Afari-Sefa; Gockowski, James; Agyeman, Nana Fredua; Dziwornu, Ambrose K. |
| Abstract: | Ghana is well endowed with premium bulk cocoa and is strategically positioned to capture significant market shares for the growing demand in specialty cocoa products on the world market. Consumersâ taste and preference for differentiated or âspecialtyâ cocoa based on environmental- and ethically certified cocoa products have been rising over the years. This study uses an ex-ante analytical approach to explore the potential for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ghana to develop niche markets for an environmentally and sustainably produced cocoa, namely; Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa as an alternative to Ghanaian bulk cocoa. Using NPV, BCR and IRR economic decision criteria, the profitability or otherwise of introducing this rainforest alliance certified cocoa in Ghana is assessed. Rainforest Alliance certification requires farmers to shift from low or no shade Amazon production systems (i.e., <20 trees per ha) to medium shade Amazon production systems (70 shade trees distributed over a minimum of 12 species per ha) as well as other standards. In the base case scenario, results of the hypothetical high certified production system are compared with the current low input landrace cocoa and high input no shade cocoa systems. Under these conditions the certified production system and the low input landrace cocoa are essentially breakeven propositions while the high technology full sun system was moderately profitable. Sensitivity analysis of changes in FOB shares revealed that increasing the percentage of producer price from 70 to 85 percent of FOB dramatically increases the profitability of Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa at all varying FOB price levels when fertilizer price is subsidized. Profitability did however not change from the base model when fertilizer subsidies are removed by the government and the producer price increases to 85 percent of FOB. |
| Keywords: | Cocoa biodiversity, Ex-ante Cost-Benefit Analysis, Rainforest Alliance Certification, Differentiated cocoa production, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97085&r=agr |
| By: | Radwan, Amr; Gil, Jose Maria; Diab, Yaser A.A.; Abo-Nahoul, Mohamed A. |
| Abstract: | A very important pillar of the modernization of the Egyptian agriculture depends upon the exportation of the high value added products such as organic products. In spite of the importance of the organic agriculture within the Egyptian agriculture sector and up to our knowledge, it does not exist in Egypt until now any study that try to determine and analyze the determinant factors of the adaption of the organic agriculture within the Egyptian farms. In this study, we focus on this issue. A survey with a representative sample of organic and non-organic farms in Upper Egypt area was carried out. Using obtained data set we apply duration analysis techniques to assess the effect of different explanatory variables on both the adoption of organic agriculture farming and the timing of this adoption. Our results suggest that the maximum hazard of adopting organic agriculture takes place during the first few years after the construction of the farm and Manager characteristics such as his education level and Risk behaviour together with the farm size seem to be the most significant factors affecting the likelihood of organic agriculture adoption in Egypt.. These results could be helpful in designing the suitable policies and strategies to support the extension of organic agriculture within Egypt. |
| Keywords: | organic agriculture, duration analysis, Egypt, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, C41, Q1, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108961&r=agr |
| By: | Kirsten, Johann F.; Haankuku, Choolwe; Stander, Ruan |
| Abstract: | Reliable data on private sector agricultural research and development is globally scarce, particularly in developing countries. In South Africa, it has been observed that research performance by the public sector via the Agricultural Research Council has declined in recent years and consequently, the private sector has embarked on a much larger role in South Africaâs agriculture research than before. However, the extent of this engagement remains unknown as data quantifying private sector agricultural R&D is limited. This study identified 51 private firms that perform agriculture related research activities and attempts to gather primary data to determine the nature and extent of private R&D in South Africa. However due to the large number of non-responses, the study covers only 19% of these firms. Nevertheless, the study found that the participation of the private sector in agriculture research in the past decade has increased; in terms of research expenditure by more than 100% and number of research personnel by more than 50%. It emerged that the nature of research done by the private sector locally is mainly adaptive research - focused on testing imported technology to ensure registration and certification for use on the local market as opposed to developing âownâ innovations. The most influencing government policy initiatives in the participation of the private sector in South Africaâs agriculture R&D have been deregulation of agriculture markets and liberalization of agricultural trade, which have increased the spill-in of agriculture technologies to South Africa. The study recommends that, in order to ensure sustainability and efficiency of private sector research, collaboration between the public sector and private sector as well as international organizations will be crucial. |
| Keywords: | Private sector agriculture Research and Development, innovations, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95981&r=agr |
| By: | Teweldemedhin, M.Y.; van Schalkwyk, Herman D. |
| Abstract: | This study attempts to examine the empirical relationship between trade and total factor productivity (TFP) in the agricultural sector using both cross -sectiona, (across nine agricultural commodities), and time -series analysis. The Error Correction Model of ordinary least square (OLS) results from the cross -sectional analysis confirm that export shares and capital formation were found to be positive and significant; whereas, import shares and real exchange rate were found to be related negatively. However, the net effect of export and import shares had a positive effect. This implies that trade liberalisation causes productivity gains. Moreover, the time -series analysis goes in the same direction as the cross -sectional results, showing that there is a robust relationship among TFP, degree of openness, and capital formation. Whereas, debt was found to be inversely related, this implies that agricultural industries / farmers lack debt management skills. |
| Keywords: | TFP, OLS, Trade liberalization or degree of openness, capital formation, International Relations/Trade, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95963&r=agr |
| By: | Nyangweso, P.M.; Odmori, Paul Okelo; Mapelu, M.Z.; Odhiambo, Mark O. |
| Abstract: | Simulation models have been used successfully to forecast productivity of cropping systems under various weather, management and policy scenarios. These models have helped farmers make efficient resource allocation decisions. However, in Kenya simulation models have not been used extensively and more specifically in modeling large scale cropping systems. The study aimed at forecasting productivity and profitability of wheat cropping systems in Uasin Gishu district, Kenya. Both primary and secondary data were used. Both time series and cross-sectional data for variables of interest were collected and complemented by a survey of 20 wheat farmers who were systematically selected to verify information obtained from secondary sources. Cropping Systems simulation model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to determine wheat output and profits under alternative price scenarios. Even though, simulated yields overestimated actual field wheat yield both at the district and across the four agro-ecological zones, the deviation from the actual field yield was marginal. It is recommended that Cropsyst and Monte Carlo models be included among a bundle of tools for decision making. Further research is also required to test the two models under different locations, diverse soil types, varied management styles and different scales of production. |
| Keywords: | Wheat, cropping system, simulation, forecasting, productivity, profits, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95960&r=agr |
| By: | Bergmann, Holger; Noack, Eva Maria; Thomson, Kenneth J. |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the distributional equality of individual Scottish Government-administered payments in 2008 under CAP Pillars One (single farm payments) and Two (rural development measures) and in total, in terms of economic, social and spatial factors. The analysis shows that 94% of all payments were paid to claimants in core rural areas (94%) while only a few (5%) claimants resided in urban areas or outside of Scotland (1%). However, in both Pillars, claims made by urban residents were often higher than those made by rural dwellers. The Ordinary Least Squares spatial analysis shows that the level of payments was extremely dependent on the geographical location and natural conditions. Spatial factors describing the economic situation in the area of the claimant were significantly related to the level of the CAP amounts paid. Overall, the level of amounts paid was positively related to the natural, economic and social structures of the area of residence. The discussion tackles the question of whether the current system of farm income support by decoupled payments should be developed into a poverty payment system. |
| Keywords: | Pillar One, Common Agricultural Policy, Gini-Coefficient, Rural-Urban distribution, distributional justice, Land Economics/Use, Q15, R14, R11, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108958&r=agr |
| By: | Alam, Mohammad Jahangir; Begum, Ismat Ara; Rahman, Sanzidur; Buysse, Jeroen; Van Huylenbroeck, Guido |
| Abstract: | The market reform policy in agriculture and the trade liberalization during the early 1990s has led to structural changes in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh. The question of whether market reform policies in Bangladesh facilitated rice production is examined in this paper. This paper uses stochastic frontier production function to measure total factor productivity (TFP), technical change, and technical efficiency change covering the period of pre-market reform (1987) and post-market reform (2000 and 2004). To fulfill the objective, the study used panel data of 73 same farm households from a field survey of 1987â1988, 1999-2000 and 2003-04. It is evident from the study results that over time period (1987-2004), the TFP increased (31.76%) only due to upward shift in the technology. Technological change increased 59.99% in post reform period. However, although TFP increased substantial inefficiencies remain in Bangladesh rice sector. Technical efficiency change (-34.46%) developed negatively over the years of study at farm level. Market reform policy has negative impact on technical efficiency change but positive in technical change and TFP change although all are declining over the time period. Therefore, government policies need for further reform of domestic market and trade policies focusing on institutional changes, tariff and nontariff barriers in order to develop a competitive environment in rice sector. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108948&r=agr |
| By: | Vincent, Ngâeno; Lagat, B.K.; Korir, M.K.; Ngeno, E.K.; Kipsat, Mary J. |
| Abstract: | Poultry production is one of the most important economic activities to the smallholder farmers of Kenya. However, constraints are evident which have resulted in low production of poultry and poultry products to meet population demand and for socio-economic sustainability of the livelihoods. The objective of the study was to determine resource use efficiency, optimal production levels, production systems of small-scale poultry farmers in Bureti district, Kenya. Primary data were obtained using a set of structured questionnaires from 300 representative farmers drawn from the study area using cross-sectional sampling techniques. Data were analyzed by Cobb-Douglas production function. The results showed that the resources used in poultry production were underutilized while others were over utilized. The efficiency indicators for poultry feeds (0.0603) showed that poultry feeds were inefficiently used. Labour efficiency indicator (-0.091) showed that farmers were not only grossly inefficient in the use of the resource but also over utilized it while the efficiency indicator (60.86) for poultry equipment implied the resource was inefficiently utilized. It is recommended that farmers should use inputs more efficiently (particularly feeds which were being inefficiently utilized) by reducing their levels of employment. |
| Keywords: | Economic Efficiency, Resource Use Efficiency, Small-Holder Poultry Farmers, Kenya, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97094&r=agr |
| By: | Berem, Risper M.; Obare, Gideon A.; Owuor, George |
