Showing papers in "Journal of development and agricultural economics in 2011"

Agricultural technology adoption, seed access constraints and commercialization in Ethiopia

Abstract: This article examines the driving forces behind farmers’ decisions to adopt agricultural technologies and the causal impact of adoption on farmers’ integration into output market using data obtained from a random cross-section sample of 700 farmers in Ethiopia. We estimate a Double-Hurdle model to analyze the determinants of the intensity of technology adoption conditional on overcoming seed access constraints. We estimate the impact of technology adoption on farmers’ integration into output market by utilizing treatment effect model, regression based on propensity score as well as matching techniques to account for heterogeneity in the adoption decision, and for unobservable characteristics of farmers and their farm. Results show that knowledge of existing varieties, perception about the attributes of improved varieties, household wealth (livestock and land) and availability of active labor force are major determinants for adoption of improved technologies. Our results suggest that the adoption of improved agricultural technologies has a significant positive impact on farmers’ integration into output market and the findings are consistent across the three models suggesting the robustness of the results. This confirms the potential direct role of technology adoption on market participation among rural households, as higher productivity from improved technology translates into higher output market integration.

Rural livelihood diversification and agricultural household welfare in Ghana

Abstract: Sufficient time has elapsed since agricultural sector reforms got underway in Ghana and so this study examined how some selected proxies of the reforms have changed overtime and evaluated their relative importance in influencing rural livelihood diversification and household welfare. In doing this, data was pooled from the 1991/1992 and 2005/2006 Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) and the endogenous switching regression technique was employed. Diversified households and less diversified households differed significantly in terms of variables related to household assets, markets and institutions. Both household welfare and rural non-farm diversification decisions are mostly driven by household assets including good health, education, and household age composition. Households who live in communities with access to fertilizers, public transports and local produce markets are more likely to engage in non-farm diversification and enjoy improved welfare. The importance of access to TV and radio as effective mass media tools in influencing household behavior is underscored in the analysis. Targeting interventions that enhance livelihood diversification would ultimately have a positive impact on household welfare. Key words: Rural, diversification, agriculture, household welfare, switching regression.

Determinants of adopting imazapyr-resistant maize for Striga control in Western Kenya: A double-hurdle approach

Abstract: Discussions and debates have been on going about Striga, a major constraint to increasing maize production and food security in western Kenya. To inform these debates this paper applies econometrics to farm survey data in order to estimate and determine the factors which drive farmers’ decision to adopt imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM), a novel technology for Striga control. The study uses data from a multistage, random sample of 600 households of which, 169 were IRM adopters and 431 were non-adopters. This paper tests the hypothesis that the factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt IRM are not necessarily the same as those affecting their extent of adoption. Results from the doublehurdle model indicates that age of the household head, household size, membership to social group, access to extension services and perception towards IRM for Striga control were found to influence the decision to adopt IRM. And, household size, gap between maize production and consumption per capita, access to extension services and perception towards IRM for Striga control influenced the extent the farmer is willing to adopt. The paper concludes with policy implications aimed at renewing the focus on IRM transfer in western Kenya and other areas with similar conditions. Key words: Adoption, double-hurdle model, imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM) technology, Striga, Kenya.

Relative importance of common bean attributes and variety demand in the drought areas of Kenya

Abstract: The analysis assessed the relative importance of production and consumption attributes to different wealth groups of households and tested the effect of attribute preference and that of other factors on common bean variety demand in the drought areas of Eastern Kenya. Variety demand was conceptualized within the agricultural household framework and attributes were incorporated into the model according to the Lancaster (1966) consumer theory. Empirical analysis was based on primary data collected from two districts of Eastern Kenya using the stated preference and revealed preference methods. A factor analysis was used to cluster a set of common bean variety attributes that are highly preferred by households into those related to consumption flavour and yield related characteristics. The effect of consumption and production attributes and those of other factors were estimated through applying ordinary least squares regression. The study findings reveal that varietal adaptation to environmental stresses should also strive to reduce the cooking time as well as enhance the keeping quality and grain colour for better benefits to the poor but trade-offs are feasible. Prioritizing the improvement of production attributes as a short term goal seems an efficient strategy when multi-attribute based breeding is a long process. Key words: Common bean, relative importance of variety attributes, variety demand, drought areas, Eastern Kenya.

