Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: C. Thirtle 
Author-X-Name-First: C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Thirtle 
Title: Theory, measurement, policy and politics: Agricultural R&D and productivity in three countries 
Abstract:
	      		  This paper considers
 epistemology in economics, looking at the ways in which theory,
 observation and measurement are combined. Agricultural economics is a
 policy science and so scientific research programmes operate
 simultaneously with political action programmes. Taking policy positions
 and advising government makes scientific detachment impossible. With this
 as background progress in production economics is considered, especially
 regarding technology, productivity and the returns to R&D. The position
 taken is that progress has been considerable and we can by now measure
 technological progress and show how it is generated by agricultural R&D.
 Almost all the studies show that this is an investment with a high rate of
 return.	     The main point of the study is that almost all the
 agricultural economics research that has made this possible was conducted
 in the USA, where the theory and data were in place when needed to
 convince the politicians that public funding should be maintained at
 adequate levels. The payoff is that agricultural productivity has grown
 monotonically in the USA. The UK case shows the costs of our profession
 failing to mount an effective political action programme in the area at
 time of Mrs Thatcher's cuts in the early 1980s. The result was about
 sixteen years of negative productivity growth. This should act as a
 warning for South Africa, which is pretty clearly cutting R&D and
 following the UK productivity path. These failures are so costly, it is
 odd that only USA seems to have the knowledge and funding required for
 steady productivity growth.	      
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-23 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749566 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749566 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:1-23




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S. Freguin-Gresh 
Author-X-Name-First: S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Freguin-Gresh 
Author-Name: M. d'Haese 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: d'Haese 
Author-Name: W. Anseeuw 
Author-X-Name-First: W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Anseeuw 
Title: Demythifying contract farming: Evidence from rural South Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  This paper intends to
 contribute to the ongoing debate about whether and how restructured
 agri-food markets can provide viable market opportunities for small-scale
 farmers in South Africa. It analyses contract farming from the small-scale
 farmer perspective to better understand the implications for small-scale
 farmers of contractual arrangements with processing and/or marketing
 firms. 	    The paper, based on empirical research conducted in the
 Limpopo Province of South Africa using a combination of qualitative and
 econometric analyses, argues that contract farming is not a panacea for
 small-scale farmers. On the one hand, contract farming improves
 agricultural production for contract farmers who benefit from increased
 incomes, enables better access to services and resources, and creates new
 opportunities to participate in markets. However, on the other hand, the
 results show that contract farming remains limited and mostly involves the
 already better-off, who have benefitted from specific development paths
 and public support. This case study shows that contract farming in itself
 does not appear to provide an efficient means of reducing poverty, nor
 does it provide an institutional tool through which to improve rural
 livelihoods. It does, therefore, not represent a tool appropriate for the
 majority of small farmers or for redressing the historical imbalances in
 the South African agricultural sector. 	 
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 24-51 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749567 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749567 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:24-51




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: F. Botha 
Author-X-Name-First: F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Botha 
Author-Name: P. Taljaard 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Taljaard 
Author-Name: Z. Alemu 
Author-X-Name-First: Z. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Alemu 
Author-Name: A. Jooste 
Author-X-Name-First: A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jooste 
Author-Name: A. Pelser 
Author-X-Name-First: A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Pelser 
Title: Segmenting food consumption in the Free State province of South Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  In this paper the nature
 of diversity that exists with regard to food consumption in the Free State
 Province is investigated. Furthermore, this paper also investigates the
 factors (quality attributes and household characteristics) differentiating
 these market segments from one another. Four separate steps were followed
 in an integrated manner in the investigation. Firstly, a representative
 sample was drawn for the Free State Province food consumers. Households
 are then segmented into smaller submarkets. The second step involved the
 use of principal component analysis to correct for the strong and
 prevalent underlying structure with respect to household preferences. In
 the final step, a binary logit model was applied to analyse the
 determinants of the market segments' food consumption. Five market
 segments are prevalent in the Free State Province, namely: Cluster 1
 (34.7%) - inferior-product consumers; Cluster 2 (23.6%) - at-home (basics)
 consumers; Cluster 3 (26.6%) - balanced consumers; Cluster 4 (12.3%) -
 value-added-oriented consumers, and Cluster 5 (2.6%) - high-frequency
 consumers (broad product range). The final logit model that was applied
 consisted broadly of economic and non-economic variables. The results show
 that significant differences prevail amongst the five market segments, for
 both economic and non-economic variables included in the model. Producers,
 marketers and other participants in the food value chain can use this as a
 basis from which appropriate marketing strategies could be developed,
 formalised and implemented.	      
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 52-77 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749568 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749568 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:52-77




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S.P. van der Merwe 
Author-X-Name-First: S.P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe 
Title: An investigation into selected determinants of family harmony in small and medium-sized family farms in South Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  The primary objective of
 this study was to empirically explore the determinants of family harmony
 in small and medium-sized family farms. Data from 244 questionnaires from
 36 family farms were collected and analysed. Three factors with
 eigen-values greater than one were extracted, explaining 63.56% of the
 variance, describing the theoretical dimensions of the dependent variable
 <italic>family harmony</italic> and the independent variables
 <italic>existence of family forums</italic> and <italic>conflict
 management</italic>. The impact of the <italic>existence of family
 forums</italic> and <italic>conflict management</italic> on <italic>family
 harmony</italic> was examined by means of multiple linear regression
 analysis. The results indicate that a significant proportion of the
 variation in family harmony among family members in family farms is
 explained by the existence of family forums and the management of conflict
 among family members. The findings thus indicate that <italic>family
 harmony</italic> among family members in the participating family farms is
 related to the <italic>existence of family forums</italic> and
 <italic>conflict management</italic>. Practical recommendations are made
 to improve family relationships in family farming businesses.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 78-96 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749569 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749569 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:78-96




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S.L. Middelberg 
Author-X-Name-First: S.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Middelberg 
Author-Name: P.W. Buys 
Author-X-Name-First: P.W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Buys 
Author-Name: P. Styger 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Styger 
Title: The accountancy implications of commodity derivatives: A South African agricultural sector case study 
Abstract:
	      		  Agricultural companies
 and commodity processors trade commodity derivatives on the SAFEX
 Commodity Derivatives market to hedge themselves and their producers
 against commodity price risk. Agricultural companies have to adhere to
 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of which International
 Accounting Standard (IAS) 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and
 Measurement, forms part. The objective of the study was to establish a
 standard methodology for the interpretation of IAS 39 to serve as a
 benchmark and best practice for South African agricultural companies and
 commodity processors. The research found that there is no consistent
 interpretation or application of IAS 39 by the respondents. The
 recommended standard methodology to follow includes that agricultural
 companies holding grain inventory for trading should fair value such
 inventory and that the classification of transactions as derivative
 contracts, as defined per IAS 39, depends on whether hedge accounting is
 applied or not.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 97-116 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749571 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749571 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:97-116




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: W. Mugido 
Author-X-Name-First: W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mugido 
Author-Name: T.E. Kleynhans 
Author-X-Name-First: T.E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kleynhans 
Author-Name: W. Hoffman 
Author-X-Name-First: W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hoffman 
Title: Effect of selection on the production of day-old ostrich chicks in the Klein Karoo 
Abstract:
	      		  The main farming system
 in use for the production of day-old ostrich chicks around Oudtshoorn in
 the Klein Karoo is the flock breeding system. This system does not present
 an opportunity for farmers to practise genetic selection. An alternative
 system, the small-camp system, would allow the farmer to practise genetic
 selection. However, for the farmer to switch from the flock breeding
 system to the small-camp system, an investment in fencing material is
 required. The main aim of this study is to find out if the higher expected
 productivity and resulting higher income due to genetic selection could
 compensate for the investment in fencing material. Typical farm models for
 the study area were developed for this purpose. The results of this study
 showed that the higher income due to genetic selection compensates for the
 investment in fencing material.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 117-127 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.749572 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.749572 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:3:p:117-127




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: H.G. Jensen 
Author-X-Name-First: H.G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jensen 
Author-Name: R. Sandrey 
Author-X-Name-First: R. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sandrey 
Author-Name: N. Vink 
Author-X-Name-First: N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink 
Title: The welfare impact of a Free Trade Agreement: 'Cape to Cairo' 
Abstract:
	      		  The African market has
 become increasingly important to South Africa's agricultural trade.
 Exports have been increasing rapidly, although imports have not kept pace.
 This pattern is also evident in the general trade in manufactured goods.
 The purpose of this article is to look at the best estimate conditiuons
 that will prevail with respect to trade in agricultural and manufactured
 goods between South Africa (SACU) and the member countries of SADC, the
 East African Comminuity and COMESA. The analysis is conducted using the
 GTAP database and its associated general equilibrium model. The results
 show that South Africa benefits from integration in SADC and from the
 integration of the entire region, but not from integration with the EAC
 and COMESA. However, the latter steps are necessary to reap the benefits
 of integration in the entire region.	       
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-18 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741202 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741202 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:1-18




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.L. Mabuza 
Author-X-Name-First: M.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mabuza 
Author-Name: G.F. Ortmann 
Author-X-Name-First: G.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann 
Author-Name: E. Wale 
Author-X-Name-First: E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale 
Title: Determinants of farmers' participation in oyster mushroom production in Swaziland: Implications for promoting a non-conventional agricultural enterprise 
Abstract:
	      		  Despite receiving
 substantial support from the public and private sectors, the mushroom
 industry in Swaziland is still characterised by extremely low production
 volumes largely because few farmers have opted to include the mushroom
 enterprise in their farming systems. Considering the prevailing conditions
 that favour oyster mushroom production, there is a need to understand why
 many farmers are not engaged in this enterprise. This study uses
 cross-section data to identify factors that influence farmers' decisions
 of whether or not to participate in oyster mushroom production. Using
 two-stage probit least squares and two-stage conditional maximum
 likelihood estimation procedures, the results indicate that apart from the
 level of farm diversification and farmers' perceptions towards mushrooms,
 decisions of whether or not to produce are influenced mainly by
 institutional factors. Bearing in mind that mushrooms are not plants but
 fungi, farmers are bound to have mixed perceptions towards the enterprise
 and these perceptions are likely to have an influence on its
 acceptability. However, as established from the results, with improved
 awareness, training and mentoring, farmers are likely to develop positive
 attitudes as they would understand the circumstances associated with the
 production of edible mushrooms. Evidence drawn from this study suggests
 that policy interventions aimed at creating an enabling environment for
 the enterprise may remain ineffective unless they are paralleled by
 improvements in rural infrastructure and access to markets.	      
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 19-40 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741203 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741203 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:19-40




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.R. Motsholapheko 
Author-X-Name-First: M.R. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Motsholapheko 
Author-Name: D.L. Kgathi 
Author-X-Name-First: D.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kgathi 
Author-Name: C. Vanderpost 
Author-X-Name-First: C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Vanderpost 
Title: Rural livelihood diversification: A household adaptive strategy against flood variability in the Okavango Delta, Botswana 
Abstract:
	      		  This paper assesses the
 role of livelihood diversification in household adaptation to flood
 variability in the Okavango Delta, and locates it within the global
 discourse on adaptation to climate variability and change in developing
 countries. The contribution of livelihood activities to household income,
 level of livelihood diversity and the relationship between livelihood
 diversification and adaptation to flood variability was determined. Data
 from a survey of 623 households in five villages, focus group discussions
 and key informant interviews confirmed livelihood diversification as an
 important strategy for household adaptation to flood variability in the
 Delta. However, the household income portfolio was dominated by public
 transfers, underscoring the weak socio-economic status of the households
 and the effects of multiple shocks over and above flood variability. The
 study concludes that livelihood diversification and other household
 adaptive strategies may be sufficient for current flood variations, but
 may be inadequate for dealing with global climate variability and change
 in future.	     
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 41-62 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741204 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741204 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:41-62




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: C. Haankuku 
Author-X-Name-First: C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Haankuku 
Author-Name: J.F. Kirsten 
Author-X-Name-First: J.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten 
Title: Improving agricultural competitiveness by setting priorities for investments in crop research: Lessons From Zambia 
Abstract:
	      		  Countries in Africa are
 pledging more resources for agricultural development and agricultural
 research, in line with the 2003 Maputo declaration. However, experts have
 reasoned that the quantity of resources is as important as the quality of
 spending. If resources are allocated efficiently, more could be achieved
 with the same resources. Ensuring an effective strategy and basis for
 prioritising crop research investments so as to improve productivity is a
 major challenge in Zambia and other African countries. This study
 investigates the economic returns of investment in crop research and sets
 priorities for research investment using the Dynamic Research Evaluation
 for Management (DREAM) model. The findings show that maize, soya beans,
 groundnuts, cotton, millet, sunflower and sorghum are the crops that
 should receive priority in terms of funding for research under the
 efficiency objective. However, the study showed that the allocation of
 financial resources towards crop research in Zambia is not aligned with
 the social and economic returns of that investment. Nonetheless, positive
 returns from crop research investments were obtained, which suggests that
 investing in crop research is worthwhile but that attention needs to be
 paid to the appropriate research priorities. This is critical for improved
 competitiveness in Zambian agriculture. The study recommends further
 investment in and robust prioritisation of crop research, complemented by
 improved infrastructure, institutions and markets for a thriving
 agricultural sector.	       
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 63-80 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741206 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741206 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:63-80




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: N.C. Mbatha 
Author-X-Name-First: N.C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mbatha 
Author-Name: G.G. Antrobus 
Author-X-Name-First: G.G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Antrobus 
Title: A cooperative benefits framework in South Africa's land redistribution process: The case of sugarcane farmland transfers 
Abstract:
	      		  A good indicator of
 successful land 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 illustrate and argue that cooperation
 among key stakeholders, which could be enforced through long-term
 contracts between land buyers, sellers and new owners, may lead to
 maintenance and higher productivity levels and other benefits within the
 country's land redistribution process. 	    Sugarcane farm transfer
 cases from two municipality districts in the KwaZulu-Natal province are
 used to show that the productivity rates in the post-transfer periods
 within 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 non-cooperative land sales dropped by 12% after the
 land was sold and taken over by new farmers. Also notable is that the
 prices paid by government for farms that became less productive after
 transfers were higher by more than 40% compared to prices paid for
 productive farms. The cases could be illustrative of the benefits of
 cooperation in land redistribution transactions.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 81-104 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741207 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741207 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:81-104




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L. Devers 
Author-X-Name-First: L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Devers 
Author-Name: T.E. Kleynhans 
Author-X-Name-First: T.E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kleynhans 
Author-Name: E. Mathijs 
Author-X-Name-First: E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mathijs 
Title: Comparative life cycle assessment of Flemish and Western Cape pork production 
Abstract:
	      		  This study compares a
 life cycle assessment (LCA) of pork production in the Western Cape with
 pork production in Flanders. The objectives of this study were to map and
 quantify the environmental impacts of producing pork in the Western Cape
 and exporting it to Antwerp in Flanders with the environmental impacts of
 producing pork in Flanders and delivering it to the same location. The
 impact categories included are (i) global warming potential (GWP), (ii)
 eutrophication potential, (iii) acidification potential, and (iv) energy
 use. By pointing out weak points in the different environmental impact
 categories, suggestions are made to lower the environmental burdens of
 pork production.	      Four main activities of the pork production
 chain were covered by the LCA, namely: (i) the feed provision activity,
 which includes the production of raw materials and feed, (ii) the pig
 farming activity, (iii) the slaughter house activity and (iv) the slurry
 (treatment) activity. An additional (v) pork shipping activity was added
 in the case of the Western Cape pork chain. A cradle-to-gate life cycle
 assessment was carried out, with a functional unit (FU) of one kg of
 Western Cape or Flemish pork (carcass weight) delivered to the
 distribution centre in Antwerp.	     Flemish GWP, eutrophication
 potential, acidification potential and energy use are 56%, 65%, 62% and
 59% respectively of the Western Cape equivalents. The exporting of pork
 accounts for less than 8% of environmental impacts in all impact
 categories.		 Potential exists in the Western Cape to compete on
 an environmental par when impacts are measured in terms of a per-area
 unit. It is therefore recommended that for future comparative South
 African-European LCA studies of pork or other intensive livestock or
 poultry production chains, an FU of one kg meat as well as an area unit be
 used when measuring total eutrophication and acidification impacts.	    
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 105-128 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741208 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741208 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:105-128




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: W.J. de Lange 
Author-X-Name-First: W.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: de Lange 
Author-Name: B.K. Mahumani 
Author-X-Name-First: B.K. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mahumani 
Title: The marginal product value of irrigation water for potato and vine cultivation in the Sandveld region, South Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  The advent of grid
 electrification in the Sandveld region of South Africa in the 1980s
 increased the utilisation of groundwater resources for commercial
 irrigation purposes. In the wake of the consequent increased pressure on
 the resource, it behooves landowners to use water more productively and
 responsibly. This paper calculated the marginal product value (MPV) of
 irrigation water for potatoes and vine production in this region to assess
 and to allow the comparison of the productivity of irrigation water with
 other commodities and regions. However, the results suggested that the
 scope for leveraging changes to water use behaviour in the Sandveld solely
 through water pricing is limited. Given that electricity is a critical
 input for the utilization of groundwater, we suspect that the price of
 electricity would be a suitable lever to influence irrigation behaviour.
 In light of the imminent Government electricity price hikes, we advise
 some further investigation on the impacts these impending hikes will have
 on irrigation farming in the study area. We suspect that pumping costs (as
 opposed to the price of water itself) will become the most limiting factor
 for irrigation water use in the Sandveld in the foreseeable future. A
 mixture of water and energy pricing strategies therefore lends itself as a
 more pragmatic policy approach to follow in order to influence irrigation
 behaviour, as opposed to a sole focus on water pricing.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 129-143 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741209 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741209 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:129-143




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: P. Zikhali 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Zikhali 
Author-Name: P. Chilonda 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Chilonda 
Title: Explaining productivity differences between beneficiaries of Zimbabwe's Fast Track Land Reform Programme and communal farmers 
Abstract:
	      		  In the year 2000 the
 government of Zimbabwe launched the Fast Track Land Reform Programme
 (FTLRP) as part of its on-going land reform and resettlement programme.
 The main premise of the programme is to address the racially skewed land
 distribution pattern inherited at independence in 1980. While the
 programme has been accompanied by an overall reduction in agricultural
 production which has created widespread food insecurity throughout the
 country, empirical research on the impact of the programme on the
 agricultural productivity of its beneficiaries has been limited. This
 paper uses data on beneficiaries of the programme and a control group of
 communal farmers to (i) investigate the presence of agricultural
 productivity differences between beneficiaries and communal farmers, and
 (ii) examine differences in chemical fertiliser use as a possible source
 of these differences. The results suggest that FTLRP beneficiaries gain a
 productivity advantage not only from the fact that they use more
 fertiliser per hectare, but also from attaining a higher rate of return
 from its use.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 144-166 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 51 
Year: 2012 
Month: 12 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.741210 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.741210 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:4:p:144-166




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: D.P. Troskie 
Author-X-Name-First: D.P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Troskie 
Title: Provinces and agricultural development: challenge or opportunity? 
Abstract:
	      		  The purpose of this paper
 is to explore the state and agriculture at the subnational sphere; an area
 currently receiving little attention in the South African agricultural
 economics fraternity. It is argued that South Africa's Constitution
 bestows certain decision-making and legislative powers on its nine
 provinces and that public goods and redistributive policy options are
 available to the agricultural sector. As about two-thirds of South African
 agricultural expenditure (83% if conditional grants are included) takes
 place at provincial level, it was shown that provincial dynamics are
 relevant. While the characteristics of tribal populations in provinces are
 found to be important, a poor alignment between provincial agricultural
 expenditure and certain elements of consequence (employment, value
 addition, etc.) can be shown.		   The paper also deconstructs the
 commonly used terms "state" and "agriculture" at a provincial level and
 dwell on the concept of the rational civil servant. In the case of the
 state, the challenge of moving beyond institutionalised silos is
 discussed. It is shown that agriculture consists out a multitude of
 actors, that representation often overlap and that similarities with a
 "tragedy of the commons" can be observed in the way some of the actors
 maximise personal gains. To understand the system non-traditional schools
 of thought such as "social economic systems" and "bounded rationality" may
 provide answers.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-27 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778461 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778461 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:1-27




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: C.N. Mbatha 
Author-X-Name-First: C.N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mbatha 
Author-Name: M.A. Gustafsson 
Author-X-Name-First: M.A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Gustafsson 
Title: The standard error of regressions: a note on new evidence of significance misuse 
Abstract:
	      		  There is a body of
 literature dealing with the improper use of statistical significance
 within economic analysis. Amongthe problematic usages that have been
 identified are fundamental misunderstandings about the influence of sample
 design and size on statistical significance, an excessive focus on
 statistical significance to the exclusion of economic and policy
 significance, and a harmful conflation of these two very different types
 of significance. An analysis of 51 agricultural economics papers reviewed
 and presented at an African conference in 2010 finds improper usage of
 statistical significance that is comparable or worse in nature and extent
 to that found in a previous meta analysis focusing on published articles
 in the <italic>American Economic Review</italic> in the 1980s and 1990s:
 well over half of the papers employed what is termed "sign" and
 "asterisks" econometrics. Overall, the findings underline the need for
 clearly stated and consistent analytical methods in producing papers as
 well as for careful review and selection of papers that employ regression
 analysis.	    
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 28-39 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778463 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778463 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:28-39




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T. Roberts 
Author-X-Name-First: T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Roberts 
Author-Name: G.G. Antrobus 
Author-X-Name-First: G.G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Antrobus 
Title: Farmers' perceptions of the impact of legislation on farm workers' wages and working conditions: an eastern cape case study 
Abstract:
	      		  The status of South
 African farm workers has changed significantly over the past five decades.
 Using data from three major surveys conducted between 1957 and 2008, an
 Eastern Cape district was used as a case study to assess farmers'
 perceptions of the changes that had occurred, particularly as a result of
 legislation. Considering the changes, the impacts on the farm labour
 market and wage and non-wage working conditions are analysed. The
 legislation focused on includes the Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62
 (ESTA) of 1997, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 (BCEA) of 1997
 and minimum wage legislation. Farmers believed legislation had both
 positive and negative effects, which were compounded by changes in the
 political and economic contexts. The case study reveals that government
 has a role in improving the status of farm labourers, with education and
 healthcare services requiring special attention. However, caution is
 needed to ensure that further reductions in farm employment are
 restricted.	      
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 40-67 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778464 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778464 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:40-67




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T. van der Heijden 
Author-X-Name-First: T. van der 
Author-X-Name-Last: Heijden 
Author-Name: N. Vink 
Author-X-Name-First: N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink 
Title: Good for whom? Supermarkets and small farmers in south africa - a critical review of current approaches to increasing access to modern markets 
Abstract:
	      		  Small-scale agriculture
 is one of the few tools available to support improved rural livelihoods on
 a significant scale in South Africa. Access to output markets is a key
 factor in generating higher incomes. The rise of modern markets
 (supermarkets in particular) is generally viewed as positive for the rural
 poor, although most commentators accede that there are challenges to be
 overcome in obtaining access to such markets. These challenges are
 generally perceived as supply-side issues: That is, the "fault" for market
 exclusion lies largely with small producers - their production methods,
 their business organisation and their location - rather than with these
 markets themselves. This study asserts that much of the research that has
 been undertaken in this area is in fact incomplete, because it has
 excluded two key issues: The likely impact of the dominant supermarket
 business model on small farmers; and the actual position of small farmers
 in those countries with high levels of supermarket concentration. A closer
 examination of the supermarket model suggests it is inherently hostile
 towards smaller producers. The South African food retail market structure
 resembles that of industrialised countries rather than developing
 countries. Therefore, we should expect that the position of South African
 small farmers vis-à-vis supermarkets is similar to that of small farmers
 in industrialised countries, who are increasingly excluded from these
 value chains.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 68-86 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778466 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778466 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:68-86




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: H. Holly Wang 
Author-X-Name-First: H. Holly 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wang 
Author-Name: Raphael N. Karuaihe 
Author-X-Name-First: Raphael N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Karuaihe 
Author-Name: Douglas L. Young 
Author-X-Name-First: Douglas L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Young 
Author-Name: Yuehua Zhang 
Author-X-Name-First: Yuehua 
Author-X-Name-Last: Zhang 
Title: Farmers' demand for weather-based crop insurance contracts: the case of maize in south africa 
Abstract:
	      		  Weather index-based crop
 insurance offers farmers a way to mitigate production risk without the
 moral hazard, adverse selection and high administrative cost problems that
 plague conventional loss-based crop insurance. This is especially
 important for developing countries that lack government subsidised crop
 insurance programmes and high quality yield records. In this paper, we
 analyse weather-based crop insurance theoretically and provide an
 empirical application to South African maize producers. We examine several
 weather indices, investigate the farmers' demand with and without loaded
 premiums, and evaluate the benefits of weather index-based insurance to
 farmers with alternative risk preferences. Results show that the risk
 management efficiency of a contract has direct bearing on how well the
 index describes the production variability, especially a combination of
 two weather variables tend to describe production risk better than any
 single variable.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 87-110 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778468 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778468 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:87-110




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: A.A. Ogundeji 
Author-X-Name-First: A.A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji 
Author-Name: M.F. Viljoen 
Author-X-Name-First: M.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Viljoen 
Author-Name: H.J. Booysen 
Author-X-Name-First: H.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Booysen 
Author-Name: G. du T. De Villiers 
Author-X-Name-First: G. du T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: De Villiers 
Title: Impact of climate change on planning and dealing with flood disasters in South Africa: a case study of soweto on sea 
Abstract:
	      		  Climate change is an
 additional challenge for the African continent, which is already facing
 many challenges. It increases the uncertainty regarding the probability of
 flood occurrence, making weather less predictable, rainfall more uncertain
 but heavy storms more likely. This necessitates rethinking and changing
 the traditional ways of planning and dealing with floods. When flooding
 occurs according to a predictable pattern, an optimal package of flood
 damage control measures can be planned in advance, but when flood events
 become unpredictable due to climate change, the optimal package of flood
 damage control measures will change, cannot be planned with sufficient
 certainty in advance and different management strategies are needed. In
 this study a benefit cost analysis was applied to compare the merits of
 different structural flood mitigation options for Soweto-on-Sea, with and
 without climate change. The option with the highest net benefit remains
 the clearing out of the river channel for both (with and without)
 scenarios. In order to protect/improve the quality of life of the urban
 poor flood victims, the economic dimension of flood control planning,
 which is implied when using benefit cost analysis to select the best flood
 mitigation option, is insufficient. Besides the economic dimension, the
 social and environmental dimensions must also be included, suggesting that
 a multi-criteria decision analysis procedure be used.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 111-132 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.778473 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.778473 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:1:p:111-132




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie 
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice 
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie 
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse 
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer 
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse 
Author-Name: Colin Thirtle 
Author-X-Name-First: Colin 
Author-X-Name-Last: Thirtle 
Author-Name: Nick Vink 
Author-X-Name-First: Nick 
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink 
Author-Name: Kevin Winter 
Author-X-Name-First: Kevin 
Author-X-Name-Last: Winter 
Title: Explaining declining agricultural total factor productivity in the Karoo districts of the Western Cape, 1952 to 2002 
Abstract:
	      		  Conradie et al. (2009a
 and 2009b) identified the Central Karoo as the worst performing area in
 the Western Cape, but left the reasons for the region's declining total
 factor productivity (TFP) unexplained. The current paper uses a
 combination of literature review and analysis of anecdotal evidence to
 evaluate a set of hypothetical reasons for the decline. The world wool
 price clearly affected farm-level profitability, putting up to 50% of
 sheep farms out of business in some parts of the Central Karoo. If census
 data were properly collected, this in itself should not have affected TFP.
 The evidence for overgrazing and increasingly ineffective predator control
 was less convincing. For example, there is no conclusive evidence yet on
 whether game and lifestyle farms exert any negative externalities on
 remaining sheep operations. The cost-price squeeze resulting from falling
 prices and rising input costs has led to an extension of production
 systems and poor maintenance which will no doubt lead to a further decline
 in productivity. We concluded that the rate at which the Central Karoo is
 shedding sheep farming, and the reasons for and effects of it, should be
 investigated further.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-23 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770950 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770950 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:1-23




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Thula S. Dlamini 
Author-X-Name-First: Thula S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Dlamini 
Author-Name: Aart-Jan Verschoor 
Author-X-Name-First: Aart-Jan 
Author-X-Name-Last: Verschoor 
Author-Name: Gavin C.G. Fraser 
Author-X-Name-First: Gavin C.G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Fraser 
Title: Exploring options in reforming South African land ownership: Opportunities for sharing land, labour and expertise 
Abstract:
	      		  In many developing
 countries, land ownership remains a subject of contention. In South
 Africa, notwithstanding the strides that have been made to foster
 equitable land ownership, land reform policies have been unsuccessful in
 delivering land to the poor majority. Due to the nature of agriculture as
 a source of food production and national security, and the lack of farming
 skills and related competencies' equilibrium, programmes intended to
 deliver land to black people have been inadequate in their reach. Whereas
 policy has emphasised the urgency of solving equity issues in land
 ownership, equally challenging has been finding the right set of
 programmes to achieve this without triggering a perennial land ownership
 squabble. After 18 years of democracy, a need remains to find a balance
 between continuity in food production and equitable redistribution of land
 in South African agriculture. In this paper, we argue that it is possible
 to achieve equitable and fair redistribution of land without inhibiting
 agricultural production, through land sharing. We show that sharing land
 could help fast-track the development of a farming skills and related
 competencies' equilibrium between black and white farmers. The paper
 further demonstrates that the gains in land sharing far outweigh other
 programmes of land reform that have been used and suggested thus far.	    
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 24-45 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770951 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770951 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:24-45




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.M. Venter 
Author-X-Name-First: M.M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Venter 
Author-Name: D.B. Strydom 
Author-X-Name-First: D.B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Strydom 
Author-Name: B. Grové 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové 
Title: Stochastic efficiency analysis of alternative basic grain marketing strategies 
Abstract:
	      		  The use of modern routine
 marketing strategies to minimize risk exposure is not a widely adopted
 practice among grain producers. The producers tend to use high risk
 strategies which include the selling of the crop on the cash market after
 harvest; while the high market risks require innovative strategies
 including the use of futures and options as traded on South African
 Futures Exchange (SAFEX). This is mostly due to a lack of interest and
 knowledge of the market. The purpose of the study is to examine whether
 the adoption of basic routine strategies is better than adopting no
 strategy at all. The study illustrates that by using a Stochastic
 Efficiency with Respect to a Function (SERF) and Cumulative Distribution
 Function (CDF) that the use of three basic strategies for each crop type,
 namely, a Put (plant time)-, (Three-segment-), (Critical Moment in
 production/marketing process) and Sell after pollination 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 illustrate that each strategy is different for each crop. It
 also indicates that no strategy is worse than a specific strategy and that
 the choice between strategies depends on the risk aversion level of the
 producer. It is imperative to note that the use of hedging strategies is
 better than no strategy at all.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 46-63 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770952 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770952 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:46-63




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: A. Thom 
Author-X-Name-First: A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Thom 
Author-Name: B. Conradie 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie 
Title: Urban agriculture's enterprise potential: Exploring vegetable box schemes in Cape Town 
Abstract:
	      		  Urban agriculture is
 potentially an important element of land reform and economic development
 programmes in South Africa. The social value of urban agriculture, such as
 improving food security, developing a sense of community and promoting
 ecological conservation, is well documented. But in order to effectively
 contribute to development agendas, urban agriculture must also present
 viable, sustainable economic opportunities. This study sets forth
 vegetable box schemes as a context-appropriate, economically feasible
 urban agriculture enterprise for which there is growing consumer demand. A
 survey of 354 subscribers to vegetable box schemes in Cape Town is
 analysed, finding these households source half of their fresh produce and
 a quarter of their total groceries from box schemes. The study explores
 dimensions of consumer satisfaction and considers ways in which box
 schemes may be expanded. This paper also offers a brief comparison of
 different box scheme models in order to demonstrate that a
 development-oriented social enterprise model can compete with other
 for-profit models in the market.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 64-86 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770953 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770953 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:64-86




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Henry Jordaan 
Author-X-Name-First: Henry 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan 
Author-Name: Bennie Grové 
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové 
Author-Name: Nicolette Matthews 
Author-X-Name-First: Nicolette 
Author-X-Name-Last: Matthews 
Title: Investigating potential financial gains from using production inputs more efficiently 
Abstract:
	      		  The aim of this paper is
 to extend existing research that analyses technical and allocative
 efficiency and its determinants by quantifying and comparing the potential
 financial gains from improving technical and allocative (cost) efficiency
 levels of emerging raisin producers from Eksteenskuil in the Northern Cape
 Province of South Africa. Results show that, at whole farm level, the
 average financial gains in margin above variable costs from improving
 technical and cost efficiency amount to R21 335 and R21 581, respectively.
 Importantly, the gains represent potential increases of 246% and 249%,
 respectively, in margins above variable costs. Improving the levels of
 efficiency with which the farmers use their inputs thus may contribute
 substantially to increase the contribution of raisin production to the
 livelihoods of raisin farmers from Eksteenskuil. The close comparison of
 the potential gains suggests that the current emphasis of extension
 services on maximising output levels should be extended to also promote
 the use of inputs in cost minimising combinations. Farmer-to-farmer skills
 transfer has a major role to play in supporting the farmers to use their
 inputs in a technically efficient manner. Extension officers and other
 support services should pay more attention to developing the skills of the
 farmers to be able to select the least cost combination of inputs.	    
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 87-100 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770954 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770954 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:87-100