| Abstract: | Using survey data from 110 randomly selected honey producers from two divisions in Baringo this paper analyzes the constraints and drivers of value addition in honey, an economic activity with a potential to improve household livelihoods but whose development has remained rudimentary. Baringo District undergoes frequent and prolonged drought that impacts on household livelihood assets. The livelihoods have traditionally been agro-based but due to variations in climatic conditions, crop production has been very low. Livestock production has also been adversely affected by these trends, leaving honey production as a viable alternative for smallholder farmers since it is less dependent on, or affected by climatic variations and is not resource intensive. This study uses Heckman two stage and the logistic regression models to determine the extent of value addition contingent on the decision of a honey producer to participate in value addition activity, and to assess the link between honey value addition and household poverty status, respectively. The results show that the decision to add value is positively and significantly influenced by the amount of honey harvested, group membership and amount of hours spent on off-farm activities, while it is negatively influenced the age of the farmers and the education level of the household head. Value addition contributes to the reduction of poverty through the improvement of household incomes. This paper concludes measures need to be put in place that would encourage and facilitate the practice of value addition if the welfare of the poor rural population is to be improved. |
| Keywords: | value addition, poverty reduction, drought, ASAL, Africa, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96163&r=agr |
| By: | D'Haese, Marijke F.C.; Speelman, Stijn; Vandamme, Ellen; Nkunzimana, Tharcisse; Ndimubandi, Jean; D'Haese, Luc |
| Abstract: | This paper deals with the devastating food insecurity in two densely populated provinces in the north of Burundi as a result of overpopulation and low production capacity in the aftermath of conflict. We compare data that was collected in the Ngozi and Muyinga Province in 2007 with data of households interviewed on the same hills in 1996. Households live from subsistence farming, erratic surplus sales, sales of coffee and banana and occasional off- and non-farm work. We find that not only did production levels decrease but also total factor productivity (Malmquist indices calculated with DEA approach) dropped in 83% of the hills between 1996 and 2007. |
| Keywords: | food security, post-conflict, Central Africa, Burundi, subsistence farming, poverty trap, International Development, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96829&r=agr |
| By: | Manganhele, Anina Trefina |
| Abstract: | Despite many decades of experimentation with supplier-led approaches to credit in many developing countries, limited success has been achieved in terms of improving access to credit for smallholder farmers. In the case of Mozambique, previous attempts by government to improve access to credit for farmers were not successful and the government is looking for more effective strategies. The purpose of this study is to examine experiences in other developing countries in Africa and Asia. The study is a multiple case studies selected from Zimbabwe, Thailand and Indonesia. The data collection method comprised a combination of primary collected through in-depth interviews with key informants and secondary sources. The data analysis techniques consisted of searching for themes regarding successful strategies in terms of dealing with costs and risks of lending to agriculture. Lessons from these cases were drawn to shed light on what the most effective intervention strategy for the Government of Mozambique could entail if it is to succeed to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers. The study concludes that an alternative strategy by the government to improve access to credit for smallholder farmers includes the re-establishment of a public rural bank. The study recommends that rural financial institutions should adopt a demand-driven approach, and the fundos do fomento (special development funds) need to be reformed. |
| Keywords: | smallholder farmers, access to agricultural credit, government intervention, Mozambique and other developing countries, Financial Economics, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96811&r=agr |
| By: | Olarinde, Luke O.; Manyong, Victor M.; Akintola, J.O. |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we examine the diversity of risks that affect farming in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. We also investigate the perspectives of these risks in relation to their economic implications on the farming enterprises. We also show that through reorganization of these risks, some derived factors have the ability to present themselves whether as corresponding to existing categorization of the variables or not and also to enable us know which of the factors is more important than the other. Gross margin and factor analytical methods were used in computing the estimated results on a cross sectional sample of 348 farming households. Results show that farmers who were grouped under natural risk incurred the least mean production cost of N11, 115.61, while the highest mean production cost of N 15,998.18 was incurred by farmers grouped under production risks. The highest mean revenue of N18, 998.16 was recorded by farmers under production risk which translated into a mean gross margin of N65, 999.85. Verifying whether some derived factors would correspond to the existing categorization of 14 risk types (from 5 sources) which the farmers faced, results from the factor analysis and the consequent F-tests from ANOVA show no marked or significant differences among the identified factors and the existing risk sources. Consequently, the individual effect or importance of the original 14 risk types that the sampled farmers considered important can be dully represented and effectively regrouped into five sources (factors) as natural, technical, social, ecosocial and biochemical. |
| Keywords: | Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96821&r=agr |
| By: | Odwori, P.O.; Mapelu, M.Z.; Odhiambo, Mark O.; Nyangweso, P.M. |
| Abstract: | Simulation models have been used successfully to forecast productivity of cropping systems under various weather, management and policy scenarios. These models have helped farmers make efficient resource allocation decisions. However, in Kenya simulation models have not been used extensively and more specifically in modeling maize cropping system. The study aimed at forecasting productivity and profitability of maize cropping system in Uasin Gishu district, Kenya. Both primary and secondary data were used. Both time series and cross-sectional data for variables of interest were collected and complemented by a survey of 20 maize farmers who were systematically selected to verify information obtained from secondary sources. Cropping Systems simulation model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to determine maize output and profits under alternative price scenarios. Even though, simulated yields underestimated actual maize yield both at the district and across the four agro-ecological zones, the deviation from the actual yield was marginal. It is recommended that Cropsyst and Monte Carlo models be included among a bundle of tools for decision making. Further research is also required to test the two models under different locations, soil types, management styles and scales of production. |
| Keywords: | Forecasting, Yields, Profits, Maize cropping system, Simulation models, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97080&r=agr |
| By: | Heinrich, Barbara; von Cramon-Taubadel, Stephan |
| Abstract: | Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an externality of the pork production process. To respond to climate change concerns and reduce GHG emissions, internalizing this external effect using a market-based economic instrument would be economically efficient. We calculate the welfare effects of GHG emissions using a partial equilibrium model of the German pork market. Sensitivity analysis is used to investigate the impacts of emission prices and emission rates on the welfare effects of reducing GHG emissions. Potential overall welfare gains amount to roughly ⬠360,000 in the base setting and increase to roughly ⬠3 million when emission prices are tripled. This sensitivity highlights the need for more dependable estimates of key parameters such as emission prices and emission rates. However, even the largest estimates of these welfare gains are relatively small. By contrast, the distributional effects of internalizing GHG externalities in pork production for producers, consumers and the state are large in all scenarios. The large redistribution effects that follow from even a small pork price increase as a result of internalizing GHG emissions indicate that attempts to tie German pork production into such policies would be highly controversial but may create incentives to invest in technologies which mitigate GHG emissions. |
| Keywords: | Welfare effects, greenhouse gas emissions, pork production, partial equilibrium model, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, H23, Q18, Q54, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108793&r=agr |
| By: | Gelan, Ayele; Muriithi, Beatrice |
| Abstract: | Replaced with revised version of paper 11/18/10. |
| Keywords: | Dairy farms, efficiency scores, Data Envelopment Analysis, fractional regression, returns to scale, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96187&r=agr |
| By: | Minihan, Erin S.; Wu, Zipling |
| Abstract: | National greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategy can benefit from information on the technical and economic viability of abatement options. The life-cycle-analysis (LCA) and marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) approaches provide a good, although partial, indication for the potential of existing technologies to mitigate GHG emissions. The input-output (IO) approach has advantages in capturing the indirect impacts of technology adoption from shifts in economic structure and linkages between sectors. It is therefore ideal to develop an integrated approach to more accurately assess the overall economic and environmental impacts of climate policy. In this study, we aim to develop such an approach that extends the assessment of viability to include indirect economic and environmental effects of resulting structural shifts in the economy. The new approach is applied to technological GHG mitigation measures in Northern Irelandâs cattle sectors. The main findings indicate there is a marked difference (even reversal under some conditions) in the overall impact of technical reductions in emission-intensity on national output and emissions when adjustments in economic structure are taken into account. |
| Keywords: | GHG mitigation, IO analysis, technical cost, Northern Ireland, Agricultural and Food Policy, Livestock Production/Industries, C67, Q52, Q56, Q58, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108779&r=agr |
| By: | Mwaura, Francis; Muwanika, Fred Roland; Okoboi, Geofrey |
| Abstract: | Although the Ugandan government is determined to aid farmers increase agricultural productivity as an intervention on increasing food security and reducing poverty through extension services, resources constraints are dampening its efforts. Private extension services providers are being invited to take up information dissemination roles with queries on the availability and demand of the services among farmers to attract private sector and factors influencing the demand for extension services. Data collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) on national service delivery throughout the country in 2008 among 5363 and 3318 farmers involved in cropsâ and animalsâ husbandry was used to predict willingness to pay, amount farmers were willing to pay for extension services and factors that were to influence willingness to pay. It was established that about 35% and 40% of the farmers were willing to pay on average Ugandan shillings 3,400 (US$ 1.8) and 3,700 (US$ 2) per trip for extension services in crop and animal husbandry respectively. Key farmerâs attributes that influenced willingness to pay included sex, age, education level, regions of residence and preferred means to receive the services. The demand for extension and preferred price are low for private sectors engagement and the government should first educate the public on the importance of the services. |
| Keywords: | Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96185&r=agr |
| By: | Traub, Lulama Ndibongo; Myers, Robert J.; Jayne, Thomas S.; Meyer, Ferdinand H. |
| Abstract: | Price transmission between the South African market and other regional markets is not as straightforward, despite South Africaâs role of a surplus producer for the region. There appears to be a host of local factors that must be taken into account in order to anticipate the likely level of regional food prices. This article assesses the degree of market integration and the speed of price adjustment to spatial price differentials between the SAFEX maize price in South Africa and maize grain and maize meal prices in Maputo, Mozambique. The findings of this study indicate that under certain trading regimes, there is no evidence of a long-run relationship between Mozambican and South African maize grain prices. This implies that any large deviations, within these regimes, which exceed transaction costs, could continue to grow with no tendency towards equilibrium. However, the trade volume data indicates maize grain exports from South Africa into Mozambique in every month except for three within the sample set. Hence, the empirical findings of this paper are unexpected given a simple arbitrage argument. Possible reasons for these findings are highlighted in the article. It is interesting to note that when the same empirical analysis is undertaken for the SAFEX maize prices and maize meal prices in Maputo then there is in fact evidence of a long-run relationship between these prices in a high import regime. These findings are not surprising and are what we would expect since two of the largest milling companies, located in Maputo are responsible for the majority of the volume of maize grain imported into the country from South Africa. |