Estimation of farm level technical efficiency in small scale maize production in the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana: A stochastic frontier approach

Abstract: The primary objective of the study was to estimate the levels of technical efficiency in small scale maize production in the Mfantseman Municipality of Ghana using the Stochastic Frontier Approach. The study also attempted to determine some socio-economic characteristics and management practices which influence technical efficiency in maize production. Responsiveness of yield to production inputs was also estimated by computing input elasticities. The marginal value product for fertilizer, labor and seed were also calculated. Finally, the marginal physical products, average physical products, relative efficiency of resource use and the returns to scale of input use were calculated. Results indicated that the mean technical efficiency of small scale maize production in the study area is 58%; however, this ranges from 17 to 99%. There is distinct and inter gender variability in technical efficiency in the maize producing villages. In addition, the number of years of school the farmer has had in formal education, age of the farmer, household size, and off – farm income activities of the farmer impact on technical efficiency. The estimated marginal physical products showed that, ceteris paribus, each additional unit use of maize seed increased output by 31 kg (0.31 bags). Fertilizer also increased output by 12 kg (0.12 bags) and labor increased output by 29 kg (0.29 bags). Lastly the estimated return to scale is 1.49 indicating increasing returns to scale of maize production in the study area. Key words: Stochastic, production, frontier, technical efficiency, Mfantseman.

Does Irrigation enhance and food deficits discourage fertilizer adoption in a risky environment? Evidence from Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract: The northern Ethiopian highland in general and the Tigray region in particular is a drought prone area where agricultural production risk is prevalent. Moisture stress is a limiting factor for improved agricultural input mainly fertilizer use. Lack of capital and consumption smoothing mechanisms limits households’ investment in production enhancing agricultural inputs, possibly leading into poverty trap. Using a Cragg (Double Hurdle) model, we analyzed how rainfall risks, access to irrigation and food deficits affect the probability that farm households’ use fertilizer and given that the probability is positive and significant, the amount (intensity) of fertilizer use. Accordingly, we found that households were more likely to use fertilizer and that they used significantly higher amounts of fertilizer on their irrigated plots than on rain-fed plots. Furthermore, households with access to irrigation were more likely to use fertilizer, but the intensity (amount) of fertilizer they used was not significantly different from those households without access to irrigation. In investigating the effect of rainfall risk on fertilizer use, we found that fertilizer use was significantly higher in areas with higher average rainfall and in areas with lower rainfall variability. In general, irrigation was found significantly important for fertilizer adoption mainly in areas with low rainfall and high rainfall variability. Finally, we investigate the effect of food deficit on fertilizer adoption and found that both food self-sufficient and food deficit households were less likely to use fertilizer as coping mechanism. However, among those who decided to adopt, the food deficit households used higher amount of fertilizer than the food self-sufficient. Keywords: Tigray, irrigation, average rainfall, rainfall variability, food deficit, fertilizer use.

The role of remittances in financial development in Lesotho: Evidence from alternative measures of financial development

Abstract: This article represents a modest attempt to empirically establish the effect of remittances on financial development in Lesotho. Remittances tend to have a long run effect on financial development; however, they do not cause financial development. In the short run this effect evaporates. Trade openness and inflation have significant effects on financial development both in the short and long run. The former has a negative long run effect and a positive short run effect, while the latter has a negative effect in the short and long run. Financial liberalisation and the size of the economy have only long run effects on financial development. The Granger causality test reveals that financial development Granger-causes remittances. Hence, looking at the role of remittances in Lesotho, the development of the financial sector can help increase the propensity to remit. This is an important lesson for the authorities, because a number of impediments to financial development relate to the creation of a conducive or enabling environment in which activities of financial intermediaries, particularly credit extension can flourish. Key words: Remittance in financial development, Lesotho.