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Thulasizwe Mkhabela 
Author-X-Name-First: Thulasizwe 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mkhabela 
Title: Exploring pricing policy options to stimulate healthy eating in South Africa: Seeking consensus using the Delphi technique approach 
Abstract:
	      		  The paper aimed at
 drawing up a list of food pricing strategies that could be used to promote
 healthy eating and address food insecurity by soliciting expert opinions
 using the Delphi method. Respondents represented the broad spectrum of the
 food industry and data were collected in three rounds. The participants
 were selected purposively according to their experience in the food
 industry and marketing of agricultural and food products. In round one,
 experts designed promising pricing strategies. The pricing strategies were
 divided into four broad categories and these were: A. Taxes; B. Government
 interference and insurance; C. Packaging; and D. Price and discounting
 strategies. The strategies were subsequently evaluated on eight criteria
 using a time-budget model incorporating Sleep, Leisure, Occupation,
 Transportation and Home-based activities (SLOTH). Results were analysed
 using median and inter-quartile deviations scores. The results revealed
 reasonable consensus among experts and a varied list of promising pricing
 strategies. The panel agreed on the potential success of offering small
 gifts, providing price cuts on healthy foods and discounting healthier
 foods more frequently. Also, it was found that experts gave higher rates
 to pricing strategies for which the implementation responsibilities could
 be placed elsewhere.	       
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 101-117 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770955 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770955 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:101-117




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L. Morris 
Author-X-Name-First: L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Morris 
Author-Name: F.A. Mare 
Author-X-Name-First: F.A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mare 
Title: Developing a collaborative marketing strategy for sheep farmers in Namibia 
Abstract:
	      		  Agriculture is a very
 important sector in Namibia as approximately 70% of the country's
 population relies on it for a living, while it contributes to 5.5% of the
 gross domestic product (GDP). Due to the low rainfall in the southern
 parts of the country it is predominantly used for sheep farming while the
 central parts are used for cattle farming. There are basically four
 different marketing alternatives for sheep from commercial producers in
 Namibia. The live export of sheep to South Africa always was the
 best-priced market for Namibian producers. Since the SSMS had placed a
 limit on the amount of sheep that may be exported, the number of local
 slaughtering for export and local consumption has increased. These market
 options, however, results in a lower producer price and the average price
 for mutton and lamb in Namibia had thus decreased in comparison with the
 prices in South Africa. A focus group study was used to derive a
 collaborative marketing strategy for farmers. After conducting a risk
 analysis and setting short, medium and long term objectives, a SWOT
 analysis and TOWS matrix assisted the producers in deriving a strategy.
 After discussing every strategic option, the group decided that they will
 first market to the Windhoek market through a group-owned butchery. They
 will target the higher income groups, by selling high-value cuts in large
 quantities and low-value cuts to the low-income groups, thereby
 integrating further down the supply chain and gaining a larger proportion
 of the consumer dollar.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 118-132 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770956 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770956 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:118-132




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: J.S.F. Wessels 
Author-X-Name-First: J.S.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wessels 
Author-Name: B.J. Willemse 
Author-X-Name-First: B.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse 
Title: The impact of changed land use on farmland values and farmland valuations: An example from the south-eastern Nama Karoo 
Abstract:
	      		  The main agri-trends in
 North America, Europe and Australia are being followed closely in various
 regions of South Africa. One such trend is land-use changes; the fact that
 some investors purchase farmland in South Africa to not farm - for the
 sake of investment only. Research that was done in 2011 in the
 south-eastern Nama Karoo confirmed that purchasers buy farmland at
 significant prices primarily as investments, although not on a grand
 scale. The research was done quantitatively and qualitatively. It was
 confirmed that in this part of the Nama Karoo, like in many other parts in
 South Africa, there is indeed a trend of new investors purchasing land for
 its sheer beauty and natural magnificence, something that they believe
 will increase in value and which is a sound investment for the future.
 Questions were asked: How might this impact on farmland values and how
 will property valuers interpret this changed land use? And, how should
 farmland be valued in future if this trend prevails and expands? The
 research confirmed that investors buy farmland for secondary
 (non-agricultural) reasons, which result in land prices almost double the
 average. Pure investment is a primary driver in the decision-making
 process and is based on a view that the future capital growth is enough to
 justify the investment. It was also shown that the typical investor is
 around 50 years old, financially extremely well off, and mostly
 professional. As potential non-commercial farmland owners, they are also
 not necessarily applauded by current commercial farmers.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 133-151 
Issue: sup1 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.770958 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.770958 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:sup1:p:133-151




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: B. Lutge 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Lutge 
Author-Name: B. Standish 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Standish 
Title: Assessing the potential for electricity generation from animal waste biogas on South African farms 
Abstract:
	      		  Electricity generation
 using animal manure is practised extensively in many parts of the world to
 improve farm profitability and to increase the contribution of renewable
 energy. This research assesses the financial viability of using pig and
 dairy manure to produce electricity on a small sample of farms in South
 Africa. Financial feasibility studies were carried out for both pig and
 dairy farms. This study also assessed the level of production and
 incentives that are necessary to make biogas a viable option for
 electricity generation. The results show that electricity generation on
 pig farms is potentially viable. This could be enhanced with various types
 of incentives. The sample of dairy farms on the other hand does not show
 much potential.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-24 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798062 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798062 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:1-24




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: K. Akankwasa 
Author-X-Name-First: K. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Akankwasa 
Author-Name: G.F. Ortmann 
Author-X-Name-First: G.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann 
Author-Name: E. Wale 
Author-X-Name-First: E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale 
Author-Name: W.K. Tushemereirwe 
Author-X-Name-First: W.K. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Tushemereirwe 
Title: Farmers' choice among recently developed hybrid banana varieties in Uganda: A multinomial logit analysis 
Abstract:
	      		  This paper analyses the
 effect of farmer characteristics, variety attributes and agro-ecological
 conditions on farmers' banana variety choice decisions in Uganda. A
 Multinomial Logit (MNL) model was used to estimate the determinants of
 variety choice. The results show that M9 was the most preferred hybrid
 variety, followed by M2 and M14. However, many of the respondents (39.4%)
 chose Mbwazirume, a local variety, as their most preferred variety. Good
 taste, large bunch size, soft food and good flavour were the most
 desirable attributes, while longer maturity period was a notable
 undesirable attribute. Results from the MNL analysis suggest that small
 land size, taste and regional location were negatively associated with
 variety choice, while perceptions that hybrid bananas could reduce food
 insecurity and tolerance to pests and diseases were positively associated
 with probabilities of variety choice. Probabilities of choosing hybrids
 for food security increase in favour of M2 (by 6.13%) and M9 (27.60%), and
 decrease by 23.05% for M2, 6.89% for M14 and 9.36% for M9 due to taste
 relative to Mbwazirume. Farmers' involvement in varietal improvement and
 development programmes is vital for meeting their preferences. Future
 breeding efforts should consider attributes such as bunch size, good
 taste, soft food and agronomic characteristics. Farmers with large land
 sizes should be targeted for on-farm promotional activities to increase
 the potential adoption and impact of the hybrids. After the hybrids are
 popularized and used by farmers, there will be a need for an impact study
 to evaluate their acceptability in terms of household food security and
 income.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 25-51 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798063 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798063 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:25-51




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: P.N. Maina 
Author-X-Name-First: P.N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Maina 
Author-Name: H.C. Wingard 
Author-X-Name-First: H.C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wingard 
Title: Small and medium-sized entities in the agricultural sector: Fair value reporting challenges 
Abstract:
	      		  Biological assets should
 be valued at fair value less point of sale costs only if an active market
 exists. The quoted price in an active market is the appropriate basis for
 determining the fair value of the asset. The objective of this research
 was to identify the challenges in respect of fair value reporting on the
 part of small- and medium-sized entities that publish general purpose
 financial statements, but that do not have public accountability in
 implementing the requirements of the International Financial Reporting
 Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities. Through the research it was
 established that in Kenya the commodity markets operate in a simplified
 auction system with no clear price discovery mechanism. The lack of an
 active and transparent market is a serious challenge in terms of the
 application of fair value to biological assets. Consequently most of the
 farmers prefer to model the market information available. In the light of
 the diverse nature of agricultural produce, this article recommends
 virtual trading and development of commodity futures in order to reduce
 the market access cost, to improve accessibility to market information and
 to transform the role of middle traders to that of market linkages.	    
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 52-74 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798064 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798064 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:52-74




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Greenwell Collins Matchaya 
Author-X-Name-First: Greenwell Collins 
Author-X-Name-Last: Matchaya 
Author-Name: Virginie Perotin 
Author-X-Name-First: Virginie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Perotin 
Title: The impact of cooperative patronage: The case of National Small Holder Farmers' Association (NASFAM) of Malawi in Kasungu District 
Abstract:
	      		  This paper analyses the
 impact of individual farmers' participation in the National Smallholder
 Farmers' Association of Malawi (NASFAM). Precisely the paper analyses the
 effect of participation on credit market access, fertilizer use and total
 incomes of its participants in the Kasungu district of Malawi. NASFAM is a
 form of producer cooperative with a number of socio-economic functions.
 Using data on income per capita, fertilizer expenditure and access to
 credit, this paper tests the hypothesis that participation in NASFAM
 positively impacted incomes, fertilizer use and credit acquisition.
 Employing Propensity Score Matching methodology to estimate Average
 Treatment Effects (ATT) on programme members, this paper finds evidence
 that participation in NASFAM had a positive effect on all the endogenous
 variables. Membership enhances household level incomes, fertilizer use and
 credit acquisition and is hence in line with national goals of poverty
 reduction, the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program
 (CAADP) principles, the SADC's Regional Indicative Strategy Development
 Plan (RISDP) and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
 Based on these findings and the fact that credit and fertilizer access are
 still problematic in Malawi's rural areas, it appears that there is great
 need for NASFAM to expand to areas where it currently does not have
 activities. Such expansion would ensure food security over a wider range
 of rural households through improved input access.	     
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 75-103 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798066 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798066 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:75-103




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: G.T. Kassie 
Author-X-Name-First: G.T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kassie 
Author-Name: O. Erenstein 
Author-X-Name-First: O. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Erenstein 
Author-Name: W. Mwangi 
Author-X-Name-First: W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mwangi 
Author-Name: J. MacRobert 
Author-X-Name-First: J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: MacRobert 
Author-Name: P. Setimela 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Setimela 
Author-Name: B. Shiferaw 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Shiferaw 
Title: Political and economic features of the maize seed industry in southern Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  The seed industry in
 southern Africa (Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) has
 three important features: first, dominance of the government as buyer and
 distributor of seed; second, a high market share and power of few seed
 companies; and third, a sustained but incomplete effort to harmonize the
 seed policy in the region. The challenges the seed industry is facing are
 lack of basic seed, poor production infrastructure, lack of skill in seed
 production, challenges to access and multiply seeds of varieties released
 from public institutions, lack of purchasing power among smallholder
 farmers, high transaction cost of seed marketing, market-distorting
 interventions by governments, lack and misuse of market information, free
 riding, lack of working capital financing, and breaching of contract by
 seed growers. Important policy implications have been drawn from this
 study, which include strengthening national research systems, strategic
 capacity building along the maize seed value chain, improving the access
 to financial services, developing and implementation of agreed protocols
 of SADC for seed policy harmonization. 	 
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 104-127 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798067 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798067 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:104-127




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Wittmann Nadine 
Author-X-Name-First: Wittmann 
Author-X-Name-Last: Nadine 
Title: A microeconomic analysis of the socio-economic situation along the Kat River Water Basin: Comment 
Abstract:
	      		  According to Mbatha and
 Antrobus (2008), basic economic models are inadequate for explaining the
 socio-economic situation of farmers along the Kat River water basin (KRV)
 as their results do not reflect their empirical findings. However, this is
 due to the fact that the economic model implemented is not tailored
 according to the specific characteristics of the region. Therefore, this
 paper incorporates the latter in a microeconomic model. Once all the
 relevant factors are accounted for, an economic model may very well
 suffice to depict the socio-economic situation present in the KRV, which
 is in contrast to previous findings.	       
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 128-135 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798068 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798068 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:128-135




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: CN Mbatha 
Author-X-Name-First: CN 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mbatha 
Author-Name: GG Antrobus 
Author-X-Name-First: GG 
Author-X-Name-Last: Antrobus 
Title: Institutions and economic research: A case of location externalities on agricultural resource allocation in the Kat River basin, South Africa: A Rejoinder 
Abstract:
	      		  In Mbatha and Antrobus
 (2008), an argument was put forward against an importation or adoption of
 universal models or general theorems to explain locally prevailing
 socio-economic conditions and predict outcomes in varied geographical
 contexts such as in the Kat River basin. In response to this argument a
 comment in this edition argues that our "results are caused by,
 metaphorically speaking, comparing apples and oranges. If, however, all of
 the relevant information is taken into account, a simple economic model
 may suffice to depict the situation within the KRV." Here we illustrate
 that the comment comes from a misreading of basic details in the original
 discussion and in its construction and presentation of an alternative
 model of the KRV conditions the comment reiterates our original argument
 that general models and theorems are likely to fail to explain local
 intricacies primarily because they are not founded on local historical
 institutions.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 136-145 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.798069 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.798069 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:2:p:136-145




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sheryl Hendriks 
Author-X-Name-First: Sheryl 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks 
Title: South Africa's National Development Plan and New Growth Path: reflections on policy contradictions and implications for food security 
Abstract:
	      		  Almost two decades after
 South Africa's political transformation, the country's food security
 context demands serious attention amidst excessively high unemployment and
 depressed economic growth. Although food insecurity at household and
 individual levels is unacceptably high in South Africa, the nation has for
 decades reported its aggregate national position as "food secure". This
 paper examines the purpose and proposals presented in the National
 Development Plan and New Growth Path Framework against the development
 requirements of sustainability, productivity and efficiency, reflects on
 the implications of the proposals on the right to food, and makes
 recommendations for the design of a comprehensive national food security
 policy.	  
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-17 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821741 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821741 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:1-17




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kerry McCullough 
Author-X-Name-First: Kerry 
Author-X-Name-Last: McCullough 
Author-Name: Barry Strydom 
Author-X-Name-First: Barry 
Author-X-Name-Last: Strydom 
Title: The efficiency of the South African white maize futures market 
Abstract:
	      		  The efficiency of futures
 markets for agricultural commodities is an important issue for
 participants in the agricultural sector who rely on futures contracts to
 manage price risk and to assist in planning. Tests of market efficiency in
 futures markets typically address the relationship between spot and
 futures prices through the application of cointegration techniques. This
 study employs both the Engle-Granger's and the Johansen's tests for
 cointegration in order to examine the efficiency of the futures market in
 South Africa for white maize, which is the most important commodity traded
 on the South African Futures Exchange by volume. Near spot and futures
 prices are found to be cointegrated, and there is evidence to indicate
 that this market is both unbiased and without a risk premium, indicating a
 weak-form efficient market. This is in contrast to the findings of
 previous papers, which examined the early years of this market, and points
 to an improvement in the efficiency of this market.	      
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 18-33 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821742 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821742 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:18-33




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Stephen Greenberg 
Author-X-Name-First: Stephen 
Author-X-Name-Last: Greenberg 
Title: A gendered analysis of wine export value chains from South Africa to Sweden 
Abstract:
	      		  This article is based on
 research conducted in early 2012 in the Cape Winelands municipality in
 South Africa. It considers the gendered dynamics of employment in two wine
 export value chains. In one of the chains, produce is packaged and branded
 in South Africa for export and in the other, bulk wine is sold for
 packaging and branding in Europe. The research draws on a survey of
 workers and in-depth interviews with managers, industry and farm worker
 support organisations. It considers the possible impact of the adoption of
 a Code of Conduct on labour standards by the Swedish alcohol retail
 monopoly, Systembolaget. The research reinforces findings over more than a
 decade that female workers are concentrated in lower paid, more fragmented
 and insecure employment. The findings reveal that processors are more or
 less compliant with national labour standards, but supplier farms are less
 so, especially in bulk chains. Monitoring at the individual farm level is
 missing. This makes it difficult to track compliance of codes down to farm
 level. The study queries the sustainability of initiatives to improve
 labour standards on farms, should costs be borne entirely by producers who
 are already facing a cost-price squeeze.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 34-62 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821747 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821747 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:34-62




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Malcolm Abbott 
Author-X-Name-First: Malcolm 
Author-X-Name-Last: Abbott 
Title: Market support schemes and their interaction: the case of the wool industry 
Abstract:
	      		  The focus of this paper
 is on the conduct and collapse of the Australian, South African and New
 Zealand wool price stabilisation schemes and the manner in which they
 interrelated. In particular the degree to which the Australian Wool
 Corporation acted as a market leader in price determination is analysed
 and the manner in which the South African and New Zealand authorities
 acted as free riders to the Australian scheme. 	 
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 63-82 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821743 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821743 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:63-82




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Shephard Siziba 
Author-X-Name-First: Shephard 
Author-X-Name-Last: Siziba 
Author-Name: Kefasi Nyikahadzoi 
Author-X-Name-First: Kefasi 
Author-X-Name-Last: Nyikahadzoi 
Author-Name: Joachim                        Binam Nyemeck 
Author-X-Name-First: Joachim                        Binam 
Author-X-Name-Last: Nyemeck 
Author-Name: Aliou Diagne 
Author-X-Name-First: Aliou 
Author-X-Name-Last: Diagne 
Author-Name: Adekunle Adewale 
Author-X-Name-First: Adekunle 
Author-X-Name-Last: Adewale 
Author-Name: Fatunbi Oluwole 
Author-X-Name-First: Fatunbi 
Author-X-Name-Last: Oluwole 
Title: Estimating the impact of innovation systems on maize yields: the case of Iar4d in southern Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  Markets are known to have
 a great potential to unlock agricultural growth in developing countries.
 The conventional agricultural research and development approaches used
 hitherto have not yielded much success in stimulating farmer participation
 in markets. New agricultural development approaches, such as the
 Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D), view
 developmental challenges as multi-dimensional and as such require
 multi-pronged and integrated initiatives - better known as innovation
 systems - to overcome. Using data from IAR4D trials in Zimbabwe, Malawi
 and Mozambique, the study evaluates the efficacy of IAR4D in stimulating
 market integration and crop intensification. The impact of IAR4D on maize
 yield, estimated using the local average treatment effect (LATE) is
 significant in all the countries. Yields improved by margins ranging
 107-149 kgha-super--1, which is quite substantial in a region where yields
 average around 1000kgha-super--1. These findings give credence to the
 proposition that innovation systems such as IAR4D are more effective in
 stimulating agricultural growth.	   
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 83-100 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821744 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821744 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:83-100




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: André Louw 
Author-X-Name-First: André 
Author-X-Name-Last: Louw 
Author-Name: Gerhard Troskie 
Author-X-Name-First: Gerhard 
Author-X-Name-Last: Troskie 
Author-Name: Mari&euml;tte Geyser 
Author-X-Name-First: Mari&euml;tte 
Author-X-Name-Last: Geyser 
Title: Small millers' and bakers' perceptions of the limitations of agro-processing development in the wheat-milling and baking industries in rural areas in South Africa 
Abstract:
	      		  According to the Food
 Price Monitoring Committee (FPMC) (2003), milling and baking industries
 are highly concentrated, and most of the major millers are vertically
 integrated with bakeries. The Committee found that the baking industry is
 also characterised by a high level of market power, with six baking groups
 being responsible for 80 per cent of South Africa's bread production.
 Hence, this study aimed to identify the factors that restrict the
 development of agro-processing in the small wheat-milling and baking
 industries in the rural areas of South Africa. Data was collected by means
 of a structured questionnaire and by conducting 15 interviews with various
 small wheat-milling and baking firms in the supply chain as well as with
 major roleplayers.		The study found that the small
 wheat-milling and baking industries have relatively high barriers to
 entry, including the ability to acquire the required capital to start
 operations; to establish a market; to acquire knowledge of the
 wheat-milling and baking industries; to uphold a well maintained
 infrastructure; to acquire marketing-management knowledge; and to have the
 necessary cash flow. The only barrier to exit deemed to prevail in the
 wheat-milling and baking industries is the ability to sell machinery at
 book value. The study also found that small-scale wheat millers and bakers
 felt exposed to wheat price volatility, as they had neither the cash flow
 nor the knowledge to counteract these price risks by way of
 risk-mitigating strategies available through derivative markets.	   
   The study therefore concluded that large-scale wheat millers and bakers
 have a competitive advantage over their smaller counterparts, in that they
 have the economies of scale, necessary skills, knowledge and cash flow to
 overcome obstacles in a short period. Moreover, smaller wheat millers and
 bakers can take several months to recover from setbacks, which sometimes
 prove to be detrimental. The study further made some recommendations
 concerning these factors, in order to facilitate small-scale wheat
 millers' and bakers' development and expansion of production.		
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 101-122 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 52 
Year: 2013 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.821746 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.821746 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:3:p:101-122




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Henry Jordaan 
Author-X-Name-First: Henry 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan 
Author-Name: Bennie Grové 
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové 
Author-Name: Gerhard R. Backeberg 
Author-X-Name-First: Gerhard R. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Backeberg 
Title: Conceptual framework for value chain analysis for poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers 
Abstract:
 Despite volumes of research and substantial
 investments by government, the financial performance of smallholder
 farmers in South Africa remains poor. The past decade saw little change in
 the general behaviour of smallholder farmers, and the stumbling blocks
 faced by smallholder farmers who want to participate in commercial
 agri-food chains. A possible reason may be that researchers tend to focus
 on the current behaviour and performance of the farmers while neglecting
 the influence of the incentive structure on their behaviour. The aim of
 this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that allows for a more
 holistic analysis of farmers and their value chains to better understand
 the reasons underlying current behaviour, and to identify potential
 solutions to change the behaviour of the farmers and relevant role-players
 to better match the requirements for successfully participating in
 competitive agri-food chains. The integrated value chain, New
 Institutional Economics - Structure-Conduct-Performance framework, does
 allow for a comprehensive analysis of the incentive structure embedded in
 the social, physical and institutional environment within which the
 farmers operate. Special attention is also awarded to the relationship
 between the farmers and their buyers to identify the appropriate
 coordination strategy that will minimise transaction costs.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-25 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887903 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887903 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:1-25




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Liberty Mncube 
Author-X-Name-First: Liberty 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mncube 
Title: Settling for a discount: A review of the pioneer foods price reduction remedy 
Abstract:
 With Pioneer Foods admitting to its involvement in
 milled wheat and milled white maize cartels as well as engaging in general
 exclusionary conduct, there was little suspense over the existence of most
 egregious offenses in competition law and the subsequent harm to consumers
 and competition. For some, the competition law remedies and in particular
 the discount remedy that was adopted, following confirmation by the
 Competition Tribunal, constitutes a key measure of "success" for the
 case(s). This paper evaluates this claim by examining the design and
 effectiveness of the discount remedy, from a comparative perspective. We
 find that the period before, during and after the Pioneer Foods discount
 remedy, was characterised by increasing wheat prices. The discount remedy
 induced responses from Pioneer Foods' main competitors resulting in even
 wider gains for consumers than Pioneer Foods' own price reduction
 commitment.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 26-45 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887904 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887904 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:26-45




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Y.T. Bahta 
Author-X-Name-First: Y.T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta 
Author-Name: B.J. Willemse 
Author-X-Name-First: B.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse 
Author-Name: B. Grove 
Author-X-Name-First: B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Grove 
Title: The role of agriculture in welfare, income distribution and economic development of the Free State Province of South Africa: A CGE approach 
Abstract:
 This article researches quantitatively two
 distinctive roles of agriculture in the Free State provincial economy: a
 buffer role and the role of poverty alleviation using a Computable General
 Equilibrium model. To examine the capacity of the agriculture sector to
 act as a "buffer" in the presence of a negative external shock to the Free
 State provincial economy, two different shocks are considered: an increase
 in the international oil price together with a decrease in the
 international gold price and a devaluation of South African currency. In
 these simulations, the agricultural sector does not play a buffer role of
 absorbing labour displaced from other sectors. Our hypothesis was that in
 the presence of a negative external shock, the agricultural sector would
 be able to absorb, to some extent, the negative impact, especially labour.
 The argument is that when the rest of the economy suffers a slowdown,
 people will "migrate" back to agriculture and therefore the agricultural
 sector will grow and increase its labour demand, alleviating the impacts
 of the crisis. To analyse the impact of the agriculture sector on welfare
 and income distribution, an increase in agricultural production,
 industrial production and other sectors is simulated through increased
 labour productivity. The results suggest that the agricultural sector
 plays a significant role in reducing poverty and improving income
 distribution, but considering poverty the results suggest that the
 manufacturing sector increases income more than other sectors. Our
 hypothesis is that growth based on agriculture has a greater impact on
 poor income households than industrial-based growth. The assumption behind
 this is that more poor households rely on agriculture than on other
 sectors.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 46-74 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887905 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887905 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:46-74




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: D.C. Spies 
Author-X-Name-First: D.C. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Spies 
Author-Name: E.F. Idsardi 
Author-X-Name-First: E.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Idsardi 
Author-Name: E. Steenkamp 
Author-X-Name-First: E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Steenkamp 
Title: Selecting alternative export markets for Namibia's red meat products: Application of a decision support model 
Abstract:
 The Namibian red meat industry is the backbone of
 the local agricultural sector, contributing almost 75% to total
 agricultural output. Through its export activities, the red meat industry
 is also an important generator of foreign exchange. However, Namibia
 exports its red meat to only a few trading partners, including South
 Africa (46%) and the European Union (EU) (29%). This is raising concerns
 because Namibia could lose its preferential (i.e. duty- and quota-free)
 market access into the EU with the expiry of the Interim Economic
 Partnership Agreement (IEPA) in 2014, while over-reliance on only a few
 markets increases the export sector's vulnerability to external shocks.
 Namibia therefore needs to diversify its markets for red meat. The purpose
 of this paper is to identify new export markets as realistic alternatives
 to the traditional main markets of South Africa, the EU and Norway. A
 Decision Support Model (DSM) was applied as the market selection tool in
 this study. The DSM consists of four filters that systematically analyse
 export opportunities against factors such as macroeconomic risk, market
 size, market concentration, shipping costs and tariff barriers. Two
 hundred and thirty-one countries and 28 red meat products were put through
 this filtering process. The analysis revealed that the most promising
 alternative export markets for Namibian red meat include Hong Kong,
 Switzerland, Qatar, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia and China. The DSM
 results constitute an important foundation for more in-depth research into
 demand patterns, as well as other possible deterrents, in the identified
 markets.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 75-103 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3  
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887906 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887906 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:75-103




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Babatunde O Abidoye 
Author-X-Name-First: Babatunde O 
Author-X-Name-Last: Abidoye 
Author-Name: Edward Mabaya 
Author-X-Name-First: Edward 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mabaya 
Title: Adoption of genetically modified crops in South Africa: Effects on wholesale maize prices 
Abstract:
 The ability of genetically modified (GM) crops to
 increase yields and reduce use of pesticides is well established. Based on
 food security needs and the central role of agriculture, Africa may stand
 to benefit from green biotechnology given the low agricultural
 productivity and the looming food crises in most urban areas. However, the
 adoption of GM crops in Africa has been slow and limited to a handful of
 countries. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact
 of GM maize adoption in South Africa by looking at wholesale spot prices.
 We apply a threshold autoregressive model to time series data on the price
 of maize and GM adoption rates in South Africa to address the following
 questions: (1) Does the adoption of GM maize excite the growth rate of
 price of maize in South Africa; (2) Does the error variance of the maize
 price growth rate exhibit regime-switching behaviour to impact the
 volatility? The results show evidence that the adoption of GM maize
 influences the dynamics of the maize price growth rate in South Africa.
 Further, there is strong evidence that the error variance exhibits
 regime-switching behaviour with the posterior mean for the error variance
 in the first regime about twice as large as that of the second regime.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 104-123 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887907 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887907 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:104-123




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tinashe Kapuya 
Author-X-Name-First: Tinashe 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kapuya 
Author-Name: Evans K. Chinembiri 
Author-X-Name-First: Evans K. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Chinembiri 
Author-Name: Mmatlou W. Kalaba 
Author-X-Name-First: Mmatlou W. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalaba 
Title: Identifying strategic markets for South Africa's citrus exports 
Abstract:
 The article identifies South Africa's strategic
 citrus markets among its major export partners using three complementary
 methodologies. Firstly, South Africa's major markets for citrus are
 characterised according to a growth-share matrix to identify strategic
 country markets. Secondly, the paper uses an Indicative Trade Potential
 analysis to identify strategic markets that are high potential export
 countries. Thirdly, a gravity model is used to identify which strategic
 high potential markets are encouraging South African citrus exports. Out
 of South Africa's 51 major citrus export destinations, 44 countries are
 considered "strategic" markets. From these 44 strategic markets, 26 are
 high potential markets. Among the 26 high potential markets, an identified
 17 countries represent the most attractive markets that possess
 opportunities for greater export expansion. These 17 countries can be
 prioritised for an export promotion strategy: six are in the EU, four are
 in Asia, and two are in Eastern Europe; while three are from Middle East
 and two from North America. The paper concludes that more aggressive trade
 policy efforts should also be directed towards nine countries which are
 "high potential markets", but exhibit trade-inhibiting features
 discouraging South Africa's citrus exports. Trade facilitation efforts and
 bilateral agreements with such countries could be considered as an option
 to "lock in" the benefits of unexploited export potential in key strategic
 citrus export markets.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 124-158 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.887908 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.887908 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:1:p:124-158




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sheryl Hendriks 
Author-X-Name-First: Sheryl 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks 
Title: Food security in South Africa: Status quo and policy imperatives 
Abstract:
 Although the term itself was only developed in the
 1970s, food security has played a central role in policies that have
 shaped the history of South Africa from the 17-super-th century. As with
 the changing international interpretation of food security over the past
 four decades, South African food security determinants have been
 interpreted differently by different ruling authorities and governments
 over three centuries. The Natives Land Act of 1913 played a significant
 role in determining the food security context of the country in terms of
 the character, composition and contribution of the agricultural sector,
 shaped consumption patterns and determined rural livelihoods. While food
 security is expressed as a national objective in a plethora of strategies
 and programmes, no formal evaluation has been carried out of the food
 security impact of these programmes, and there is a dire lack of
 coordination and no enforceable policy to ensure food security. Any
 national food security policy will need a framework of enforceable
 legislative measures and statutory coordination and reporting. This
 article explores the current national and household food security and
 nutrition situation in South Africa, and it offers recommendations for a
 comprehensive food security policy.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-24 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915468 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915468 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:1-24




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M. Browne 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Browne 
Author-Name: G.F. Ortmann 
Author-X-Name-First: G.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann 
Author-Name: S.L. Hendriks 
Author-X-Name-First: S.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks 
Title: Household food security monitoring and evaluation using a resilience indicator: an application of categorical principal component analysis and simple sum of assets in five African countries 
Abstract:
 Recent global and African food crises have raised
 the importance of resilience as a determinant of the ability of households
 to cope with shocks and stresses that affect food security. This article
 sets out to develop a measure for resilience to provide a concise tool for
 measuring and monitoring food security in comparative ways across
 countries. It presents the results of the development of a resilience
 score tested using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) household data for
 five African countries from two different time periods per country.
 Cluster analysis was used to classify households into socio-economic
 groups. The first index used Categorical Principal Component Analysis
 (CATPCA) and the second a simple sum of assets. Both indices were able to
 detect changes in household socio-economic status over the data periods in
 all five countries. However, the results for the two indices were not
 always consistent. The simple sum method results matched the published
 national Millennium Development Goal data more closely than the
 Categorical Principal Component Analysis method. The simple sum of assets
 has potential as an impact indictor for development programmes aimed at
 improving household food security and as a national to Millennium
 Development Goal indicator. It provides a simple tool for tracking
 resilience from data that is routinely collected through multiple
 in-country surveys and available from national statistics.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 25-46 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915477 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915477 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:25-46




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Lloyd James S. Baiyegunhi 
Author-X-Name-First: Lloyd James S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baiyegunhi 
Title: Social capital effects on rural household poverty in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 
Abstract:
 This study examined the relationship between rural
 households' social capital and poverty. Primary data were collected using
 a structured questionnaire from a representative sample of 300 rural
 households in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal. The study used a logistic regression
 model to examine the effect of social capital on household poverty,
 testing the hypothesis that the possession of social capital reduces
 household poverty. The result of the logistic regression model indicated
 that, in addition to the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of
 some households, social capital endowments have a statistically
 significant negative effect on the probability of a household being poor.
 The study concluded that, among other factors, social capital is very
 important to reduce household poverty. Policy implications were discussed.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 47-64 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915478 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915478 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:47-64




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: D.B. Strydom 
Author-X-Name-First: D.B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Strydom 
Author-Name: H. van Zyl 
Author-X-Name-First: H. 
Author-X-Name-Last: van Zyl 
Author-Name: B.J. Willemse 
Author-X-Name-First: B.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse 
Title: Characteristics of potato contract producers in the South African potato processing industry 
Abstract:
 Imports in the South African processing and frozen
 fries industry are on the increase. Thus, procurement for processing
 companies becomes more complex and the competition for local producers is
 increased. Local processors need to find adequate supplies at the lowest
 price whereas producers need to deliver at the best price. In order for
 processing companies to ensure sufficient quality and quantity, a good
 procurement strategy such as contract marketing is required. However, the
 characteristics of producers willing to adopt contract marketing must be
 identified. In order to do so, characteristics of contract producers in
 the Eastern Free State who used two different governance structures
 (contract and spot-market) were interviewed. A questionnaire was used and
 data were analysed with a Principal Component Regression combined with a
 Logit model. Out of 26 possible characteristics, nine were identified as
 significant (P > 0.1 or P > 0.5). The characteristics included less
 marketing cost, market information, only channel, less quality penalties,
 transport, price certainty, negotiation period, number of contacts, and
 less risk. Processing companies wanting to establish marketing strategies,
 target producers, and improve current contracts can use the nine
 characteristics. The characteristics can also be used to negotiate
 long-term contracts with producers.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 65-82 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915480 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915480 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:65-82