| Keywords: | price transmission, market integration, cointegration, trade regimes, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96644&r=agr |
| By: | Gill, Tania; Punt, Cecilia |
| Abstract: | In South Africa, a water scarce country, conflict between water users is mounting, while there are few remaining bulk water augmentation options. Water demand management is thus increasingly taking centre stage in water management debates. Water pricing is regarded as an important component of managing the demand for water resources. This article traces the efficacy of increasing irrigation water tariffs to save water and the impact thereof on the national economy and the Western Cape economy using the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) constructed by Hassan et al (2008). Two scenarios are investigated in which the water tariff is increased by 50 percent from a base of 2c/m³. In the first scenario water demand is fixed in agriculture; thus, water needs to be fully utilized in agriculture. In the second scenario it is assumed that all water does not have to be utilized. The study finds that, for both scenarios, increasing water tariffs by 50% raises the risk profile of agriculture, threatens food security, decreases national welfare, increases imports of staple foods, increases the prices of staple foods, decreases household welfare and decreases employment in agriculture. These adverse effects are more severe in the second scenario than in the first scenario. The introduction of irrigation water pricing shocks should thus be approached with due caution and alternative demand management approaches should be investigated. |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96425&r=agr |
| By: | Owusu, Victor; Owusu, Michael Anifori |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the market potential for fresh organic lettuce and water melon with a recently collected data on consumers from Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Using a doublebounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation technique, consumerâs willingness to pay is estimated with a Tobit model to address the zero willingness to pay responses in the sample data. As much as 71% of the consumers are willing to pay over 50% price premiums for organic vegetables and over 82% are willing to pay 1%â50% price premiums for organic fruits. The empirical results indicate that human capital, product attributes and consumer perception influence consumersâ willing to pay for organic food products. The estimated market potential for organic fruit is GH¢32,117,113 (US$ 26,453,433) per annum and that of organic vegetable is GH¢1,991,224 (US$1,640,083) per annum suggesting a huge market potential for organic fruits in Ghana. |
| Keywords: | Willingness to Pay, Price Premium, Organic Products, Consumer Perception, Market Potential, Africa, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95955&r=agr |
| By: | Bush, Glenn; Hanley, Nick; Rondeau, Daniel |
| Abstract: | Reducing deforestation and forest degradation will mean imposing restrictions on the use of forest resources by households that currently use natural forests to maintain their livelihoods. An emerging issue in forest monitoring is the need to assess social and economic impacts in forest user communities of alternative policy and management approaches. Implicit but often unrecognized in forest management strategies focused on integrating people into forest management is that communities are not homogeneous , implying an important degree of variation in the costs of forest use restrictions across households. Quantitative economic methods are essential to a robust measurement of the real socio-economic impacts of forest management and conservation programs, and to adequately design compensation packages to offset local costs. A key entry point to understanding the scope of impact in design of a forest management program, under conditions of local subsistence use, is assessing the minimum compensation necessary to incentivize forest conservation. Two principal valuation approaches exist, financial and economic. The latter measures both financial and social values; but which approach should we use? The selection of valuation approach can dramatically impact estimates of the compensation required to affect real change in forest conservation. Empirical evidence on the divergence of different value measures are presented for four case study forests under different governance arrangements in Uganda. A contingent valuation (CV) survey was administered alongside a market price (MP) method household survey for park-adjacent households. In the CV survey respondents were asked to state their minimum level of compensation required to forgo access to timber and non-timber forest products from their local protected area for a period of one year, whilst the MP survey estimated total annual household income from all sources e.g. agriculture, livestock and forest access. Data were collected from households in areas adjacent to the forests according to a stratified random sample (n=690). Distributional differences in forest income and welfare values are examined, to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of different valuation approaches for estimating the benefits of forest use. We find that a range of complimentary conclusions can be drawn from the two techniques. Together, they provide contrasting information on the importance of forest income to heterogeneous rural households and they can help assess the potential effectiveness of alternative forest management strategies and governance arrangements. |
| Keywords: | contingent valuation; forest income; protected areas; costs of conserv ation |
| Date: | 2011–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:stl:stledp:2011-12&r=agr |
| By: | Mbatha, C. Nhlanhla; Antrobus, G.G. |
| Abstract: | A good indicator of successful farm redistribution cases has to be the continuation of viable productivity rates in their post transfer periods. Continued productivity benefits all the stakeholders that are involved in the process. Unfortunately negative productivity levels have been reported in numerous South African land redistribution transfers in recent years. A game theoretic perspective is adopted to argue that cooperation among key stakeholders, which could be enforced through long term contracts between a land buyer, sellers and new owners, would lead to higher productivity levels and other benefits. Additional benefits would, for example, include market related prices paid by a buyer. Sugarcane farm transfer cases from two municipality districts in KwaZulu Natal province are used to show that the productivity rates in post transfer periods of cooperative land sales were more than 10% higher than the rates observed before such transfers. At the opposite end of the scale, the productivity rates in noncooperative land sales dropped by 16% after land takeovers. Furthermore, the prices paid for farms that became less productive after transfers were higher by more than 40% compared to those paid for productive farms. The cases illustrate the values of cooperative strategies in economic transactions. |
| Keywords: | Sugarcane, farms, redistribution, productivity, cooperation, games, Land Economics/Use, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96156&r=agr |
| By: | Dittoh, Saa; Akuriba, Margaret A.; Issaka, Balma Y.; Bhattarai, Madhusudan |
| Abstract: | Irrigated agriculture in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa has not been encouraging even with the threat of severe adverse effects of global food and financial crises and a scourge of the consequences of climate change. The situation in the West African Sahel is even more disturbing since it is at the fringe of the Sahara desert and past attempts at irrigation development have been very disappointing. The paper analyses information from an assessment of the extent of use and impacts of micro irrigation technologies in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal, and suggests a future direction for irrigation development in the West African Sahel. It argues for substantial investments by Governments, NGOs and the private sector in development of âlow-costâ micro irrigation system. Drip irrigation in the form of the âAfrican Market Gardenâ (AMG) is a technology that has the potential to drastically reduce mass poverty levels in the Sahel. It has been widely acclaimed by smallholder irrigators in the Sahel as being suitable for the arid environment and it has been shown to be profitable to the farmers. The cost of establishing a viable, effective, and sustainable smallholder drip irrigation system is however above the capabilities of small farmer groups. The suggestion is to institute modified public-private partnership (PPP) methodologies of funding and management of farmer-group drip irrigation systems to ensure, adequate funding and that, viable, sustainable and poverty alleviation systems are established in all parts of the Sahel and in similar areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97045&r=agr |
| By: | Romling, Cornelia; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Overweight and obesity are becoming serious issues in many developing countries. Since undernutrition is not completely eradicated yet, these countries face a dual burden that obstructs economic development. We analyze the nutrition transition in Indonesia using longitudinal data from the Indonesian Family and Life Survey, covering the period between 1993 and 2007. Obesity has been increasing remarkably across all population groups, including rural and low income strata. Prevalence rates are particularly high for women. We also develop a framework to analyze direct and indirect determinants of body mass index. This differentiation has rarely been made in previous research, but appears useful for policy making purposes. Regression models show that changing food consumption patterns coupled with decreasing physical activity levels during work and leisure time directly contribute to increasing obesity. Education, income, and marital status are significant determinants that influence nutritional status more indirectly. Change regressions underline that there are important path-dependencies. From a policy perspective, nutrition awareness and education campaigns, combined with programs to support leisure time exercise, seem to be most promising to contain the obesity pandemic. Women should be at the center of policy attention. |
| Keywords: | Obesity, Overweight, Nutrition Transition, Asia, Indonesia, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, I10, O12, |
| Date: | 2011–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:108350&r=agr |
| By: | Kaguongo, Wachira; Ortmann, Gerald F.; Wale, Edilegnaw; Darroch, Mark A.G.; Low, Jan W. |
| Abstract: | This study applied logit and logit transformed regression to examine factors affecting the adoption of orange flesh sweet-potatoes (OFSP), and intensity of such adoption, by a representative sample of 340 farmers in the Busia and Rachuonyo districts of Kenya in 2009. The study also investigated whether participation in a value chain extension intervention programme increased these farmersâ likelihood of adopting OFSP. The results suggest that the district where the farmer comes from, knowledge on value addition and nutritional benefits, and availability of vines were the key factors for adoption. The results also suggest that participation in a value chain extension programme enhanced the probability of adoption. Factors affecting intensity of adoption were site, value addition, vines availability, level of commercialization and having a child of up to five years. |
| Keywords: | Adoption, extension intervention programme, intensity of adoption, orange flesh sweetpotato, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96805&r=agr |
| By: | Hough, Ella Christina; Nell, Wilhelm T.; Maine, Ntsikane; Groenewald, Jan A.; van der Rijst, M. |
| Abstract: | Phosphates (P) are an important nutrient required by every living plant and animal cell, and deficiencies in soils could cause limited crop production, thereby reducing profitability. Phosphates are also a primary nutrient essential for root development and crop production, and are needed in the tissues of a plant where cells rapidly divide and enlarge. Precision agriculture (PA) could assist the farmer in applying the correct amount of P to the part of the field where it is required most. Variable rate technology (VRT) is a potential tool that can help with the development of strategies for phosphate fertilizer management. On-field trials were conducted on a commercial farm in the Western Cape Province; As many as five soil types occur on each field studied, and three crops â wheat, canola and barley - are grown in rotation. One half of each field was planted using VRT (PA), while constant application (SR) was used on the other half. The objective was to determine whether spatial econometric models are more accurate than traditional ordinary least squares (OLS) models in predicting the profitability impact of P on PA. There are significant differences to be observed between the results obtained with the OLS, Spatial Error (SER) and restricted maximum-likelihood (REML) models. All the measures of goodness of fit indicated an increase in fit from the OLS to the SER model, with the best fit being achieved with the REML model, implying that the use of this model resulted in more accurate estimates. |