Landslide movement monitoring using GPS technology: A case study of Bakthang landslide, Gangtok, East Sikkim, India

Abstract: Landslide is a general term used to describe the down-slope of soil, rock and organic material under the influence of gravity. Several parts of northeastern region of India are vulnerable to landslide and moss movements. Nowadays, the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has shown that it is capable to monitor sub-centimeter deformations of this ground movement. The main advantage of GPS sensors is that GPS requires no line-of-sight between the stations. This enables GPS to monitor the landslide even during unfavorable weather conditions either in real time or post-processing mode. However, the attainable accuracy of a GPS based system is limited by the satellite geometry and by systematic errors such as multipath, weak satellite geometry, etc. To monitor the landslide phenomena, it is imposed to represent the area under investigation by a number of points that are monumented durably. Some stations are used to define a stable reference frame and remaining stations are the monitoring points situated in the deformation area. In this way, the determination of the movement of the control stations is done relatively to the reference ones. Bakthang falls landslide selected for its movements. This paper therefore highlights an investigation of landslide motions to discover possible precursors of mass movement and periodical changing of landslide. Key words: Landslide movement, global positioning system technology, Bakthang falls landslide.

Impact of adoption of soil and water conservation technologies on technical efficiency: insight from smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: In an attempt to enhance agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa, the region has witnessed an influx of approaches to agricultural technology development and dissemination in the past decades. Yet there is paucity of empirical evidence that links these past approaches to productivity indicators or justify the phasing out of the existing approaches with the new ones. We use cross-sectional baseline data, which were collected in 2008 over 2130 smallholder farmers and 242 villages in East and Central Africa before the implementation of the most recent approach to agricultural research and development known as integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D), to examine whether the adoption of soil and water conservation technologies (SWCT) generated and disseminated through the past approaches have had an impact on technical efficiency. Taking into account the endogeneity of technology adoption and assuming that impact is heterogeneous across the population, we use an instrumental variable approach to estimate local average treatment effect (LATE). The data suggest that adoption of SWCT has had no significant impact on technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the impact is negative for smallholder farmers in Uganda as well as for the pooled sample, although the magnitude is small. Thus, the findings justify the need for the introduction of another approach such as IAR4D, which aims at internalising external factors that constrain adoption of improved technologies and technical efficiency. Key words: Impact, adoption, soil and water conservation, technical efficiency, integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D), local average treatment effect (LATE), Sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinants of improved maize seed and fertilizer adoption in Kenya

Abstract: The study quantifies factors affecting adoption of improved maize varieties and fertilizer by households in maize growing zones of Kenya. It uses Heckman two-stage model to analyze data collected from 1850 households in 2002. Credit was important in explaining the adoption of improved maize seed and fertilizer. Likewise the ability to access hired labour was positively associated with adoption of improved maize varieties and fertilizer. Education of household head and number of extension contacts played a role in the adoption of improved maize varieties. Distance to market was negatively associated with adoption of fertilizer. Use of fertilizer affected the adoption of improved maize varieties and the converse was true. The area planted to improved maize varieties was positively affected by household characteristics (education and age of household head), institutional factors (number of extension contacts) and other variables such as ability to hire labour. Use of fertilizer was strongly and positively associated with the intensity of use of improved maize. These findings suggest that provision of credit and strengthening of research/extension farmers linkages are likely to play a significant role in enhancing the use of improved maize seed and fertilizer and therefore increasing maize productivity in Kenya. Key words: Adoption, fertilizer, households, Heckman, Kenya, maize, seed.

Microfinance, inequality and vulnerability: Empirical analysis from Central African countries

Abstract: This study examines the relationship of microfinance, inequality and vulnerability by providing a cross-country empirical study of 11 developing countries in Central Africa. Microfinance plays an important role in the financial market in many African countries. Although microfinance is expected to significantly affect macro variables, we lack enough empirical research on impact analysis at the macro level, such as the effect of microfinance on inequality and vulnerability. Results indicate that the number of microfinance institutions has a negative impact on the Gini index in Central Africa countries. When the microfinance institutions in the country become dense, inequalities decrease. Key words: Microfinance, inequality, vulnerability, cross-country analysis.

Determinants of loan acquisition from the financial institutions by small-scale farmers in Ohafia Agricultural zone of Abia State, South East Nigeria

Abstract: The study was designed to analyse the determinants of loan acquisition from financial institutions by small-scale farmers in Ohafia Agricultural zone of Abia state, South East Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 100 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and multiple regression models. Results show that, the farmers committed their loans to agricultural production and only a few divert their loans. Factors influencing the amount of loan disbursement by financial institutions are age of the farmers, level of education, farming experience and farm size. Financial institutions are encouraged to disburse more loans to farmers to improve their income and alleviate household poverty in the state. Key words: Loan, disbursement, financial institution, acquisition, credit.