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S. Sharaunga 
Author-X-Name-First: S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sharaunga 
Author-Name: M.A.G. Darroch 
Author-X-Name-First: M.A.G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Darroch 
Author-Name: M. Mudhara 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara 
Title: The impact of feed costs on the production of eggs in South Africa in period 1970-2007: An analysis using a demand-supply simultaneous equation model 
Abstract:
 High feed costs are always top of the list of
 factors affecting business performance for any poultry producer in South
 Africa. Producers may react to a significant increase in the price of a
 variable input, such as feed costs, by reducing production. This study
 evaluates the impact of feed costs on the supply of eggs in South Africa
 from 1970 to 2009 by estimating simultaneous equations for the demand and
 supply of eggs, since the decisions of suppliers interact simultaneously
 with the decisions of consumers. It was found that fluctuations in supply
 of eggs were not primarily due to changes in feed costs. Since eggs have
 few close substitutes and their demand is price inelastic, higher prices
 of eggs did not significantly influence the demand and supply of eggs.
 However, the supply of eggs in South Africa in the period 1970 to 2009 was
 heavily driven by the increasing demand for eggs rather than feed costs.
 Population growth and rising levels of disposable income resulting from
 improved job opportunities associated with economic growth, factors such
 as affirmative action and employment equity policies, created an ever
 increasing demand for eggs that led to the increase in supply of eggs in
 South Africa during the period 1970 to 2009.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 83-107 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915484 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915484 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:83-107




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Annet Adong 
Author-X-Name-First: Annet 
Author-X-Name-Last: Adong 
Title: Impact of households' membership of farmer groups on the adoption of agricultural technologies in Uganda: Evidence from the Uganda Census of Agriculture 2008/09 
Abstract:
 This study examines the impact of the adoption of
 agricultural technologies by households that are members of farmers'
 groups using the Uganda Census of Agriculture (UCA) of 2008/09. It employs
 the two-step control function approach to impact evaluation. Results show
 plausible evidence of the positive impact of households' membership of
 farmers' groups on the adoption of improved technologies, particularly in
 the adoption of techniques such as making use of improved seeds, organic
 fertilizer and improved livestock breeds. However, for farmers to start
 making use of inorganic fertilizer, the impact is insignificant unless the
 farmer decides to use both organic and inorganic fertilizers
 simultaneously. Farmer group participation and household retention in
 groups in Uganda should thus be encouraged and should be used as an avenue
 for the dissemination of agricultural technologies in Uganda.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 108-136 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915485 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915485 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:108-136




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L.B. Lokosang 
Author-X-Name-First: L.B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Lokosang 
Author-Name: S. Ramroop 
Author-X-Name-First: S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ramroop 
Author-Name: T. Zewotir 
Author-X-Name-First: T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Zewotir 
Title: Indexing household resilience to food insecurity shocks: The case of South Sudan 
Abstract:
 Based on a number of household characteristics,
 livelihood capitals and endowments, we generate a household food security
 resilience index. The rationale of the paper is premised on the notion
 that resilience to food insecurity is a property of wealth and thus its
 proxy. The study explored the statistical robustness and efficiency of the
 technique in providing evidence for triggering alerts and action for
 curbing risk of food insecurity uncertainties. It is established that
 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is helpful in constructing a summary
 measure (referred to here as Household Resilience Index or HRI in short)
 that is an efficient proxy for wealth index, which is based on consumption
 data, and that predicts per capita consumption very well. The paper
 elaborates six distinctive characteristics of the HRI that support its
 adoption and use. The dataset used in the study is from the 2009 South
 Sudan National Household Baseline Survey.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 137-159 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.915486 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.915486 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:2:p:137-159




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T.S. Jayne 
Author-X-Name-First: T.S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jayne 
Title: Land dynamics and future trajectories of structural transformation in Africa 
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-30 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.937156 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.937156 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:1-30




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M. Browne 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Browne 
Author-Name: G.F. Ortmann 
Author-X-Name-First: G.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann 
Author-Name: S.L. Hendriks 
Author-X-Name-First: S.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks 
Title: Developing a resilience indicator for food security monitoring and evaluation: Index construction and household classification for six African countries 
Abstract:
 The objective of the study was to develop an indicator of household
 resilience as a measure of progress towards achieving the first of four
 elements identified in the Framework for African Food Security. A review
 of the literature provided support for the use of assets owned by a
 household as an indicator of household resilience. Several methods of
 constructing household asset indices emerged from the literature reviewed.
 The application of four of these methods to Demographic and Health Survey
 data from six African countries is presented in this paper. The resulting
 indices were used to estimate individual socio-economic status scores for
 all households. All four methods performed similarly across the assessment
 characteristics, but yielded different results when the households were
 grouped into quintiles based on the estimated socio-economic status
 scores. As suggested by the literature, quintiles were used to classify
 the study households into categories of socio-economic status based on the
 estimated socio-economic status scores. However, socio-economic status was
 not evenly distributed across the study households making the use of a
 quintile approach inappropriate for grouping the households. Cluster
 analysis was applied as an alternative to the quintile classification to
 group the study households. Cluster analysis appeared to be a more
 effective approach to grouping households, both in that it does not assume
 an even distribution of socio-economic status across households - as the
 quintile approach does - and it provides a useful indication of changes in
 the per cent of households falling into different socio-economic status
 groups over time.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 31-56 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929011 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929011 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:31-56




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jorine Tafadzwa Ndoro 
Author-X-Name-First: Jorine Tafadzwa 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ndoro 
Author-Name: Patrick Hitayezu 
Author-X-Name-First: Patrick 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hitayezu 
Title: Drivers of cattle commercialization in rural South Africa: A combined test of transaction cost and store-of-wealth hypotheses 
Abstract:
 Empirical studies investigate micro-level determinants of livestock market
 participation among smallholders from either the transaction cost or the
 consumption smoothing perspective. Based on the sustainable livelihoods
 framework (SLF), this study proposes a unifying lens through which key
 insights from the two perspectives can be conceptually synthesized.
 Leveraging on the proposed unifying lens, a cross-sectional dataset from a
 survey of 230 cattle farmers in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality is
 employed in the analysis of a Double Hurdle model. In line with the
 transaction cost hypothesis, the preliminary results suggest that
 education and cattle productivity influence positively the decision to
 participate in cattle markets, and given positive decision, the supply
 volume increases with proximity to rural towns. Vindicating the
 store-of-wealth hypothesis, the results also show a negative effect of
 access to water sources on the market participation decision, coupled with
 a positive and negative effects of cattle productivity and expected price,
 respectively, on supply volumes. The article concludes with some
 implications for rural development policy in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 57-78 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929013 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929013 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:57-78




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Hans Grinsted Jensen 
Author-X-Name-First: Hans Grinsted 
Author-X-Name-Last: Jensen 
Author-Name: Nick Vink 
Author-X-Name-First: Nick 
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink 
Author-Name: Ron Sandrey 
Author-X-Name-First: Ron 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sandrey 
Title: The rise of Brazilian agriculture: some lessons for South Africa 
Abstract:
 The purpose of this article is to explore some of the possible lessons for
 South African agriculture from the Brazilian experience. To this end, the
 article discusses the performance of Brazilian agriculture in terms of
 land and labour use, production, and exports. This is followed by aspects
 of Brazilian agricultural policies, namely farmer support, the research
 and technology transfer system and land issues. The implications for South
 African agriculture can be summarized as the recognition that history,
 geography, the development path and agricultural policies all matter. The
 article then identifies five important lessons for agricultural
 development in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 79-100 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929016 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929016 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:79-100




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S.L. Middelberg 
Author-X-Name-First: S.L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Middelberg 
Title: Agricultural land valuation methods used by financiers: The case of South Africa 
Abstract:
 Agricultural land is the preferred form of collateral used by financiers
 to finance South African farmers. The objective of the paper is twofold;
 firstly, to determine the valuation methods used by financiers in
 determining the value of agricultural land used as collateral, and
 secondly, to determine the correlation between the agricultural land value
 and the amount of financing provided. Interviews were conducted with five
 respondents representing the Land Bank, three of the four largest
 commercial banks and an agricultural company. It was found that the market
 value approach and the income capitalisation approach are considered to be
 the most suitable valuation techniques. It was furthermore found that the
 amount of finance provided is based on varying percentage adjustments made
 to the value of agricultural land. The practical policy implication is
 that it is imperative that reliable governmental statistics on
 agricultural farm values and sales be re-established to encourage
 conformity among financiers in market value valuations.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 101-115 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.922033 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.922033 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:101-115




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: JT Potgieter 
Author-X-Name-First: JT 
Author-X-Name-Last: Potgieter 
Title: The F.R. Tomlinson memorial lecture: The ubiquitous agricultural economist Bloemfontein, 16 February 2012 
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 116-128 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.931704 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.931704 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:3:p:116-128




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M. Lyne 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Lyne 
Title: The F.R. Tomlinson memorial lecture: Two decades of land reform in South Africa: Insights from an agricultural economics 
Abstract:
 This paper reviews the land reforms anticipated in the mid-1990s when
 South Africa's first democratically elected government formalised its land
 policy. It reflects on cash grants as the key instrument adopted by
 government to effect land redistribution and restitution, and links this
 instrument and the way it was applied to the poor outcomes achieved for
 both agriculture and people. Attention then turns to more recent policies
 aimed at rescuing failed land reform projects and avoiding future failures
 by assigning a more central and prescriptive role to government agencies.
 The message to agricultural economists is to discern between rhetoric and
 policy, and to focus on 'getting institutions right' at both a policy and
 practical level. The paper offers insights into problems and opportunities
 that warrant close and professional attention.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-15 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.975413 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.975413 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L. Rangasamy 
Author-X-Name-First: L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Rangasamy 
Author-Name: E. Nel 
Author-X-Name-First: E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Nel 
Title: Reconsidering the role of food prices in South African headline inflation 
Abstract:
 The conventional wisdom is that food price shocks are temporary and hence
 do not usually warrant specific attention in policy formulation. However,
 more recently, empirical evidence has shown that food price shocks are
 persistent and have a strong bearing on inflation outcomes. This paper
 shows that this is indeed the case for South Africa. South African food
 prices are volatile and the price shocks are persistent. Food inflation is
 an important determinant of underlying inflationary pressures in the South
 African economy. Thus, policy should give particular attention to food
 price movements if inflation is to be kept in check.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 16-37 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929015 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929015 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L. Pienaar 
Author-X-Name-First: L. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Pienaar 
Author-Name: D. von Fintel 
Author-X-Name-First: D. 
Author-X-Name-Last: von Fintel 
Title: Hunger in the former apartheid homelands: Determinants of convergence one century after the 1913 land act 
Abstract:
 Just more than one hundred years after the implementation of the 1913 Land
 Act, the subject of land reform and rural development are still at the
 forefront of public discourse within South Africa. Much of the literature
 suggests that post-apartheid interventions have not been successful at
 improving small-scale agriculture, which is seen as an important vehicle
 for improving rural food security. Nevertheless, data from the General
 Household Survey (GHS) indicate that household hunger levels have declined
 substantially in the post-2000 decade across the entire nation (as other
 estimates of household poverty have also indicated). In particular, this
 paper demonstrates that this trend has been more pronounced in the former
 homeland regions, eliminating the previously higher incidence of hunger
 there. Using linear probability models, this paper seeks to isolate which
 factors have led to the convergence of the homeland regions' household
 hunger levels and those of households residing in non-homeland parts of
 the country. The historical context that is sketched here highlights the
 severe challenges faced by farmers in former homeland areas; this raises
 the question how convergence in food security occurred, given that many
 agricultural interventions in rural areas (also in homelands) have not
 attained the success that was hoped for. In particular, the
 proportionately larger reliance on social grants in homelands regions
 accounts for a part of the faster reduction in hunger levels there.
 Communal gardens and connections to the agricultural market have also
 reduced hunger within former homelands regions. The long-term
 sustainability of grants in bolstering food security is of concern,
 highlighting the need for greater market integration of small-scale
 farmers in homeland regions.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 38-67 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929014 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929014 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: J. Wakeford 
Author-X-Name-First: J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wakeford 
Author-Name: M. Swilling 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Swilling 
Title: Implications of increasing world oil scarcity for national food security in South Africa 
Abstract:
 Economic and social stability depend on a healthy, functioning and
 affordable system of agricultural production and food distribution. In
 recent years, however, international and domestic food prices have risen
 considerably, partly as a result of rising oil prices. A growing body of
 literature indicates that world oil supplies will become increasingly
 scarce and expensive in the coming years, due to the depletion of easily
 extractable reserves. This poses a significant threat to agricultural
 production in South Africa, which is overwhelmingly derived from
 oil-intensive commercial farming. To mitigate the risk of serious
 disruptions to food production and distribution, the agriculture sector
 may require government support in the form of temporary fuel subsidies
 and, possibly, prioritised fuel access in order to cope with oil price
 shocks and potential fuel scarcity. Furthermore, to boost resilience and
 improve sustainability for the longer term, the agriculture sector should
 embark on a programme aimed at gradually reducing the reliance on
 petroleum products by adopting practices such as conservation agriculture
 and agro-ecological farming methods. In addition, since the current food
 distribution system is heavily reliant on road transport, and thus exposed
 to fuel price and supply shocks, the mitigation strategy should aim at a
 partial relocalisation of agricultural production and consumption, for
 example, by developing urban agriculture.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 68-91 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.974626 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.974626 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: O.A. Fadeyi 
Author-X-Name-First: O.A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Fadeyi 
Author-Name: A.A. Ogundeji 
Author-X-Name-First: A.A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji 
Author-Name: B.J. Willemse 
Author-X-Name-First: B.J. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse 
Title: Establishing the linkages between the South African agricultural trade balance and macroeconomic indicators 
Abstract:
 This paper investigates the long-run and short-run linkages between
 macroeconomic fundamentals, agricultural variables and the South African
 agricultural trade balance, using co-integration analysis and a vector
 error-correction model with yearly data from 1980 to 2011. The literature
 review shows that these linkages have not been empirically established for
 South Africa, despite the relative importance thereof in the policy
 process. The findings reveal that in the long run, the exchange rate,
 agricultural price, agricultural production and disposable income all have
 a significant impact on trade balance. The joint short-run dynamic impact
 of the lagged trade balance, lagged agricultural production, lagged
 exchange rate, domestic price and agricultural production explains the
 changes in the South African agricultural trade balance.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 92-105 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.974629 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.974629 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:4:p:92-105




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: N.P. Sikhweni 
Author-X-Name-First: N.P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sikhweni 
Author-Name: R. Hassan 
Author-X-Name-First: R. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan 
Title: Determinants of herd size among small-scale cattle farmers: the case of selected villages at the Mhinga Traditional Authority in Limpopo, South Africa 
Abstract:
 This study employed a negative binomial model to analyse determinants of
 herd size among smallholder cattle farmers in the villages of the Mhinga
 Traditional Authority (TA) in Limpopo province. Contrary to the popular
 belief that rural households in developing countries generally own large
 herds of livestock for social reasons, communal livestock farmers in the
 study area who kept livestock for social reasons were found to own smaller
 herd sizes of cattle. This particular finding indicates that economic
 reasons for livestock ownership are more important than social reasons
 among smallholder livestock farmers in this study area. Access to markets
 and the ability to sell cattle were found to be the strongest influencing
 factors compared to socio-economic attributes such as marital status,
 social grants and off-farm employment. Losses due to theft and death were
 associated significantly with herd size. Recommended policy interventions
 aimed at increasing the herd size and income of smallholder livestock
 farmers include government introducing appropriate livestock subsidy
 programmes that could potentially assist farmers in expanding their herds,
 investments in efficient protection against wildlife intrusion from game
 parks, the establishment of well-functioning markets, improved access to
 roads and market information, and investments in farmers' education to
 create awareness of new innovations and practices in breeding and
 veterinary services.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 106-122 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.974945 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.974945 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:53:y:2014:i:4:p:106-122




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.M. Assa 
Author-X-Name-First: M.M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Assa 
Author-Name: B.B. Maonga 
Author-X-Name-First: B.B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Maonga 
Author-Name: L.D. Mapemba 
Author-X-Name-First: L.D. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mapemba 
Title: Determinants of Keeping Small Ruminants and Non-ruminant Livestock in Malawi: A Simulated Maximum Likelihood Multivariate Probit 
Abstract:
 An initial understanding of socio-economic factors that determine
 households' decision to keep small ruminants and non-ruminant livestock is
 imperative when formulating technologies and policies that augment
 livestock production. Therefore, this article was started with the
 objective of bringing to light the socio-economic factors affecting the
 decision of smallholder farmers' households to keep small ruminants and
 non-ruminant livestock. We used the Malawi Third Integrated Household
 Survey data, commissioned by National Statistical Office, in which 5 711
 households were randomly sampled and interviewed from March 2010 to March
 2011. The article fits a simulated maximum likelihood multivariate probit
 to the data. With respect to the policy variables considered in the
 analysis, unlike higher education levels and older household heads,
 younger household heads are more likely to keep small ruminants and
 non-ruminant livestock. Extension contact and credit access did not
 promote the keeping of small ruminants and non-ruminant livestock. There
 is a strong location bias towards keeping small ruminants in the central
 region of Malawi while there is also a bias against keeping pigs in
 southern Malawi. Reshaping extension packages toward well rounded
 crop-livestock messages is an important factor to consider in promoting
 small ruminant and non-ruminant production in Malawi.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 123-135 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 53 
Year: 2014 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.929012 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.929012 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tinashe Kapuya 
Author-X-Name-First: Tinashe 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kapuya 
Title: The trade effects of technical barriers on South Africa's orange exports 
Abstract:
 The paper employs a gravity model to measure the trade effects of
 technical barriers in South Africa's major markets for oranges. The
 gravity model estimation is backed by a price-wedge framework that
 identifies technical barriers (equivalent to tariffs) that could be
 restricting South Africa's orange exports. The simulation of the gravity
 equation shows that removing technical barriers will have a 0.1% increase
 in South Africa's orange exports to the EU, suggesting that the growth
 potential of the EU market is somewhat limited by some additional factors
 such as low demand growth, and South Africa's diversion to higher-return
 markets. Nonetheless, reducing technical barriers still has a fairly
 significant impact on South Africa's other major markets, particularly
 China, the United States, Canada and Russia. This is an important result,
 not only because the analysis generally affirms the tightening of
 technical barriers in key markets, but also because the analysis unpacks
 the cross sectional idiosyncrasies of technical barriers across major
 export markets.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-27 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1019523 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1019523 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Steven F. Koch 
Author-X-Name-First: Steven F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Koch 
Title: On the performance of fractional multinomial response models for estimating Engel Curves 
Abstract:
 Engel curves are often estimated within a linear, or at least
 approximately linear, system of equations. However, Engel curves are
 required to lie on or within the unit interval, while summing to unity.
 These restrictions are not easily accommodated within a linear system.
 Therefore, we apply the fractional multinomial logit model in our
 estimation of expenditure shares, because it more readily accommodates
 these theoretical restrictions. Within our estimation subsample from the
 South African Income and Expenditure Survey, we find that accounting for
 these restrictions within the fractional multinomial logit model provides
 a better fit to the data than does the standard linear system.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 28-52 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.974628 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.974628 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M. van der Merwe 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe 
Author-Name: J.F. Kirsten 
Author-X-Name-First: J.F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten 
Title: Traceability systems and origin based meat products in the South African sheep meat industry 
Abstract:
 In a consumer-driven world, consumers want to experience a connection
 between the product that they are consuming and the product's origin. To
 guarantee the validity of this connection and therefore the origin
 attribute of the product, traceability systems are required. The main
 purpose of this paper is to assess current traceability systems
 implemented in South African sheep abattoirs, thereby establishing their
 ability to guarantee the origin of a carcass. Research indicated that the
 South African sheep abattoirs have traceability systems in place and they
 can guarantee the origin of a meat product. The descriptive analysis and
 hypothesis tests identified the tipping factor for the implementation of a
 traceability system, as the requirement from retail markets to which these
 abattoirs deliver their product.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 53-69 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1019524 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1019524 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: P. Davids 
Author-X-Name-First: P. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids 
Author-Name: F.H. Meyer 
Author-X-Name-First: F.H. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer 
Author-Name: M. Louw 
Author-X-Name-First: M. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Louw 
Title: Evaluating the effect of proposed tariff protection for the South African broiler industry 
Abstract:
 Following the application in March 2013 by the South African Poultry
 Association for increased tariffs to ensure the sustainability of South
 African broiler production, this article critically evaluates the effect
 of increased tariffs on broiler producers and chicken meat consumers in
 South Africa. Arguing beyond the level of tariffs, it highlights some of
 the deeper underlying drivers of competitiveness in the industry. From a
 self-sufficiency perspective, the need to support broiler producers is
 clear, yet the cost to consumers as well as the segment of the population
 that would have to bear the cost of higher tariffs is questioned. The
 proposed tariffs as well as two other possible scenarios are simulated
 within a partial equilibrium framework in order to determine the effect on
 the fundamentals of the South African broiler industry. Simulations
 highlight the difference in outcomes when imports originating from the EU
 are also included in the general tariff increase. Under the basic scenario
 that simulates the impact of the current tariff application by SAPA,
 consumer prices for whole frozen chicken will increase by 2.6% while
 producers will enjoy an increase in producer prices of approximately 5%.
 On average, local production will increase by 16 000 tons per annum in the
 long run. Although 5% is a significant margin on the bottom line for
 broiler producers and a 2% increase in the average consumer price seems to
 be digestible, one has to take a step back and ask the question why our
 chicken producers cannot compete against imported chicken.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 70-95 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.995190 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.995190 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Frank E. Mmbando 
Author-X-Name-First: Frank E. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mmbando 
Author-Name: Edilegnaw Z. Wale 
Author-X-Name-First: Edilegnaw Z. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale 
Author-Name: Lloyd J.S. Baiyegunhi 
Author-X-Name-First: Lloyd J.S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baiyegunhi 
Title: Determinants of smallholder farmers' participation in maize and pigeonpea markets in Tanzania 
Abstract:
 This paper analyses factors influencing market participation decisions and
 the level of commercialisation among maize and pigeonpea smallholder
 farmers in Tanzania. The study utilises cross-sectional farm
 household-level data collected in 2010 from a randomly selected sample of
 700 smallholder farming households. The two-step decision-making process
 was analysed using a Heckman selectivity procedure. The results showed
 that fixed transaction costs associated with market information and
 household characteristics such as gender and education level of the
 household head had a statistically significant influence on market
 participation. Proportional transaction costs (distance to market) and
 variables such as output prices, farm size, labour force, membership of
 farmer associations and geographical location of households influenced
 both market participation and intensity of participation. The results
 suggest that policies aimed at improving rural road infrastructure, market
 information systems, smallholder asset accumulation, human capital and
 promotion of farmer association could reduce transaction costs and enhance
 market participation and marketed supply by smallholder farmers.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 96-119 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2014.974630 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2014.974630 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:1:p:96-119




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Habibeh Sherafatmand 
Author-X-Name-First: Habibeh 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sherafatmand 
Author-Name: Ali Akbar Baghestany 
Author-X-Name-First: Ali Akbar 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baghestany 
Title: Comparison of Rotterdam Model versus almost ideal demand system for fish and red meat 
Abstract:
 The Rotterdam and the almost ideal demand systems (AIDS) are often used to
 model consumer demand system. The present study determined which model
 performed better in recovering the true elasticities of consumer demand
 for red meat and fish. For the linearised AIDS model, Stone, Paasche,
 Laspeyres, and Turnquist price indexes were used. This study also compared
 the results of the linearised AIDS and the full nonlinear AIDS (NLAIDS)
 models. According to Lutkepohl, normality test for joint residuals, the
 linearised AIDS model that used Turnquist price index, was the best system
 and, based on the Akaike criteria, the linear approximate (LA) AIDS
 outperformed NLAIDS. The results of the non-nested test for LAAIDS versus
 Rotterdam showed that LAAIDS is more appropriate for red meat and fish
 demand in Iran. Price elasticity for fish and red meat showed that they
 are elastic. Cross elasticity from LAAIDS and NLAIDS showed that fish and
 red meat are substitutes. Allen-Uzawa elasticity results indicate that the
 two goods are strong substitutes. Income elasticity indicated that red
 meat and fish are considered to be luxury goods.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 120-137 
Issue: 1 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 3 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1019522 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1019522 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:1:p:120-137




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie 
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice 
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie 
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse 
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer 
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse 
Title: Productivity benchmarking of free-range sheep operations for Laingsburg, South Africa 
Abstract:
 Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to benchmark extensive sheep
 operations in Laingsburg in the Central Karoo, South Africa, with data
 from the 2012 production season. An input oriented variable returns to
 scale frontier identified twelve efficient firms, and nine more that are
 technically efficient but not scale efficient. The top third's overall
 efficiency score was 0.999. For the bottom third, the average efficiency
 score was just 0.346, which indicates that there is substantial room for
 improvement among bottom third producers in this production system.
 Overall, efficiency was correlated with stocking density, flock size, unit
 production cost and profitability, cumulative family experience of farming
 and the use of family labour, but not with farm size, breed choice or any
 proxy for individual experience or ability. Predation rates in particular
 were uncorrelated with productivity scores and reproductive performance
 was only weakly correlated with it. While most farms could theoretically
 improve their efficiency by intensifying their operations, a closer
 analysis of best practice firms revealed a spectrum of optimal
 intensities, including the possibility of restoring rangelands by
 deliberate understocking. Grazing strategy and the degree of labour
 self-sufficiency emerged as the key determinants of optimal intensity.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-17 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1065186 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1065186 
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Michael Aliber 
Author-X-Name-First: Michael 
Author-X-Name-Last: Aliber 
Author-Name: Lelethu Mdoda 
Author-X-Name-First: Lelethu 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdoda 
Title: The direct and indirect economic contribution of small-scale black agriculture in South Africa 
Abstract:
 This paper develops and applies a simple non-parametric methodology for
 estimating the direct and indirect economic contribution of small-scale
 black agriculture in South Africa. The direct contribution is understood
 as the per capita food expenditure savings of agriculturally-active
 households relative to other households. Meanwhile, the indirect
 contribution is understood as the expenditure savings enjoyed by rural
 households by virtue of residing in areas characterised by widespread,
 albeit modest local production. The analysis is based on the Income and
 Expenditure Survey of 2010/11. Further to estimating the magnitude of the
 direct and indirect contribution of small-scale agriculture, the paper
 seeks to provide econometric evidence for the economic logic underpinning
 the indirect economic contribution of small-scale black agriculture.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 18-37 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1065187 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1065187 
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:2:p:18-37




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Christopher G. Davis 
Author-X-Name-First: Christopher G. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Davis 
Author-Name: Fawzi A. Taha 
Author-X-Name-First: Fawzi A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Taha 
Title: The impact of exchange rate risk on Africa's imports of world poultry 
Abstract:
 This study's objective is to examine the impact of exchange rate risk on
 Africa's poultry imports. Both random and fixed effects estimates are
 derived using a generalised gravity model and data from 2000-2012.
 Findings show that the distance between importing and exporting countries
 has a negative effect on poultry imports into Africa. The importing
 country's gross domestic product (GDP) has a positive effect on the
 poultry trade to Africa, while short- and long-term exchange rate risk
 causes a reduction in poultry trade to African countries. Also, an
 increase in the total poultry exported by a country has a positive impact
 on the importing African country.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 38-50 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1072993 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1072993 
File-Format: text/html
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Naudé Malan 
Author-X-Name-First: Naudé 
Author-X-Name-Last: Malan 
Title: Urban farmers and urban agriculture in Johannesburg: Responding to the food resilience strategy 
Abstract:
 The city of Johannesburg is implementing an urban agriculture policy, as
 part of a "food resilience" strategy. This article draws on participatory
 and social science methods of research in articulating farmers'
 perspectives on issues critical to this policy and to urban agriculture in
 the city. The fieldwork forms part of a social science and action research
 project, <italic>Izindaba Zokudla</italic>, that aims to build the
 capacity of a farmers' organisation in Johannesburg, and to develop
 programmes for implementation. Farmers, through a series of facilitated
 participatory workshops, have developed a strategy for organisational
 development that identified Land and Water (soil), External Stakeholders,
 Training, Tools and Technology, Marketing, Organisational Development,
 Permaculture and Security as themes relevant for the development of the
 organisation and urban agriculture. The ways farmers articulate these
 priorities afford us a perspective on urban agricultural development in
 Johannesburg that is crucial for the implementation of policy. The article
 discusses these themes in the context of the newly formulated policy and
 explains their significance vis-à-vis the broader assessment of urban
 agriculture and smallholder agriculture in the literature. The article
 concludes with comprehensive recommendations for the implementation of
 urban agriculture programmes in Johannesburg.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 51-75 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1072997 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1072997 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:2:p:51-75




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Akeem A. Tijani 
Author-X-Name-First: Akeem A. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Tijani 
Author-Name: Olumemino Oluwasola 
Author-X-Name-First: Olumemino 
Author-X-Name-Last: Oluwasola 
Author-Name: Olayinka I. Baruwa 
Author-X-Name-First: Olayinka I. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baruwa 
Title: Public sector expenditure in agriculture and economic growth in Nigeria: An empirical investigation 
Abstract:
 Available literature has shown that the impact of total government
 expenditure as well as government expenditure by type of economic growth
 is mixed. This study extends this literature by examining the impact of
 government expenditure on agriculture, on Nigeria's economy from 1970 to
 2006. General-to-specific methodology of time series econometrics was
 utilised to arrive at the preferred error correction model that was used
 to determine the impact of government spending on agriculture and on
 economic growth. In consonance with economic theory, the results showed
 that the total expenditure on agriculture had a positive significant
 effect on Nigeria's economic growth in the long run with elasticity of
 0.32 during the period under review. The results also showed that economic
 growth was independent of recurrent expenditure, but dependent
 (positively) on capital expenditure in the long run with elasticity of
 0.36. The implication is that agriculture should be given priority in
 budgetary allocation and capital spending to promote economic growth in
 Nigeria.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 76-92 
Issue: 2 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1073000 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1073000 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:2:p:76-92




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tarisayi Pedzisa 
Author-X-Name-First: Tarisayi 
Author-X-Name-Last: Pedzisa 
Author-Name: Lovemore Rugube 
Author-X-Name-First: Lovemore 
Author-X-Name-Last: Rugube 
Author-Name: Alex Winter-Nelson 
Author-X-Name-First: Alex 
Author-X-Name-Last: Winter-Nelson 
Author-Name: Kathy Baylis 
Author-X-Name-First: Kathy 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baylis 
Author-Name: Kizito Mazvimavi 
Author-X-Name-First: Kizito 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mazvimavi 
Title: The Intensity of adoption of Conservation agriculture by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe 
Abstract:
 This article assesses the intensity of technology adoption of conservation
 agriculture (CA) techniques by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. It seeks
 to understand the drivers of CA adoption intensity in terms of the number
 of practices implemented using count data analysis. On average, the
 farmers in our sample adopt five out of eight possible CA practices while
 only 7.4% use all eight practices in any one year. Practices such as
 digging planting basins (81.9%), applying manure (73.2%) and timely
 post-planting weeding (70.1%) are relatively popular, while adoption of
 crop rotation (22.8%) is comparatively rare. Productivity is positively
 correlated to the number of techniques used. Farmers adopting all the CA
 practices are the most productive, with an estimated maize yield of 2.50
 tons/ha, compared with a yield of less than 1 tons/ha for those using
 three techniques or fewer. Results from a Poisson regression indicate that
 education, agro-ecology, non-governmental input support and extension
 support have a significant impact on adoption intensity. Subsidised inputs
 increase the number of components used, although access to those inputs
 was uneven across regions of Zimbabwe. Further, the number of CA
 components used in the previous season positively impacts current season
 adoption intensity, implying that promotions of CA technologies do have a
 persistent effect, even after those promotions end.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-22 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1084939 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1084939 
File-Format: text/html
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sam Desiere 
Author-X-Name-First: Sam 
Author-X-Name-Last: Desiere 
Author-Name: Sanctus Niragira 
Author-X-Name-First: Sanctus 
Author-X-Name-Last: Niragira 
Author-Name: Marijke D'Haese 
Author-X-Name-First: Marijke 
Author-X-Name-Last: D'Haese 
Title: Cow or Goat? Population pressure and livestock keeping in Burundi 
Abstract:
 Livestock contributes significantly to livelihoods in developing
 countries. Yet, most academic studies focus on dairy cattle and neglect
 that many smallholder farmers in mixed-cropping systems prefer goats,
 sheep, pigs or poultry over cattle. Using a unique dataset from a national
 representative agricultural survey in Burundi, we estimate the
 determinants of livestock keeping with a multivariate probit model. We
 find that wealthier households keep more livestock, but population density
 and access to markets are also key determinants. Moreover, even the
 wealthiest households switch from cattle to smaller animals in densely
 populated regions, where pressure on land is high and access to pastures
 limited. This has important policy implications since it questions the
 emphasis of most development programs by NGOs and governments in
 Sub-Saharan Africa which promote dairy cattle.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 23-42 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1084941 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1084941 
File-Format: text/html
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Thula Dlamini 
Author-X-Name-First: Thula 
Author-X-Name-Last: Dlamini 
Author-Name: Frik Liebenberg 
Author-X-Name-First: Frik 
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg 
Title: The Aggregate economic benefits of the National Cultivar Trials for Maize in South Africa with specific reference to the Highveld region 
Abstract:
 The South African maize sector has been revolutionised from a system of
 production with low use of modern technologies to a leading maize producer
 in the African continent. That transformation is in part attributable to
 South Africa's investment in the national maize cultivar trials, which
 have facilitated the adoption and use of maize cultivars that are highly
 adapted to commercial farmer localities, causing considerable gains in
 yields. The economic value of the public investment in the trials remains
 unknown. This study uses experimental yields spanning 1977 - 2012 to
 attribute the influence of the national maize cultivar trials to maize
 yield improvement on farmer localities in the Highveld region of South
 Africa. Using attribution methods, the study estimates that 24.3&#x2005;kg
 per hectare of extra maize yields accrued to commercial maize producers
 because of the national maize trials. The economic value of these
 investments was found to be R1.4billion (in 2012 currency values). The
 study estimates that South Africa received R37 of benefit for every rand
 invested by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in the trials.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 43-61 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1085228 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1085228 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:3:p:43-61




