Showing papers in "African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2023"
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used an online laboratory experiment and a post-experimental survey to test whether the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) scholarship program causally influences the creation of cognitive social capital among University of Pretoria recipients.
Abstract: This study uses an online laboratory experiment and a post-experimental survey to test whether the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) scholarship programme causally influences the creation of cognitive social capital among University of Pretoria recipients. Cognitive social capital, which is based on commonly shared norms among subjects, leads to honest and cooperative behaviour. It is necessary for ease of information flow, a reduction in transaction costs, and allowing communities to deal with social dilemmas like common-pool resource management. The study used incentivised economic experiments on randomly selected subjects drawn from a control group (non-MCF students) and a treated group (MCF students). The experimental results from the two groups were compared to check the differences in terms of levels of trust, reciprocity, altruism, cooperation, in-group favouritism and out-group discrimination. Our results show that the scholarship programme has a significant impact only on levels of in-group favouritism and out-group discrimination. The post-experimental survey showed that MCF and non-MCF subjects were similar in terms of stated pro-social behaviour perceptions and in-group social capital creation.
TL;DR: The authors explored the role of wildlife in climate change adaptation, especially in areas used predominantly for livestock production in South Africa and found that mixed wildlife-livestock ranches are less vulnerable to climate change when compared to ranches with only wildlife or only livestock.
Abstract: In this paper, we explore the role of wildlife in climate change adaptation, especially in areas used predominantly for livestock production in South Africa. Using a sample of 3 449 wildlife and livestock ranches, we estimate a multinomial choice model of various ranching options in these areas. The results indicate that mixed wildlife-livestock ranches are less vulnerable to climate change when compared to ranches with only wildlife or only livestock. However, given the ranching options, the revenues of ranches with only wildlife are higher compared to other ranches. The results further show that an increase in temperature will influence more livestock farmers, especially those farming with cattle, to change their land use from livestock to wildlife ranching. Using climate models, we establish that livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa will be affected most by climate change and will subsequently change their land use.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used data from 243 households to determine their willingness to pay (WTP) for private water supply services in Wakiso District in Uganda, where most households travel long distances to collect water, a process that threatens their health, productivity and economic wellbeing.
Abstract: Accessing water supply services remains a serious challenge in Wakiso District in Uganda, where most households travel long distances to collect water – a process that threatens their health, productivity and economic wellbeing. Although addressing this challenge requires huge financial investment, the value households attach to accessing private water supply services at their premises is not clear. This study used data from 243 households to determine their willingness to pay (WTP) for private water supply services. The analysis applied the Heckman model to check for sample selection bias, and the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate the WTP. The mean WTP was estimated at UGX 203.07 (USD 0.06) per 20 litre jerry can. Socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence WTP were also determined. These findings could guide the design of policies on sustainable water supply and cost recovery in the long run.
TL;DR: In this article , the influence of farmers' perceptions of climate change effects and their household characteristics on the choice of adaptation technologies they adopt was ascertained by using a set of structured questionnaires administered in a multi-stage, stratified random sampling manner.
Abstract: This study ascertained the influence of farmers’ perceptions of climate change effects and their household characteristics on the choice of adaptation technologies they adopt. The survey relied mainly on institutional and primary data for its analysis. Primary data was obtained from arable crop farmers using a set of structured questionnaires administered in a multi-stage, stratified random sampling manner. Sixty (60) farmers were selected from randomly selected states for the five agroclimatic zones in Nigeria, giving a total sample size of 300 farmers. The collected data was analysed using Heckman’s probit selectivity model. It was found that extension contact, gender of the head of household, temperature and rainfall levels determined the decision to adapt to climate change. The respective Z estimates of these aspects were 5.75 (p < 0.01), 5.30 (p < 0.01), 2.32 (p < 0.01) and -9.50 (p < 0.01). However, the farmers’ perceptions of climate change effects were determined by education and agricultural extension access. The Z values for these were 5.42 (p < 0.01) and 2.86 (p < 0.01) respectively. The researcher recommends urgent measures to help farmers adapt to climate change, such as the establishment of weather stations and building the capacities of farmers, especially women.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined the impact of residue retention on households' maize yield in northern Zambia using the propensity score matching (PSM) method and determined the factors that influence the adoption of residues retention.
Abstract: Evaluating the impact of agricultural practices helps policymakers and farmers in their decisionmaking. In Zambia, most households depend on agricultural activities, in particular maize production. This paper examines the impact of the adoption of residue retention on households’ maize yield in northern Zambia. We used the propensity score matching (PSM) method. By using the probit model, we also determined the factors that influence the adoption of residue retention. The results show that adopting residue retention has a positive and significant net effect on household maize yield. Residue retention traps moisture in the soil and improves soil structure. This suggests that a greater focus on this aspect is required to encourage more farmers to adopt residue retention to improve maize yield. Government policies can be structured to promote residue retention among smallholder farmers.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated the effect of climate variability on agricultural productivity in Uganda by combining long-term climate data, sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and six waves of the Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) spanning the period 2009 to 2019.
Abstract: Uganda’s climate is changing in terms of rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, leading to extreme meteorological conditions such as prolonged drought, floods and landslides. Yet the majority (68%) of Ugandans rely largely on rain-fed agriculture, which is affected by climate variability. This study therefore investigates the effect of climate variability on agricultural productivity in Uganda by combining long-term climate data, sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and six waves of the Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) spanning the period 2009 to 2019. Trends and the regression analysis estimated with panel data confirm the existence of climate variability, as well as the vulnerability of farming households across Uganda. The empirical results indicate a significant U-shaped impact of precipitation variability on agricultural productivity. This tends to suggest that, as variability in precipitation intensifies, farming households will adapt to the changing precipitation and thereby improve their productivity. The regional and crop-specific analysis show that, relative to other regions of the country, Eastern Uganda is likely to be the region affected the most, while beans and banana are likely to be affected more by climate variability compared to other crops such as maize and cassava. The study thus recommends measures aimed at encouraging farmers to adapt and increase agricultural productivity. There is a need to strengthen the provision of extension services and inform farmers about climate variability