| Keywords: | Precision agriculture, variable-rate phosphate application, single rate phosphate application, profitability, spatial differences, restricted maximum-likelihood model (RELM), spatial regression, best fit model selection, South Africa, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96642&r=agr |
| By: | Heinschink, Karin E.; Shalloo, Laurence; Wallace, Michael T. |
| Abstract: | The dairy landscape in the Republic of Ireland is characterized by pastoral spring-calving sys-tems and a bell-shaped milk production curve. This seasonality at producer level initiates various implications at processor level, such as poor utilization of plant capacity off-peak season, a re-quirement for seasonal labour management and limited product options in autumn and winter months due to the properties of late-lactation milk. An optimization model was developed to ana-lyze the impact of production seasonality and quota removal on the Irish dairy processing indus-try in terms of maximum processor gross surplus, the optimum product mix and the marginal values of the milk solids fat, protein and lactose. Processor gross surplus was specified as a func-tion of product sales revenue, less variable costs of collecting and processing raw milk and gen-eral overhead (fixed) costs. 5 scenarios with differing milk intake curves were examined whereby a flatter intake curve incurred less monthly variation in the marginal producer milk price, capacity utilization and product mix as well as a higher surplus as compared to more sea-sonal patterns. However, an isolated consideration of financial indicators at processor level dis-regards key characteristics of Irish grass-based seasonal milk production and producer-processor interdependencies. It was therefore concluded that a broader modelling approach integrating both the producer and the processor perspectives is desirable for more holistic analysis of sector-wide implications. |
| Keywords: | Dairy processing, seasonality, milk quota abolition, processor profit, product mix, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108939&r=agr |
| By: | Joubert, Christo J.; Phahlane, N.H.; Jooste, Andre; Dempers, C.; Kotze, Louise |
| Abstract: | The focus of this research was to investigate the comparative advantage of the potato industry in seven potato production regions in South Africa. Potatoes are the most important vegetable crop produced in South Africa. In 2008 it contributed more than 40% to the total production of vegetables in South Africa and it accounted for more than 20% of the value of all fresh produce sold on all the major national fresh produce markets. This study uses the Resource Cost Ratio (RCR) methodology that provides an explicit indication of the efficiency with which production alternatives uses domestic resources to generate or save foreign exchange. The Nominal Protection Ratio (NPR) and Effective Protection Coefficient (EPC) were also calculated. The results show that current policies that affects the input market for potato production in South Africa is constraining the potato industry. This was confirmed by the results obtained from the NPR and EPC analysis, and the size of the policy distortions was shown through the calculation of market and economic profitability. If current policies prevail potato production in the Eastern Free State will not have a comparative advantage, but in the absence of such policies all production regions have a comparative advantage. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96432&r=agr |
| By: | Okello, Julius Juma; Ndirangu, Lydia K. |
| Abstract: | The need to provide agricultural information to farmers has led to emergence of numerous ICTbased MIS projects in developing country. These projects aim at promoting commercialization of smallholder agriculture and subsequently their welfare. This study examines the how the environment in which such ICT-based MIS affect their performance. It specifically uses the DrumNet project, an ICT-based MIS, to assess how the socio-economic, physical, political and physical environment in the project areas affected its performance. The study finds that those transaction-related problems, especially strategic default, deriving from these environmental factors greatly undermined the performance of DrumNet forcing it to relocate severally. It discusses policy implications of these findings. |
| Keywords: | ICT-based MIS projects, the DrumNet model, operational environment, performance, Kenya, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96193&r=agr |
| By: | Bushara, Mohamed O.A.; Barakat, Hoyam E. |
| Abstract: | The main objective of this paper was to decompose Total Factor Productivity Change (TFPCH) of cotton cultivars Barakat-90 and Barac(67)B in the Gezira scheme in 1991-2007, based on Data Envelopment Analysis Program (DEAP) Software Version 2.1, using model of inputâoriented Malmquist indices Total Factor Productivity (TFP). This model could give meaningful results regarding technological and economic behavior relationship over time using balance panel data on Barac(67)B and Barakat-90 cultivars, Relevant secondary data were collected and analyzed to meet the stated objectives. This paper was aimed to decompose TFPCH into two components Technological Change (TECH) and Technical Efficiency Change (EFCH) and the latter was further divided into Scale Efficiency Change (SEFCH) and Pure Efficiency Change (PEFCH). The methodology allowed the recovery of various efficiency and productivity measures. The paper was mainly to answer the questions related to technical efficiency, scale efficiency and productivity changes. In the study on cotton cultivars, the innovation was improving up and down of TECH over time. Scale inefficiency was the main problem in efficiency analysis and mainly due to production operating at increasing returns to scale in Barac(67)B and Barakat-90 operating at constant return to scale. TFPCH was -1.3%, the contribution of EFCH was -1.6% and TECH was 0.30%, the main problem was efficiency change and this was mainly due to scale inefficiency, Barac(67)B contributed to this negative at an average annual rate -3.3%. This implying that the Barac(67)B was ailing due to efficiency change. The study has recommended, substantial improvement in knowledge about productivity and efficiency using scientific approaches, the scheme administration should take full advantage of Barac(67)B cultivar to be extensively grown, Barakat-90 requires further investigation benefiting from technological innovation, additional, improvement in agricultural processing to increase the value added, and the benefit of scientific breakthrough in agricultural science are also recommended. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96648&r=agr |
| By: | Srinivasan, C. S. |
| Abstract: | Promotion of healthier eating choices and adherence to recommended dietary norms are important elements of the UK Governmentâs food strategy to combat the rising incidence of obesity. This paper explores the paradox of rising incidence of obesity over the last two decades even as consumers have moved towards healthier dietary choices. We analyse data from the UKâs National Diet and Nutrition Surveys over this period using quantile regression and counterfactual decompositions to identify the main elements underlying this paradox. We find that adherence to individual dietary norms in isolation has only very modest impacts on the obesity profile of the population. Efforts to promote compliance with some of the norms may have the unintended consequence of increasing excessive calorie consumption, leading to increased obesity. The effects of improved adherence to dietary norms may be offset by the changes in the impact of adherence to norms on excessive energy intake. Our results suggest that nutrition and policy and interventions need to focus on the simultaneous compliance with a range of dietary norms to have a significant impact on the incidence of obesity. |
| Keywords: | Obesity incidence, adherence to dietary guidelines, impact assessment, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108787&r=agr |
| By: | Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Ayele, Gezahegne; Mensah-Bonsu, Akwasi; Ndirangu, Lydia K.; Okpukpara, Benjamin; Roy, Devesh; Yakhshilikov, Yorbol |
| Abstract: | In this paper we investigate the role of poultry in the livelihoods portfolios of households and the impact of supply and demand shocks that may be caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on various livelihoods outcomes of households in four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The study countries include Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa and Ghana and Nigeria in West Africa. These countries represent a spectrum of SSA countries in terms of disease status, role of poultry sector and means of disease spread. By using nationally representative household level secondary data and discrete choice methods (probit model and zero inflated negative binomial model) we profile the household, farm and regional characteristics of those households who are most likely to keep poultry, and those who are most likely to be engaged in intensive poultry production, i.e., keep larger household flocks. We estimate the impact of the disease outbreaks and scares/threats on livelihood outcomes by using matching methods (i.e., propensity score matching). The results of this study generate valuable information regarding the role of poultry in the livelihoods of small-scale poultry producing households and the livelihood impacts of HPAI induced demand and supply shocks. Such information is critical for the design of targeted and hence efficient and effective HPAI control and mitigation policies. |
| Keywords: | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), demand shock, supply shock, livelihoods, probit model, zero inflated negative binomial model, propensity score matching, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97084&r=agr |
| By: | Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob; Jayne, Thomas S. |
| Abstract: | This study uses household level panel data from Malawi to measure the contemporaneous and dynamic impacts of fertilizer subsidies on different indicators of household wellâbeing. Wellâbeing is measured in this paper using indicators contained in available survey data, such as area cultivated, maize production, asset wealth, respondentâstated adequacy of food consumption and respondent-stated life satisfaction. The study uses fixed effects and instrumental variable methods to control for endogeneity caused by the nonârandom distribution of targeted fertilizer subsidies. Results indicate that the quantity of subsidized fertilizer acquired by a household has a positive contemporaneous effect on area planted, area planted to maize and maize production at the household level. The subsidy also has a significant dynamic effect on the quantity of maize that households produce. Subsidized fertilizer has no significant contemporaneous or dynamic effect on household asset accumulation. Receiving more subsidized fertilizer does not make households feel that their food consumption has been adequate over the past year, but receiving more subsidized fertilizer makes household heads say that they are more satisfied with their lives. Subsidized fertilizer appears to be going to people with more land. In addition, people in villages where members of parliament reside also receive greater quantities of subsidized fertilizer. These findings raise questions about how subsidy recipients are targeted. Improving targeting could increase the positive impacts of fertilizer subsidies on household wellâbeing. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96650&r=agr |
| By: | Keogh, Sinead; Cullinan, John |
| Abstract: | Understanding the determinants of farm householdsâ social engagement patterns in rural communities is important for public policy programs that seek to improve the well-being of the rural population and promote rural sustainability. Within this context, this paper examines the factors that influence both the participation in, and the number of hours dedicated to, social, community and leisure activities among farm operators and their spouse/partner in a region in the West of Ireland. The theoretical underpinnings of this research are an extension of Beckerâs (1965, 1974) and Gronauâs (1977) agricultural household models, whereby households maximise utility subject to a set of constraints, household income and time endowment. The study employs a time-use diary survey, combined with an individual and household survey, to collect data from farm households in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. A Craggs double hurdle model is used to estimate the predictors of time-use and the number of hours spent participating in a range of off-farm activities. |
| Keywords: | Rural sustainability, Agricultural household model, Time use survey, Craggs two-step model., Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108798&r=agr |