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Todd Benson 
Author-X-Name-First: Todd 
Author-X-Name-Last: Benson 
Title: Association between irrigated farming and improved nutrition in farm households in Malawi 
Abstract:
 More intensive use of Malawi's water and agricultural land resources
 through increased irrigation is expected to enable Malawians gain greater
 access to more food and a more diverse range of foods. The nutritional
 status of the nutritionally vulnerable in Malawian communities should
 improve in consequence. However, there is little evidence from Malawi or
 elsewhere to confirm whether irrigation improves nutritional status at
 household level. Using data from the <italic>Third Malawi Integrated
 Household Survey of 2010/11</italic>, this article presents a basic
 assessment of whether increased use of irrigated farming by smallholders
 in Malawi might result in better nutritional outcomes for children in
 Malawian farm households and more diverse diets in these households. The
 association between the use of irrigation by farm households and the
 growth performance of their children aged six months to five years was
 positive but weak and not significant (P>0.05). The positive association
 between irrigated farming and the diversity in the foods consumed by farm
 households was somewhat stronger and significant (P>0.05). In particular,
 irrigation is shown to be an important component in reducing seasonality
 in household dietary diversity.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 62-86 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1084940 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1084940 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:3:p:62-86




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Malcolm Abbott 
Author-X-Name-First: Malcolm 
Author-X-Name-Last: Abbott 
Title: A long-term view of the effectiveness of wool promotion schemes 
Abstract:
 The purpose of this article is to discuss the various phases that the
 promotion of wool passed through and to then analyse, econometrically, the
 effectiveness of this promotional activity. In particular, the promotional
 expenditure elasticity of demand and the own price elasticity of demand
 will be determined, the latter being important because promotional
 expenditure has been found to be more effective, <italic>ceteris
 paribus</italic>, as demand becomes less elastic. The econometric study is
 limited to the Australian and New Zealand markets and shows that an
 increase in promotional expenditure led to a slight increase in demand of
 0.097%.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 87-106 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1085229 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1085229 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:3:p:87-106




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nelson Mango 
Author-X-Name-First: Nelson 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mango 
Author-Name: Kefasi Nyikahadzoi 
Author-X-Name-First: Kefasi 
Author-X-Name-Last: Nyikahadzoi 
Author-Name: Clifton Makate 
Author-X-Name-First: Clifton 
Author-X-Name-Last: Makate 
Author-Name: Nothando Dunjana 
Author-X-Name-First: Nothando 
Author-X-Name-Last: Dunjana 
Author-Name: Shephard Siziba 
Author-X-Name-First: Shephard 
Author-X-Name-Last: Siziba 
Title: The impact of integrated agricultural research for development on food security among smallholder farmers of southern Africa 
Abstract:
 This article addresses the impact of Integrated Agricultural Research for
 Development (IAR4D) on food security among smallholder farmers in three
 countries of southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi). Southern
 Africa has suffered continued hunger despite a myriad of technological
 interventions that have been introduced in agriculture to address issues
 of food security, as well as poverty alleviation. IAR4D is a new approach
 that was recently introduced by the Forum for Agricultural Research in
 Africa through the sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme as an
 alternative strategy to address the challenges that the conventional
 Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) approach has been facing. Data
 for this article has been derived from two sources: baseline and endline
 surveys of the sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme that were
 implemented in southern Africa.The findings of the study showed reduced
 food insecurity in the intervention sites when compared with
 counterfactual (clean and conventional) sites. This is a clear evidence
 that IAR4D has had some impact, as food insecurity has been reduced in the
 intervention villages where the programme was implemented, unlike the
 control villages where the programme was not implemented. The results also
 show that IAR4D has improved the quality of food dietary diversity and
 smallholders&#x2019; coping strategies when compared with control sites.
 However, these results are not robust across sites. Given the positive
 impact, this article recommends the adoption of IAR4D over ARD as an
 alternative approach to addressing household food security by increasing
 agricultural production.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 107-125 
Issue: 3 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 9 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1084942 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1084942 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:3:p:107-125




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg 
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg 
Author-Name: Philip Pardey 
Author-X-Name-First: Philip 
Author-X-Name-Last: Pardey 
Author-Name: Jason Beddow 
Author-X-Name-First: Jason 
Author-X-Name-Last: Beddow 
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten 
Author-X-Name-First: Johann 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten 
Title: Re-Estimating South African Agricultural Output Value, Quantity And Price Aggregates, 1910--2010 
Abstract:
 A number of past studies of South African agricultural production and
 productivity performance used a hybrid T&#xf6;rnqvist-Theil approach to
 forming output aggregates based on a series of Laspeyres-type aggregations
 of sub-sectoral outputs rather than using the underlying
 commodity-specific price and quantity data directly. As a result, the
 studies suffer index number bias and a number of shortcomings that are due
 to the underlying price and quantity data. These shortcomings include
 inconsistencies over time in the inclusion of production originating from
 homeland farmers as well as changing statistical methods and definitions
 used in forming the national estimates of agricultural production. By
 addressing these data and measurement issues, including the use of the
 Fisher Ideal indexing methods, we generate an output quantity index that
 differs substantially from those presented in past studies. For example,
 the hybrid T&#xf6;rnqvist-Theil approach suggests that South African
 agricultural output grew by an average of 2.96 per cent per year over the
 century spanning 1910--2010, whereas a Fisher Ideal aggregation of the
 <italic>same</italic> underlying price and quantity data suggests a growth
 rate of 3.33 per cent per year.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-27 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1072995 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1072995 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:1-27




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Frikkie Mar&#xe9; 
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mar&#xe9; 
Author-Name: Bennie Grov&#xe9; 
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie 
Author-X-Name-Last: Grov&#xe9; 
Author-Name: Johan Willemse 
Author-X-Name-First: Johan 
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse 
Title: Estimating The Maximum Value of Crop Hail Insurance Under Stochastic Yield and Price Risk 
Abstract:
 The objective of this article is to estimate the maximum value of crop
 hail insurance according to the financial extent of hail risk's impact on
 the enterprise in two regions, North West (low hail risk area) and
 Mpumalanga (high hail risk area). The difference in the cumulative
 probability distributions of the Net Present Value (NPV) of the margin
 after interest and tax in the event of hail and in the event of no hail
 will provide a graphic indication of the financial impact of hail. To
 determine if the decision maker is willing to pay in order to remove the
 impact of hail on the enterprise, the utility weighted risk premium (UWRP)
 must be calculated with the use of stochastic efficiency with respect to a
 function (SERF) analysis. The calculated maximum benefit (or UWRP) that
 the decision maker will receive through the elimination of hail will set
 the upper limit for the cost of crop hail insurance. The results indicate
 that hail does have a negative impact on the financial position of the
 farms in North West and Mpumalanga. The effect of hail risk in Mpumalanga
 is, however, more severe. The calculated maximum benefit (UWRP) from the
 elimination of hail damage in two regions is R83.50/hectare in North West
 and R708.70/hectare in Mpumalanga. The conclusion can thus be made that
 decision makers in both regions will be willing to pay for crop hail
 insurance, but much more so in Mpumalanga than in North West.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 28-44 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1116397 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1116397 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:28-44




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Chris Motengwe 
Author-X-Name-First: Chris 
Author-X-Name-Last: Motengwe 
Author-Name: Angel Pardo 
Author-X-Name-First: Angel 
Author-X-Name-Last: Pardo 
Title: A Study of Seasonality on the Safex Wheat Market 
Abstract:
 This paper examines seasonality in returns and volatilities in the South
 African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) wheat futures contract in order to seek
 market inefficiencies that can be exploited for financial gain.
 Non-parametric and parametric-based techniques are used to study sample
 regimes before and after the peak in wheat prices that occurred during the
 global economic crisis in 2008. Findings of the study indicate that wheat
 returns on Mondays and Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT) holidays are
 significant and positive while Tuesday returns are negative and
 significant. These seasonal patterns occur largely in the second sample of
 the wheat dataset. Furthermore, it is observed that volatility diminished
 after the global financial crisis. Finally, based on the return
 seasonality detected and by applying Monte Carlo simulation in an
 out-of-sample period, some trading rules are developed that yield higher
 returns than any trading approach based on chance.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 45-72 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1116398 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1116398 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:45-72




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Martin Dyer 
Author-X-Name-First: Martin 
Author-X-Name-Last: Dyer 
Author-Name: Richard Mills 
Author-X-Name-First: Richard 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mills 
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie 
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice 
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie 
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse 
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer 
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse 
Title: Harvest of Hope: The Contribution of Peri-Urban Agriculture in South African Townships 
Abstract:
 This study investigates the efficiency of urban micro-farms in two Cape
 Town townships, Nyanga and Khayelitsha, and their contribution to
 livelihoods and food security. The Harvest of Hope programme provides
 credit, access to inputs and an outlet for organic vegetables.
 Comprehensive data on inputs are limited and in this study only land,
 labour, seeds and seedlings, compost and farmer experience are included.
 Non-parametric models are used to generate individual efficiency measures
 relative to best practice. The results revealed an average level of
 overall, technical and scale efficiency of 72.4%, 79.7% and 90.6%,
 respectively. Overall efficiency was negatively correlated with land
 holdings and the use of compost and seedlings. This is supported by the
 finding that the nine best-practice farms were characterised by a smaller
 scale of production, indicating that efficiency losses are experienced as
 greater quantities of inputs are used. In terms of area differences,
 Nyanga farms exhibit significantly higher technical efficiency, whereas
 farms in Khayelitsha are more scale efficient. Expenditure on compost and
 seed added value, although mulching or operator experience did not
 increase output substantially. The latter can be explained by the highly
 effective training programme provided that makes prior experience
 unnecessary to achieve good practice. Fully efficient farms are R2 600 per
 plot more profitable than inefficient farms, while farms that need a
 windbreak earn R700 less per plot per season than more sheltered
 operations. These results are the first of their kind for South Africa and
 lay the foundation for more effective extension to the sector.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 73-86 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1116400 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1116400 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:73-86




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Omphile Temoso 
Author-X-Name-First: Omphile 
Author-X-Name-Last: Temoso 
Author-Name: David Hadley 
Author-X-Name-First: David 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hadley 
Author-Name: Renato Villano 
Author-X-Name-First: Renato 
Author-X-Name-Last: Villano 
Title: Performance Measurement of Extensive Beef Cattle Farms in Botswana 
Abstract:
 This paper examines the technical efficiency of extensive beef farms in
 different regions of Botswana and attempts to explain differences in
 regional performance in terms of environmental and economic constraints.
 Using a panel dataset of 26 agricultural districts (distributed across six
 agro-ecological regions) for the period 2004 to 2012, we estimate
 technical efficiency (TE) indices using a standard stochastic production
 frontier and meta-technological gap ratios (MTR) with a meta-frontier
 approach. The study finds that farmers use available technology
 suboptimally and produce far less than potential output. The average TE
 indices range from as low as 0.40 for Maun, 0.71 for Western and to 0.79
 for the Southern region. The mean MTR also varies substantially across
 regions; high for Western (0.83), Southern (0.80) and Francistown (0.79)
 regions and low for the Maun region (0.39). A low MTR for the Maun region
 is attributed to the re-occurrence of FMD and human and wildlife conflict
 in this region, restricting the ability of farmers to fully reach their
 potential output. The results of this study have important implications
 for policy targeting. The study results allow us to identify the
 differences in productive performance between beef producers in each
 region of Botswana, and hence where policies to improve production
 technologies could be focused.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 87-112 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1116399 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1116399 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:87-112




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Brian Chisanga 
Author-X-Name-First: Brian 
Author-X-Name-Last: Chisanga 
Author-Name: Ferdinand H. Meyer 
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdinand H. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer 
Author-Name: Alex Winter-Nelson 
Author-X-Name-First: Alex 
Author-X-Name-Last: Winter-Nelson 
Author-Name: Nicholas J Sitko 
Author-X-Name-First: Nicholas J 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sitko 
Title: Price Transmission in the Zambian Sugar Sector: An Assessment of Market Efficiency and Policy Implications 
Abstract:
 Market liberalisation that swept through Africa starting in the 1990s was
 intended to promote agricultural growth by stimulating investment in
 under-capitalised sectors. The article assesses price transmission to
 better understand market performance following liberalisation and foreign
 investment. Our findings show weak and asymmetric price transmission.
 These results imply room for policy interventions to enhance the welfare
 effects of the growing sugar sector. Weak and asymmetric price
 transmission also implies that increased access to export markets, as
 through the European Union (EU) Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement, could
 have smaller and less widely distributed benefits than would otherwise be
 the case.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 113-136 
Issue: 4 
Volume: 54 
Year: 2015 
Month: 11 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2015.1119704 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2015.1119704 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:54:y:2015:i:4:p:113-136




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Wim Naud&#xe9; 
Author-X-Name-First: Wim 
Author-X-Name-Last: Naud&#xe9; 
Title: Entrepreneurship and the Reallocation of African Farmers 
Abstract:
 African agriculture&#x2019;s importance for sustainable development is
 well appreciated. Indeed, recent years have seen a thorough reappraisal of
 the sector. What are less well understood, however, are the drivers that
 reallocate scarce human and physical resources across occupations and
 space, and without which agriculture and industrial development, and hence
 structural transformation, will stagnate. One such endogenous driver is
 entrepreneurship. This paper begins with the reappraisal of African
 agriculture and focus on the literature on entrepreneurship in
 Africa&#x2019;s structural transformation. Then a conceptual model to
 describe how entrepreneurship reallocates farmers out of agriculture into
 non-agricultural activities and locations is presented. Recent empirical
 evidence that is broadly consistent with this model is discussed.
 Implications and challenges for entrepreneurship development policies and
 further research are outlined.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 1-33 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1160507 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1160507 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:1-33




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nico Strydom 
Author-X-Name-First: Nico 
Author-X-Name-Last: Strydom 
Author-Name: Jean Struweg 
Author-X-Name-First: Jean 
Author-X-Name-Last: Struweg 
Title: Malthus revisited: Long-term Trends in South African Population Growth and Agricultural Output 
Abstract:
 The perils of population growth with regards to food security have long
 been studied by scholars such as Malthus (1798) and Meadows (1972). At the
 core of the debate are the current levels of global population growth and
 resource consumption, and its effects on living standards in the
 foreseeable future. While this is well explored in a global context,
 little research has been done to explore the long-term relationship
 between population growth and food security in the context of a particular
 developing economy, such as South Africa. This paper explores long-term
 trends in population growth and agricultural output in a South African
 context. Similar measures are also considered for various Southern African
 Development Community (SADC) member countries, as well as various top
 countries in the 2015 Global Food Security Index, to explore the relative
 position of South Africa (a developing economy). This paper shows that the
 South African per capita cereal production has steadily declined since the
 1970s, while the opposite is true for the top countries in the 2015 Global
 Food Security Index, as well as the world on average. It also demonstrates
 the need to consider the state of food security of individual countries or
 regions (as opposed to a global view). Aggregate global data may obscure
 cases where a food security crisis is closer than anticipated and imported
 grains may become an increasingly volatile alternative.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 34-61 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1159585 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1159585 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:34-61




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ronald Kabbiri 
Author-X-Name-First: Ronald 
Author-X-Name-Last: Kabbiri 
Author-Name: Manoj Dora 
Author-X-Name-First: Manoj 
Author-X-Name-Last: Dora 
Author-Name: Gabriel Elepu 
Author-X-Name-First: Gabriel 
Author-X-Name-Last: Elepu 
Author-Name: Xavier Gellynck 
Author-X-Name-First: Xavier 
Author-X-Name-Last: Gellynck 
Title: A Global Perspective of Food Market Integration: A Review 
Abstract:
 This paper analyses the state of the art research on food market
 integration, classifies it and provides a comprehensive bibliography for
 researchers with interest in market integration. A thorough review of
 literature published between 1990 and 2014 on food market integration
 generated 65 articles for in-depth analysis. Findings show that the
 majority of research has concentrated relatively more on identifying the
 degree of linkages among the markets but not on its implications. The
 paper also identifies the following factors as very important in
 increasing/ decreasing the degree of market integration: physical
 infrastructure, market institutions, information, competition, market
 power, trade, social capital, public/ government intervention and export
 restrictions/ban. The paper further identifies several areas for future
 research.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 62-80 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1159589 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1159589 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:62-80




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Edgar Edwin Twine 
Author-X-Name-First: Edgar Edwin 
Author-X-Name-Last: Twine 
Title: Production and Consumption Responses to Policy Interventions in Tanzania's Dairy Industry 
Abstract:
 The study uses a partial equilibrium model of Tanzania&#x2019;s informal
 dairy value chain to determine the benefits to milk producers and
 consumers from three policy interventions proposed in the Tanzania
 Livestock Modernization Initiative (TLMI). Using aggregate time series
 data to simulate the model, the study finds that from an individual policy
 perspective, expanding the national herd would produce the largest
 benefits for producers and consumers; producers would gain over 550
 million shillings annually and consumers would gain about 35 shillings per
 capita. Comparing the other two interventions, consumers would benefit
 more from a better regulatory environment than from a reduction in cow
 prices, while producers would benefit more from a reduction in cow prices
 than from better regulations. If all policies are implemented
 simultaneously, even greater benefits would be realised; consumer surplus
 would increase by 85 shillings annually and producer surplus would
 increase by over one billion shillings in real terms. The results suggest
 that policy interventions outlined in the TLMI that address supply
 constraints are critical to developing the country&#x2019;s dairy
 industry.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 81-102 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1159588 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1159588 
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. 
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:81-102




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Stanley Sharaunga 
Author-X-Name-First: Stanley 
Author-X-Name-Last: Sharaunga 
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara 
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell 
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara 
Title: Dimensions of Empowerment Influencing Women in KwaZulu-Natal to diversify away from agricultural-based livelihoods 
Abstract:
 Understanding how the different dimensions of women&#x2019;s empowerment
 influence their livelihood diversification strategies is indispensable to
 any attempt to empower them. Rural women diversify their livelihood
 strategies beyond agriculture despite its centrality to the rural economy.
 This study used the proportion of non- agricultural incomes to total
 household income as a measure of the degree of women&#x2019;s
 diversification away from agriculture in Msinga rural areas of
 KwaZulu-Natal. The Tobit regression model was used for investigating the
 dimensions of empowerment that influence women&#x2019;s decision to
 diversify away from agricultural- based livelihoods. It was found that
 women with higher levels of human and physical capital forms of
 empowerment, vocational and farm financial management skills were more
 likely to diversify away from agricultural-based livelihood activities. On
 the other hand, women with higher levels of social capital and legal
 resource empowerment were less likely to participate in non-farm
 activities. Socio-economic factors including being married and involvement
 in dry-land agriculture increased the likelihood of women to rely on
 non-agricultural incomes while higher husband&#x2019;s incomes and
 involvement in irrigation agriculture reduced the chances of women to
 diversify away from agriculture. It was concluded that certain dimensions
 of rural women&#x2019;s empowerment influence the extent to which they
 diversify livelihoods away from agriculture. Hence, this study suggests
 that policymakers need to consider using empowerment interventions such as
 human and physical capital forms of empowerment, vocational and farm
 financial management skills to increase women&#x2019;s diversification and
 reduce their household dependence on agriculture.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 103-132 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1159586 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1159586 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:103-132




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sunday Y. Hosu 
Author-X-Name-First: Sunday Y. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hosu 
Author-Name: E.N. Cishe 
Author-X-Name-First: E.N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Cishe 
Author-Name: P.N. Luswazi 
Author-X-Name-First: P.N. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Luswazi 
Title: Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: What Does the Future Holds for Smallholder Crop Farmers? 
Abstract:
 Assessment of the level of smallholders&#x2019; vulnerability to climate
 variability and the adaptive capacity will provide information required
 for adequate policy formulation for the adaptation and improvement of food
 security among poor farming households. This article utilised data from a
 survey of 223 small farming households in the Eastern Cape province, one
 of the poorest agrarian provinces in South Africa, to explore the exposure
 of smallholder farmers to climate change, their adaptive capacity and
 their vulnerability to climate shock across major agro-ecological zones.
 Data on the production of main staple foods, household assets and access
 to institutional facilities were analysed by means of principal component
 analysis. General circulation model scenarios were used with a crop model
 (EPIC) to explore the impact of future plausible climate patterns on
 farmers&#x2019; income. Farmers in the Karoo zone are currently the most
 vulnerable to climate variability. A scenario analysis also showed that
 maize production in the Eastern Cape will be positively affected by
 climate change under both low-input and irrigated management systems,
 whereas potato yield will decrease. It is projected that smallholder
 farmers who significantly rely on maize can expect an increase of up to 45
 per cent revenue by 2050 under the UKMO-HADGEM1 climate scenario if the
 average estimated future yields materialise. Both institutional and
 infrastructural support in the form of access to credit and irrigation
 facilities are recommended for adequate adaptation to future climate
 change impact, in particular climate volatility, which was not taken into
 account in our yield projections.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 133-167 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1157025 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1157025 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:133-167




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.B. Hassan 
Author-X-Name-First: M.B. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan 
Author-Name: L.J.S. Baiyegunhi 
Author-X-Name-First: L.J.S. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Baiyegunhi 
Author-Name: G. F. Ortmann 
Author-X-Name-First: G. F. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann 
Author-Name: T. Abdoulaye 
Author-X-Name-First: T. 
Author-X-Name-Last: Abdoulaye 
Title: Adoption of <italic>striga</italic> (<italic>striga hermonthica</italic>) Management Technologies in Northern Nigeria 
Abstract:
 This study examined the adoption of Integrated <italic>Striga</italic>
 Management (ISMA) technologies among maize farmers in Bauchi and Kano
 states of northern Nigeria. It employs a double-hurdle approach to analyse
 the factors influencing adoption and intensity of ISMA technologies among
 households, using cross-sectional data of 643 farmers from the two states.
 The results show that the estimated coefficients of exogenous income and
 proximity to extension office are negatively significant
 (<italic>P</italic> > 0.05), while higher total farm income, polygamous
 households, past participation in on-farm trials, awareness of the
 technology, contact with extension agents and access to cash remittances
 are positive and significant (<italic>P</italic> > 0.01), and are the most
 significant factors likely to influence ISMA technologies adoption.
 Marital status, household size, farm size and access to cash remittances
 are most significant factors influencing adoption intensity. Maize farmers
 in the study area who adopted ISMA technologies obtained higher output
 than the non-adopters, which resulted in a positive and significant effect
 on their total farm income. Hence, policies targeted at increasing maize
 productivity through <italic>Striga</italic> management need to include
 ISMA technologies as a potentially feasible option. The study recommends
 actions to improve farmers&#x2019; access to financial services to
 increase their liquidity. Nevertheless, the most immediate action will be
 improvement in farmers&#x2019; access to extension services as they have
 proved to be a reliable source of information in the rural areas.
Journal: Agrekon 
Pages: 168-188 
Issue: 1-2 
Volume: 55 
Year: 2016 
Month: 6 
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1159587 
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1159587 
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:1-2:p:168-188




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Fabio Gaetano Santeramo
Author-X-Name-First: Fabio Gaetano
Author-X-Name-Last: Santeramo
Title: Agri-food trade and non-tariff measures
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 387-388
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1679478
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1679478
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:387-388




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Fabio Gaetano Santeramo
Author-X-Name-First: Fabio Gaetano
Author-X-Name-Last: Santeramo
Author-Name: Emilia Lamonaca
Author-X-Name-First: Emilia
Author-X-Name-Last: Lamonaca
Title: On the impact of non-tariff measures on trade performances of the African agri-food sector
Abstract: 
 The increasing interest of policymakers and academics on non-tariff measures (NTMs) has stimulated a growing literature on their effects on the agri-food trade of African countries. The empirical evidence, however, is ambiguous: some studies suggest that NTMs are trade barriers and others suggest they have a catalyst role for trade. Understanding the drivers of these contrasting effects, and the prevailing one, would allow one to draw important conclusions.We review, through a meta-analytical approach, a set of empirical studies that quantify the effects of NTMs on African agri-food trade. We find a prevalence of the trade-impeding effects. Our results also help explaining differences in NTMs’ effects due to methodological and structural heterogeneity. Moreover, the effects of NTMs vary across the types of NTMs and analysed commodities.We conclude by comparing our findings with existing literature and emphasise which research areas deserve further investigation, such as intra-Africa trade or trade effects of technical NTMs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 389-406
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1568889
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1568889
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:389-406




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Franziska Schuenemann
Author-X-Name-First: Franziska
Author-X-Name-Last: Schuenemann
Author-Name: William A. Kerr
Author-X-Name-First: William A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kerr
Title: European Union non-tariff barriers to imports of African biofuels
Abstract: 
 The introduction of EU mandates for biofuel use in the transport sector initially led to high expectations that African countries would benefit from biofuel exports to the EU. This market opportunity has not been realised, however, due to regulatory requirements for the production of biofuels that act as non-tariff barriers to the acceptance of African biofuels in the EU. This benefits producers of biofuel crops and processors in the EU by providing economic protection. In particular, the EU import regime fails to acknowledge the challenges faced by African (or other) developing countries in satisfying the requirements.Using a computable general equilibrium model for Malawi, we quantify the foregone potential benefits from biofuel production for exports to the EU arising from non-tariff barriers (NTBs) embedded in the sustainability criteria. Our results show that sugarcane-ethanol production under smallholder outgrower regimes would lead to both economic growth outcomes and rural development, whereas jatropha-biodiesel fails to increase rural incomes due to low profitability. While there is widespread agreement on the latter today, our study is the first to explore the failure of jatropha in Malawi in an economy-wide framework. The ethanol results, however, also hold if land clearing is forbidden, thereby preserving biodiversity as stipulated under the sustainability criteria in the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The EU NTBs embedded in the Renewable Energy Directive thus play a much larger role for countries in Sub-Sahara Africa than simply inhibiting investment opportunities and should be refashioned to lower the entry costs for developing countries.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 407-425
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1577144
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1577144
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:407-425




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Chiedza L. Muchopa
Author-X-Name-First: Chiedza L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Muchopa
Author-Name: Yonas T. Bahta
Author-X-Name-First: Yonas T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta
Author-Name: Abiodun A. Ogundeji
Author-X-Name-First: Abiodun A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji
Title: Tariff rate quota impacts on export market access of South African fruit products into the EU market
Abstract: 
 In this paper tariff rate quota (TRQ) fruit products are analysed as representative sectors in a Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) static model to establish impacts on trade and welfare. Simulations are carried out to remove EU tariffs on fruit products, non-tariff measures (NTMs) and other influential factors accounting for the unfilled portion of the TRQs. A large proportion of quota under-fill is explained by the presence of NTMs which include aspects of the TRQ administration methods on the exporter side. The results of the simulations show that the increase in exports is greater with the removal of NTMs than with tariff removal. The findings of the equivalent variation (EV) measure of welfare show a welfare loss of −US$14 040 in South Africa when quota fill is simulated without the removal of NTMs. Partial trade liberalisation characterised by the removal of only tariffs, exhibits smaller welfare gains (US$31 943) compared with the combined liberalisation of tariffs and NTMs which improves welfare by US$221 834. The study concludes that the trade liberalisation process of fruit products TRQs should simultaneously implement full tariff liberalisation with TRQ expansion and the reduction of NTMs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 426-450
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1593865
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1593865
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:426-450




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Chang Liu
Author-X-Name-First: Chang
Author-X-Name-Last: Liu
Author-Name: Dongtao Lin
Author-X-Name-First: Dongtao
Author-X-Name-Last: Lin
Author-Name: Jiawei Liu
Author-X-Name-First: Jiawei
Author-X-Name-Last: Liu
Author-Name: Yanran Li
Author-X-Name-First: Yanran
Author-X-Name-Last: Li
Title: Quantifying the effects of non-tariff measures on African agri-food exporters
Abstract: 
 Non-tariff measures (NTMs) such as technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPMs) have become new trade barriers, which is contrary to these measures’ original intention to correct market failure and adverse selection of free markets and to protect the people, animals, plants and the environment in importing countries. For different African agri-food exporters, the compliance with NTMs has varied impacts. For relatively comprehensive exporters, NTMs are helpful in upgrading their food production, increasing agricultural input and promoting sustainable development. For countries with relatively less diversified crops, however, such compliance has huge negative effects such as rise in trading costs and reduction in exporting profits. In an attempt to address the above-mentioned issue using the VARMA(X) model and intervention analysis, this paper first examines agri-food trade records between African countries and analyses NTMs, which reveals the mechanisms of NTMs. Second, defining impacts of NTMs as the difference between the estimated agri-food trades’ volumes between African countries from 1996 to 2013 without NTMs and the actual volumes, the paper shows that NTMs have in fact led to a significant reduction in agri-food trade volume in Africa. Finally, based on these empirical econometrical results, the authors suggest possible solutions, including strengthening external assistance, improving trade liberalisation and accelerating economic integration.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 451-471
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1581624
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1581624
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:451-471




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: William A. Kerr
Author-X-Name-First: William A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kerr
Title: Moving past transgenics – the potential for genomics to open markets in the EU for African agricultural products
Abstract: 
 In 1999 the European Union imposed a moratorium on imports of agricultural products produced using biotechnology based on transgenics. In 2003 the moratorium was replaced by a strict, costly and politicised regime for regulatory approval which is impossible for African exporters to satisfy. Further, co-mingling of unapproved GMOs with conventional crops has meant refusal of shipments. The EU NTBs have also inhibited a productivity enhancing technology as African countries feared loss of markets given their inability to segregate GMOs. Further, absence of GMO use has meant little investment in GMO-based tropical crops. Biological science is not static and the declining cost of genomic information combined with low cost gene editing technologies means that gains in productivity can be obtained without transgenics. Genomics uses improved information on the genetic make-up of a plant to enhance its performance using its existing genetic material. Thus, the speculative risks associated with transgenics should not arise for genomics. The falling cost of genomic information and implementing technologies, may create opportunities for African-based developers of genomic-based crops. This paper explores the potential of a relatively open regulatory regime for genomic-based crops from Africa entering the EU including the potential for African adoption and plant breeding.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 472-484
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1605299
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1605299
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:472-484




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ben Bennett
Author-X-Name-First: Ben
Author-X-Name-Last: Bennett
Author-Name: Karl M. Rich
Author-X-Name-First: Karl M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Rich
Title: Using preferential trade access to promote global development goals: the case of beef and market access to Norway from Namibia and Botswana
Abstract: 
 Using market access to achieve developmental aims has long been held as a key tenet of global development policy. Using a case study approach based on interviews along and across the beef value chain between Namibia, Botswana, and Norway, this article addresses the question of whether market access to high-value markets for livestock products has developmental benefits. The costs and benefits of using market access for beef products as a developmental policy tool are identified and the key role played by international meat traders in both upgrading and rent capture discussed.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 485-502
Issue: 4
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1636669
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1636669
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:4:p:485-502




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Elias Kuntashula
Author-X-Name-First: Elias
Author-X-Name-Last: Kuntashula
Author-Name: Robert Nhlane
Author-X-Name-First: Robert
Author-X-Name-Last: Nhlane
Author-Name: Fulayi Chisola
Author-X-Name-First: Fulayi
Author-X-Name-Last: Chisola
Title: Adoption and impact of fertiliser trees on heterogeneous farmer classified soil types in the Chongwe district of Zambia
Abstract: 
 Adoption of fertiliser trees in Zambia remains very low while efforts to understand the farmers’ decision-making process in embracing sustainable agricultural practices still eludes research. One area not vigorously pursued in understanding the farmers’ adoption process is the role that farmer classification of on-farm soils plays in adoption and impact of sustainable technologies such as the fertiliser trees. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate adoption rates and impact of fertiliser trees on heterogeneous soil types according to farmers’ classifications. Using data randomly collected from 324 households in the 2011 farming season in Chongwe district of Zambia, it was found that farmers were able to classify the dominant soils on their farms into sandy, clay, sand loamy and loamy soils. Most of the farmers (60%) who perceived their soils to be sandy also indicated facing soil fertility challenges. Perception of being on sandy soils was significantly associated with adoption of the fertiliser trees. Propensity score estimates showed that the technology significantly increased maize productivity on soils perceived to be sandy and sand loamy. The non-significant impact results of the technology on relatively perceived high fertile loamy and clay soils could be indicative of diminishing marginal effect of the technology on already fertile soils. Although adoption of the technology on relatively fertile soils is important for fertility sustainability, its promotion on farms with degraded soils could ensure full expression of its potential, and hence, increase its adoptability chances. Targeting of farmers who receive fertiliser tree seedlings should embrace this condition.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 137-151
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1471406
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1471406
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:137-151




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: J. M. Laubscher
Author-X-Name-First: J. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Laubscher
Title: Tomlinson Commemorative Lecture (2017): Relevance versus indispensability in making the long term urgent
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 93-100
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1474773
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1474773
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:93-100




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: W. A. Lombard
Author-X-Name-First: W. A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Lombard
Author-Name: F. A. Maré
Author-X-Name-First: F. A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Maré
Author-Name: H. Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Title: The influence of animal traits on feedlot profitability of Santa Gertrudis cattle in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Approximately 75 per cent of South Africa’s beef is finished by feedlots. The profitability of the beef industry remains under pressure due to various external factors. Previous research has shown that many factors influence feedlot performance and profitability. It is, however, very difficult to judge an animal’s inherit feedlot performance before it enters the feedlot. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the animal traits of Santa Gertrudis bulls and the feedlot profitability of these bulls. Analysed traits included the sheath score, capacity score and build score as high scores for these traits are believed to be associated with better feedlot performance. The data for this study was collected from 48 Santa Gertrudis bull calves. The profitability of feeding cattle was expressed as the Total Margin (TM) and Feed Margin (FM). Given the nature of the dependant variables, Ordinary Least Squared regressions were used for the analyses with TM and FM as dependent variables. Results show that although both models were significant, the sheath score was the only individual trait that proved to be significantly correlated with both TM and FM. Sheath score proved to be negatively correlated with TM and FM while it was expected, through popular belief, to be positively correlated. This implies that animals with lower sheath scores, thus with sheaths closer to their bodies, perform better in the feedlot and may affect the TM and FM positively. The magnitude of this trait still remains under question and further research is required.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 101-107
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1477606
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1477606
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:101-107