A study on the economic feasibility of date palm cultivation in the Al-Hassa Oasis of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an estimated 25 million date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) produces nearly a million tones of dates annually accounting for about 15% of the global date production. Our study on the economic feasibility of date palm cultivation in the Al-Hassa oasis of the Kingdom estimated the average annual yield of dates per palm to be 48.0 kg per palm with a selling price estimated at SR 4.00 per kg. The net income from date palm cultivation in the oasis was found to be SR 5800.00 / ha (SR 38.67 / palm). Significant number of farmers (23.00%) sell their produce in the farm itself, of which 57% is to known customers indicating sizeable “farmer-consumer” loyalty. Date palm farmers of Al-Hassa were also found to be quality conscious, and they adopt diverse measures (pre to post harvest) to ensure quality production of dates. SWOT analysis indicated spiritual attachment to the land by the farmers as a strength of the system, however; bureaucratic hurdles to obtain subsidies and lack of exploitation of facilities by traditional farmers, is a major threat to date farming in the oasis. There also exists a good possibility to develop logistics that support marketing of dates, especially through agricultural cooperatives, besides further enhancing exploitation of state subsidies for date palm cultivation. Key words: Date palm cultivation, economic feasibility, marketing, SWOT analysis, Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of factors influencing farmers adoption of irrigated rice production in Fadama soil of North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: This study was conducted at Lake Gerio irrigation project situated at the north western part of Jimeta/Yola, North-Eastern Nigeria. It lies between longitude 12◦ and 12◦ 28’ east of Greenwich and Latitude 9◦16’ and 9◦19’ North of the equator. The objective of the study was to examine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of irrigated rice production. The respondents interviewed were selected using a simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques proportional to the size of farm. The results obtained shows that five variables have significantly influenced adoption of rice production. These are farming experience, household size, gender, market availability and labour availability. The result of logit regression model shows a statistical significance (P < 0.01) of the X1. It indicates that holding other variables constant, if years of experience increase by a unit, on the average, the logit of the odds in favour of sole rice production increases by 5.33 units. Other variables such as level of education influence adoption as it eases understanding, interpretation and acceptance of the newly introduced techniques. These will enhance purchasing power of materials inputs, like fertilizer, pesticides, improve seeds. Gender also plays a significant role since male genders are more likely to adopt innovation than the female, probably due to the arduous nature of rice production in the project than the female counterparts. Key words: Influence, rice, adoption, food security, farmers, factors.

Determinants of informal savings amongst vegetable farmers in North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract: The study was aimed at determining the socio-economic determinants of informal savings amongst vegetable farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon. Savings and savings mobilization in any economy is undertaken by formal, semi formal and informal institutions. Possibly as a result of this poor bank distribution, one is able to clearly see how the region is highly dominated by the informal sector. Data for the study were obtained from 180 farmers with the aid of well structured questionnaires through a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results obtained showed that vegetable farmers were on the average 36 years with average household size of 7. Average farm size of 0.5 ha cultivated indicates small nature of holdings. Results from the multiple regression analysis showed that interest paid, farm size, income, education and distance were positively significant while gender, age and household size were also significant and negative .This implies that all factors play a significant role in determining informal savings amongst vegetable farmers. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged and enlightened on the need of savings as well as encouraged to form savings cooperatives. Key words: Determinants, informal, savings, vegetable, farmers, North West Region.

Determinants of non-farm activities participation decisions of farm households in Burkina Faso

Abstract: Land market developments and household access to land through land rental markets are important, especially at the stage where land reform is taking place in Rwanda. Determinants of land rental markets in rural Rwanda, assessed according to household and land market characteristics as well as transaction costs constraints, were studied based on a survey of 251 household farms from the Southern Province during 2006 to 2007. Around 22% of the households surveyed did not participate in the rental markets, while 43% rented in land and 35% rented out land. Results from a Tobit regression analysis indicated that, households often combine buying and renting of land to adjust their land holding to the optimal farm size. Land rental markets reallocate land between households with different management abilities and allow a consolidation of land use, as land ownership in Rwanda is very fragmented. Land specific issues such as transaction costs, rural credit and labor constraints impeding access of households to land were evident in the data. Policies should be implemented to improve the functioning of other rural markets, in order to allow the rental markets to contribute to further efficiency improvements and poverty reduction in rural areas. Key words: Land market, management ability, transaction cost, efficiency, productivity.