| By: | Wallace, Michael T.; Jack, Claire G. |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates returns to education for a sample of farm operators in Northern Ireland. The analysis examines the relationship between education and on-farm and off-farm labour incomes. Human capital earnings functions are estimated to identify the marginal return to education measured as years of schooling as well as the qualification level attained. Extending to a structural model, the methodology controls for the endogeneity of education in the earnings function and potential selection bias associated with off-farm labour market participation. In off-farm employment, the analysis shows that returns to education are of the order of between 6% and 9% for each additional year of schooling. However, on-farm earnings were not found to be significantly related to years of education, although the analysis does identify a significant on-farm return to an agricultural qualification |
| Keywords: | Human Capital, Time Allocation and Labor Supply, Agricultural Labor Markets, Wage Level, Labor and Human Capital, J24, J22, J43, J31, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108786&r=agr |
| By: | Ngigi, M.W.; Okello, Julius Juma; Lagerkvist, Carl Johan; Karanja, Nancy; Mburu, John G. |
| Abstract: | The improvement in income in developing countries has led to emergence of middle and high income consumers in urban centers. Improvement in income usually causes the shift to consumption of non-staples including leafy vegetables. Thus in major developing country urban centers there has been rapid expansion of the grocery sections featuring leafy vegetables in leading retail stores. Specialty stores have also emerged featuring broad range vegetables. Many middle and high income consumers shop these stores. This study examines the willing of the middle and high income consumers who shop specialized stores to pay for quality of leafy vegetables and drivers of willingness to pay for quality. The study uses contingent valuation and the payment card method in eliciting consumersâ WTP. It considers a broad range of quality attributes including safety, nutrition, environmental friendliness, hygiene in handling. The study finds that mean willingness to pay for quality is higher among high income consumers (>60%). It also finds that income, age of children the consumer has, access to information of food safety are among the significant drivers of kale consumersâ willingness to pay for quality of kales. The study concludes that there is demand for quality of leafy vegetables and discusses policy implications. |
| Keywords: | Willingness to pay, food safety, urban consumers, leafy vegetables, Kenya, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96191&r=agr |
| By: | Abdu-Raheem, K.A. |
| Abstract: | This paper addresses the problem of extending biodiversity conservation onto the communal lands of the Dwesa-Cwebe conservation area in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, by investigating the conditions that must be fulfilled for any success to be registered. These conditions were derived based on a qualitative survey conducted in the Nqabara Administrative Area. The study developed a conceptual framework to unravel the complex nature of the whole community conservation initiative. A focus group discussion was adopted as the data collection method; and the underlying factors that have contributed to the success of the initiative in the Nqabara Administrative Area were identified. Appropriate coding was assigned to each distinct and major factor for proper presentation of the results and observations were appropriately indicated to buffer the explanation of the achieved results. Recommendations were subsequently made for the Dwesa-Cwebe in terms of the decision-making instruments that demand critical consideration for any successful community biodiversity conservation to be achieved. |
| Keywords: | Dwesa-Cwebe, Nqabara, biodiversity conservation, communal land, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97069&r=agr |
| By: | Sophie Mitra (Fordham University, Department of Economics); Jean-Marc Boussard (Académie d’Agriculture de France) |
| Abstract: | A debate has been raging for centuries regarding the effects of inter-annual storage on commodity prices. Most analysts consider storage to function as a price stabilizer, while others place it at the core of an explanation of intriguing features of commodity price series, such as skewed distributions. Most studies have been developed in the context of the theory of competitive storage where random shocks affect supply or demand. Recently, the endogenous chaotic behavior of markets has become another possible hypothesis regarding the origin of commodity price fluctuations. We develop a nonlinear cobweb model with intra- and inter-annual storage, risk averse agents and adaptive expectations. Like the theory of competitive storage, this nonlinear cobweb model with storage can reproduce some of the stylized facts of agricultural commodity prices (autocorrelation of first rank, low kurtosis and skewness). In addition, the effects of storage on price variation are mixed. In the presence of inter-annual storage, chaotic price series show less variation compared to a situation without inter-annual storage but we find that storage contributes to the endogenous volatility of prices by making chaotic dynamics more likely. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Prices; Nonlinear Cobweb Model; Endogenous Fluctuations; Storage |
| JEL: | Q11 E39 D84 |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:frd:wpaper:dp2011-05&r=agr |
| By: | Otieno, David Jakinda; Hubbard, Lionel J.; Ruto, Eric |
| Abstract: | In this study the stochastic metafrontier method is used to investigate technical efficiency and technology gaps across three main beef cattle production systems in Kenya. Results show that there is significant inefficiency in nomadic and agro-pastoral systems. Further, in contrast with ranches, these two systems were found to have lower technology gap ratios. The average pooled technical efficiency was estimated to be 0.69, which suggests that there is considerable scope to improve beef production in Kenya |
| Keywords: | Technical efficiency, technology gap, beef cattle, production systems, stochastic metafrontier, Kenya., Livestock Production/Industries, D24, O32, Q18, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108947&r=agr |
| By: | Oyewumi, Olubukola Ayodeju; Sarker, Rakhal |
| Abstract: | Prices guide economic agentsâ resource allocation and output mix decisions. The extent of price transmission determines the nature of market integration. Volatility spill-over in spatially linked agricultural markets has been investigated, but not across borders. We developed an E-GARCH model which enabled us to explore various properties of price volatility â volatility persistence, asymmetric interference and volatility spill-over. We found the existence of significant volatility spill-over within the South African Customs Union (SACU) using sheep price data in Namibia and South Africa, especially with the introduction of Small Livestock Marketing Scheme (SLMS) in namibia. The results show more stickiness in the retail market than the wholesale market in South Africa (90% and 49%), suggesting a greater impact of price volatility on South Africa consumers than the processors. In terms of volatility spill-over, the asymmetric effect is significant at 5 percent suggesting that these two markets are somewhat integrated, since the incidence of volatility spill-over from Namibia has influenced price information transmission in the South African sheep market. Furthermore, 79 percent of the volatility in the Namibian market is transmitted through sheep meat retail prices to the South African sheep market. The measure of volatility persistence is significant; indicating that 45 percent of the volatility transmitted to the South African sheep market is persistent. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96196&r=agr |
| By: | Jordaan, Henry; Grove, Bennie |
| Abstract: | Eksteenskuil raisin producers are a group of emerging raisin producers who are successfully participating in a sophisticated value chain. They collectively export their raisins through the fairtrade initiative. Emerging farmers typically face high levels of transaction cost. The high levels of transaction cost in combination with the changing nature of the marketing environment, suggest that the different modes with which transactions can be coordinated need to be assessed in order to identify that mode that would minimise the transaction cost. The aim of this paper is to investigate the governance structures that are employed by Eksteenskuil raisin producers in order to determine whether an alternative may not contribute to reducing transaction costs faced by Eksteenskuil producers. The mode of governance employed by Eksteenskuil producers first is compared to the alternative that is widely used by other raisin producers in the region to determine whether the existing alternative may be more efficient. Thereafter the need for more vertical coordination is assessed to determine whether or not a higher level of vertical coordination is needed to reduce transaction cost. Based on the results from this study the specifications-contracting mode of governance that is currently used by Eksteenskuil raisin producers is more efficient than the spot market that is mainly used by other raisin producers in the region. Although complete vertical integration does not prove to be viable at this stage, there still is a need for some more vertical coordination towards the level of strategic alliances. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96645&r=agr |
| By: | Nganje, William E.; Skilton, Paul F.; Jensen, Helen; Onyeaghala, Raphael |
| Abstract: | This case study presents an in-depth review of network structures and costs associated with the implementation of traceability systems in California leafy green production, distribution, and retailing. The 2006 spinach outbreak is used to assess the economic impact of trace back/forward response time of the LGMA system, an example of a tightly coupled, linear supply network. Results suggest that the benefits of traceability systems may far outweigh the costs and that costs vary significantly by technology used and by grower size. Implications are derived for cost-effectiveness of rapid response, targeted trace back/forward systems in other types of supply networks. |
| Keywords: | traceability, produce, supply networks, cost-effectiveness, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Production Economics, Q18, I18, L51, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108776&r=agr |
| By: | Bakucs, Zoltan; Ferto, Imre; Fogarasi, Jozsef; Latruffe, Laure; Desjeux, Yann; Matveev, Eduard; Marongiu, Sonia; Dolman, Mark; Soboh, Rafat |
| Abstract: | In this paper we analyse and compare various efficiency indicators for a number of European Union (EU) countries: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden. The availability of long period datasets between 1990 and 2006, allow us to concentrate on the long time trends in technical efficiency especially in Old Member States. This study is the first which may provide a comprehensive overview on the development in farm level efficiency across eight European countries. Our main results are the following. Generally, all countries have relatively high levels of mean technical efficiency ranging from 0.72 to 0.92 for both field crops and dairy farms. Interestingly the majority of countries have better performance in dairy sectors in terms of higher levels of mean efficiency than in field crop production. A slightly decreasing trend however may be observed for all countries. Technical Efficiency estimates are largely in line with those obtained by previous studies. Stability analysis revealed that in average 60% of farms maintain their efficiency ranking in two consecutive years, whilst 20% improve and 20% worsen their positions for all countries. However, these ratios slightly fluctuate around these values for one year to next year. Mobility analysis ranks countries according to the mobility of SFA scores within the distribution. Farms in New Member States are more mobile than those in EU15. Total productivity changes are analysed in two steps. First, we do not find a definite trend in total factor productivity changes. Second, we address the question whether total factor productivity changes converge or diverge over time. Using panel unit root tests our estimations reveal a convergence of productivity across old EU member countries during analysed period. Finally, we decompose the total factor productivity changes into its main elements. Field crop farm indicators generally present significantly higher volatility than dairy farms. Random effect panel regression of Total Factor Productivity Change on its components shows Technological Change as being the significant positive driver for crop farms, whilst Technical Efficiency Change followed by Technological Change are the most important for dairy farms. In addition we do not find significant impacts of CAP reforms in 1992 and 2000 on total productivity changes. |
| Keywords: | Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108773&r=agr |
| By: | Lloyd, Tim A.; Morgan, C. Wyn; McCorriston, Steve; Zgovu, Evious |