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: P. L. Oosthuizen
Author-X-Name-First: P. L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Oosthuizen
Author-Name: F. A. Maré
Author-X-Name-First: F. A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Maré
Title: The profit-maximising feeding period for different breeds of beef cattle
Abstract: 
 The objective of this study was to determine the profit-maximising feeding period (PMFP) of different breeds of beef cattle. The differentiation between breeds according to their genetic growth potential was identified and used to increase feedlot profitability and sustainability. The unique growth and feed intake data of different breeds was generated through a feedlot feeding experiment. The PMFP model was developed to incorporate the variable economic value and the unique production data of each breed into a model. The PMFP model can determine alternative PMFPs for any price scenario. The results indicate that breeds can be differentiated in terms of genetic production potential. The seven breeds used in this study can be divided into three groups in terms of their estimated PMFPs for the specific scenario. The Brahman, Bonsmara, and Afrikaner can be grouped together with a PMFP of 16 weeks for the Brahman and Bonsmara, and 15 weeks for the Afrikaner. The second group included the Simbra and the Angus, which have a PMFP of 21 and 22 weeks respectively. The Simmentaler and Limousin have a PMFP of 27 and 26 weeks respectively, which groups them together in the final group. In conclusion, additional Gπ can be generated by each breed by feeding them according to their unique PMFP. According to the case study the additional gross profit that can be generated by the implication of the PMFP-model was 6%.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 108-120
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1478315
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1478315
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:108-120




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Irene Bayiyana
Author-X-Name-First: Irene
Author-X-Name-Last: Bayiyana
Author-Name: Aloyce Hepelwa
Author-X-Name-First: Aloyce
Author-X-Name-Last: Hepelwa
Author-Name: Elizaphan J. O. Rao
Author-X-Name-First: Elizaphan J. O.
Author-X-Name-Last: Rao
Author-Name: Kenneth Mdadila
Author-X-Name-First: Kenneth
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdadila
Title: Do Dairy Market Hubs improve smallholder farmers’ income? The case of dairy farmers in the Tanga and Morogoro regions of Tanzania
Abstract: 
 The dairy industry has great potential to improve living standards for the poor in Tanzania and more so for smallholder farmers who account for the largest share of milk consumed nationally. To increase production efficiency and overall output, the Government of Tanzania and its development partners are promoting dairy market hubs (DMHs) to enhance access to milk markets, inputs and services. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the degree to which these potential benefits translate into real benefits in dairy production and income, particularly for smallholder farmers. This paper therefore, examines the effect of DMHs on smallholder farmers’ income. Using primary data collected from 461 smallholder dairy farmers in four districts in two regions of Tanzania (Tanga and Morogoro) the study employs quasi-experimental methods combining propensity score matching and difference-in-difference (DD) to estimate treatment effects. The results indicate that participation in DMHs increased household dairy income by 4.07 percentage points on average for the period 2014 to 2016. Participation is encouraged by group membership, land owned and quantity of milk sold. It relates negatively with milk price and negatively, though weakly, with age. These results suggest that it would be productive to support livestock producer groups across all potential dairy areas to move towards forming DMHs. Specific actions that could facilitate this are discussed.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 121-136
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1481758
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1481758
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:121-136




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Abiodun A. Ogundeji
Author-X-Name-First: Abiodun A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji
Author-Name: Emmanuel Donkor
Author-X-Name-First: Emmanuel
Author-X-Name-Last: Donkor
Author-Name: Charmaine Motsoari
Author-X-Name-First: Charmaine
Author-X-Name-Last: Motsoari
Author-Name: Stephen Onakuse
Author-X-Name-First: Stephen
Author-X-Name-Last: Onakuse
Title: Impact of access to credit on farm income: policy implications for rural agricultural development in Lesotho
Abstract: 
 In this era of rapidly increasing food demand, a sustainable food supply is required to meet such demand. This suggests that capital investment through adequate access to credit is needed to develop the agricultural sector in developing countries including Lesotho. Therefore, this paper examined farmers’ access to credit and its impact on farm income using a three-stage model, namely: Probit, Tobit, and propensity score matching. The study was conducted in Lesotho with a sample size of 100 farmers. The empirical results reveal that access to credit increases net farm revenues by US$116.608 to US$136.894. Furthermore, savings, scale of production, membership of farmer associations and financial record keeping exert significant positive effects on access to credit, while higher interest rates reduce farmers’ likelihood of securing credit from a financial institution. We conclude that adequate access to credit is necessary to promote a sustainable agricultural development and the livelihoods of rural farmers in Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 152-166
Issue: 2
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1483251
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1483251
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:2:p:152-166




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mbongeni Maziya
Author-X-Name-First: Mbongeni
Author-X-Name-Last: Maziya
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Author-Name: Joyce Chitja
Author-X-Name-First: Joyce
Author-X-Name-Last: Chitja
Title: What factors determine household food security among smallholder farmers? Insights from Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract: 
 Food insecurity persists in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Guidelines are required to inform the formulation of programmes dealing with this challenge. Literature identifies various factors, such as agricultural skills, as key determinants of household food security. This study examines linkages between agricultural skills and household food security in farming households of the Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme in the Msinga Local Municipality. Data was collected from a random sample of 250 farming households by means of a structured questionnaire. A Tobit regression model was employed to examine the determinants of household food security. The study found that factors like household size, marital status, education level, gender, total livestock units, household income, farming experience, credit use and competence levels in fertiliser measurement have the potential to reduce household food insecurity. The study concludes that provision of agricultural skills may improve households’ food security and that interventions may improve smallholder farming productivity.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 40-52
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1283240
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1283240
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:40-52




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Clifton Makate
Author-X-Name-First: Clifton
Author-X-Name-Last: Makate
Author-Name: Rongchang Wang
Author-X-Name-First: Rongchang
Author-X-Name-Last: Wang
Author-Name: Marshall Makate
Author-X-Name-First: Marshall
Author-X-Name-Last: Makate
Author-Name: Nelson Mango
Author-X-Name-First: Nelson
Author-X-Name-Last: Mango
Title: Impact of drought tolerant maize adoption on maize productivity, sales and consumption in rural Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 Increased frequency of droughts (especially mid-season dry spells), higher than normal temperatures and altered patterns of precipitation and intensity are some of the extreme weather events evident in southern Africa. These extreme weather events present a threat to livelihoods and sustainability of agricultural production in the region. However, several climate-smart agricultural technologies (including drought-tolerant maize) believed to offer adaptation to climate variability in maize-based farming systems have been widely adopted. Moreover, empirical work on these technologies is limited. This paper demonstrates how by adopting drought-tolerant maize, a climate-smart agricultural technology impacts on the quantities of maize produced, sold and consumed in Zimbabwe. Using primary data on smallholder farmers collected in 2011 in Zimbabwe’s four districts, we employed propensity score matching techniques to construct a suitable comparison group and calculate the average treatment effect on the treated sample. We find that, the adoption of drought-tolerant maize (DTM) in rural Zimbabwe significantly enhances overall maize productivity and consequently the quantities set aside for sale and personal household consumption. Our study therefore suggests that, systematic expansion of climate-smart agricultural technologies such as adoption of drought-tolerant maize can significantly improve maize yields, sales and consumption in rural Zimbabwe. Our empirical results, robust to sensitivity checks, strongly point to the overall importance of DTM adoption in Zimbabwe. The findings from this paper also have very important implications for overall efforts on the promotion of climate-smart agriculture technologies in Africa and other developing countries.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 67-81
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1283241
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1283241
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:67-81




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kennedy Sean Kalundu
Author-X-Name-First: Kennedy Sean
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalundu
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Title: The dynamics of price adjustment and relationships in the formal and informal beef markets in Namibia
Abstract: 
 Beef prices have increased significantly in Namibia in recent years. The main reason for the increase in beef producer prices is the high input cost and drought, leading to excessive culling of breeding herds among commercial farmers. Johansen multivariate test of co-integration and multivariate vector error correction model are used to investigate the price adjustment and the existence of long-run relationship among the beef prices at various stages of the value chain. The results show that the beef cattle prices are integrated and exhibit a long run relationship. Formal (for grade A) and informal (grade C) beef cattle prices suggest that they adjust to long-run equilibrium at different speeds. For instance, prices in the formal markets adjust to disequilibrium at about 81 per cent, while prices in informal markets adjust to disequilibrium at 63 per cent. Granger causality results indicates the log price of grade C beef cattle in the informal market does not cause Granger log price of grade A beef cattle in the formal market, log of wholesale beef price of grade A beef and log of export beef price of grade A unidirectional at the 1 per cent level of significance. The adjustment can be attributed to the objectives and the nature beef markets understudy, coupled to the lack of efficient price information linkages between formal and informal beef cattle markets.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 53-66
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1283242
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1283242
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:53-66




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Bridget Taruvinga
Author-X-Name-First: Bridget
Author-X-Name-Last: Taruvinga
Author-Name: Portia Ndou
Author-X-Name-First: Portia
Author-X-Name-Last: Ndou
Author-Name: Igenecious Nicholas Hlerema
Author-X-Name-First: Igenecious Nicholas
Author-X-Name-Last: Hlerema
Author-Name: Thetshelesani Lesly Maraganedzha
Author-X-Name-First: Thetshelesani Lesly
Author-X-Name-Last: Maraganedzha
Author-Name: Christian Philippus Du Plooy
Author-X-Name-First: Christian Philippus
Author-X-Name-Last: Du Plooy
Author-Name: Sonja Venter
Author-X-Name-First: Sonja
Author-X-Name-Last: Venter
Title: Fostering linking social capital for successful agricultural development projects in South Africa
Abstract: 
 This study investigated the importance of linking social capital in agricultural development projects by analysing responses from 205 farmers involved in sweet potato, medicinal plants and African leafy vegetables enterprise development projects in South Africa. Results of the study indicated that linking social capital relationships in farming opened opportunities for farmers to receive implements, production inputs and training. Findings from the Binary logistic regression model revealed that elements of social capital, namely flow of resources, quality of information, cooperation, trustworthiness and inclusion in decisions are important predictors of enterprise success. Strategies of fostering linking social capital that were recommended in the study include gathering enough information which assist in setting achievable targets, formulating a strategy for resource procuring and delivering, and formulating a standardised system for verifying training material and other information media for simplicity. Sharing project vision information with beneficiaries and engaging them in decision making were also recommended.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 28-39
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1283243
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1283243
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:28-39




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Bo Yan
Author-X-Name-First: Bo
Author-X-Name-Last: Yan
Author-Name: Xinni Wang
Author-X-Name-First: Xinni
Author-X-Name-Last: Wang
Author-Name: Ping Shi
Author-X-Name-First: Ping
Author-X-Name-Last: Shi
Title: Risk assessment and control of agricultural supply chains under Internet of Things
Abstract: 
 The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced the value of agricultural supply chains and reduced traditional risks. However, new risks to the agricultural supply chain have emerged in the IoT era. The risks in the agricultural supply chain under IoT, including risks related to perception, network, and application layers, are summarised in this paper. The ordered weighted averaging operator is utilised to quantitatively evaluate and sort these risks. Subsequently, the supply chain risk diffusion convergence model is used to identify the quantitative indicators that can measure risk fluctuations in the agricultural supply chain according to the risk assessment results. Finally, measures for risk management are proposed according to the results derived through the quantitative model for the agricultural supply chain under IoT.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-12
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1284680
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1284680
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:1-12




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Marion Delport
Author-X-Name-First: Marion
Author-X-Name-Last: Delport
Author-Name: Marlene Louw
Author-X-Name-First: Marlene
Author-X-Name-Last: Louw
Author-Name: Tracy Davids
Author-X-Name-First: Tracy
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: Hester Vermeulen
Author-X-Name-First: Hester
Author-X-Name-Last: Vermeulen
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Title: Evaluating the demand for meat in South Africa: an econometric estimation of short term demand elasticities
Abstract: 
 The study aims to improve understanding of meat demand in South Africa through the estimation of a Linear Approximation of an Almost Ideal Demand System (LA/AIDS) for the South African meat complex which includes beef, mutton, pork and poultry. As the most widely consumed animal protein, a special focus is placed on poultry, which is disaggregated into two separate product groups, namely IQF portions and other poultry products, providing an improved understanding of demand preferences among different poultry cuts. In light of the changes that have occurred in both global agricultural markets and the South African consumer environment over the past decade, the model is estimated based on monthly data from January 2008 to September 2014, yielding short run elasticities. Expenditure elasticity estimates for IQF portions, other poultry products, pork, mutton and beef were 1.17, 1.24, 0.44, 1.07 and 0.8 respectively and the compensated own-price elasticities were estimated as −0.61, −0.43, −0.72, −0.96 and −0.11 for IQF portions, other poultry products, pork, mutton and beef, respectively. Most of the estimated elasticities conformed to a priori expectations, with the exception of poultry expenditure elasticities, which were higher than expected and in line with luxury goods, rather than normal goods, as the most affordable source of protein. Within the lower income consumer groups, where poultry dominates meat consumption, it was argued that meat in itself is a luxury good, reflected in the elasticities of poultry as the most affordable entry point into the meat market.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 13-27
Issue: 1
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1286249
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1286249
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:13-27




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M. Kalaba
Author-X-Name-First: M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalaba
Author-Name: J. Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Author-Name: T. Sacolo
Author-X-Name-First: T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sacolo
Title: Non-Tariff Measures Affecting Agricultural Trade in SADC
Abstract: 
 The establishment of the World Trade Organization in 1995 and the subsequent proliferation of regional and bilateral trade agreements resulted in the decline of global tariffs. However, other trade and regulatory measures have increased and thus restricted potential trade to some extent. These measures, non-tariff measures (NTMs), have also affected intra-SADC trade as there was no evidence of growth in the trade that needed to accompany the decline in tariffs. The extent of the impact of NTMs on SADC trade is still not fully understood due to lack of such data, which has effectively affected the quality of research in this area. In this article, data on NTMs related to SADC agricultural products for ten countries was compiled to shed some light on these measures, as well as to make them transparent. The results confirm that these countries have increased their use of NTMs over the period 2000 to 2010. As a result, on average one product was subjected to 17 NTMs in 2010. The Southern African Customs Union is the leader in the use of NTMs, while Malawi had the least incidences of NTMs. Most of the NTMs are applied on fruits, meat, dairy, vegetables and cereal products. The use of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and of export measures was increasing faster than other categories were. Finally, there is an indication that NTMs are used as substitutes for the declining tariffs. NTMs are trade restricting, and if they are not addressed, they will continue to reverse the gains of the SADC free trade area, as well as other initiatives of trade liberalisation.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 377-410
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243059
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243059
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:4:p:377-410




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kayode Ayankoya
Author-X-Name-First: Kayode
Author-X-Name-Last: Ayankoya
Author-Name: Andre P. Calitz
Author-X-Name-First: Andre P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Calitz
Author-Name: Jean H. Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jean H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Title: Real-Time Grain Commodities Price Predictions in South Africa: A Big Data and Neural Networks Approach
Abstract: 
 The prices of agricultural grain commodities are known to be volatile due to several factors that influence these prices. Moreover, different combinations of these factors, such as demand, supply and macroeconomic indicators are responsible for the price volatility at different times. Big Data presents opportunities to collect and integrate datasets from several sources for the purpose of discovering useful patterns and extracting actionable insights that can be used to gain competitive advantage or improve decision making. Neural Networks presents research opportunities for training computer algorithms to model linear and non-linear patterns that might exist in datasets for the purpose of extracting actionable insights such as making predictions. This article proposes a Big Data and Neural Networks approach for predicting prices of grain commodities in South Africa. It was identified that disparate data that influence the grain commodities market can be acquired, integrated and analysed in real-time to predict future prices of grain commodities. By utilising SAP HANA as the enabling Big Data technology, data acquired from several sources was used to create an integrated dataset, and a predictive model was developed using Backpropagation Neural Network algorithms. This model was used to predict the daily spot prices of white maize on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) at the end of each trading day. The initial results indicate that the approach can be scientifically used to predict future prices of grain commodities in a real-time environment.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 483-508
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243060
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243060
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:4:p:483-508




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Johannes Daniël van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Johannes Daniël
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe
Author-Name: Philippus Christoffel Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: Philippus Christoffel
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Author-Name: Herman Daniël van Schalkwyk
Author-X-Name-First: Herman Daniël
Author-X-Name-Last: van Schalkwyk
Title: Factors Influencing the Competitiveness of the South African Wheat Industry: A Hedonic Price Model
Abstract: 
 The South African wheat industry has been under severe pressure in recent years. Prescribed high wheat quality, which is enforced via cultivar release criteria, is believed to have negatively influenced the productivity and competitiveness of producers. The main hypothesis is that producers deliver lower yields because of high quality requirements and are not compensated for this high quality since prices are still determined by the lowest import parity price. Whether or not this is actually the case must be determined, firstly, by identifying the factors that influence the price of wheat, and secondly, by identifying the factors that do not influence the price of wheat but nevertheless have an adverse effect on producers’ productivity. In this study, a hedonic price model, built on the premise that price is a function of all the characteristics that the product possesses, is used to precisely determine the factors that impact – or otherwise – on price levels in the South African wheat industry. The authors apply the hedonic price model using a three-step process to obtain the best-fitting model for the available data. The results reveal that variations in price are mainly a function of Colour, P/L, Defects and Fall, and that these factors should form the basis of the prescribed quality to producers. By knowing the wheat characteristics that must be included in, and excluded from, the release criteria (prescribed quality) system, producers will be able to produce goods that positively impact their productivity as well as their competitiveness.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 411-435
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243061
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243061
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:4:p:411-435




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Justus Ochieng
Author-X-Name-First: Justus
Author-X-Name-Last: Ochieng
Author-Name: Beatrice Knerr
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Knerr
Author-Name: George Owuor
Author-X-Name-First: George
Author-X-Name-Last: Owuor
Author-Name: Emily Ouma
Author-X-Name-First: Emily
Author-X-Name-Last: Ouma
Title: Commercialisation of Food Crops and Farm Productivity: Evidence from Smallholders in Central Africa
Abstract: 
 Commercialisation of agriculture has long been considered an important driver of intensification, production, food security and farm incomes in Africa. This article investigates whether commercialisation is able to increase the intensification and yield of banana and legumes in central Africa. The study utilises survey data from 480 smallholder farmers in selected regions in rural Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The findings show a positive effect of commercialisation on improved seed varieties use and food crop yields, even after controlling for an endogeneity problem. There is no strong evidence of commercialisation effect on fertilizer use among the sampled farm households. Apart from commercialisation, better education, larger farm sizes, access to markets and credit facilities, good roads and extension contacts are necessary for farmers to increase input use and crop yields. Overall, these findings suggest that programmes targeting to increase smallholder farm productivity through commercialisation will only work if they consider production and marketing conditions surrounding the target households.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 458-482
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243062
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243062
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:4:p:458-482




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sikhulumile Sinyolo
Author-X-Name-First: Sikhulumile
Author-X-Name-Last: Sinyolo
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Author-Name: Edilegnaw Wale
Author-X-Name-First: Edilegnaw
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale
Title: The Impact of Social Grants on the Propensity and Level of Use of Inorganic Fertiliser among Smallholders in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract: 
 This article assesses the extent to which social grants relieve liquidity constraints and improve inorganic fertiliser use among South African smallholders. A total of 984 farming households were randomly selected from four districts of KwaZulu-Natal, and data were analysed using the double-hurdle model. The econometric results indicated that use of social grants had a positive impact on the level of fertiliser use, while increasing dependency on social grants had no significant negative impact. The positive influence of social grants on the amount of inorganic fertiliser used suggests that these grants play a significant role in alleviating the liquidity constraints faced by poor farmers. This result is consistent with the presence of credit constraints that limit poor households’ ability to invest in modern farming technologies. To increase technology adoption among the poor, the study recommends that policymakers should address imperfections in the rural credit markets, increase smallholders’ assets in order to increase their risk-bearing capacity and improve the expected profitability of using inorganic fertiliser.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 436-457
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243063
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243063
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Chris Motengwe
Author-X-Name-First: Chris
Author-X-Name-Last: Motengwe
Author-Name: Paul Alagidede
Author-X-Name-First: Paul
Author-X-Name-Last: Alagidede
Title: Maturity Effects in Futures Contracts on the SAFEX Market
Abstract: 
 This article examines maturity effects for futures contracts listed on the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX). Three classes of derivative contracts are examined agricultural, metals and energy futures. Estimation of the Samuelson effect is by the ordinary least squares (OLS) approach using the volatility estimator in Garman and Klass (1980), Parkinson (1980) and Serletis (1992). The analysis simultaneously tests for the Samuelson effect, while establishing significance of traded volume, change in open interest and bid-ask spread on intraday volatility. Multicollinearity and seasonality are incorporated to examine if maturity effects remain in the contracts. Findings are that only wheat supports maturity effects. However, white maize and silver volatility decline as time-to-maturity diminishes. The implications of the results for traders and market participants are discussed.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 331-355
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243064
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243064
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:4:p:331-355




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Herman Geyer
Author-X-Name-First: Herman
Author-X-Name-Last: Geyer
Title: Poverty Traps in South African Agriculture
Abstract: 
 The article analyses the operation of poverty traps in South African agriculture through an analysis of the 2007 agricultural census. The poverty trap is a self-reinforcing mechanism in the market in which small variances in initial conditions can result in bimodality into differential economic steady-states resulting in multiple equilibria. Reasons for this include the savings trap, creating locally increasing rates return due to indivisible lumpy capital inputs; the technological trap in which the diminishing marginal rates of technological substitution diminishes productivity growth; the demographic trap in which population growth reduces the capital-labour ratio, increasing consumption and pure time costs; the stochastic returns trap in which producers without access to risk smoothing mechanisms assume greater risks; and the liquidity trap in which present and future capital values exceed current agricultural revenues. The study demonstrates that the failure of land reform and small-scale agriculture assistance programmes is thus a product of market failures, not policies. The analysis indicates that locally increased returns, symptomatic of the savings trap exists with initial average expenditures of smaller firms exceeding the average incomes. The technology trap is also evident with average incomes of small firms is also very low relative to the average capital asset values. The mean productivity of workers in terms of revenue per employee supports the argument for productivity declines in small firms due to the demographic trap. Initial declines in income per ton outputs of smaller firms validate the stochastic returns poverty trap.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 356-376
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1243753
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1243753
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Moraka Nakedi Makhura
Author-X-Name-First: Moraka Nakedi
Author-X-Name-Last: Makhura
Title: Agriculture in a Developmental State: Finding the Nexus for Development(al) Agricultural Economists
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 303-330
Issue: 4
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1257687
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1257687
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Therese Gondwe
Author-X-Name-First: Therese
Author-X-Name-Last: Gondwe
Author-Name: A. Tegbaru
Author-X-Name-First: A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Tegbaru
Author-Name: Alamu E. Oladeji
Author-X-Name-First: Alamu E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Oladeji
Author-Name: Makaiko Khonje
Author-X-Name-First: Makaiko
Author-X-Name-Last: Khonje
Author-Name: J. Manda
Author-X-Name-First: J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Manda
Author-Name: H. Gaya
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Gaya
Title: Correlates and consequences of women’s participation in the cowpea value chain in eastern Zambia
Abstract: 
 This paper analyses the link between gender differences and different activities along the cowpea value chain as well as food security and asset-based poverty using a recent cross-sectional data set of over 120 farm households in Eastern Zambia. We used the endogenous switching probit regression model to account for both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. Results show that women’s participation in the cowpea value chain significantly increases cowpea production, marketing and adoption of improved cowpea varieties. It also reduces both food insecurity and poverty. However, women’s participation in the value chain is limited by low levels of education, access to extension, credit, village markets, and improved agricultural technologies. Policies to address these constraints that limit women’s participation in the cowpea value chain have the potential to reduce gender disparities, food insecurity, and poverty.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 263-273
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1317643
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1317643
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:3:p:263-273




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Vincent Ngeno
Author-X-Name-First: Vincent
Author-X-Name-Last: Ngeno
Title: The Impact of Adoption of Recommended Tea Plucking Interval on Tea Yields in Kenya
Abstract: 
 This study employs the endogenous switching regression model to examine the impact of the adoption of recommended tea plucking interval on tea yields among small-scale tea farmers in main tea-growing regions of Kenya. The study utilises cross-sectional farm household level data collected from a randomly selected sample of 413 households. Results support the notion that self-selection occurs and that estimates that do not consider selection-bias would be biased. Different determinants are found to be significant in explaining the tea yields for adopters and non-adopters. Thus, policy makers should consider these differing effects when designing development projects to increase tea yields.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 290-295
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1335221
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1335221
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:3:p:290-295




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Frikkie Maré
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Maré
Author-Name: Bennie Grové
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové
Author-Name: Johan Willemse
Author-X-Name-First: Johan
Author-X-Name-Last: Willemse
Title: Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of crop insurance products to provide cost effective and constant cover for maize producers under stochastic yields and prices
Abstract: 
 The long-term effectiveness of crop insurance products to provide cost effective and constant cover for maize producers against a production risk under stochastic yields and prices was evaluated. Hail occurrence in low and high risk areas was considered as the production risk, with Short-term Crop Hail Insurance (SCHI) and a Contingency Policy (Self-insurance) in the Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) market as insurance options. A financial simulation model was built to simulate the cash flow of a maize enterprise and to calculate the producer’s annual margin after interest and tax. Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to a Function (SERF) was used to rank Net Present Value (NPV) of the margin after interest and tax for different scenarios of Certainty Equivalents (CE’s) and to calculate the Utility Weighted Risk Premium (UWRP) of each scenario. The model could evaluate the effectiveness of crop insurance products. The SCHI was the preferred option in Mpumalanga (high hail risk area) and ART in North West (low hail risk area) based on the cost effectiveness of the options. The ART, however, was not able to provide constant cover at all times and the long term efficiency thereof should be carefully considered before it is applied as the sole hail risk mitigation strategy.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 233-247
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1335604
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1335604
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Lutengano Mwinuka
Author-X-Name-First: Lutengano
Author-X-Name-Last: Mwinuka
Author-Name: Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi
Author-X-Name-First: Khamaldin Daud
Author-X-Name-Last: Mutabazi
Author-Name: Stefan Sieber
Author-X-Name-First: Stefan
Author-X-Name-Last: Sieber
Author-Name: Jeremia Makindara
Author-X-Name-First: Jeremia
Author-X-Name-Last: Makindara
Author-Name: Jean-Claude Bizimana
Author-X-Name-First: Jean-Claude
Author-X-Name-Last: Bizimana
Title: An economic risk analysis of fertiliser microdosing and rainwater harvesting in a semi-arid farming system in Tanzania
Abstract: 
 This paper attempts to relate farm-level technologies in a semi-arid area with economic viability, taking risk analysis into consideration. Data gathered from various sources, such as a household baseline survey, farm trials, agricultural experts and government agencies, were used. Crop yields, crop prices, and prices for key production inputs, mainly fertiliser and rainwater harvesting through tied-ridges, were simulated for the net economic return distributions, e.g., pearl millet, groundnuts, and sunflower under different farm-technologies scenarios using a farm simulation model. The results indicate that an intercrop of pearl millet and groundnuts is the most economically viable farming system compared with other alternative scenarios if supplemented with rainwater harvesting technology. Risk neutral and risk-averse farmers both prefer this approach. If these technologies are geographically considered and synthesised, they may be cost-effective for farmers with implications for the current and future livelihood and productivity of crops in rural semi-arid areas.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 274-289
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1343154
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1343154
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:3:p:274-289




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tracy Davids
Author-X-Name-First: Tracy
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Patrick Westhoff
Author-X-Name-First: Patrick
Author-X-Name-Last: Westhoff
Title: Impact of trade controls on price transmission between southern African maize markets
Abstract: 
 Maize is an important staple crop in southern Africa that has often been prioritised from a policy perspective, particularly in the imposition of export controls under periods of perceived uncertainty. This tendency has been particularly relevant in Zambia, which has also emerged as an important surplus producer in southern Africa in recent years. Its favourable transport differential and non-GM maize has helped Zambia grow its share in Zimbabwean maize imports at the expense of South Africa, but exports into Zimbabwe remains competitive between the two countries and particularly during periods of export control in Zambia, South Africa typically steps in to supply the deficit. This study therefore evaluates the extent of price transmission between Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe under two exogenous regimes defined by periods of open trade and trade controls imposed by the Zambian government. It uses secondary data of monthly white maize prices in these three markets to quantify the long and short run price relationships under different regimes. While several authors have noted that trade is not a prerequisite for price transmission between markets, this study finds evidence that the imposition of policies that inhibit trade also influences the rate and nature of price transmission between markets. Periods of open trade were characterised by efficient transmission of prices from Zambia to Zimbabwe, which is in line with typical trade patterns, but during periods of trade controls, no relationship was found between Zambian and Zimbabwean markets, with prices being transmitted from South Africa to Zimbabwe instead.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 223-232
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1344133
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1344133
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: The Editors
Title: Corrigendum
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 312-312
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1358910
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1358910
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Agatha Carol Zhou
Author-X-Name-First: Agatha Carol
Author-X-Name-Last: Zhou
Author-Name: Sheryl L. Hendriks
Author-X-Name-First: Sheryl L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks
Title: Does Food Assistance Improve Recipients' Dietary Diversity and Food Quality in Mozambique?
Abstract: 
 Little is known about the potential for food assistance in the form of cash and food transfers to improve nutrition and create demand for nutritious food in crises. This study investigated the influence of the World Food Programme’s cash and food transfers on the diversity and quality of diets among recipient households in Mozambique and the implications of this for the design of systemic food assistance intentions. The study found that direct food provision improved dietary diversity, while cash enabled beneficiaries to purchase more nutritious foods and improve their diet quality. Both cash and food transfers have potential to generate demand for a variety of nutritious foods in the communities investigated through this study. Providing adequate rations of basic food with a cash portion could improve both dietary diversity and quality and stimulate demand for nutritious foods by addressing both income (purchasing power) constraints as well as stimulating demand for these foods. This demand could have a pull factor in terms of local food systems, stimulating demand not only for food but also for food system services – both upstream and downstream – provided a functioning market exists. Context analysis is necessary to understand if cash injections could lead to price spikes, eroding purchasing power and if the incentives exist for private traders to respond to demand.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 248-262
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1360783
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1360783
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:3:p:248-262




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Alexis Habiyaremye
Author-X-Name-First: Alexis
Author-X-Name-Last: Habiyaremye
Title: Estimating the impact of sericulture adoption on farmer income in Rwanda: an application of propensity score matching
Abstract: 
 The adoption of an agricultural technology is often seen as a way to overcome the constraints imposed by the existing resources and/or production methods. As a small landlocked country, Rwanda sought to develop the capability to produce silk, a high value-to-volume ratio product, as a means to overcome the constraints of high transportation cost of exports. Sericulture was also seen as a handy strategy to boost rural farmer income by putting previously less productive land to use for mulberry plantations. Because sericulture was not introduced randomly, this study relied on observational data and applied propensity score matching to estimate its income and poverty reduction effects in six rural districts. The results indicate that sericulture adoption had beneficial effects both on increasing income and reducing poverty. The strengthening of related skills development and the supporting infrastructure remains crucial for the sericulture to successfully diffuse and yield economic benefits commensurate with its potential.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 296-311
Issue: 3
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1361853
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1361853
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:3:p:296-311




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Stephan von Cramon-Taubadel
Author-X-Name-First: Stephan
Author-X-Name-Last: von Cramon-Taubadel
Title: The analysis of market integration and price transmission – results and implications in an African context
Abstract: 
 A vast literature on market integration and price transmission has accumulated over the last half century. This literature has received major impetus, first from the introduction of increasingly sophisticated co-integration methods since the late 1980s, and second from the so-called food price crisis of 2007–2008, which heightened interest in the transmission of food price spikes in space and along the supply chain. In this paper I review the literature on price transmission and market integration, highlighting applications in an African setting. I begin by reviewing the basic methods that are commonly used in price transmission analysis, as well as several extensions that have gained prevalence in recent years. I then discuss several important limitations and challenges that remain to be addressed in future research on price transmission and market integration.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 83-96
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1295655
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1295655
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:83-96




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jaime De Pablo Valenciano
Author-X-Name-First: Jaime
Author-X-Name-Last: De Pablo Valenciano
Author-Name: Maria Mercedes Capobianco Uriarte
Author-X-Name-First: Maria Mercedes Capobianco
Author-X-Name-Last: Uriarte
Author-Name: Miguel Angel Giacinti Battistuzzi
Author-X-Name-First: Miguel Angel Giacinti
Author-X-Name-Last: Battistuzzi
Title: South Africa’s competitiveness against its main competitors in the market of pears imported by the EU28
Abstract: 
 This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the competitiveness of pear exports from South Africa (SA) to the European Union (EU) market against competing countries such as Argentina, Chile and China. This paper uses the Constant Market Share (CMS) methodology, which enables one to analyse export changes in order to quantify the competitiveness factor, and its separation into general or specified competitiveness. This analysis is performed for two periods – 2002–2007 and 2008–2013 – in order to test if the 2007–2008 global economic and financial crisis had a significant impact on the South African pear trade. Thus, the main objective of this work is to investigate if SA lost competitiveness during these years in relation to its competitors. The results show evidence that, before the global economic and financial crisis, the structural effect of the SA exports contributed most to the sales growth of pears to the EU, and a general competitiveness effect contributed to a lesser extent. After the crisis, exports continued to grow but at a slower rate, and that the composition of the contribution to the sales growth to the EU changed completely. From 2007 onwards, specified competitiveness was the main contributor to the export growth of SA pears, even counteracting the negative, post-crisis impact suffered by the the exports’ structural effect.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 191-204
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1297723
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1297723
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:191-204