Land tenure security, investments and the environment in Ghana

Abstract: Using a nationally representative data obtained from a survey, this study attempts to examine empirically two main issues: first, the causal relationship between land tenure security and investment and secondly, the impact of tenure security (land rights) on environmental degradation. Analysis of the results indicates that investment in farmlands in Ghana is low and appears not to enhance tenure security and that the reverse causation of tenure security enhancing investment seems non-existent. This implies that agricultural investments in the country are not security-induced and that investment is not an important determinant of tenure security. However, tenure security appears to be an incentive for investment in that when endogeneity was not controlled, tenure security had a positive and significant impact on investment though the result is not robust. This implies that farmers with tenure security are more likely to invest in their lands, which may eventually lead to higher productivity. Furthermore, our results indicate that tenure security (land rights) has no significant impact on environmental degradation apart from the destruction of vegetation cover, which appears to be a major environmental problem in Ghana. General and specific policy recommendation aimed at improving tenure security and investment in land are explored.

Economic analysis of rice production inCross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study was undertaken to examine the economic analysis of rice production in Cross River State of Nigeria. Specifically, the work aimed at examining the socio-economic characteristics of rice producers; identify the production constraints in rice production; identify the resources used for rice production; determine the gross margin and to determine the effect of production inputs on rice output in the study area. The study was carried out through the administration of structured questionnaires and interview. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected from the study area for this study. Descriptive statistics, gross margin and regression analysis were employed in analyzing the data. The estimated coefficients for all the variables used were significant with the exception of pesticide application and rice variety. Key words: Small scale, subsistence farmers, family labour, hired labour, lucrative enterprise.

Household food security in a commercialized subsistence economy: A case of smallholder tea famers in Nandi south district, Kenya

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 still struggle to put food on the table. 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. The focus of the study was on the population of smallholder tea farmers in Nandi South District of Kenya. The main objective was to investigate socio-economic factors influencing households’ food security among smallholder tea farmers in the district. Multi-stage proportional-to-size cluster sampling was used to sample 165 households. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interviews. Translog Cost Function was used to specify the supply side factors influencing food security in the district. Household dietary diversity index (HDDI) had a positive correlation between the land size on maize and output. Months of adequate household food provisioning (MHAFP) also had positive correlation with tea income, outputs of maize and tea and their respective land sizes. Factors influencing household food security were; land productivity, off-farm income and land allocation to maize and tea, household characteristics: education, gender, and employment. Optimal allocation of land between tea and maize productions will guarantee household food security. Strategies aiming at increasing household food security should target increased access to inputs for food production and productivity of land and income diversification. Key words: Food security, commercialization, smallholder tea farmers, Nandi south, Kenya.

Farmers' awareness and application of banana Xanthomonas wilt control options: The case of Uganda and Kenya

Abstract: Banana is a key staple and cash crop in east and central Africa. However, the recent outbreak of Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) has threatened farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop. Since 2002, stakeholders embarked on campaigns to sensitize farmers on the disease and its management. This study evaluated the effectiveness of these efforts by examining farmers’ awareness of the disease, control options and their application in Uganda and Kenya. Data on BXW distribution and incidence, farmers’ awareness of symptoms, mechanisms of spread and control options of the disease and banana production were collected through household surveys conducted in 2010. The results indicated that most farmers (> 90%) were aware of the disease and its symptoms and more than 50% were aware of the recommended control measures. Farmers obtained information on the disease from multiple sources but farmer-to-farmer interaction was the main source suggesting the key role rural social networks play in managing the disease. Not all affected farmers were able to apply control measures due to cost of intervention, lack of labour and inputs. The study recommends strengthening of linkages among stakeholders for better coordination of efforts and participatory development and promotion of farmer-oriented interventions that address farmer constraints. Key words: Banana (Musa spp), Xanthomonas wilt, awareness, control measures, households

Understanding the interaction between farm labor productivity, and health and nutrition: A survey of the evidence