| Abstract: | This paper assesses the role of sales as a feature of price dynamics using scanner data. The study analyses a unique, high frequency panel of supermarket prices consisting of over 230,000 weekly price observations on around 500 products in 15 categories of food stocked by the UKâs seven largest retail chains. In all, 1,700 weekly time series are available at the barcode-specific level including branded and own-label products. The data allows the frequency, magnitude and duration of sales to be analysed in greater detail than has hitherto been possible with UK data. The main results are: (i) sales are a key feature of aggregate price variation with around 40 per cent of price variation being accounted for by sales once price differences for each UPC level across the major retailers are accounted for; (ii) much of the price variation that is observed in the UK food retailing sector is accounted for by price differences between retailers; (iii) only a small proportion of price variation that is observed in UK food retailing is common across the major retailers suggesting that cost shocks originating at the manufacturing level is not one of the main sources of price variation in the UK; (iv) own-label products also exhibit considerable sales behaviour though this is less important than sales for branded goods; and (v) there is some evidence of coordination in the timing of sales across retailers insofar as the probability of a sale at the UPC level at a given retailer increases if the product is also on sale at another retailer. |
| Keywords: | Sales, price variation, retail, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, L16, L66, Q13., |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108774&r=agr |
| By: | Erdem, Seda; Rigby, Dan |
| Abstract: | This research locates a series of risks or hazards within a framework characterised by the level of control respondents believe they have over the risks, and the level of worry the risks prompt. It does this for a set of both food and non-food risks. The means by which this is done is novel, and differs from past risk perception analyses in that it questions people directly regarding their relative assessments of the levels of control and worry over the risks presented. The cognitive burden associated with people ranking and scaling items in large sets is notoriously heavy, so this study uses an elicitation method designed to make the process intuitive and cognitively manageable for respondents. The substantive analysis of the risk perceptions has four main foci concerning the relative assessment of (i) novel as opposed to more familiar risks (e.g. swine flu vs. heart attack), (ii) food risks as opposed to non-food risks, (iii) perceived levels of control over the risks versus how worrying the risks are considered to be, (iv) differences in the risk perceptions across social groups, as in this paper we analyse the relative assessments of farmers and consumers with a particular orientation on E. coli. |
| Keywords: | Best-worst scaling, risk, perception, novel technology, E. coli, UK, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108790&r=agr |
| By: | Saunders, Caroline M.; Guenther, Meike; Tait, Peter; Kaye-Blake, William; Saunders, John; Miller, Sini; Abell, Walt |
| Abstract: | With current concerns about climate change and the general status of the environment, there is an increasing expectation that products have sustainability credentials, and that these can be verified. Labelling is a common method of communicating certain product attributes to consumers that may influence their choices. There are different types of labels with several functions. The aim of this study was to investigate consumersâ, attitudes, knowledge and preferences towards certain sustainability claims on food products across countries; particularly attitudes towards the display of the reduction of carbon emissions were examined in this research. A web-based consumer survey undertaken in the United Kingdom and Japan showed similarities between consumers in the UK and Japan regarding desired label claims of environmental product information. Differences across these countries were observed in terms of the knowledge about certain environmental and social issues such as carbon footprint and sustainability. This information on consumersâ attitudes will assist industries and firms to identify market opportunities, in particular assessing the methods by which carbon footprinting measures can be incorporated alongside information on other sustainability criteria in product ma |
| Keywords: | FOOD LABELLING, CARBON FOOTPRINT, SUSTAINABILITY, CROSS-COUNTRY COMPARISON, UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108953&r=agr |
| By: | Mare, Frikkie A.; Nell, Wilhelm T.; Willemse, B.J. |
| Abstract: | Since the decline in the price of maize from the beginning of 2010, meat has become the new buzzword under maize producers as they are desperately looking for alternatives to increase the value of their crops. It seems as if the price of maize may stay low at levels equal to export parity prices for the next year or two due to very large yields and an increasing level of ending stocks each year. On the other hand, there is the meat sector which is doing extremely well and had even shown positive growth during the worldwide financial crisis. A substantial decrease in the price of beef therefore seems unlikely and makes it a very attractive alternative market for maize. The question, however, is whether the value of maize can be increased by marketing it through beef, and what factors influence the profitability of this marketing alternative. A model simulating different scenarios with regards to the physical and financial information of a feedlot indicates that in the most cases a feedlot will have a positive margin and thus increases the value of the maize that is fed. The factors that were found to affect the margin the most in a negatively correlated relation, are the weaner price, maize price, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and feed concentrate price, while those affecting the margin in a positively correlated way are the carcass price, slaughter percentage and average daily gain. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96646&r=agr |
| By: | Anderson, Duncan J.; Jack, Claire G. |
| Abstract: | A non-linear mathematical farm business optimisation model, that is set within a spatial economic framework, has been developed. The model incorporates factors such as location, spatial market orientation and technology use, and identifies the business strategy that is optimal in different market and policy environments. Farm household time-use is incorporated centrally within the model, enabling it to examine how on-farm and off-farm activities compete for limited farm household human resources. The model is applied to a beef and sheep farm that can choose between selling livestock to meat processors or processing on-farm and selling direct to consumers. Model simulations reveal when it is optimal for the farm business to innovate in this way and how this decision is affected by changes in key parameters. The farm business model is solved using the GAMS/LINDOGlobal mathematical programming software package. While traditional nonlinear programming and mixed-integer nonlinear programming algorithms are guaranteed to converge only under certain convexity assumptions, GAMS/LINDOGlobal finds guaranteed globally optimal solutions to general nonlinear problems. The model and model results are discussed within the context of theoretical underpinnings, model tractability, and potential applications. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108782&r=agr |
| By: | Akter, Shaheen |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers who were beneficiaries of a poverty alleviation programme involving longer term intervention towards building the strength of stakeholders such as government department, NGOs, village organisations and women beneficiaries. Data are drawn from a survey of 400 women farmers in 2006 and 2008. These farmers have been the members of BRAC, a well known NGO in Bangladesh. Poverty profiles, transition matrices and regression analysis drawn from asset-base framework are used to analyze data. A number of key questions related to poverty transition through livestock based activities, heterogeneity in livelihood choice and its impact on household welfare, extent of poverty reduction using different strategies etc. are addressed. |
| Keywords: | Poverty, Women and livestock, Livelihood Strategies, Asset-base Framework, Bangladesh, Food Security and Poverty, O1, O3, Q13, Q55, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108935&r=agr |
| By: | Gebremedhin, Berhanu; Jaleta, Moti |
| Abstract: | The literature on commercial transformation of smallholders makes little distinction between market orientation (production decision based on market signals) and market participation (sale of output). However, policy implications to enhance commercial transformation of subsistence agriculture drawn from the analysis of the determinants of household market participation alone could be inadequate, if in fact, the determinants of market orientation and market participation are not the same or not consistent with each other. This paper analyzes the determinants of market orientation and market participation in Ethiopia separately and examines if market orientation translates into market participation. Empirical results show that the determinants of market orientation and market participation in crop output markets are not the same, but market orientation translates strongly into market participation. Results imply that while interventions to enhance market orientation could also help in promoting market participation, interventions to promote market participation may not be adequate to promote market orientation. |
| Keywords: | commercialization, smallholders, market orientation, market participation, Marketing, C21, C24, Q12, Q13, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96159&r=agr |
| By: | Taruvinga, A.; Mushunje, Abbyssinia |
| Abstract: | Increased droughts in southern Africa have noticed some appreciation of the role that partial wetland cultivation can play to address household food security. This has also witnessed some indication of possible relaxation of wetland cultivation restrictive policies in Zimbabwe. However, the general perceptions of society towards wetland cultivation remain unclear and critically important for policy crafting before blanket recommendations are made. Using a Binary Logistic Regression Model seven predictor independent variables were regressed against a binary dependent variable of wetland cultivation status of households with the implicit goal of estimating socio-economic factors capable of influencing households` participation in wetland cultivation. Results revealed that from the seven predictor variables, six variables had a significant influence, while one variable was not significant. The implied message centres on careful articulation of such a policy given the fact that, the dominant age group (young and educated household heads) had a negative attitude towards wetland cultivation, a crucial factor that may risk its rejection if put under a referendum. Intuitively results conjecture a bleak future for partial wetland cultivation as a possible land use because the expected future generation (current young and educated household heads) currently shares a negative attitude towards partial wetland cultivation. |
| Keywords: | Wetland Cultivation, Environmental Policy, Logistic Regression, Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95967&r=agr |
| By: | Quattri, Maria; Ozanne, Adam; Wang, Xioabing; Hall, Alastair R. |
| Abstract: | The recognition that policies aimed at âgetting prices rightâ in less developed countries were failing due to incomplete markets has spurred a new wave of reforms, directed instead at âgetting markets and institutions rightâ. Although previous studies have documented the potentially crucial role of the brokerage institution in crop commercialisation, few have investigated what determines wholesalersâ decisions to use brokers. Using data collected in 2006/07 by Gabre-Madhin, IFPRI and EDRI, we examine Ethiopian tradersâ decisions regarding whether or not they should use brokers, and how much. Independent variables are human, financial and social asset availability, implemented trading practices, access to infrastructure and institutions, location, travelled distance and traded crops. Results show that brokerage services are particularly valuable for wholesalers lacking social capital and storage capacity, who are based in areas with low population density, and who trade at a distance especially when roads are not asphalted. Buyers in drought-prone domains rely on brokers more for their long-distance purchases, while sellers in moisture-reliable domains employ brokers more for their long-distance sales. These results provide useful indications regarding where and how the recent formalisation of brokerage functions through the ECX could be most beneficial for the functioning of Ethiopian agricultural markets. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, O12, O13, O18, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108941&r=agr |
| By: | Ouma, James Okuro; Odendo, Martins; Bett, C.; de Groote, Hugo; Mugo, Stephen; Mutinda, C.; Gethi, J.; Njoka, S.; Ajanga, S.; Shuma, J. |