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mesay Yami
Author-X-Name-First: Mesay
Author-X-Name-Last: Yami
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Rashid Hassan
Author-X-Name-First: Rashid
Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan
Title: Testing price leadership in major regional maize markets in Ethiopia: implications for targeted market intervention
Abstract: 
 The central market hypothesis or price leadership role is an important concept of market integration, and it has relevant policy implications because it simplifies market price monitoring and intervention in the grain market. Knowledge about the presence of a central market and its price dynamic effects on satellite markets will assist the effectiveness of food assistance and other humanitarian food price support interventions. This is of particular interest to constant food aid recipients such as Ethiopia. This article intends to empirically investigate as to whether or not there is a central maize market that dictate and lead price information flow over the regional wholesale maize markets in Ethiopia. If such a dominant maize market exists, then how does its price affect the maize grain prices of major regional wholesale maize markets in Ethiopia? The extended VAR procedure of Toda and the Yamamoto Granger Causality approach is used to test the central maize market hypothesis. Furthermore, we use the system of seemingly unrelated regression model to examine the effects of the central market price on three wholesale regional maize market prices in Ethiopia. The results indicate that Addis Ababa wholesale maize market influences the maize price formation of all regional maize markets examined in this study. Therefore, interventions targeting the central wholesale market could successfully provide a buffer for local maize surplus and consumption markets against undesirable price shocks stemming from the central market.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 97-109
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1297724
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1297724
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:97-109




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: W.O. Chamberlain
Author-X-Name-First: W.O.
Author-X-Name-Last: Chamberlain
Author-Name: W. Anseeuw
Author-X-Name-First: W.
Author-X-Name-Last: Anseeuw
Title: Contract Farming as Part of a Multi-Instrument Inclusive Business Structure: A Theoretical Analysis
Abstract: 
 Contract farming (CF) agreements are presently being restructured to form part of more complex Inclusive Business (IB) set-ups. Additional instruments, alongside CF, are implemented to overcome the challenges of CF and to adapt to the policy environment in which the different stakeholders operate. This paper develops a theoretical framework that gives insight into how these complex entities are structured and operate in a developing country context. This theoretical analysis takes a holistic approach by adopting elements of existing theories to form a new critical research paradigm: (i) Resource Dependence Theory to incorporate the wider operating environment in which the two cases operate, (ii) Transaction Cost Economics to explain the internal efficiency of the different models, and (iii) Agency Theory to account for the safeguard mechanisms. This new framework is then tested on two complex IBs that aim to integrate smallholder farmers into the commercial value chain, but which have each implemented a different institutional set-up developed around CF arrangements. It finds that a high dependence by the offtaker in the first case study stimulates a higher level of commitment and investment by this stakeholder in the contract arrangement. In turn, this increases the asset specificity aspect, which then requires safeguards to ensure the smallholders adhere to the contractual agreement. A higher dependency in this particular study also resulted in a higher number of smallholders being engaged in the contract, requiring mechanisms to efficiently monitor and coordinate them.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 158-172
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1297725
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1297725
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:158-172




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Martin Cameron
Author-X-Name-First: Martin
Author-X-Name-Last: Cameron
Author-Name: Wilma Viviers
Author-X-Name-First: Wilma
Author-X-Name-Last: Viviers
Author-Name: Ezra Steenkamp
Author-X-Name-First: Ezra
Author-X-Name-Last: Steenkamp
Title: Breaking the ‘big data’ barrier when selecting agricultural export markets: an innovative approach
Abstract: 
 A country’s comparative advantage is not only dependent on factor endowments. History, random events (wars, oil crisis, sanctions, etc.) and past government policies are important factors shaping a country’s trade patterns. Such factors are recognised in both traditional and new trade theory. Therefore the formulation (and implementation) of industrial and agricultural export policy has to be cognisant of these factors. In the search for new markets or new product opportunities in existing markets to inform both trade policy making and business decision making, a major challenge is making sense of the huge volumes of available product and market information, which is one of the manifestations of “big data”. Using an example from the South African fruit industry, this paper illustrates how the big data challenge can be tackled using the TRADE-Decision Support Model methodology. By means of this methodology an initial 1221 realistic export opportunties were identified in 107 markets. Of the overall 54 products in the fruit and nuts HS chapter 08 category, 22 have “major potential”, representing about US$3.5 billion across 102 countries. Most of the potential for “mature” products lies in “new” markets from a South African agriculture exports perspective. Of this potential 80 per cent is found in 10 products (including grapes, apples, mandarins, and lemons and limes). Some non-traditional products such as bananas, cashew nuts, kiwifruit and guavas were identified. Europe still represents approximately half of the total estimated realistic potential in the short term, estimated at US$6 billion, followed by North America (22 per cent) and Asia (21 per cent).
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 139-157
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1298456
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1298456
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:139-157




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T. Davids
Author-X-Name-First: T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: F.H. Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: F.H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Title: Price formation and competitiveness of the South African broiler industry in the global context
Abstract: 
 In light of its recent classification by the Department of Trade and Industry as an industry in distress, this paper undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of the competitiveness of South African broiler production in the global context. A qualitative review of industry structure revealed a great deal of similarity to market leaders globally. Price formation within broiler production contracts in South Africa utilizes the same tournament pricing used successfully in the USA, resulting in high levels of technical efficiency, however economic efficiency is lacking. Univariate time series analysis confirmed that the domestic price of chicken is more elastic to changes in the import parity price than changes in feed costs. Feed remains crucial to economic efficiency and while declining protein meal prices in the future is plausible given recent investment into the industry, marketing strategies that optimize the returns from an entire carcass could aid effective competition with imported products.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 123-138
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1302349
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1302349
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:123-138




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ramo Barrena
Author-X-Name-First: Ramo
Author-X-Name-Last: Barrena
Author-Name: Teresa García
Author-X-Name-First: Teresa
Author-X-Name-Last: García
Author-Name: Mercedes Sánchez
Author-X-Name-First: Mercedes
Author-X-Name-Last: Sánchez
Title: The effect of emotions on purchase behaviour towards novel foods. An application of Means–End chain methodology
Abstract: 
 This study performs an a priori segmentation of shoppers based on their emotions with respect to two novel food items, one functional the other conventional. Both food types appear to evoke positive emotions in a majority segment of consumers and negative emotions in a minority segment. An analysis of the purchase decision structures of these segments using means–end chain methodology reveals the importance of hedonistic and nutritional qualities in food consumption decisions. In addition, brand emerges as a key factor in the purchase choices of satisfied consumers while quality search and control are key issues for concerned shoppers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 173-190
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1307119
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1307119
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:173-190




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: John N. Ng’ombe
Author-X-Name-First: John N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ng’ombe
Author-Name: Thomson H. Kalinda
Author-X-Name-First: Thomson H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalinda
Author-Name: Gelson Tembo
Author-X-Name-First: Gelson
Author-X-Name-Last: Tembo
Title: Does adoption of conservation farming practices result in increased crop revenue? Evidence from Zambia
Abstract: 
 We determine the impacts of conservation farming (CF) practices on crop net revenue of smallholder farm households using nationally representative household and plot survey data in Zambia. We estimate a multinomial endogenous switching regression model of farm household’s choice of combinations of CF practices and their impacts on crop net revenue. Four primary results are found. First, several factors affect adoption of CF practices depending on the combinations in which they are adopted. Second, all CF practices significantly increase crop net revenue per hectare when practised either singly or jointly. Third, a joint adoption of crop residue retention and minimum soil disturbance yields the highest crop net revenue per hectare among all the possible combinations of CF practices. Thus a more comprehensive approach that focuses on joint adoption of all CF practices is not the best income yielding portfolio. Fourth, adoption of CF practices in combination generally results in more crop net revenue per hectare than adopting them in isolation. Therefore, results point towards the need for promotion of adoption of CF practices in combination while considering the influence from household, seed, plot level, agro-ecological, and miscellaneous factors to enable farmers in Zambia to realise most payoffs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 205-221
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1312467
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1312467
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:205-221




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Marlene Louw
Author-X-Name-First: Marlene
Author-X-Name-Last: Louw
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: Vertical price transmission and its inflationary implications in South African food chains
Abstract: 
 Various studies interrogate the issue of food inflation from a commodity level vantage point but fail to relate how commodity prices manifest in retail prices, and ultimately, how it impacts food inflation. This study uses vertical price transmission analysis, with time series econometric techniques, to determine how underlying commodity prices manifest in final retail prices and the associated reasons for it. Implications for food inflation are also reflected on. Two value chains, namely wheat-to-bread and maize-to-maize meal are considered due to their importance as staples in low(er) income consumer diets in South Africa. Results indicate full price transmission in the wheat-to-bread chain but incomplete price transmission in the maize-to-maize meal chain. In addition, prices in the wheat-to-bread chain are determined at producer and consumer level and bi-directional transmission takes place, whereas maize prices are determined at retail level and transmitted through the chain, to commodity level. Symmetry in price adjustment was not rejected in both chains. Implications of the findings for staple food inflation is that it does not seem that the price determination and price transmission processes in these chains are contributing factors to the inflationary pressures that these chains have experienced over the past decade. Symmetric price transmission in both chains seems to suggest no opportunistic behaviour on the part of firms to exploit situations where commodity prices decrease.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 110-122
Issue: 2
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1313751
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1313751
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:2:p:110-122




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Stefano Mainardi
Author-X-Name-First: Stefano
Author-X-Name-Last: Mainardi
Title: Location factors and spatial dependence in household perceptions and adaptations to climate change: A case in the upper Blue Nile Basin
Abstract: 
 Studies on perceptions of, and adaptation responses to, climate change have not paid sufficient attention to location and neighbourhood effects. Moreover, although one often regards perceptions as preconditions for adaptation, some direct and underlying factors may influence perceptions and adaptations in opposite ways. To assess determinants of perceived directions of climate change and adaptations by farmers, the paper formulates ordered response and multinomial choice models accounting for the location and neighbourhood effects. Relative to a survey of rural households in the Ethiopian Nile basin, perceptions of long-term climate trends are found to substantially vary across regions, altitudes, distances from markets, and neighbourhood characteristics, with climate reference scales being themselves non-uniform across respondents. The inclusion of proxies for local spatial dependence and clustering in multinomial logit regressions on adaptation decisions provides further insights, relative to individual- and farm-specific features. Adaptation measures turn out to be largely independent from degree of awareness of negative trends in climate changes. This highlights the importance of adaptive strategies coordinated at regional and national scale, such as preventive measures of control of pest damage risk due to increasing temperatures, and specific interventions for semi-arid agro-climatic zones.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-27
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1409128
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1409128
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:1:p:1-27




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: The Editors
Title: Erratum
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 91-91
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1433791
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1433791
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:1:p:91-91




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kinfe G Bishu
Author-X-Name-First: Kinfe G
Author-X-Name-Last: Bishu
Author-Name: Edward Lahiff
Author-X-Name-First: Edward
Author-X-Name-Last: Lahiff
Author-Name: Seamus O’Reilly
Author-X-Name-First: Seamus
Author-X-Name-Last: O’Reilly
Author-Name: Mulugeta Gebregziabher
Author-X-Name-First: Mulugeta
Author-X-Name-Last: Gebregziabher
Title: Drivers of farmers’ cattle insurance decisions: evidence from smallholders in northern Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 This empirical study investigates drivers of farmers’ hypothetical cattle insurance participation, and their intensity of participation, using the Heckman two-step model to control for selection bias. The data pertains to a survey of 356 cattle farmers from selected villages of Northern Ethiopia. Findings indicate that 94 per cent of the cattle owners were interested in procuring cattle insurance, and 77 per cent of them were willing to pay the benchmark annual premium of 4 per cent of the animal’s value. The average number of cattle that each farmer was willing to insure was nearly three. The findings further indicate that income and education levels of the respondents, among other factors, influence the farmers’ attitude towards participation in cattle insurance and the number of cattle to be insured by them. These findings suggest that educating farmers on the benefits of livestock insurance can stimulate this important risk management strategy. Public action may be required to incentivise insurance companies entering the market for the first time and to address the barriers to participation by poor households. Even though our study was restricted to some areas of northern Ethiopia, the findings can have a wider practical application for governmental and non-governmental institutions wishing to establish cattle insurance in developing countries.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 40-48
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1435290
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1435290
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Y.T. Bahta
Author-X-Name-First: Y.T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta
Author-Name: E. Owusu-Sekyere
Author-X-Name-First: E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Owusu-Sekyere
Author-Name: B.E. Tlalang
Author-X-Name-First: B.E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Tlalang
Title: Assessing participation in homestead food garden programmes, land ownership and their impact on productivity and net returns of smallholder maize producers in South Africa
Abstract: 
 This paper examines the determinants of participation in homestead food garden programmes and its impact on productivity and net returns of smallholder maize producers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The paper further establishes the nexus between land ownership and outputs from homestead food garden programmes. The data was obtained from 500 maize-producing households. The findings demonstrate that participation in homestead food garden programmes could significantly enhance the welfare of rural households by increasing their yield and net returns. Participation in the programme increased maize yield and net returns by 43.37 per cent and 22.01 per cent respectively. Cultivating more than one hectare of farmland enhanced the outcome of participation in a homestead food garden programme more relative to cultivating less than one hectare. Homestead food garden programmes should be run in conjunction with land ownership. Our findings demonstrate the need for policymakers and evaluators of agricultural interventions to consider farmers’ decisions to participate, programme outcomes and land ownership in their assessments in order to avoid biased judgement. The willingness of people to participate in farming should be paramount to the homestead food garden programme and land ownership policy, otherwise the redistribution of farmland to people who are not willing to farm will be meaningless.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 49-63
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1437051
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1437051
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Awudu Abdulai
Author-X-Name-First: Awudu
Author-X-Name-Last: Abdulai
Title: Simon Brand Memorial Address
Abstract: 
 Climate change continues to pose a threat to food and nutrition security for many households in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Several studies have therefore examined the challenges of climate change to agricultural productivity and poverty, and the impacts of adaptation to climate change on outcomes such as farm yields, net farm incomes, as well as food and nutrition security of households in SSA. In this paper, I review this voluminous literature on the challenges and adaption to climate change by farmers in the region. I will first provide an overview on the literature on the challenges and adaptation to climate change within the last two decades, followed by a brief discussion of the methods used in modeling the impact of adaptation to climate change on farm performance. Finally, I will present some empirical results on the impact of adoption of climate-smart techniques on crop yields by farmers in Ghana, and provide some thoughts on policy implications and future research in the area.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 28-39
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1440246
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1440246
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:1:p:28-39




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sikhulumile Sinyolo
Author-X-Name-First: Sikhulumile
Author-X-Name-Last: Sinyolo
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Title: Collective action and rural poverty reduction: Empirical evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract: 
 Organising smallholder farmers into groups has become an important and preferred mechanism through which the South African government and other rural development agencies seek to address rural poverty and household food insecurity. This study investigates whether collective action through farmer groups has improved incomes among rural farming households in South Africa. The propensity score matching (PSM) method and the treatment effect approach were used to analyse a sample of 984 rural households from four districts in KwaZulu-Natal. The PSM results indicated that participation in farmer groups significantly and positively influenced household incomes. Group membership increased the average household incomes per adult equivalent by about R3000. However, the Rosenbaum bounds tests indicated that the impact estimates obtained using the PSM approach were not robust to hidden bias. The treatment effect regression model, which controls for hidden bias, was estimated, and the results supported those of PSM. The results also indicated that groups benefit more those who are educated and are males, suggesting a bias against the females and those less educated. The results suggest that organising smallholder farmers into groups can play a positive role in rural poverty reduction. For greater impact, policy makers should promote group formation and participation among smallholder farmers as well as introduce adult literacy classes to improve education levels.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 78-90
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1451349
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1451349
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:1:p:78-90




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Joseph P. Musara
Author-X-Name-First: Joseph P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Musara
Author-Name: Lovemore Musemwa
Author-X-Name-First: Lovemore
Author-X-Name-Last: Musemwa
Author-Name: Munyaradzi Mutenje
Author-X-Name-First: Munyaradzi
Author-X-Name-Last: Mutenje
Author-Name: Abbyssinia Mushunje
Author-X-Name-First: Abbyssinia
Author-X-Name-Last: Mushunje
Author-Name: Charles Pfukwa
Author-X-Name-First: Charles
Author-X-Name-Last: Pfukwa
Title: Market participation and marketing channel preferences by small scale sorghum farmers in semi-arid Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 A fundamental concern of agricultural development is the efficient marketing of goods and services. This paper examines the determinants of market participation and marketing channel choice decisions by small scale sorghum farmers using a case comprising 380 households from five Wards in the mid Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe. Mixed data collection approaches including a questionnaire, observations and focus group discussions were used. Secondary data triangulated and validated farmers’ responses. A double hurdle based on probit and multinomial logit regression models was applied to the two decision making stages. Ninety six percent of the sampled farmers participated in some market as influenced by payment time, number of buyers in the market, age of principal decision maker and distance to market. Three marketing channels were isolated as local, traders and a combination. The local marketing channel dominates due to its convenience and relatively lower transaction costs. Using the local market option as the referent category, weighted average market price of sorghum, number of buyers in the market, distance to the market, dependency ratio and household income are the most robust determinants of marketing channel selection. Sorghum marketing channel options are limited for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. Strengthening cooperative based and extension anchored marketing can reduce the risks associated with relating to external traders who usually exploit farmers for price, payment time and quality requirements. Decentralisation of the sorghum markets and promotion of value addition activities in the sorghum value chain is likely to reduce transaction costs and increase the market size.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 64-77
Issue: 1
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1454334
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1454334
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:1:p:64-77




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Charity R. Nhemachena
Author-X-Name-First: Charity R.
Author-X-Name-Last: Nhemachena
Author-Name: Johann F. Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Author-Name: Frikkie G. Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Title: Estimating and attributing benefits from wheat varietal innovations in South African agriculture
Abstract: 
 It is well accepted that biological innovations, particularly varietal improvements, have greatly contributed to agricultural yield and output growth in the past. At the same time, public funding for breeding programmes such as at the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa has dwindled. In an effort to confirm the importance of continued funding of varietal improvement programmes, this paper estimates the benefits from wheat varietal innovations and attributes them to the different institutional sources (public, private and others) that have contributed to varietal changes in South Africa. The empirical analyses used data on market shares of wheat varieties planted by farmers and annual quantities of wheat produced across different wheat-production areas in South Africa (summer dryland, dryland winter, and irrigation). A vintage regression model was estimated to calculate the proportional yield gain from wheat varietal improvements. The results indicated that the rate of gain in yield as a result of releases of new wheat varieties (variety research) was 0.8 per cent per year (equivalent to 19.84 kg/ha/year) for dryland summer varieties, and 0.5 per cent for both irrigation (equivalent to 32.20 kg/ha/year) and dryland winter varieties (equivalent to 16.65 kg/ha/year). The attribution of benefits among different institutional sources confirms that not accounting for attribution of benefits by source and time period results is overestimation of benefits to any specific research programme. Attribution of benefits by institutional source showed that Sensako dominated, while the share of the ARC-SGI substantially declined, after deregulation of the wheat sub-sector. The results highlight the impact of the decline in public funding for wheat variety improvement research after deregulation and provide a strong argument for continued public funding for variety improvement in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 68-85
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1518150
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1518150
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:68-85




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jan C. Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Author-Name: Philip G. Pardey
Author-X-Name-First: Philip G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Pardey
Title: Measuring Maize in South Africa: The Shifting Structure of Production During the Twentieth Century, 1904–2015
Abstract: 
 Using a new compilation of agricultural data, we find that South Africa increased its total maize production from 328,000 tons in 1904 to 1.68 million tons in 1935, and 12.2 million tons centred on 2015. This 6.1-fold increase in overall maize production since 1935 occurred against a 35.7 per cent reduction in the area planted, made possible by an 8.6-fold increase in average maize yields. While commercial farmers now produce 94.6 per cent of the country’s maize crop (on 87.5 per cent of the maize area), that was not always the case. In 1942 smallholder farmers—operating within the former homeland areas and outside those areas—accounted for 20.6 per cent of production and 40.6 per cent of the planted area. The location of production also changed. While the Free State remains the dominant producer with 38.8 per cent of output and 42.7 per cent of planted area in 2015, other regions have gained considerable ground (e.g., Mpumalanga, which now accounts for 23.5 per cent of production, and the Northern Cape, 6.4 per cent). Other provinces have ceded ground (e.g., the North West accounted for 28.5 per cent of production in 1994, down to 17.3 per cent in 2015). We also quantify the shifting shares of white versus yellow maize. Although white maize is still a significant share of overall production (49.6 per cent in 2015), yellow maize is growing at a faster pace as both the area planted to yellow maize and the yield growth thereof has outpaced that of white maize.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 21-41
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1523017
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1523017
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse
Author-Name: Colin Thirtle
Author-X-Name-First: Colin
Author-X-Name-Last: Thirtle
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: South African wine grape production, 2005–2015: regional comparisons of scale and technical efficiencies and total factor productivity
Abstract: 
 This study compares long established and more recently developed wine regions in South Africa. Deterministic efficiency frontiers produce measures of technical efficiency and technical change over time and the results for scale efficiency for each farm and each year show why the farm size results in previous studies are somewhat weak and contradictory. The scale efficiencies are very close to unity and switch from increasing to decreasing returns frequently over the period. This suggests scale efficiency is not important and although decreasing returns to scale dominates it lessens over time. The Malmquist TFP index is the product of technical change and efficiency change, but the usual contemporaneous version gives unreasonable results, as technical change and efficiency change move violently in opposite directions, making interpretation difficult. Since technological regression is not possible in such a short time period the sequential Malmquist is used as it prevents this occurrence. This shows that technological change has been very limited and that efficiency has also improved very little and thus the Malmquist TFP index has also grown very slowly, which bodes ill for South Africa’s competitive position. The differences between the old and new districts are minimal, but growth was slightly higher in the newer regions.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 53-67
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1537190
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1537190
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:53-67




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Zimbini Mdlulwa
Author-X-Name-First: Zimbini
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdlulwa
Author-Name: Mampe Masemola
Author-X-Name-First: Mampe
Author-X-Name-Last: Masemola
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Sipho Madyo
Author-X-Name-First: Sipho
Author-X-Name-Last: Madyo
Title: Economic analysis of new generation vaccines for control of lumpy skin disease and Rift Valley Fever in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Livestock disease outbreaks in Africa threaten improved animal and human health, increased productivity, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods. Investment into research and development of livestock vaccines has potential to generate new technologies that can benefit the livestock sector and result in control of diseases such as Rift Valley fever (RVF) and lumpy skin disease (LSD). Veterinary research and development efforts have focussed on the development of an improved, combined LSD RVF 2-in-1 vaccine, using new generation technologies. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary research, it is possible to create solid economic arguments that guide policy and investment on strategies for controlling livestock diseases. Using Monte Carlo simulation through various vaccination scenarios this paper evaluates ex-ante the costs and benefits of an LSD RVF 2-in-1 vaccine on dairy production in South Africa. Simulations over a 15 year period yielded positive net present values at R830 641 and R13 954 073 with internal rate of return at 32.4 per cent and 32.9 per cent for small scale and large scale operations, respectively. The results of the study provide decision makers with solid economic arguments regarding the potential benefits of investing in new generation vaccines for control of RVF and LSD. Continuous awareness on the importance of the vaccines, particularly for small-scale farmers is recommended for improved livestock productivity.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 125-140
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1543052
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1543052
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:125-140




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Colleta Gandidzanwa
Author-X-Name-First: Colleta
Author-X-Name-Last: Gandidzanwa
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Title: Quality adjusting agricultural machinery in South Africa
Abstract: 
 This paper quality adjusts machinery inputs for South African agriculture. It does this by treating different qualities of machinery as separate inputs. Thus, quality adjustment becomes quantity adjustment when there is sufficient disaggregation. This matters because many mechanical and chemical inputs have been transformed by technological progress. If this is not taken into account, the inputs are under-counted and total factor productivity (TFP) calculations are not accurate. Gandidzanwa and Liebenberg (2016) estimated the proportion machinery to implements and used this series to scale up the tractor series, instead of assuming fixed proportions. This study quality adjusts the machinery and implements input series by applying a greater level of disaggregation and by careful monitoring of model turnover. The number of models monitored was increased tenfold. Removing tractor improvements resulted in a price index that grew more slowly than the official index. Thus, the tractor stock value series is deflated less and by 2015 was 53% larger than in the official figures. The service flow entering the TFP calculations will be similarly increased, so there is less residual to be attributed to TFP growth. If all the inputs were equally undercounted, the TFP estimate would be double its true value.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 42-52
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1545682
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1545682
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:42-52




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Nienke Beintema
Author-X-Name-First: Nienke
Author-X-Name-Last: Beintema
Author-Name: Kathleen Flaherty
Author-X-Name-First: Kathleen
Author-X-Name-Last: Flaherty
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Title: Public agricultural research and development spending in South Africa – update
Abstract: 
 In developing countries, where few incentives exist for private sector investment in research, public investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) is critical for technological change that stimulates agricultural development, food security and poverty alleviation. This article analyses trends for key indicators in agricultural R&D in South Africa, building on the work of Liebenberg et al. (2011). The paper uses data collected from a range of sources including the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) surveys comprising data for the period 2000–2014. Results show fluctuations in agricultural R&D spending, although there was a general increase in gross spending on R&D at national level, reflecting a continued trend of increased funding for non-agricultural research. Research spending intensity ratios for South Africa remain higher than the recommended 1 per cent. Despite the harsh economic environment and lower than expected economic growth in South Africa since 2011, the government continues to provide the major source of funds for the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). When compared with countries in Africa south of the Sahara, South Africa continues to rank second in agricultural R&D investment, whilst it invests much less than its BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China) counterparts, despite having the highest research intensity ratio. The article supports Liebenberg et al. (2011)’s recommendations for revisiting policies for long term support of agricultural R&D and explores mechanisms for the ARC to establish sustainable funding streams for agricultural R&D. Recommendations for establishing comparable research spending intensity ratios are also made.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 7-20
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1550427
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1550427
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:7-20




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Zwiafhela Naledzani
Author-X-Name-First: Zwiafhela
Author-X-Name-Last: Naledzani
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Kenneth Nhundu
Author-X-Name-First: Kenneth
Author-X-Name-Last: Nhundu
Author-Name: Charles L. Machethe
Author-X-Name-First: Charles L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Machethe
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Title: Economic value of quality restrictions on the wheat industry in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Wheat is South Africa’s second most important grain crop and is produced in winter rainfall, summer rainfall, and irrigation regions. Despite being a net importer of wheat, the country has stringent wheat quality requirements as per the Agricultural Products Act (Act No. 119 of 1990). This paper investigates the effects of the quality requirements in different regions and the wheat industry as whole. Forward regression and benefit–cost analysis were applied to data on wheat area planted, seed adoption rates, prices, and cultivar performance from 1999 to 2016. A total of 31 527 observations from winter, summer and irrigation regions were used, each accounting for 4563, 8824 and 18 140 cases respectively. Forty-nine cultivars were used for trials during this period. Results show that stringent quality requirements have resulted in losses of approximately 39 000 tons from 1999 to 2016. The benefits of pursuing the prevailing quality standards amounted to R400 million while the costs amounted to R514 million, far exceeding the benefits. The resulting benefit–cost ratio was 0.78, implying that for every rand invested in breeding for quality alone, 22 cents is lost. It can be concluded that government intervention through quality standards has led to more losses than gains. In addition, investments made towards quality improvement alone have not been recovered due to the high standards. There are therefore cogent reasons to consider relaxing the quality standards to allow for higher wheat outputs, thus unlocking growth in local wheat production.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 102-112
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1553721
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1553721
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:102-112




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Takalani T. Nevondo
Author-X-Name-First: Takalani T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Nevondo
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Kenneth Nhundu
Author-X-Name-First: Kenneth
Author-X-Name-Last: Nhundu
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Title: Economic returns from investment in beef cattle improvement research in South Africa
Abstract: 
 The national beef cattle improvement scheme was introduced by the South African government with the objective of improving the biological and ecological efficiency of beef production through genetic improvement and enhanced cattle management practices. This has been achieved through various structural and technological changes targeted at increasing beef production and promoting sustainable production systems. Despite the technical success of the programme, and the substantial investment made into it, there is limited information on the returns to investment made in the beef improvement scheme in South Africa. Using time series data from 1970–2014, the study uses an econometric approach modelled through the Almon Polynomial Distribution to estimate the lead period and rate of return from investment in beef cattle improvement research. The lag effect and absence of a lead-time suggest that research impacts beef production in the current year of investment. A marginal rate of return of 32 per cent implies that South Africa received R32 for every rand invested towards the scheme. This suggests that the research investment is worthwhile and motivates for continuation of the beef cattle improvement research given significant and positive economic efficiency measures.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 113-124
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1566080
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1566080
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:113-124




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Colin Thirtle
Author-X-Name-First: Colin
Author-X-Name-Last: Thirtle
Title: Measuring and Explaining Productivity Growth in South African Agriculture
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-2
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1567356
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1567356
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:1-2




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Author-Name: Philip Pardey
Author-X-Name-First: Philip
Author-X-Name-Last: Pardey
Author-Name: Colin Thirtle
Author-X-Name-First: Colin
Author-X-Name-Last: Thirtle
Title: Recalibrating South African agricultural growth: Frikkie Liebenberg in Memoriam
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 3-6
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1567357
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1567357
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:3-6




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kenneth Nhundu
Author-X-Name-First: Kenneth
Author-X-Name-Last: Nhundu
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: Sedzani Nemakhavhani
Author-X-Name-First: Sedzani
Author-X-Name-Last: Nemakhavhani
Author-Name: Mardé Booyse
Author-X-Name-First: Mardé
Author-X-Name-Last: Booyse
Title: Yield and economic benefits of the national cultivar trials for wheat in South Africa: 1998–2016
Abstract: 
 Cultivar choice is an important production decision by which producers aim to achieve highest returns with the lowest risk, for yield optimisation. Cultivar testing through evaluation trials provides information on selected cultivar characteristics and performance under different conditions, which farmers use to minimise risk elements associated with limited cultivar performance information. In South Africa, the Agricultural Research Council conducts national wheat cultivar trials funded from public resources. However, the economic value of the programme remains unknown. The study estimates aggregate economic benefits associated with the programme using data from 1998 to 2016 and attribution methodologies used in other studies, modified within the context of this study. Yield gain estimates are used as indicators to estimate the contribution of seed choice to yield growth at selected levels of the assumed plausible yield gains. Overall, the study estimates that 0.04 ton (40 kg) per hectare of extra wheat yields accrued to wheat producers as a result of cultivar trials in the period under consideration. The net present value was found to be R173 million (in 2016 prices), while South Africa received R4.33 for every Rand invested into the programme. An estimated MIRR of 7 per cent suggests that investments into the programme have been a worthwhile use of public funds. The observed yield gains and favourable efficiency measures motivate continuation of the programme.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 86-101
Issue: 1
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1578671
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1578671
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:1:p:86-101




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: K. van Zyl
Author-X-Name-First: K.
Author-X-Name-Last: van Zyl
Author-Name: H. Vermeulen
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Vermeulen
Author-Name: J.F. Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: J.F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: Determining South African consumers’ willingness to pay for certified Karoo lamb: An application of an experimental auction
Abstract: 
 Changes in the features of food demand and consumption have moved from the mass consumption model towards an increasing qualitative differentiation of products and demand. This movement towards addressing consumers’ demand for food products with more advanced quality attributes has led to increasingly complex food qualification processes and a proliferation of standards. Accompanying these changes in the agro-food system is a growing consumer concern for food safety and quality. One important attribute of “quality” is the origin of a food product. This paper focuses on lamb originating from the Karoo region of South Africa and tests consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for this specific origin attribute of the product. A random nth price auction was conducted to obtain willingness to pay estimates for a premium on a 500g packet of certified Karoo lamb loin chops. Various demographic and behavioural variables were linked to participants’ individual bids in order to determine the possible influence of these variables on participants’ bidding behaviour. A general positive willingness to pay for certified Karoo lamb was observed, with an average premium of R21.80/ kg recorded for loin chops. The impact of additional information was clearly visible as bids increased substantially after additional information regarding the product was introduced.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-20
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847030
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847030
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:1-20




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Henry Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: Henry
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Author-Name: Bennie Grové
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové
Title: Transaction cost analysis of raisins marketing by emerging farmers from Eksteenskuil, South Africa
Abstract: 
 Despite the existing vertically coordinated (specifications contracting) relationship between the raisin producers from Eksteenskuil and their buyer, the farmers still face relatively high transaction costs. High transaction costs may cause the farmers to lose their share in the highly profitable fair-trade market for raisins and consequently decrease the contribution of raisin production to the livelihoods of the farmers from Eksteenskuil. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether a higher degree of vertical coordination will be more appropriate to economise the transaction costs faced by the farmers in order to allow them to continue benefitting from the fair-trade initiative. Based on the application of the frameworks of Mahoney (1992) and Peterson et al. (2001), a higher degree of vertical coordination in the form of a relation-based strategic alliance will be more appropriate than specifications contracting. The complementarity between the farmers and their buyer, created by the fair- trade initiative, contribute to the viability of a more vertically coordinated strategy. Similar incentives for private sector-buyers to procure from emerging farmers may create a similar degree of complementarity, and hence an incentive for such buyers to enter into vertically coordinated relationships with emerging farmers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 21-42
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847033
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847033
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:21-42