Abstract: Good health is an asset for agriculture, as healthy people can produce more and good nutrition contributes to it. Conversely, agriculture is an asset which contributes to good health and nutrition, and resilience. When both health and agriculture thrive, a reinforcing cycle of health can result, but when either suffers, the cycle becomes one of lowered agricultural productivity and lowered health. Agricultural development and practice can exacerbate the incidence of disease through an interaction with disease vectors and parasites. When disease afflicts farmers, their productivity is reduced and they remain in poverty. Beyond the direct impacts due to loss of labor, illness undermines long-term agricultural productivity in a number of ways: when illness leads to long-term incapacitation, households may respond through withdrawal of savings, the sale of important assets (such as jewelry, textiles, breeding animals, farm equipment, and land), withdrawing children from school, or reducing the nutritional value of their food consumption. All of these responses can have adverse effects on the long-term labor productivity of household members. The good news is that there are many global efforts to combat disease and these are paying off with long term prediction of falling incidence of disease in many regions of the world. Key words: Agriculture, farming, health, disease, nutrition, labor productivity.

An analysis of allocative efficiency of shea butter processing methods in the northern region of Ghana

Abstract: This study estimated and compared the allocative efficiencies of the traditional, improved shea butter processing technology (ISBPT) and the bridge press (BP) methods of shea butter processing Data were collected from 110 shea butter processors Allocative efficiency estimates were obtained using the marginal product approach The allocative efficiency indices for labour indicate that while labour input is over utilised in the traditional method, it is under utilised in the ISBPT and BP methods The allocative efficiency indices for capital, show that capital input is over utilised in the traditional and ISBPT methods though the extent of over utilization is greater for the ISBPT method Processors require training to build their entrepreneurship capacities to ensure their resource use efficiency Key words: Allocative efficiency, constraints labour, capital, marginal value product

Willingness to adopt the vine multiplication technique in seed yam production in the forest savanna transition agro-ecological zone, Ghana

Abstract: Yam is a vital crop in Ghana both at the domestic and export markets. It contributes about 17% of agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) and plays a key role in household food security with more than 2 million tons harvested each year. However, the inadequacy of planting materials is a major constraint in yam production. The cost of planting materials alone constitutes about 50% of total cost of production. The newly developed technique of propagating yam through vine cuttings (vine multiplication technique) has been introduced by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and its partners to farmers. To assess the willingness of farmers to adopt the vine technology, a study was conducted in the forest-savannah transition zone of Ghana in 2010 involving a total of 375 yam farmers (324 males and 51 females). The study used the probit model to assess framers’ willingness to adopt the vine technique. The results show that age, farm size, experience, yield, cost of adoption, ease of adoption, visits to a demonstration field and the expectation of obtaining more seed yams influenced farmers’ willingness to adopt the vine technique. It is recommended that the technology should be promoted targeting younger experienced farmers with larger farm sizes and higher yields Key words: Ghana, probit model, vine technique, willingness to adopt, Yam.

Efficiency of the plantain marketing system in Ghana: A co-integration analysis

Abstract: The study assesses the efficiency of the plantain marketing system in Ghana using monthly wholesale prices in GHS/10 kg covering the period 2004 to 2009 The integration among the plantain markets was tested with the Johansen multivariate co-integration analysis and error correction model The markets chosen for the study are Accra market as a central consumption market; Kumasi market, Sunyani market and Koforidua market as assembling markets; Goaso market, Begoro market and Obogo market as producing markets These markets were chosen based on the volume of production and trade in the areas The findings of the market integration analysis indicate that arbitrage in the plantain marketing system is working since there are both long and short run relationship between Accra market (central consumption market) and the three assembling and three producing markets However, the speed with which prices are transmitted between Accra market (consumption market) and the other markets (plantain production and assembling markets) is relatively weak at 277%, compared to perfect adjustment of 100% threshold This implies that there is the need for further integration especially in the short run Improvement in market information systems and expansion especially into producing areas, as well as accurate, timely, and availability of information on plantain prices may be useful in the efficient distribution of plantain from surplus to deficit markets

Analysis of factors affecting dairy goat farming in Keiyo North and Keiyo South Districts of Kenya