| Abstract: | Insect Resistant Maize for Africa Project (IRMA) aims at developing and deploying insect resistant maize varieties to reduce grain losses due to insect pests. As part of incorporating farmerâs perceptions and improving the adoption of the developed varieties, participatory approaches are adopted. The paper analysis farmerâs preferences of maize germplasm developed through conventional breeding. The paper uses data collected from evaluations conducted at the end of 2006 April and October rains. Nine stem borer resistant maize varieties were evaluated alongside six commercial checks in the moist transitional zones (East and West) at vegetative and harvest stage, while in the dry transitional zone and dry mid altitude zones, 6 new varieties were evaluated together with four commercial checks at harvest stage. Each variety was assessed on a scale of 1(very poor) to 5 (very good) based on key criteria generated in earlier group discussions with farmers and overall score. Data was analyzed using ordinal regression model of Social Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In DT zone, Katumani, CKIR06007 and CKIR06008 were more preferred to the checks based on overall score. CKIR06008 was also more preferred on yield and tolerance to insect pest criteria, while CKIR04002, CKIR06009, and CKIR04003 were perceived more superior to local check based on tolerance to insect pests. In moist transitional zone Embu only CKIR06005 was more preferred (p<0.01) to the check at harvest stage in April 2006 season based on early maturity. While there was no preference for the new varieties at vegetative stage in Embu in October rains 2006 season, a number of new varieties CKIR06001, CKIR06002, CKIR06003, CKIR06004, and CKIR06005 were more preferred based on early maturity at harvest in October rains 2006 season. In the moist transitional zone (west), CKIR06005 and CKIR06005 were more preferred on maturity criteria but CKIR06004 also had good attributes in terms of cob size vegetative stage in April rains 2007. We conclude that farmers perceive some varieties to have good tolerance to insect pests in addition to good yield and maturity characteristics attributes, which are critical to the farmers in the adoption of new varieties. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96189&r=agr |
| By: | Vincent, Ngâeno; Korir, M.K.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Kipsat, Mary J.; Lagat, B.K. |
| Abstract: | One of the major challenges facing the stateâowned Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) in Kenya has been the inadequate supply of quality live animals for meat processing. It has been observed that the live animal throughput is inadequate and, as a result the existing meat processing facilities operate at less than 50% of their operational capacities. This has increased the fixed costs of operation thereby decreasing the export abattoirs competitiveness in the domestic and export markets. Overcoming the constraint of supply shortage of quality live animals requires, among other things, understanding the livestock producersâ marketing behaviour. This study was conducted with the main objective to assess the determinants of market offâtake rates for cattle and shoats in the pastoral areas of East Pokot District, Kenya. The multinomial logit model was used for econometric analyses using both primary and secondary data obtained from different sources covering the pastoral areas of Kenya. It was observed that in general, many pastoralists do not participate in the livestock market. Furthermore, for those pastoralists who participate in the market, the size of transaction (sale or purchase of cattle or shoats) was found to be very small. The implication of limited market participation is that under the production and marketing conditions, livestock production systems do not provide regular and adequate market supply of quality live animals at competitive prices, which adversely affect the efficient utilization of meat processing capacity and hence their competitiveness in the domestic and export markets. |
| Keywords: | pastoralists, livestock markets, market participation, east Pokot, Kenya, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97090&r=agr |
| By: | Amikuzuno, Joseph |
| Abstract: | Cross-border trade in food commodities within sub-regional economic blocks in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is believed to be faster, cheaper, more convenient and welfare-enhancing than trade between SSA countries and the USA or EU. The difficulty of commodity arbitrage across borders in SSA is however a fundamental impediment to price transmission, market integration and the realisation of the welfare-enhancing role of cross-border trade. This study examines the impact of border and distance on price transmission between tomato in Ghana and Burkina-Faso. The analysis applies a linear and a regime-switching vector error correction model to estimate wholesale prices of tomato in four tomato markets in Ghana and a producer market in Burkina-Faso. The estimated parameters contain evidence of border and distance effects. This is expected since high transfer costs, including cross-border formal and non-formal tariffs are incurred by traders in moving tomato across the border. Moreover, the perishable nature of tomato, and the poor quality of roads and transportation facilities linking markets on both sides of the border imply additional risks, and constrain Just in Time delivery and price transmission from producing to retail and consuming markets. The findings have implications for interstate trade between landlocked and coastal countries in West Africa. |
| Keywords: | Price Transmission, Border, Tomato, Ghana, Burkina-Faso, International Relations/Trade, C32, Q11, Q13, Q17, Q18, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108943&r=agr |
| By: | Ambec, Stefan (Toulouse School of Economics); Langinier, Corinne (University of Alberta, Department of Economics); Marcoul, Phillipe (University of Alberta Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology) |
| Abstract: | We analyze the spatial distribution of genetically modified (GM) and organic crops. Because some organic crops will likely be contaminated by GM crops, not all of the non-GM crops can be sold as organic. Therefore, the choice of producing organic crops will depend on the surrounding crops. When producers follow individual strategies, many spatial configurations arise in equilibrium, some being more efficient than others. We examine how coordination among producers has an impact on the spatial distribution of crop varieties. We show that coordination among only a small number of producers can greatly improve efficiency. For instance, an organic producer who has two GM neighbors needs to coordinate only with one of them to reduce spatial externality and improve efficiency. |
| Keywords: | genetically modified crops; externality; spatial localization; coordination |
| JEL: | D62 L11 |
| Date: | 2011–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:albaec:2011_011&r=agr |
| By: | Amikuzuno, Joseph; Ihle, Rico |
| Abstract: | We assess market integration and price transmission of perishable agricultural produce in Sub-Saharan Africa by studying Ghanaian tomato markets which are characterized by pronounced seasonality in production and trade flows. We analyse the tomato markets of Ghana by simultaneously regarding its five most important markets, Navrongo, Techiman, Kumasi, Tamale and Accra, in a multivariate asymmetric price transmission framework. The estimation of the model is based on a unique dataset and on a modified version of the Johansen estimation procedure which is suitable for estimating such multivariate models. We estimate the price transmission parameters for four regimes which are a combination of the seasonal patterns in trade flows and asymmetries in the longrun price equilibrium between the most important production region (Techiman) and the most important consumption centre for tomatoes (Accra). We find strong evidence for integration of the five markets. In general, price transmission appears to be fast. Disequilibria mainly trigger price responses in the two production regions of Navrongo and Techiman. The regimes are found to matter for the whole system of tomato markets. Disequilibrium is shown to spillover between the price relationships. Consequently, tomato markets in Ghana appear to be integrated and function very well since price signals are rapidly passed through the country. |
| Keywords: | asymmetric price transmission, cointegration, Ghana, regime-dependent model, seasonality, tomato, vector error-correction model, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, C32, Q11, Q13, F14, F15, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96814&r=agr |
| By: | Darroch, Mark A.G. |
| Abstract: | A representative stratified random sample of 100 South African farmers from across all production regions that export fresh citrus to the EU were surveyed during 2007-2008 to document their perceptions of the benefits and costs of complying with EUREPGAP standards on citrus exports. Principal Component Analysis identified six broad dimensions of internal benefits as improved operating/technical performance; regulations compliance and intra-business benefits; gains in competitiveness; regulations compliance and new market access; benefits from existing markets; and to overcome non-tariff barriers to entry. Two further dimensions of supply chain benefits identified by PCA were improved business working relationship and product quality benefits, and improved cooperation and contractual benefits. The sampled growers thus perceive operational, technical, safety, management, monetary, marketing and supply chain benefits from certification. The major costs of implementing EUREPGAP certification related to initial investment costs and the recurrent annual costs of compliance. The respondents, on average, spent R70510 on initial compliance costs, mainly for infrastructure, additional buildings and employees training. Some 60% of respondents spent less than 1% of annual farm turnover on initial compliance costs, while most of the respondents (84%) spent less than 1% of annual farm turnover on recurrent costs of compliance. Growers that owned a pack-house had statistically significantly higher initial and annual costs of compliance. The intra- and inter-firm benefits and costs of compliance identified by these results indicate factors that policymakers, and the Citrus Growersâ Association of Southern Africa, can focus on to improve the competitiveness of SA fresh citrus exports to the EU. |
| Keywords: | South African fresh citrus exports, European Union, perceived benefits and costs, EUREPGAP compliance, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96437&r=agr |
| By: | Mogaka, Violet Moraa; Iiyama, Miyuki; Mbatia, O.L.E; Jonathan, Nzuma |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates the potential of Jatropha curcas Linnaeus (Jatropha) as an alternative source of energy for rural households. The plant is said to have potential to diversify rural incomes, reclaim unproductive lands, reduce importation of fossil fuels, and consequently accumulation of green house gases in the atmosphere. A cost benefit analysis was employed to evaluate the feasibility of producing Jatropha as a biodiesel feedstock in relation to other crops in Kwale district. An IRR of 11 percent, BCR of 0.62 and a NPV of (28267.56) showed that production of Jatropha is not feasible at the moment. However we conclude that the plant has a potential to achieve its intended purpose if there is coordination in research and development along the Jatropha value chain and if technical and financial support is accorded to actors at the production level of the chain. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:97056&r=agr |
| By: | Howley, Peter |
| Abstract: | The central aim of this study was to gain greater insights into the factors that affect individualsâ preferences for a variety of landscape settings. To achieve this aim, this paper derived dependent variables (based on a factor analysis of respondents mean ratings of 47 landscape images) representing 5 different landscape categories. These variables were then utilized in separate OLS regression models to examine the effect of personal characteristics, residential location and environmental value orientations on landscape preferences. First in terms of visual amenity the results suggest that the general public have the strongest preference for landscapes with water related features as its dominant attribute which was followed by cultural landscapes. Second the results also demonstrate how there is significant heterogeneity in landscape preferences as both personal characteristics and environmental value orientations were found to strongly influence preferences for all the landscape types examined. Moreover the effect of these variables often differed significantly across the various landscape groupings. In terms of land use policy, given the diversity of preferences a one size fits all approach will not meet the general publicsâ needs and desires. |
| Keywords: | Landscape preferences, environmental attitudes, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108956&r=agr |
| By: | de Groote, Hugo; Tomlins, Keith; Haleegoah, Joyce; Awool, Manfred; Frimpong, Benedicta; Banerji, Abijit; Chowdury, Shyamal; Meenakshi, J.V. |
| Abstract: | Deficiencies of micronutrients such as vitamin A are widespread, expecially in Africa. Biofortified crops such as maize, bred for high levels of provitamin A might offer a solution, but these crops are often bright orange, and African maize consumers prefer white. To estimate the consumers interest in orange biofortified maize, sensory evaluations were organized in rural Ghana with white, yellow and orange maize. The effect of information on willingness to pay for biofortification was estimated using a simulated radio message. Results indicate that color preferences are highly regional, wide variation exist within regions, and the provision of information is able to change these preferences. The color of biofortified maize should therefore not be seen as major impediment, but proper information messages should be targeted at the right channels such as rural radio. |
| Keywords: | maize, biofortification, consumers, experimental auction, sensory evaluation, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96197&r=agr |