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: E.F. Idsardi
Author-X-Name-First: E.F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Idsardi
Author-Name: P.C. Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: P.C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Title: A historical perspective of the link between economic recessions and agricultural trade performance: The case of South Africa’s fruit and wine exports
Abstract: 
 The recent global recession, caused by the financial crisis of 2008–2009, resulted in a significant drop in global merchandise trade. However, international trade in agricultural and food products seemed more resilient. This poses the question as to what extent recent and previous economic recessions have had an effect on the trade flows of these specific products. An understanding of this connection will assist the agricultural sector to pro-actively strategize for future economic downturns in their respective export markets. Hence this study uses South Africa's exports of fresh fruits and wine as a case study and applies an import demand model to analyse the relationship between export flows, several demand factors and economic shocks in its traditional export markets over the last 28 years. The results reveal that change in real per capita income is a much more significant determinant of import demand for South Africa's fruit and wine than the incidence of an economic recession. Contrary to general perceptions, economic downturns even positively affected the import demand for wine and apples.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 43-65
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847034
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847034
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:43-65




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Bridget Jari
Author-X-Name-First: Bridget
Author-X-Name-Last: Jari
Author-Name: Jeanette D. Snowball
Author-X-Name-First: Jeanette D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Snowball
Author-Name: Gavin C.G. Fraser
Author-X-Name-First: Gavin C.G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Fraser
Title: Is Fairtrade in commercial farms justifiable? Its impact on commercial and small-scale producers in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Fairtrade initially was limited to improving the lives of small-scale and peasant farmers, but later on it embraced commercial farmers, which attracted criticism. While there are a number of justifications for the Fairtrade organization's decision, there are authors who feel that meaningful “fair trade” cannot be achieved with the inclusion of commercial farms. This paper investigates the impact of Fairtrade on commercial farms and small-scale farmer cooperatives in South Africa. Fairtrade on South African commercial farms embraces a number of policy concerns related to land reform, BEE and sustainable development. The results of the study show that when commercial farms are included in the Fairtrade model, communities in which these farmers live benefit from developmental projects. In addition, in some instances, farm workers gain shares in the commercial farms, and benefit from the farm owners’ knowledge and capital.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 66-88
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847036
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847036
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:66-88




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.L. Mabuza
Author-X-Name-First: M.L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mabuza
Author-Name: G.F. Ortmann
Author-X-Name-First: G.F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann
Author-Name: E. Wale
Author-X-Name-First: E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale
Title: Socio-economic and institutional factors constraining participation of Swaziland's mushroom producers in mainstream markets: An application of the value chain approach
Abstract: 
 Mushrooms have been cultivated in Swaziland since 2001 as part of a long-term programme that seeks to improve rural livelihoods through commercial production of non-conventional high-value commodities. Despite the availability of niche markets, and various forms of support received by producers, Swaziland is still a net importer of locally consumed cultivated mushrooms. This study uses a value chain approach to identify the underlying factors constraining local production and producers’ participation in mainstream markets. Understanding the nature of these constraints and how they can possibly be alleviated is very important from a policy perspective as this process will inform the formulation of improved market access strategies required to achieve the programme's overall objective. The results indicate that availability of marketable surplus is affected by production constraints emanating from lack of access to key inputs and services, which are centralised and fully controlled by the government. While producers currently attain higher gross margins (in absolute value and as a proportion of consumer price) compared with other actors in alternative marketing channels, their efforts to participate more profitably in mainstream markets are hampered by poor value chain governance and lack of vertical coordination, subjecting both producers and buyers to various forms of transaction costs. In attempting to address the identified constraints, this study calls for privatisation of key services, allowing the government to assume a monitoring role. Further recommendations are also made towards institutionalising and strengthening collective marketing under different options, which reflect producers’ socio-economic status and the prevailing institutional environment in Swaziland.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 89-112
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847037
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847037
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:89-112




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S. Sharaunga
Author-X-Name-First: S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sharaunga
Author-Name: M. Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Author-Name: E. Wale
Author-X-Name-First: E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale
Title: Values rural households in KwaZulu-Natal hold towards forests and their participation in community-based forest management
Abstract: 
 Community-based forest management (CBFM) is the internationally recognised model in which sustainable use of communal forest resources is assured. However, some authors have asserted that policy makers should understand the values communities hold towards forests before recommending strategies for CBFM. This study used Principal Component Analysis to identify the values rural households in KwaZulu-Natal hold towards forests. The Multinomial Logit Model was then used to investigate whether the values households hold towards forests, among other socio-economic and institutional factors, influence households’ decisions to participate in self-initiated CBFM programmes. The study found that households’ decisions to participate in community forest management depend, not only on the values they hold towards forests, but also on the forest management strategy being pursued. If a protection-oriented management strategy is pursued, households that hold more bio-centric values are more likely to participate, while households that hold more anthropocentric values towards forests are more likely to participate in managing forests when a utilisation-oriented strategy is pursued. Since rural households in KwaZulu-Natal are poor and overwhelmingly hold anthropocentric values towards forests, it was recommended that following the utilisation-oriented forests management strategy to meet the utilitarian needs of the communities would improve household participation, while reducing poverty and ensuring sustainable forest management.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 113-147
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847039
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847039
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:113-147




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kent Olson
Author-X-Name-First: Kent
Author-X-Name-Last: Olson
Title: Trends, issues, threats, and opportunities affecting farmers
Abstract: 
 Change is always upon us. How we respond is the question. In this talk, I look at the world from a producer's or farmer's perspective in the bigger industry called agriculture. I focus mainly on conditions and trends in the macro-environment, causes of change, and who is making strategic moves. I discuss the trends and issues raised by these questions in terms of what we as economists can do to address them with our research and teaching and as decision makers in farms, businesses, government, non-government organizations, and academia. I start with four large trends and issues: population growth, climate change, the global economy, and energy. I also briefly discuss resource availability, environmental concerns, technology, supply chains, structural change, policy, and smallholder farming. For each issue, I suggest questions and needed analyses that we as economists could address and help farmers and many others deal with these changes and improve the likelihood of a better future. We economists have the tools and ability to help them answer these questions and help them build robust strategies that will allow them to change, survive, and prosper in a world that is always changing.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 148-167
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Year: 2013
Month: 12
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2013.847040
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2013.847040
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:148-167




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: Tamás Imre Fényes 13 September 1943 to 7 April 2017
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 402-403
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1371530
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1371530
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:402-403




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Machiweyi Kunzekweguta
Author-X-Name-First: Machiweyi
Author-X-Name-Last: Kunzekweguta
Author-Name: Karl M. Rich
Author-X-Name-First: Karl M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Rich
Author-Name: Michael C. Lyne
Author-X-Name-First: Michael C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Lyne
Title: Factors affecting adoption and intensity of conservation agriculture techniques applied by smallholders in Masvingo district, Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 This study investigates factors influencing both the use of conservation agriculture (CA) and the intensity of its uptake amongst 237 smallholders sampled in the Masvingo district of Zimbabwe. The intensity of uptake was measured using an index that accounted for the number of CA components used, their relative importance, and the rate and extent of their application. Previous studies ignore some or all of these important aspects of uptake. The determinants of use and intensity were identified using a double hurdle model. Although most smallholders applied the reduced tillage or crop rotation components of CA, few combined these practices with mulching. Farm size and experience with CA technology impacted positively on the current use of CA, while distance from town (market) and ownership of an ox-drawn plough reduced the intensity of its uptake. Sensitivity analysis showed that these results change when partial measures of CA uptake are used, emphasising the importance of establishing a comprehensive measure of intensity. Policy implications include a need for institutional change to improve smallholder access to cropland, more participatory approaches to agricultural extension, and more convenient access to farm inputs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 330-346
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1371616
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1371616
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:330-346




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Gaudiose Mujawamariya
Author-X-Name-First: Gaudiose
Author-X-Name-Last: Mujawamariya
Author-Name: Florent M. Kinkingninhoun Medagbe
Author-X-Name-First: Florent M. Kinkingninhoun
Author-X-Name-Last: Medagbe
Author-Name: Aziz Karimov
Author-X-Name-First: Aziz
Author-X-Name-Last: Karimov
Title: Integrating quantified risk in efficiency analysis: evidence from rice production in East and Southern Africa
Abstract: 
 Rice production is constrained by inefficient use of inputs, limited adoption of technologies and a risky environment that includes biotic and abiotic constraints. The current analysis separates the risk effect from other measurement errors and non-systematic influences by adjusting the production to the proportion of the quantified crop losses resulting from these constraints. The technical efficiency estimates associated with observed and adjusted production levels are obtained using data from the Rice Statistics survey of 2009 in Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda. Risk aggravates farmers’ inefficiency; continuous efforts are needed to mitigate risks in order to increase production.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 383-401
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1387580
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1387580
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:383-401




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Julia Harper
Author-X-Name-First: Julia
Author-X-Name-Last: Harper
Title: Food Security in South Africa: Human Rights and Entitlement Perspectives
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 404-405
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1389126
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1389126
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:404-405




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Julius Manda
Author-X-Name-First: Julius
Author-X-Name-Last: Manda
Author-Name: Makaiko G. Khonje
Author-X-Name-First: Makaiko G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Khonje
Author-Name: Arega D. Alene
Author-X-Name-First: Arega D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Alene
Author-Name: Therese Gondwe
Author-X-Name-First: Therese
Author-X-Name-Last: Gondwe
Title: Welfare impacts of improved groundnut varieties in eastern Zambia: A heterogeneous treatment effects approach
Abstract: 
 This paper examines the welfare impacts of improved groundnut varieties in eastern Zambia using data from a survey of over 600 households. We use the stratification-multilevel, matching-smoothing, and smoothing-differencing methods to analyse how treatment effects vary with the propensity to adopt improved groundnut varieties. We find consistent results across the models indicating that crop yields and incomes increase significantly with the propensity to adopt improved groundnut varieties. The results point to the need for policies and strategies that increase access to market information and overcome the constraints to adoption for realising the benefits from improved groundnut varieties in Zambia.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 313-329
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1400447
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1400447
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:313-329




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Dawit Tsegaye Sisay
Author-X-Name-First: Dawit Tsegaye
Author-X-Name-Last: Sisay
Author-Name: Frans J. H. M. Verhees
Author-X-Name-First: Frans J. H. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Verhees
Author-Name: Hans C. M. van Trijp
Author-X-Name-First: Hans C. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: van Trijp
Title: The influence of market orientation on firm performance and members’ livelihood in Ethiopian seed producer cooperatives
Abstract: 
 The positive effects of market orientation and its components on firm performance are empirically supported by studies conducted for large firms in developed economies. However, its influence on performance in developing and emerging (D&amp;E) economies, particularly under a cooperative's context, has been under-researched. This paper examines the impact of market orientation components on the performance of seed producer cooperatives (SPCs) in Ethiopia. Results show that customer orientation, interfunctional coordination, and supplier orientation, but not competitor orientation, contribute to higher business performance. Our findings confirm that customer orientation is the key factor for superior business performance in D&amp;E economies. Business performance has a mediating effect between market orientation components and livelihood performance. Interfunctional coordination and supplier orientation influence the livelihood of member farmers both directly and indirectly via business performance. The study concludes that market orientation of SPCs is very important for business performance and provides a strong basis for the livelihood of seed producer families. SPCs can improve their performance and the livelihood of member-farmer families by implementing market oriented strategies, emphasising the key components of market orientation.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 366-382
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1409126
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1409126
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:366-382




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: John N. Ng’ombe
Author-X-Name-First: John N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ng’ombe
Title: Technical efficiency of smallholder maize production in Zambia: a stochastic meta-frontier approach
Abstract: 
 We determine and compare technical efficiency (TE), technology gap ratios (TGRs) and meta-frontier technical efficiency (MTEs) of maize production between regions using nationally representative panel data collected from 4001 smallholder farm households in Zambia. We estimate the stochastic meta-frontier and region-specific stochastic frontiers based on the ‘true random effects’ framework. Our results show variations in efficiency measures and that smallholder maize production is characterised by increasing returns to scale across all regions, which clearly suggest maize farmers to reduce their average long-term costs by increasing their production scale. We find that some regions are on average more technically efficient than others while those with TE values exceeding 90 per cent operate further below their potential output than those with moderate TE values. Similarly, farm households from regions whose mean TE values are about 90 per cent employ inferior farming techniques to those employed by farmers from regions whose mean TE values are lower. This is in part due to industry-wide specific environmental factors. Most importantly, we find no region to have maize farmers that adopt the most advanced techniques. Results further indicate that all provinces have had either lower or higher TEs, TGRs and MTEs in one period than in another. Generally, our results point to the need to promote superior techniques that would withstand industry-wide specific environmental factors. While it is not possible to find the many reasons for wide variations in TEs, TGRs, and MTEs across regions and time, our results make novel contributions to literature.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 347-365
Issue: 4
Volume: 56
Year: 2017
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2017.1409127
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2017.1409127
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:56:y:2017:i:4:p:347-365




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T.S. Dlamini
Author-X-Name-First: T.S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Dlamini
Author-Name: G.C.G. Fraser
Author-X-Name-First: G.C.G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Fraser
Author-Name: B. Grové
Author-X-Name-First: B.
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové
Title: Economics of meat production from springbuck in the Eastern Cape Karoo
Abstract: The feasibility of springbuck based meat production in the Eastern Cape Karoo was analysed through a stochastic budgeting model, while openly 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 in high demand in European markets and more recently, with a promising and increasing 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 friendly rangelands utilisation economic systems intensifies, rangelands owners in the Eastern Cape Karoo have a practicable option. At the very least, an alternative to broaden their incomes with springbuckbased meat production exists.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-20
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649533
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649533
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:1-20




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: M.A.T.J. Mapila
Author-X-Name-First: M.A.T.J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mapila
Author-Name: J. Njuki
Author-X-Name-First: J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Njuki
Author-Name: R. J. Delve
Author-X-Name-First: R. J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Delve
Author-Name: S. Zingore
Author-X-Name-First: S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Zingore
Author-Name: J. Matibini
Author-X-Name-First: J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Matibini
Title: Determinants of fertiliser use by smallholder maize farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia
Abstract: Farm surveys in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique were carried out to assess the determinants of fertiliser use given continued low yields, low organic matter and general poor soil health in southern African soils. Regression modelling showed that fertiliser use was influenced by household and farm characteristics. In addition, it was also influenced by social and human capital and farmers’ perceptions of the effect of fertilisers on soil fertility. Farmers who perceived fertilisers as bad for their soil were less likely to adopt their use. This is a key result, as the emerging discussions on a green revolution for Africa, as well as the continued food crisis discussion, are prompting increased fertiliser use as an immediate intervention for increasing nutrient inputs into agriculture in the developing world. Increased policy efforts should be placed not only on increasing access to fertilisers but also on evolving farmers’ perceptions and attitudes towards fertiliser use.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 21-41
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649534
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649534
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:21-41




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: L. Alsemgeest
Author-X-Name-First: L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Alsemgeest
Author-Name: A.v.A. Smit
Author-X-Name-First: A.v.A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Smit
Title: Customer satisfaction of agricultural business units: The case of a major South African agricultural business
Abstract: Very little research has been done on business units within an agricultural business, especially with regard to customer satisfaction. It could be beneficial for managers of agricultural businesses to determine which business units perform the best and the worst in terms of customer satisfaction and which units most influence customer satisfaction. A major agricultural business in central South Africa took part in this quantitative research study of which the target population was all active customers providing income above R100 000 to the agricultural business. The response rate was 35.8 per cent. The results indicated that customer satisfaction towards retail shops has the biggest impact on overall satisfaction of all the business units. Almost 99 per cent of the respondents make use of this business unit and retail shops are generally considered to be the “window” through which customers view the agricultural business. The best performing business unit was grain storage, while mechanisation (workshops) was considered to be the worst performing business unit for the participating business. When these two business units were tested separately from the other business units, it was found that mechanisation (workshops) had the biggest impact on customer satisfaction, indicating that if the participating business were to consider improving customer satisfaction of the agricultural business as a whole, it should rather focus on the worst performing business unit, because a small improvement in the customer satisfaction of this business unit could increase customer satisfaction substantially for the business as a whole.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 83-95
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649536
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649536
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:83-95




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S.A. Neeliah
Author-X-Name-First: S.A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Neeliah
Author-Name: D. Goburdhun
Author-X-Name-First: D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Goburdhun
Author-Name: H. Neeliah
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Neeliah
Title: Are Mauritian fishery exporters minding the standards gap?
Abstract: Recent literature has provided evidence that exporters of agro-food products from developing countries experience problems in meeting sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures of developed countries. The objective of this paper is to determine whether fishery products exporters from Mauritius, a southern African small island developing state, also face similar issues. It first provides an overview of fishery products exports from Mauritius, before reviewing SPS requirements facing exporters. This paper finally reports on the findings of a survey conducted among Mauritian fish exporters to assess the importance of SPS measures as a factor affecting exports. Results show that SPS requirements have not acted as a major barrier for Mauritian exports to the European market but in fact have provided them with a competitive edge. It was, however, acknowledged that SPS requirements and private voluntary standards, to a smaller extent, were increasing in importance. The most important reported factors affecting exports are freight, and other direct export costs. The findings also show that the majority of fishery exporters have adopted a reactive compliance strategy. It is therefore proposed that Mauritian exporters should adopt a more proactive approach in their compliance strategy, increasingly moving towards new market opportunities such as private food safety standards.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 59-82
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649539
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649539
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:59-82




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: B. Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: B.
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Title: Are hunting clubs the solution to small stock depredation? The case of Ceres, 1979 and 1980
Abstract: In 1979 and 1980 predators were under control on sheep farms in the Ceres Karoo. At the time, a subsidised hunting club assisted landowners with predator control measures. A farm-level analysis of data from the Ceres hunting club's logbooks reveals that four out of five farms have experienced no predator damage whatsoever. For those reporting problems, the typical loss was in the region of one per cent of the estimated turnover. Lynx (caracal), leopards and feral dogs were responsible for most of the damage. Black-backed jackals were not a serious concern, but were also more difficult to catch. Lynx and feral dogs were controlled with ease. Death of some innocent animals was also recorded. The hunting club system thus appears to be succeeding in controlling certain predators, albeit with adverse consequences to other animals. Exploratory statistical analysis establishes that livestock losses lead to increased control efforts, which in turn leads to the death of more targeted and untargeted animals. There is even some evidence that more control efforts reduce stock losses in the following year.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 96-113
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649540
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649540
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:96-113




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T. Shiimi
Author-X-Name-First: T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Shiimi
Author-Name: P.R. Taljaard
Author-X-Name-First: P.R.
Author-X-Name-Last: Taljaard
Author-Name: H. Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Title: Transaction costs and cattle farmers’ choice of marketing channel in North-Central Namibia
Abstract: About 70 per cent of the Namibian population depends on agricultural activities for their livelihood. Moreover, agriculture remains an important sector in Namibia owing to the fact that 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 market. Efforts have been made to encourage producers to market their cattle through the formal market; however, these proved to be futile as the strategy yielded limited improvements. In this study, a number of variables have been analysed to determine factors that influence cattle marketing decisions. Factors influencing the marketing decision on whether to sell or not sell through the formal market have been analyzed using the Probit model. Factors influencing the amount of cattle sold through the formal market, assuming that a producer uses the formal market to sell cattle, were analysed using the Truncated model. Testing the Tobit model against the alternative of a two-part model was done using Cragg's model. Results from empirical research suggest that problems with transportation to MeatCo, marketing experience and the age of cattle producers are some of the factors that significantly influence the decision whether or not sell through the formal market. The accessibility of marketingrelated information, accessibility of new information technology, the age of respondents and a lack of improved productivity are some of the factors that influence 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 dual decision-making framework instead of a single decision-making framework.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 42-58
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649543
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.649543
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:1:p:42-58




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Luke Metelerkamp
Author-X-Name-First: Luke
Author-X-Name-Last: Metelerkamp
Author-Name: Scott Drimie
Author-X-Name-First: Scott
Author-X-Name-Last: Drimie
Author-Name: Reinette Biggs
Author-X-Name-First: Reinette
Author-X-Name-Last: Biggs
Title: We’re ready, the system’s not – youth perspectives on agricultural careers in South Africa
Abstract: 
 In light of rising levels of youth unemployment in South Africa, now at 50 per cent, research was undertaken to better understand the paradox of young people turning away from agricultural employment in spite of such high levels of unemployment in the country. The research brings to light new evidence of youth perspectives on contemporary attitudes, experiences and expectations of work in the agricultural sector in South Africa.The research took a narrative-based approach using SenseMaker as a tool for blended qualitative and quantitative data collection. A sample of 573 youth narratives was drawn from across three sites in the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.Findings show that attitudes towards careers in agriculture vary greatly. While a set of negative perceptions emerged from the narratives as anticipated, approximately one third of the respondents expressed a clear interest in and passion for agriculture. This interest persisted in spite of a range of pervasive social norms and stigmas. However, these positive aspirations tended to be at odds with the kinds of jobs created by an increasingly corporatised food regime.The research addresses two key policy documents: The National Development Plan and the National Youth Policy, contributing toward the growing body of literature seeking to understand how agricultural policy based on principles of “accumulation from below” may be formulated. It also provides an empirical evidence base for activists, educators and policy-makers interested in the role of the agricultural sector in addressing youth unemployment in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 154-179
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1564680
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1564680
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:154-179




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Woldegebrial Zeweld
Author-X-Name-First: Woldegebrial
Author-X-Name-Last: Zeweld
Author-Name: Guido Van Huylenbroeck
Author-X-Name-First: Guido
Author-X-Name-Last: Van Huylenbroeck
Author-Name: Girmay Tesfay
Author-X-Name-First: Girmay
Author-X-Name-Last: Tesfay
Author-Name: Stijn Speelman
Author-X-Name-First: Stijn
Author-X-Name-Last: Speelman
Title: Impacts of socio-psychological factors on smallholder farmers’ risk attitudes: empirical evidence and implications
Abstract: 
 In the literature, there are limited studies on how socio-psychological factors affect farmers' attitudes towards risks. Therefore, this paper looks into this issue in Ethiopia for better understanding of how socio-psychological issues influence farmers' risk attitudes. The study uses data from a cross-sectional survey and a generalised ordered logistic regression is used to analyse the data. The findings show that farmers perceive natural hazards, input and output price volatility, technological risks, financial shocks and human security as the main sources of risks for agricultural production and livelihoods. Farmers’ risk attitudes were assessed dividing them into three categories from more to less risk averse. Education, relational capital, attitudes, group membership, technical training and household sise were found to be the factors influencing farmers’ risk attitudes. Farmers who can read and write, who have strong social capital and who have received training are less risk averse. Finally, this study confirms the importance of positive attitudes, strong social capital (group membership and relational capital) and satisfactory competence to motivate farmers to take risks related to technological innovations and others in the agricultural production. Therefore, attention should be given to specific initiatives to enhance their awareness, build their adaptive capacity to shocks and hazards, provide timely and up-to-date information, and improve their skills and knowledge. These issues would help to avert the risk aversion of smallholder farmers, who are usually thought to be risk-averse in low-income economies and to stimulate them to adopt sustainable agriculture and technological innovations, which are expected to improve agricultural production and enhance the tolerance of local systems for risks and shocks.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 253-279
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1570284
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1570284
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:253-279




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Marilene van Biljon
Author-X-Name-First: Marilene
Author-X-Name-Last: van Biljon
Author-Name: Deon Scott
Author-X-Name-First: Deon
Author-X-Name-Last: Scott
Title: The importance of biological asset disclosures to the relevant user groups
Abstract: 
 Financial statements are prepared and presented to reflect an organisation’s financial position and financial performance and to provide useful information for decision-making (IASB, 2018a). The underlying accounting policies and related notes on biological assets must be presented in such a way that users can understand the transactions and valuation considerations that affect their performance (IASB, 2018a). Financial statement valuations and disclosures are informed by the requirements of the prescribed International Accounting Standards, which presumes that users “have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities and accounting and have a willingness to study the information with reasonable diligence” (IASB, 2018a). The accounting standards thus urges reporters to consider the usefulness of the information disclosed in the financial statements, as it may influence the decisions of users (IASB, 2018a). In systematically documenting the decision-enhancing disclosure for biological assets as required by users, the reporters have a comprehensive guideline to ensure that the disclosure is objective and a more accurate presentation of the real value. A consideration of the expectations of reporters may also address the general biological asset valuation challenges experienced in the industry. The detailed disclosures might attract investments, enhance market comparability and assist the users of the related financial information to understand the performance of biological assets.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 244-252
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1570285
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1570285
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:244-252




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Michael Aliber
Author-X-Name-First: Michael
Author-X-Name-Last: Aliber
Title: Forms of agricultural support and the “culture of dependency and entitlement”
Abstract: 
 The paper is based on a study that sought to understand the nature of the interaction between small-scale farmers and government in the Eastern Cape from a variety of different perspectives. The study involved a sample survey of farmers, and in-depth interviews with farmers, extension officers and other government staff, and leaders of farmer associations. This particular paper explores two themes that emerged in the course of the larger study: first, what is popularly known in South Africa and elsewhere as the “culture of dependency and entitlement”, and second, the forms of support that government chooses to offer to small-scale farmers. The paper argues that government is stuck in a vicious cycle whereby it seeks to placate expectant small-scale farmers with material support, which it can most effectively do via problematic group projects; although generally ineffective, the practice has the effect of maintaining widespread demand for such support, even to the point that small-scale farmers form group projects for the sole purpose of attracting it. In seeking to compensate for the weaknesses of this approach, government has sought to introduce compensatory measures such as “strategic partnerships”, sometimes with the ironic consequence that small-scale farmers no longer play a role in farming in “their” agricultural projects. The paper concludes that the government in the Eastern Cape needs to return to the basics of effective extension support aimed at supporting individual farmers; to the extent material support is still needed, it should no longer be given away for free.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 141-153
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1575249
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1575249
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:141-153




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Maria Sassi
Author-X-Name-First: Maria
Author-X-Name-Last: Sassi
Author-Name: Yonas Abera Mamo
Author-X-Name-First: Yonas
Author-X-Name-Last: Abera Mamo
Title: Vertical price transmission in the white teff market in Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 The paper contributes to the scant literature on vertical price transmission between farmers and retailers in the white teff market in Ethiopia, investigating the features of this phenomenon across the most important production regions. Using Vector Error Correction and Threshold Vector Error Correction models, our study complements the traditional investigations of linear vertical integration with the analysis of possible asymmetries in price transmission. We adopted monthly retail price series from July 2004 until January 2014. The retail price allowed us a better understanding of how an inefficient market system taxes consumers than did the wholesale price normally used in the literature. We found a low speed of vertical price co-integration for white teff with different features at the regional level. Our results show linear or symmetric price transmission for the Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region regions, revealing the relative efficiency and competitiveness of the market. On the other hand, we found the presence of non-linear price transmission for the Oromia and Tigrai regions; this asymmetry result pronounced towards positive price shocks implying a persistent price rise that worsens the livelihood of final users. Based on our findings, we suggest, among other measures, providing better market infrastructure, encouraging market participation for the product, introducing and disseminating cultures and institutions that bring producers and sellers closer, increasing the productivity of producers and the supply of their produce, and strengthening farmers’ organisation as measures of policy intervention to enhance efficiency and competitiveness of the white teff supply chain in Ethiopia.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 229-243
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1578672
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1578672
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:229-243




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Luke Humphrey
Author-X-Name-First: Luke
Author-X-Name-Last: Humphrey
Author-Name: Gavin Fraser
Author-X-Name-First: Gavin
Author-X-Name-Last: Fraser
Author-Name: Grant Martin
Author-X-Name-First: Grant
Author-X-Name-Last: Martin
Title: The Economic Implications of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) on Agricultural Production in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is an invasive deciduous, broad-leaved tree that has the potential to be widely distributed across South Africa. It has invaded all nine South African provinces. The potential economic impact of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production stems from the tree’s ability to reduce the carrying capacity for livestock. This study estimated the potential economic implications of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production in South Africa, specifically the livestock sector. R. pseudoacacia’s potential distribution was calculated by using a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MaxEnt. The distribution of livestock, based on grazing capacity (ha/large stock unit) in South Africa, was then determined. The potential direct economic impacts were estimated by assessing the impact of the potential distribution of R. pseudoacacia on the carrying capacity for livestock. The results showed that an infestation of R. pseudoacacia has the potential to reduce the total gross margin in the livestock sector by between approximately R135 million and R674 million, dependent on the level of invasion. The potential levels of foregone income and business activity found in this study reaffirm the need to devote resources to develop a viable, economical and effective control.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 216-228
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1580591
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1580591
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:216-228




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Solomon Bizuayehu Wassie
Author-X-Name-First: Solomon Bizuayehu
Author-X-Name-Last: Wassie
Author-Name: Gashaw Tadesse Abate
Author-X-Name-First: Gashaw Tadesse
Author-X-Name-Last: Abate
Author-Name: Tanguy Bernard
Author-X-Name-First: Tanguy
Author-X-Name-Last: Bernard
Title: Revisiting farm size-productivity relationship: New empirical evidence from Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 Are small farms more productive? With this question in mind, this study revisits the farm size–productivity relationship and explores potential explanations using a unique plot-level data from predominantly wheat producers in Ethiopia. Overall, we find that small plots are more productive than large plots. We next test the conventional explanations hypothesised in the literature – labour market imperfection related to costly monitoring of hired workers and omitted variable bias related to soil quality – and find that neither of them essentially explains the inverse relationship. More importantly, we account for agricultural intensification and found no relationship between plot size and productivity. This suggests that the inverse relationship posited in the literature could simply arise from neglecting the impact of agricultural intensification.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 180-199
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1586554
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1586554
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:180-199




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Joanita Kataike
Author-X-Name-First: Joanita
Author-X-Name-Last: Kataike
Author-Name: Jowel Kulaba
Author-X-Name-First: Jowel
Author-X-Name-Last: Kulaba
Author-Name: Andrew Ronnie Mugenyi
Author-X-Name-First: Andrew Ronnie
Author-X-Name-Last: Mugenyi
Author-Name: Hans De Steur
Author-X-Name-First: Hans
Author-X-Name-Last: De Steur
Author-Name: Xavier Gellynck
Author-X-Name-First: Xavier
Author-X-Name-Last: Gellynck
Title: Would you purchase milk from a milk ATM? Consumers’ attitude as a key determinant of preference and purchase intention in uganda
Abstract: 
 Though consumer studies have received significant attention in the field of marketing management, research on consumer attitude towards food supply technologies is needed. This paper investigates the relationship between consumer attitude and preference towards the usage of a ‘milk ATM’ as the point of sale. Based on data obtained from 296 consumers (convenient sampling), PLS-SEM was used to analyse the proposed conceptual framework. Furthermore, multiple group analysis was conducted to test for group differences between male and female consumers. The findings reveal that whereas the consumer utilitarian and hedonic values are significantly related to preference towards milk ATM purchase intentions, the former are more strongly related to preference than hedonic values. Moreover, there are significant differences between male and female consumers regarding the effect of utilitarian consumer attitude on preference. As a response to consumption goals of trading pasteurised milk, the findings demonstrate that milk ATM consumers are motivated by numerous value dimensions. These dimensions additively contribute to preference and intentions to purchase milk from milk ATMs. This research informs the policy makers and practitioners about the potential of milk ATMs as a point of sale for milk. However, to realise this potential, it is necessary for investors to further examine the core values sought by the consumers and improve in that core value delivery.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 200-215
Issue: 2
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1589543
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1589543
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:2:p:200-215




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sheryl L. Hendriks
Author-X-Name-First: Sheryl L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Hendriks
Title: Food policy and nutrition economics in the SDG era
Abstract: 
 Despite significant global interest in food policy since the 1974 food price crisis, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the first set of international development commitments in which the narrow focus of hunger and poverty explicitly include nutrition (SDG2) &#x2013; beyond only health indicators related to maternal and child health indicators. This recent (re)appreciation of the role of nutrition as a fundamental element of development policy and a driver of economic growth generates the need for new analytical tools to determine the potential nutritional gains of development programmes and policies as well as the costs of not acting on nutrition imperatives in multisectoral public policy initiatives. This shifts the focus of policy analysis towards multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary domains, creating a need for training and research that spans multiple disciplines in which most graduates and professionals do not yet have the training and tools to conduct appropriate analyses. Capacity is essential to address critical skills shortages and high demand and professional development to keep pace with change. This paper identifies what the implications of recent development imply for agricultural economics training institutions, research and the profession in general and in particular in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 167-180
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1479974
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1479974
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:167-180




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Karen Brooks
Author-X-Name-First: Karen
Author-X-Name-Last: Brooks
Title: Rising absolutely, declining relatively: agriculture, climate change, and job creation in Africa
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 181-197
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1538002
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1538002
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:181-197




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Philemon Kiprono
Author-X-Name-First: Philemon
Author-X-Name-Last: Kiprono
Author-Name: Tomoya Matsumoto
Author-X-Name-First: Tomoya
Author-X-Name-Last: Matsumoto
Title: Roads and farming: the effect of infrastructure improvement on agricultural intensification in South-Western Kenya
Abstract: 
 Combining new longitudinal and geo-referenced road map data with household panel survey data targeting rural smallholder farmers in South-Western Kenya, we implement a fixed effect (FE) estimation with other controls to assess the causal impact of the change in road access from 2004 to 2012 on the change in farming practices such as hybrid seed adoption, fertiliser intensification, high value crops adoption and market participation for milk and cereals. We construct effective time distance indicators which measures the shortest driving time to the nearest market and nearest large town. We find evidence of diversification into high value crops farming, fertiliser intensification and milk market participation in areas experiencing improved roads. It suggests that the recent road infrastructure investment in South-Western Kenya foster agricultural productivity and market participation by rural smallholder farmers. Also, it implies that the investment has the pro-poor effect since the road improvement occurred in more remote areas.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 198-220
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1518149
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1518149
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:198-220