Abstract: Dairy goat milk production is undertaken in traditional extensive production systems with limited resources and harsh climatic conditions. Less attention has been given to goat milk and related products to minimize poverty food insecurity. The main objective of this study was to analyze the factors of production for dairy goat farming. It was hypothesized that farmers’ factor inputs do not significantly impact on the output of the dairy goat farm enterprise. The study was carried out in Keiyo District of Kenya using a sample of 100 farmers. Multistage,Purposive and Simple random techniques were used. Cobb-Douglas production model,marginal value product and marginal factor cost were used for computations. The findings of the study revealed that the factors of production analyzed had a significant impact to the total output produced. It was established that land under dairy goat, cost of disease and pest were significant. Policy recommendations towards adequate land under dairy goats and improved management practices aimed at cheaper and effectively utilized inputs may be a priority for the dairy goat industry. Key words: Goat farming, dairy goat milk, production, factors.

Assessing the technical efficiency of commercial egg production in Tanzania for improved livelihoods.

Abstract: This study examined the productivity and technical efficiency (TE) of egg production in Tanzania under the intensive system. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed for selecting 80 respondents from two districts; Kibaha and Ilala. This study utilizes the most recent developments in stochastic frontier modeling as specified for a one-step process in Limdep software. Results indicated that the mean TE of egg production is 64%, ranging from 4 to 90%. Egg production was in the rational stage of production (stage II) as depicted by the returns to scale (RTS) of about 1.3. Thus, there is room for improving TE, which will raise net returns of egg production enterprises, hence, improving livelihoods of farmers and their families. Key words: Technical efficiency, intensive, egg production, stochastic frontier, Tanzania.

What factors influence the speed of adoption of Soil fertility management technologies? Evidence from Western Kenya

Abstract: Most adoption studies have employed cross-sectional data in a static discrete choice modelling framework to analyze why some farmers adopt technology 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 farmers’ participation in land management programs, access to extension services and markets in addition to stratified targeting of different practices to specific locations and farmers.

Factors that influence the success and failure of land bank supported farming small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMES) in South Africa

Abstract: In order to establish reasons for their success and failure (defining failure as incapability to meet financial obligations, e.g. defaults), a study was undertaken to determine the problems faced by emerging or developing farmers, who are clients of, or are /funded by the Land Bank. Results from this study revealed that the farmers’ perceptions do depict a lack of capacity on essential prerequisites for their businesses, especially, their perception on the value of extension support and business plans. The objective analysis of farm profitability shows that emerging farmers are unable to accurately identify factors that influence their success and failure. Extension support, sole proprietorship and business plans were found to be crucial for the farming supported farming small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) to succeed and be profitable. It is therefore essential that agricultural stakeholders ensure that farming SMMEs have adequate support regarding the identified factors that may potentially influence profit and loan repayments, as these factors are crucial for the success of these enterprises. Key words: Success, failure, farming supported farming small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), profitability, emerging farmers.

Effect of formal credit on the performance of the poultry industry: The case of urban and peri-urban Kumasi in the Ashanti Region

Abstract: Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics Vol. 3(6), pp. 236-240, June 2011 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JDAE

Sanitary and phytosanitary issues for fishery exports to the European Union: A Mauritian insight

Abstract: Quantitative restrictions to trade are declining, but in parallel sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are increasingly being applied to impede agro-food trade. There is evidence that developing countries experience problems in meeting SPS measures. The objective of this paper is to determine whether Mauritius is facing barriers pertaining to SPS issues when exporting fishery products to the European Union. We first provide an overview of fishery exports from Mauritius before reviewing EU SPS requirements governing fishery exports. We then assess whether there are problems in meeting EU SPS requirements. We adopt a mixed methods approach which hinges on a documentary analysis of the impacts of SPS measures on developing country agro-food exports, an inventory analysis of Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) mission reports to developing countries exporting fishery products and of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed notifications pertaining to fishery exports. These methods were complemented with interviews with key informants along the fish export supply chain. Our main finding is that SPS measures have not acted as a major barrier for Mauritian fishery exports to the European market. Nevertheless, the Mauritian institutional strategy for compliance to EU SPS measures has predominantly been reactive. In light of recent inspections of the FVO to assess compliance both at the level of the local competent authority and the exporters and the increasing importance of food safety as a competitive determinant of agro-food trade, we argue that Mauritius should not only adopt a reactive but increasingly a proactive stance to secure its market, to tap emerging ones and also to safeguard its image as a safe fish exporter. Key words: Fish export, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, strategic options.