| By: | Kapuya, T.; Meyer, Ferdinand H.; Kirsten, Johann F. |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to analyze the impacts of the âfast trackâ land reform policy on maize production in Zimbabwe through the construction of a partial equilibrium model that depicts what could have happened if no further policy shifts had taken place after 2000. The resimulated baseline model was used to make projections based on the various trends of exogenous variables in 2000. This means that the model generated an artificial data set based on what the maize market would have looked like under a set of the pre-2000 existent policy conditions. The âfast trackâ land reform policy was thus assessed based on the performance of the baseline model using a range of âwhat ifâ assumptions. Commercial area harvested was 39 % less than what could have been harvested in 2001, and declining by negative 80.57 % in 2007. Results showed total maize production was 61.85 % and 43.88 % less than what could have been produced in the 2002 and 2005 droughts, respectively. This may imply that droughts would have been less severe if the âfast trackâ land reform was not implemented. Therefore, the âfast trackâ land reform had a negative effect on maize production. Thus, the econometric model system developed provided a basis through which the effects of the FTLRP on the maize market may be analyzed and understood. |
| Keywords: | âfast trackâ land reform programme, partial equilibrium model, maize, Zimbabwe, Crop Production/Industries, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95958&r=agr |
| By: | Ihle, Rico; von Cramon-Taubadel, Stephan; Zorya, Sergiy |
| Abstract: | This study uses a rich dataset of 85 market pairs between January 2000 and October 2008 for Kenya, Tanzanian and Uganda, the three largest member countries of the East Africa Community, to analyze the factors determining national and cross-national maize price transmission. Although the three countries are members of the communityâs customs union and they each claim to pursue maize trade without borders, their agricultural trade policies still differ, thus affecting prices and trade flows to different extents. This analysis extends the existing border effects literature in three ways. First, it assesses the magnitude of price transmission, instead of analyzing trade flows or price variability. Second, distance is shown to have a significant impact on price transmission in the region and to be of nonlinear nature, which is modelled using a semiparametric partially linear model. Third, the border effect is found to be heterogeneous, that is, it matters which national border is crossed. A strongly negative effect of the Tanzanian-Kenyan border appears, while no significant effect for the crossing of the Ugandan-Kenyan border exists. These results are of high political relevance because they show that Tanzania represents a rather isolated and internally fragmented island within the East African maize markets. Bilateral maize trade with Nairobi appears to display substantially higher price transmission than with the rest of the markets, confirming its economic importance in the East African region and the structural maize deficit in Kenya. |
| Keywords: | border effect, spatial market integration, cointegration, semi-parametric regression, partially linear model, Eastern Africa, maize, Demand and Price Analysis, C32, Q11, Q13, Q17, Q18, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96184&r=agr |
| By: | Amikuzuno, Joseph |
| Abstract: | Unavailability of high frequency, weekly or daily data compels most studies of price transmission in developing countries to use low frequency, monthly data for their analyses. Analyzing price dynamics with monthly data may however yield imprecise price adjustment parameters and lead to wrong inferences on price dynamics. This is because agricultural markets in developing countries operate daily or weekly. In this paper, we investigate the relevance of data frequency in price transmission analysis. We use a standard- and a threshold vector error model to estimate and compare price adjustment parameters for a high frequency, semi-weekly, data and a low frequency, monthly data. The results reveal that adjustment parameters estimated from the low frequency data are higher in all cases than those estimated from the high frequency data. We suspect that using low frequency data leads to an overestimation of price adjustment parameters. The findings therefore confirm observations in the literature that high frequency data is capable of estimating price adjustment parameters more precisely than low frequency data. More research involving a large number of observations is however needed to enhance our learning from the usefulness of high frequency data in price transmission analysis. |
| Keywords: | Ghana, tomato, market integration, physical trade, Demand and Price Analysis, Q13, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96167&r=agr |
| By: | Jacobs, Peter T. |
| Abstract: | How did the upsurge in food price inflation in 2007-2009 and the 2008-2009 economic down affect experiences of household hunger according to recent Generalized Household Surveys? Findings from the 2008 round of the GHS, a large nationally representative survey conducted annually by the official statistical agency, show an unsurprising rise in household experiences of hunger in the order of 2-3 percentage points. But this merely captured the early onset of two intersecting crises, excluding the dramatic rise in job losses recorded even as the recovery got underway. An in-depth exploration of this dataset and comparing its findings to similar household cohorts for the 2006 and 2007 rounds of the GHS show that female-headed households suffered more than male-headed households. We investigate 3 determinants of household food security status: location (geography and dwelling type), main household income sources and adult equivalent expenditure patterns (including food spending) to demonstrate this result. During the year preceding the crises, spending on food increased across female-headed households reporting never, moderately and seriously hungry adults. However, the expenditure shares were falling, and this is usually perceived as a sign of rising levels of household welfare. Focusing on the first year of the crises, the complete opposite picture emerges: female-headed households substantially raised the amount of money spend on food. At the same time, the share of food expenditure in their total spending basket dramatically increased. This suggests that households were switching larger portions of their total household spending towards food- signaling a coping strategy to counter a severe livelihood shock. The policy implication is that gender-based targeting in food security policies must incorporate these additional determinants if they are to effectively and sustainably address transitory food insecurity induced by similar livelihood shocks. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96436&r=agr |
| By: | Fraser, Rob W. |
| Abstract: | This paper extends the multi-period agri-environmental contract model of Fraser (2004) so that it contains a more realistic specification of the inter-temporal penalties for non-compliance, and therefore of the inter-temporal moral hazard problem in agri-environmental policy design. On this basis it is shown that a farmer will have an unambiguous preference for cheating early over cheating late in the contract period based on differences in the expected cost of compliance. It is then shown how the principal can make use of this unambiguous preference to target monitoring resources intertemporally, and in so doing, to encourage full contract duration compliance. |
| Keywords: | Moral Hazard, Contract Duration, Agri-Environmental Policy, Targeting, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q15, Q18, Q58, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108795&r=agr |
| By: | Dlamini, Thula S.; Fraser, Gavin C.G. |
| Abstract: | The feasibility of springbuck based meat production in the EC Karoo was analysed through a stochastic budgeting model, while overtly taking cost and price risk into consideration. Monte Carlo simulation of a springbuck based meat production enterprise was used to quantify the risks that would be faced by springbuck ranchers. Springbuck ranching has been proven a viable alternative in the production of highly nutritious and healthy meat (venison) that is on high demand in European markets and more recently with a promising and growing local demand as well. The results indicate that in the Eastern Cape Karoo, springbuck ranching for meat production is a viable business. As the call for more environmentally friendlier rangelands utilisation economic systems intensifies, rangelands owners in the EC Karoo have a practicable option. At the very least, an alternative to broaden their incomes with springbuck based meat production exists. |
| Keywords: | Game ranching, Springbuck ranching, meat production, economic feasibility, Monte Carlo simulation, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96181&r=agr |
| By: | Langyintuo, Augustine S. |
| Abstract: | Patterns in price adjustment in response to information are important to market practitioners. This study looks at cowpea real wholesale price adjustment patterns in Bolgatanga, Wa, Makola and Techiman markets in Ghana. Using Techiman as the central market, a threshold autoregressive test for asymmetric price adjustment rejected the null hypothesis of symmetric adjustment for only the Bolgatanga-Techiman price series. An autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic regression indicates that wholesalers in Bolgatanga market respond differentially to price signals from Techiman than those in the other two markets. This suggests that policies targeting cowpea traders must recognize the differential responses by wholesalers to information. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Ghana, wholesalers, market information, autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity, threshold autoregressive, Crop Production/Industries, D82, D43, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:96165&r=agr |
| By: | Sparks, G.D.; Ortmann, Gerald F.; Lagrange, L. |
| Abstract: | Global biofuel production has risen substantially in recent years, driven primarily by government support for biofuel industries. The stated motivations for these initiatives are numerous and have varied over time. Soybeans are the only field crop produced in sufficient quantities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) that the South African (SA) industrial biofuel strategy identifies as a potential biodiesel feedstock. Preliminary results from a mixed integer linear programming model support the notion of Funke et al. (2009), who contend that the incentives and commitments outlined by the industrial biofuel strategy are inadequate to both establish and sustain a domestic biodiesel industry. |
| Keywords: | Industrial biofuels strategy, soybeans, biodiesel, KwaZulu-Natal, mixed integer linear programming, Crop Production/Industries, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95980&r=agr |
| By: | Speelman, Stijn; Frija, Aymen; Buysse, J.; Van Huylenbroeck, Guido |
| Abstract: | With increasing water scarcity, research on policy options for improved water allocation and governance becomes an urgent priority for many developing and developed countries. Evaluating institutional alternatives is however a challenging task. This article takes a comparative approach and compares case study data from Tunisia and South Africa highlighting the importance of the water rights system for irrigators. Using contingent valuation methods the benefits for water users of changes in water rights systems are quantified. In both countries WTP estimates reveal that from the farmersâ perspective significant improvements can be made to the current water rights systems. This is valuable information for policy makers to guide institutional reforms. |
| Keywords: | Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaae10:95954&r=agr |
| By: | Harvey, David R.; Jambor, Attila |
| Abstract: | The European Unionâs Common Agricultural Policy continues to evolve. The public debate about its future post 2013 was launched in April 2010 and a formal Commission Communication on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) was published in November 2010 (European Commission, 2010). The Commissionâs detailed legislative proposals are now expected in October 2011. We focus here on one of the most important parts of the debate â public goods and the âgreening of the CAPâ. A major rationale for the large sums spent under the CAP each year appears now to be centred on the provision of public goods. We review the Commissionâs proposals for the provision of public goods and raise questions about the apparent justification for the general approach. We question whether this logic properly appreciates the nature of public good problems and whether the apparently obvious solution â provision of compensatory payments from the public purse â actually solves any of the underlying public good problems |
| Keywords: | Public Economics, |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc11:108957&r=agr |
| By: | Whittington, Dale; Pagiola, Stefano |
| Abstract: | In this paper we review CV studies conducted in the context of PES programs, almost all of which attempt to estimate the demand of downstream water users for upstream watershed protection and, more generally, for improved water services. Our objective is to assess the quality of these CV-PES studies, and their usefulness for designing PES programs. |
| Keywords: | payments for environmental services; contingent valuation; stated preferences; water users; willingness to pay |
| JEL: | Q5 Q51 |
| Date: | 2011–06–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:32730&r=agr |