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: S.M. Ntombela
Author-X-Name-First: S.M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ntombela
Author-Name: M. Kalaba
Author-X-Name-First: M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalaba
Author-Name: H. Bohlmann
Author-X-Name-First: H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Bohlmann
Title: Estimating trade elasticities for South Africa&#x2019;s agricultural commodities for use in policy modelling
Abstract: 
 The computable general equilibrium (CGE) model is often used to analyse the effects of policy changes because of its ability to capture multi-sectoral inter-linkages within the economy. The results of a CGE analysis largely depend on the database, policy shock and elasticities. Trade elasticities, such as the Armington elasticities, play a central role in CGE models to determine the demand substitution between commodities from different sources as a result of changes in relative prices. Because of their role, modellers are keen to know the correct elasticities for use in CGE models. Despite their importance, elasticities for South African agricultural commodities are outdated, leaving researchers to rely on value judgements. We address this limitation by estimating the Armington and export supply elasticities for individual and aggregate agricultural commodities using updated time-series data (1980&#x2013;2016). The results for the two sets of trade elasticities show that estimates for an aggregate agriculture tend to be inelastic compared to estimates for an individual product, indicating a higher sensitivity of products to relative price changes. The Armington estimates were found to be closer to unity for the majority of products, suggesting that agricultural imports are imperfect substitutes for domestic products. The export supply elasticities for grains were found to be more elastic than for fruit and meat, implying that domestic grain production is relatively more responsive to price changes in the export markets. The long-run estimates for the two sets of elasticities were found to be larger than the short-run estimates for all agricultural products.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 221-232
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1518724
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1518724
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:221-232




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Michael Kamoyo
Author-X-Name-First: Michael
Author-X-Name-Last: Kamoyo
Author-Name: Albert Makochekanwa
Author-X-Name-First: Albert
Author-X-Name-Last: Makochekanwa
Title: The impact of poverty, risk aversion and time preference on maize marketing channel choice decisions: the case of Zvimba and Makonde districts of Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 The study deployed the experimental and behavioural economics toolkit to determine how risk aversion attitude, time preference and poverty status influenced farmers&#x2019; marketing channel preferences between the state-owned Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the private buyer market. Following maize market deregulation and subsequent entry of private buyers in the Zimbabwean grain sector, marginalised poor farmers remained confined to the low return private buyer market that offered very low prices, as they avoided GMB whose payment plan was uncertain and delayed. The question therefore was: To what extent did farmers&#x2019; risk aversion attitude and time preference explain the poor farmers&#x2019; choice for low return private buyer market at the expense of the high return GMB market? Using survey data obtained from 433 maize farmers in Makonde and Zvimba districts, an instrumental variable probit regression model was estimated. The results confirmed that risk aversion attitude and time preferences (as measured by farmers&#x2019; discount rate) reduced the likelihood of a farmer participating in a high return state-owned GMB market. Poor farmers were found to be more risk averse and impatient than non-poor farmers in marketing channel selection. Their high risk aversion attitude and impatience constituted the greatest market impediments that restricted them to the low return private buyer market. To make agricultural markets work for poverty reduction the study recommended that policies that promote the development of risk transfer markets and futures markets for maturity transformation of farmers&#x2019; payments are critical in guaranteeing effective participation of poor households in high return markets.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 233-250
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1523016
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1523016
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:233-250




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Raphael Gitau
Author-X-Name-First: Raphael
Author-X-Name-Last: Gitau
Author-Name: Ferdi Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdi
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Title: Spatial market integration in the era of high food prices. A case of surplus and deficit maize markets in Kenya
Abstract: 
 Kenya, like most countries in the East Africa Region, has continued to be beleaguered by unabated high and volatile food prices. The government, in an effort to counter these challenges, has instituted various policies aimed at reversing the situation. This paper is aimed at examining spatial maize market integration in the presence of non-constant transaction costs and policies implemented. Findings indicate that market pairs close to each other were integrated, had a lower transaction cost and the price differential across markets were quickly corrected compared to markets further apart. Evaluation of the effects of policies on market integration shows the implementation of policies resulted in market distortion. The price difference between surplus and deficit markets were not corrected hence equilibrium was not achieved. When markets are poorly integrated, the price mechanism does not work and price signals cannot be transmitted thus allowing for efficient exchange of food products across spatial markets.To reduce transaction costs in the maize sector, the government should improve the road infrastructure connecting production areas with the markets and between markets. Harmonisation of the local government levies imposed on maize traversing different local municipalities will help reduce transaction costs. On the fertiliser subsidy, the government needs to collaborate with the private sector as it has a wide distribution network countrywide. This will ensure accessibility of the fertiliser by farmers in remote areas. Market forces should guide participation of the marketing board in the maize market. The board should not succumb to political pressure by purchasing maize at a higher price than the market prices.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 251-265
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1526693
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1526693
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:251-265




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: T. Morokong
Author-X-Name-First: T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Morokong
Author-Name: J. N. Blignaut
Author-X-Name-First: J. N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Blignaut
Author-Name: N. P. Nkambule
Author-X-Name-First: N. P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Nkambule
Author-Name: T. Vundla
Author-X-Name-First: T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Vundla
Author-Name: S. Mudavanhu
Author-X-Name-First: S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudavanhu
Title: Assessing the viable agricultural land use options after clearing invasive alien plants in the Mokolo Catchment, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Abstract: 
 The spread of invasive alien plant species (IAPs) contributes to the management complexity experienced in primary agriculture and increases the costs of maintaining the land in its productive state. Equally important to the clearing of IAPs are the land use options post-clearing. This study was conducted on private farms at the Mokolo River catchment to determine the most viable agricultural land use option after clearing IAPs. System dynamics modelling is used as a data analysis tool. The outcomes of this study indicate that early restoration of the farm area invaded by IAPs is more beneficial than restoring when the area is heavily degraded. Some of the gains from early restoration are a minimum unit reference value (URV) of R7.05 (instead of R8.29 or R9.08) per cubic metre of water produced by clearing IAPs through a co-financing strategy by the private sector and the state. Moreover, a negative net income is generated through extensive agricultural production while positive net income is generated though intensive agricultural production from 2008&#x2013;2030. Therefore, this study suggests that intensive agricultural production is economically viable and has the potential to co-finance the government&#x2019;s activities of clearing IAPs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 266-283
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1530124
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1530124
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:266-283




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Unity Chipfupa
Author-X-Name-First: Unity
Author-X-Name-Last: Chipfupa
Author-Name: Edilegnaw Wale
Author-X-Name-First: Edilegnaw
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale
Title: Explaining smallholder aspirations to expand irrigation crop production in Makhathini and Ndumo-B, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract: 
 This paper explores the factors influencing aspirations of smallholders to expand irrigation farming activities. It demonstrates the importance of aspirations to informing agricultural policies and understanding the behaviour of farmers and their vision regarding their farms. The Heckman two-step regression model was used to determine factors affecting aspirations/willingness of farmers to expand in the first stage and their ability to achieve or realise those aspirations in the second stage. The paper identifies five key factors that influence farmer aspirations (willingness to expand), i.e., positive psychological capital, access to markets, access to credit, land tenure security, and membership in other social groups. Gender, asset ownership, access to markets and local resource use conflicts were significant in determining farmers&#x2019; ability to achieve those aspirations. The study reveals the importance of developing positive psychological capital among smallholders and affirms the need for affordable production credit. To better make use of irrigation schemes, there is a need to build the capacity of smallholders to achieve their aspirations through empowering women and improving access to physical assets and markets. Land tenure security concerns need addressing while supporting institutions that promote social interaction and learning remain vital for the growth of the smallholder irrigation sector.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 284-299
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 57
Year: 2018
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2018.1531773
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2018.1531773
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:57:y:2018:i:3-4:p:284-299




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: N. Vink
Author-X-Name-First: N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: Agricultural economics: an exoteric or esoteric science?
Abstract: The main argument in this article is that agricultural economists in South Africa must address at least two fundamental questions, namely: (1) “What is the influence of public policy on the structure of agriculture?” and (2) “What is the influence of the governance of farm businesses on their success from a financial, economic, social and environmental point of view?” These questions have been at the core of the profession of agricultural economics since its beginning, but if agricultural economists want to provide useful answers they will need to revisit the currently dominant paradigm of applied microeconomics. As a profession, agricultural economists have not kept pace with a number of new developments in economics; have ignored the lessons of history; have lost their connection with the everyday realities of farming; and have paid insufficient attention to new developments in systems thinking.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-21
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695135
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695135
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:1-21




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: André Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: André
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Author-Name: Joel Eita
Author-X-Name-First: Joel
Author-X-Name-Last: Eita
Title: Determinants of South Africa's exports of leather products
Abstract: This article analyses the determinants of South African exports of raw hides and skins (other than fur skins) and leather (H41) using annual data covering the period 1999 to 2008 for 32 main trading partners. The results show that the importer's gross domestic product (GDP), South Africa's GDP, the importer's infrastructure, the real effective exchange rate and some regional trade agreements are the main determinants of raw hides and skins (other than fur skins) and leather exports. The article then investigates if there is unexploited trade potential. The investigation reveals that among the sample countries – namely; Australia, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (US) have unexploited export potential. It is important from a policy perspective to focus on the unexploited trade potential (in the above-mentioned trading partners) to accelerate growth and alleviate poverty in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 38-52
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695137
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695137
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:38-52




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: A. Gelan
Author-X-Name-First: A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Gelan
Author-Name: B.W. Muriithi
Author-X-Name-First: B.W.
Author-X-Name-Last: Muriithi
Title: Measuring and explaining technical efficiency of dairy farms: a case study of smallholder farms in East Africa
Abstract: This article measures and explains the technical efficiency (TE) of 371 dairy farms located in 17 districts in East African countries. Three output and 10 input types were used to calculate the efficiency score for each farm. A two-stage analysis was conducted to measure and explain the efficiency scores. Firstly, the efficiency scores were measured by a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, which was implemented using a linear programming (LP) method. About 18 per cent of the farms were fully productive, each with an efficiency score of unity, which means this group is currently operating on the production possibility frontier. About 32 per cent of the farms had efficiency scores below 0.25, which means that about a third of the dairy farms would need to expand their dairy production by at least 75 per cent from the current level without any increase in the level of inputs. Secondly, a fractional regression method was used to explain the efficiency scores by relating them to a range of explanatory variables. The findings indicate that technology adoption factors, such as the existence of improved breeds, and feed and fodder innovations (e.g., growing legumes), have positive and statistically significant effects on the level of efficiency. Similarly, zero-grazing seems to have positive and highly significant effects. As far as marketing variables are concerned, selling milk to individual consumers or organisations seems to contribute positively and more significantly to dairy efficiency than other marketing outlets such as traders or chilling plants. Membership of a dairy cooperative has a positive effect but is not statistically significant.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 53-74
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695140
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695140
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:53-74




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: A.A. Akinola
Author-X-Name-First: A.A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Akinola
Author-Name: N.A. Sofoluwe
Author-X-Name-First: N.A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sofoluwe
Title: Impact of mulching technology adoption on output and net return to yam farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
Abstract: Soil erosion and nutrient depletion present a threat to the food security and sustainability of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, limited rigorous empirical work on the economics of soil conservation exists. This study examines the factors affecting the adoption of mulching technology and its attendant impact on yam output supply and net returns among sampled yam farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Probit model and propensity score matching were used to analyse the factors influencing the adoption of mulching technology and its impact on yam output and net returns among yam farmers respectively. The study shows that seed quantity and access to credit are the most significant factors influencing the adoption of mulching technology. Yam farmers in the study area who adopted mulching technology were found to experience a higher output supply than non-adopters, which resulted in a positive and significant effect on their output and net return. Hence, policies targeted at increasing yam output through increasing soil fertility need to include mulching technology as a potentially viable option.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 75-92
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695144
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695144
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:75-92




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: P. Reis Mourao
Author-X-Name-First: P. Reis
Author-X-Name-Last: Mourao
Title: The African aid trap – are we helping the poorest or the richest?
Abstract: This study discusses whether there is an African aid trap: “Which African countries are we (world citizens) helping – the poorest or the most developed ones?” The estimates prove that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the population size of each African country positively influence the amount of aid received by that country. These results stimulate a further discussion: if the donor community is improving (via international aid) established democracies, then, according to these data, the givers are also neglecting the poorest countries.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 93-106
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695147
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695147
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:93-106




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Donald Kgathi
Author-X-Name-First: Donald
Author-X-Name-Last: Kgathi
Author-Name: Gagoitseope Mmopelwa
Author-X-Name-First: Gagoitseope
Author-X-Name-Last: Mmopelwa
Author-Name: Baitshephi Mashabe
Author-X-Name-First: Baitshephi
Author-X-Name-Last: Mashabe
Author-Name: Ketlhatlogile Mosepele
Author-X-Name-First: Ketlhatlogile
Author-X-Name-Last: Mosepele
Title: Livestock predation, household adaptation and compensation policy: a case study of Shorobe Village in northern Botswana
Abstract: Human-wildlife conflict is a worldwide phenomenon. Through a household survey supplemented by informal interviews, this study attempts to understand the dynamics of livestock predation by carnivores at village level in Botswana. The study reveals that farmers perceive hyenas and lions to cause more livestock losses than other predators. In order to reduce predation, attempts should be made to put livestock in enclosures at night and also to herd them during the day. These practices comply with the conditions of the new government compensation policy for livestock losses caused by carnivores. The study recommends a review of the compensation rates and suggests that they should be closer to the market value. Such changes, accompanied by strict animal husbandry practices, may bring about the increased willingness of households to co-exist with predators.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 22-37
Issue: 2
Volume: 51
Year: 2012
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.695148
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2012.695148
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:51:y:2012:i:2:p:22-37




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Title: Land Use and Redistribution in the Arid West: The case of Laingsburg Magisterial District
Abstract: 
 Data collected during a multi-year study of farming in the district is updated to compile a land register. It identifies 30% of farmland by farm size and type and provides estimates of financial performance in each class. Three redistribution scenarios are considered – proportional redistribution, targeting large bona fide operations and targeting lifestyle land. The basic premise is still willing buyer willing seller. Changing the acquisition rules hardly affects the number of beneficiaries or the cost of redistribution but demonstrates that it is important not to overpay for lifestyle land. A redistribution plan for smallholder and settlement-orientated land users is added to the commercial plan according to Aliber's ratios. Commercial redistribution will involve 33 farms with a combined area of 2113 km2 at a total cost of between R352–384 million (using 2015 prices) and will include scope to provide for 132 commonage farmers and 660 settlement-orientated land users. Two-thirds of the land involved was for sale in January 2019 or could be enticed onto the market relatively easily because it has a low opportunity cost in agriculture and the plan would reach as many beneficiaries as there were indigent households in the district in 2017.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 281-291
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1637591
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1637591
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:281-291




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Michael Day
Author-X-Name-First: Michael
Author-X-Name-Last: Day
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: The distortions to incentives in South African agriculture: a case study of the wheat industry
Abstract: 
 The aggregate distortions to the incentives of South African agricultural producers have been estimated, but these measures have not been disaggregated to reveal individual agents’ incentives in a vertical value chain. In order to do this, the aggregate distortion estimates were first updated to account for the past decade, and then the wheat value chain was disaggregated for the marketing years starting in October 2000 and ending in September 2014. The results highlight how aggregate distortion estimates as developed by Anderson et al. (2006) and calculated by Kirsten, Edwards, and Vink (2009) for South African agriculture in essence mask the inter agent distortion differences in a vertical value chain. The focus in this article is on the measurement of the disaggregated distortions, while further research on the structure of the industry (its competitiveness at all levels of the value chain) and the role of the exchange rate is required to increase our understanding of the real incentives that confront these agents.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 292-307
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1627226
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1627226
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:292-307




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Vongai Gillian Murugani
Author-X-Name-First: Vongai Gillian
Author-X-Name-Last: Murugani
Author-Name: Joyce Magoshi Thamaga-Chitja
Author-X-Name-First: Joyce Magoshi
Author-X-Name-Last: Thamaga-Chitja
Title: How does women's empowerment in agriculture affect household food security and dietary diversity? The case of rural irrigation schemes in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Abstract: 
 The link between the empowerment of women in agriculture and food security, was investigated in Limpopo Province. Data were collected in three irrigation scheme communities. Respondents were largely food secure, however, empowerment in agriculture and food and nutrition security were moderately associated. This was partly attributed to the importance crop diversification and markets for accessing other nutrient-dense food and the status quo of purchasing food versus own food production. It was concluded that pursuing crop diversification and women market-oriented empowerment by improving farmers skills in agriculture would likely improve food and nutrition security. It was recommended that a more transformative and empowering system that allows farmers to diversify crop production and access more markets be sought. Nutrition education and advocacy would also improve household dietary diversity.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 308-323
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1610976
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1610976
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:308-323




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Esther Leah Achandi
Author-X-Name-First: Esther Leah
Author-X-Name-Last: Achandi
Author-Name: Asmerom Kidane
Author-X-Name-First: Asmerom
Author-X-Name-Last: Kidane
Author-Name: Aloyce Hepelwa
Author-X-Name-First: Aloyce
Author-X-Name-Last: Hepelwa
Author-Name: Gaudiose Mujawamariya
Author-X-Name-First: Gaudiose
Author-X-Name-Last: Mujawamariya
Title: Women's empowerment: the case of smallholder rice farmers in Kilombero District, Tanzania
Abstract: 
 This study examines women’s empowerment and its determinants for smallholder rice farming households in Kilombero, Tanzania. The Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) is adopted and for the study site, the overall WEAI was 0.54 with a 5 Domains Empowerment sub-index value of 0.50 and the Gender Parity sub-index of 0.86. Key domains contributing to women’s disempowerment are workload, resource ownership and restricted inputs to productive decision making. To assess determinants of women’s empowerment the ordinal logit analysis is used and for the female-headed households, age of the household head, education level, group membership, condition of dwelling and distance from the nearest major town have a positive association with women’s empowerment, while monthly income has a negative association with it. For the male-headed households, the association is significant for age of the man.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 324-339
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1587484
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1587484
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:324-339




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Collin L. Yobe
Author-X-Name-First: Collin L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Yobe
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Author-Name: Paramu Mafongoya
Author-X-Name-First: Paramu
Author-X-Name-Last: Mafongoya
Title: Livelihood strategies and their determinants among smallholder farming households in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Abstract: 
 Rural people seek diverse opportunities to increase and stabilise their welfare. An understanding of factors that influence livelihood strategies adopted across rural households can further improve policy-making. This study identifies livelihood strategies adopted by smallholder farmers and the factors influencing the choice of their strategy. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 randomly selected rural households from the Umzimkhulu and Ndwedwe local municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means cluster analysis were used to analyse the outcomes. The application of PCA on dummy variables depicting participation in livelihood activities reduced the number of dimensions. Next, PCA factor loadings served as input into K-means cluster analysis; K-means clusters represented household livelihood strategies. Multinomial logistic regression applied to the K-means clusters determined factors influencing the choice of livelihood strategies at the household level. The results indicate that years of formal education, household size, dependency ratio, arable dryland area accessed by the household, and savings of household heads, the location of the household and source of agricultural information were the main determinants of livelihood choice. These findings suggest that policymakers should design policies that are sensitive to household-level characteristics in promoting livelihood strategies.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 340-353
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1608275
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1608275
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:340-353




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Enoch Owusu-Sekyere
Author-X-Name-First: Enoch
Author-X-Name-Last: Owusu-Sekyere
Author-Name: Yondela Mahlathi
Author-X-Name-First: Yondela
Author-X-Name-Last: Mahlathi
Author-Name: Henry Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: Henry
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Title: Understanding South African consumers’ preferences and market potential for products with low water and carbon footprints
Abstract: 
 In this article, we used a hybrid latent class model and choice experimental data to examine the choices of consumers regarding water and carbon footprint attributes. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of middle- to upper-class consumers are generally willing to pay higher premiums for a reduction in both water usage and carbon emission in agricultural production, displayed through water and carbon footprint labelling. There exist heterogeneous preferences for water and carbon footprint sustainability attributes, with some being environmental sustainability activists and water sustainability advocates, while others are conservatives regarding environmentally sustainable products. About 86 per cent of the middle-class to upper-class respondents attaches a higher monetary value to low water usage relative to low carbon emissions. The preferences for ecologically sustainable product attributes differ significantly as a function of respondents’ underlying attitudes towards environmental degradation and sustainability, socioeconomic characteristics and awareness of water scarcity situation locally. The findings contribute to the current debate on the possibility of using environmentally sustainable production and ecological footprint labelling to address the problem of ecological externalities in the food and agricultural sector.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 354-368
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1589544
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1589544
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:354-368




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Bongiwe Porrie Dlamini-Mazibuko
Author-X-Name-First: Bongiwe Porrie
Author-X-Name-Last: Dlamini-Mazibuko
Author-Name: Stuart Ferrer
Author-X-Name-First: Stuart
Author-X-Name-Last: Ferrer
Author-Name: Gerald Ortmann
Author-X-Name-First: Gerald
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann
Title: Examining the farmer-buyer relationships in vegetable marketing channels in Eswatini
Abstract: 
 Vegetable farming is the main source of livelihood for smallholder farmers in Eswatini. However, the production and marketing challenges they faced inhibits the farmers from benefiting fully, which calls for relational transactions to enhance exchange efficiency. Therefore, this study aims to determine the nature of relationship constructs between vegetable farmers selling to formal and informal channels. Data elicited from 170 farmers were analysed using factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and discriminant analysis. Results revealed that farmers derived satisfaction from the price offered and communication, while trust was derived from satisfaction, communication and duration of the relationship, and commitment was derived from trust in both channels. The discriminant analysis results revealed that there is statistical significant difference between the channels. Farmers supplying formal markets perceived levels of satisfaction, trust, and commitment better than those supplying informal markets. The results also indicated that satisfaction and trust were the best predictors of the nature of the relationships. The lack of written contracts and low produce quantity purchased by the formal markets contributes to the low-level establishment of the farmer-buyer relationships. Therefore, coordinated supply chains and supplier-development approaches are necessary to complement the logistical requirements associated with fresh produce and to create mutual benefits.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 369-386
Issue: 3
Volume: 58
Year: 2019
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1596824
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1596824
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:58:y:2019:i:3:p:369-386




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Charles Makanyeza
Author-X-Name-First: Charles
Author-X-Name-Last: Makanyeza
Author-Name: Francois du Toit
Author-X-Name-First: Francois
Author-X-Name-Last: du Toit
Title: Factors Influencing Consumers' Choice of Imported Poultry Meat Products in a Developing Market: Lessons from Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 The main objective of this study was to explore factors that influence consumers’ choice of imported poultry meat products in Zimbabwe, a developing market. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse data collected from a sample of 305 consumers. The study found that factors that influence consumers’ choice of imported poultry meat products are price, health and safety issues, accessibility, appearance, taste, tenderness, genetically-modified food status, product labelling, country of origin, packaging, production methods and branding. These factors are classified into three overlapping categories, namely economic factors, quality and product attributes, and the firm’s marketing efforts. Economic factors include price in relation to consumer disposable income. Quality and product attributes include health and safety issues, appearance, taste, tenderness, genetically-modified food status, packaging, country of origin and production methods. The firm’s marketing efforts include price, accessibility, product labelling, packaging and branding. These findings have implications for theory and practice.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 191-215
Issue: 3
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1203800
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1203800
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:3:p:191-215




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Colleta Gandidzanwa
Author-X-Name-First: Colleta
Author-X-Name-Last: Gandidzanwa
Author-Name: Frikkie Liebenberg
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Liebenberg
Title: Towards a New Capital Formation Series for Machinery in South African Agriculture
Abstract: 
 Data limitations lead to the use of assumptions that compromise studies on the measurement of capital in the national accounts and its impact on productivity analysis in South Africa. In the estimation of physical capital such as machinery and implements, a possible approach is to use the ratio of the value of tractor sales to overall expenditure to impute overall machinery sales. The use of a constant ratio over an extended period results in increasingly incorrect estimates and fails to reveal the changing nature of mechanisation. In this article, the problems with such an approach are highlighted through an analysis of the historic share of tractor sales to overall machinery sales in South Africa. This article establishes that the current methods have led to underestimation in the overall value of machinery and implements sales in South Africa by approximately a billion rand per annum for recent years. An alternative method is suggested and the implications of a new capital formation series are discussed.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 216-236
Issue: 3
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1203801
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1203801
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:3:p:216-236




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: R.R. Shoko
Author-X-Name-First: R.R.
Author-X-Name-Last: Shoko
Author-Name: P. Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Author-Name: A. Belete
Author-X-Name-First: A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Belete
Title: Estimating the Supply Response of Maize in South Africa: A Nerlovian Partial Adjustment Model Approach
Abstract: 
 Maize is the most important crop in South Africa, being both the major feed grain for livestock and the primary staple food crop for the majority of the population. Farmers’ production decisions regarding maize and their response to policy incentives are critical for national food security and regional trade. The aim of the study was to estimate the supply response of the South African maize sector to price and non-price incentives. A Nerlovian partial adjustment model was applied to historical time series data of area under maize cultivation, measured in hectares spanning from 1980-2012 to determine the supply response. Results indicate a short-run price elasticity of 0.24 and a long-run price elasticity of 0.36, signifying that maize farmers are less sensitive to price changes than non-price incentives. The results confirm that non-price incentives such as rainfall and technology seem to have more effect on maize supply than price incentives in South Africa. Given the findings, the study recommends policies and programmes that focus more on non- price incentives, such as technology and infrastructure development, investment in irrigation and research services, as a means of stabilising maize production in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 237-253
Issue: 3
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1203802
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1203802
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:3:p:237-253




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: FE Mmbando
Author-X-Name-First: FE
Author-X-Name-Last: Mmbando
Author-Name: E Wale
Author-X-Name-First: E
Author-X-Name-Last: Wale
Author-Name: LJS Baiyegunhi
Author-X-Name-First: LJS
Author-X-Name-Last: Baiyegunhi
Author-Name: MAG Darroch
Author-X-Name-First: MAG
Author-X-Name-Last: Darroch
Title: The Choice of Marketing Channel by Maize and Pigeonpea Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from the Northern and Eastern Zones of Tanzania
Abstract: 
 This study examines the factors affecting the choice of marketing channel used by smallholder maize and pigeonpea farmers in the northern and eastern zones of Tanzania. The reason for the focus on maize and pigeonpea is because these products are key crops that contribute to household production, consumption and cash income in the study zones. A Multinomial Logit Analysis of a multistage sample of 562 smallholder farmers, who market maize and pigeonpea, showed that transaction costs, household wealth, access to credit and extension services, and social capital affect their choice of marketing channel. This outcome suggests that policies aimed at reducing transaction costs, improving access to productive assets, prudent use of credit, and promoting the use of well-organised farmer groups to access appropriate technology and information could enhance market access and better integrate smallholder farmers into markets in the study areas.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 254-277
Issue: 3
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1203803
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1203803
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:3:p:254-277




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ayala Wineman
Author-X-Name-First: Ayala
Author-X-Name-Last: Wineman
Title: Multidimensional Household Food Security Measurement in Rural Zambia
Abstract: 
 Food security is recognised as a multifaceted condition of complex causality, and given its broad definition, it is no surprise that food security eludes precise measurement. This study considers there to be three components of household food security (quantity, quality and stability), and attempts to address the “concept-to-measurement” gap in food security by building an index that spans these three dimensions. A panel data set from rural Zambia is used for descriptive analysis of food security indicators in 2001, 2004 and 2008. A multidimensional index of food security for rural Zambia is then developed using principal component analysis. We use this index to explore the spatial patterns of food security over time and to assess correlates of food security and impacts of climate shocks. Results indicate that both rainfall and temperature have a significant impact on a household’s food security score, though not for each individual component of the index. The paper concludes with a discussion of the merits and shortcomings of developing a composite food security index.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 278-301
Issue: 3
Volume: 55
Year: 2016
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2016.1211019
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2016.1211019
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:55:y:2016:i:3:p:278-301




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Yong Sebastian Nyam
Author-X-Name-First: Yong Sebastian
Author-X-Name-Last: Nyam
Author-Name: Nicolette Matthews
Author-X-Name-First: Nicolette
Author-X-Name-Last: Matthews
Author-Name: Yonas Tesfamariam Bahta
Author-X-Name-First: Yonas Tesfamariam
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta
Title: Improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers through region specific strategies: a case study of South African sheep production
Abstract: 
 The paper investigates if two groups of smallholder sheep farmers who farm using communal grazing land in the N8 development corridor of South Africa can be treated in a homogenous manner. Heterogeneous production environments should result in different production responses, which are unique to the production region. A better understanding of these unique responses could guide the development of improved strategies to increase smallholder livestock production in South Africa. A stochastic production frontier approach was used to evaluate two production districts before grouping the data and estimating the metafrontier. The metafrontier represents a homogenous benchmark for all producers. Results indicate that the two districts cannot be treated the same. Therefore a single production function and strategy cannot be used to improve productivity and efficiency of livestock production in both the districts. The conclusion is that the development of strategies to increase smallholder sheep producers, productivity and efficiency requires an understanding of the production, environmental and institutional factors that the farmers experience within that particular district. Considering the study areas used in the paper, attention to the more technical aspects of production and management can improve the farmers' productivity and efficiency.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-15
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1639205
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1639205
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:1-15




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Enock Warinda
Author-X-Name-First: Enock
Author-X-Name-Last: Warinda
Author-Name: Dickson M. Nyariki
Author-X-Name-First: Dickson
Author-X-Name-Last: M. Nyariki
Author-Name: Stephen Wambua
Author-X-Name-First: Stephen
Author-X-Name-Last: Wambua
Author-Name: Reuben Muasya
Author-X-Name-First: Reuben
Author-X-Name-Last: Muasya
Title: Impact of smallholder farmers’ welfare through participation in on-farm regional projects in East Africa
Abstract: 
 This paper uses panel data from 1,160 smallholder farmers, especially participants and non-participants in twenty-three regional projects from five countries in East Africa – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. In this paper, regional projects mean projects implemented jointly in at least three countries, thereby providing sustainable regional public goods. Propensity score matching analysis is used to determine the difference in net benefits accrued to the on-farm participants compared to non-participants. The propensity scores show that participants have overall higher crop and livestock productivity, enhanced household income, increased soil and water management, and access to biofortified foods compared to non-participants. These findings indicate that regional projects can catalyse the achievement of smallholder farmers’ food and nutrition security, besides enhancing achievements of the African Union Commission's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 16-29
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1653203
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1653203
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:16-29




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ivo Wustro
Author-X-Name-First: Ivo
Author-X-Name-Last: Wustro
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Title: How stable are farmers’ risk perceptions? A follow-up study of one community in the Karoo
Abstract: 
 Two cohorts of Likert scale risk data were subjected to rigorous principal component analysis to simplify the participants’ risk rankings. This improves methodologically on the first Karoo risk analysis. More than 80% of the items and two-thirds of the participants overlap in these datasets, which made it possible to study the stability of these perceptions over the four years that elapsed between the surveys. Two-thirds of the items were factorable and the four common factors identified in the first cohort all persisted in the second cohort, which indicates stability. The four items added to the second survey created the opportunity to study how emerging structures differ when the lists change. The principal component analysis conducted on the longer list identified a new common concern about growing government control over private enterprise that came to light as a result of adding four extra items. Predation ranked as the number one risk in both surveys followed by drought. Labour and security were middling risks, market access a low risk and a lack of support from the local cooperative no risk at all.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 30-45
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1653204
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1653204
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:30-45




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Aimable Nsabimana
Author-X-Name-First: Aimable
Author-X-Name-Last: Nsabimana
Author-Name: Wondmagegn Tafesse Tirkaso
Author-X-Name-First: Wondmagegn Tafesse
Author-X-Name-Last: Tirkaso
Title: Examining coffee export performance in Eastern and Southern African countries: do bilateral trade relations matter?
Abstract: 
 This study examines the impact and implications of the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa preferential trade agreements on coffee export performance of eight East and Southern African countries. The analysis employed a static and dynamic gravity modelling framework for the period 1998–2013. Following several robustness checks, the study found that regional trade agreements play a vital role in increasing coffee trading in East and Southern African countries. Factors including geographical distances, income, and population size in importing and exporting countries are also statistically significant determinants of coffee exports. The study also found that the exporting countries are currently under-performing with respect to their maximum potential to the global market indicating room for improvement.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 46-64
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1631864
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1631864
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:46-64




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kai-Hua Wang
Author-X-Name-First: Kai-Hua
Author-X-Name-Last: Wang
Author-Name: Chi-Wei Su
Author-X-Name-First: Chi-Wei
Author-X-Name-Last: Su
Author-Name: Ran Tao
Author-X-Name-First: Ran
Author-X-Name-Last: Tao
Author-Name: Lin-Na Hao
Author-X-Name-First: Lin-Na
Author-X-Name-Last: Hao
Title: Are there periodically collapsing bubble behaviours in the global coffee market?
Abstract: 
 This paper investigates price bubbles in the global coffee market using the generalised supremum augmented Dickey-Fuller test. This approach can recognise multiple bubbles and date their origination and termination. The empirical results show that three bubbles existed in the coffee market from January 1990 to September 2017, during which the coffee price deviated from its fundamental value. Mismatch between supply and demand, speculation, US dollar fluctuations and climate change are applied to explain these bubbles. Corresponding policies, such as the prevention of pests and disease, emergency assistance, market structure improvement and recognition of US dollar fluctuations, should be emphasised to relieve the negative impacts of excessive coffee price volatility.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 65-77
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1631865
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1631865
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:65-77




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Primrose Madende
Author-X-Name-First: Primrose
Author-X-Name-Last: Madende
Author-Name: Bennie Grové
Author-X-Name-First: Bennie
Author-X-Name-Last: Grové
Title: Risk efficiency of optimal water allocation within a single- and multi-stage decision-making framework
Abstract: 
 The South African government has put legislation in place to exercise better control over irrigation water usage. Thus, proper planning of irrigation areas and scheduling of irrigation events in order to stay within water quotas has become more important. Currently, the available methodologies to assist irrigation farmers overlook the complexities and interrelated relationships between crop-area planning and the multi-stage nature of irrigation-scheduling decisions within a stochastic dynamic environment. This paper contributes to knowledge through the development of a bio-economic model that uses evolutionary algorithms to optimise water use, taking cognisance of the complex interrelationships between crop-area planning, the multistage decision-making nature of irrigation-scheduling decisions, and the stochastic dynamic environment under conditions of limited water supply. The results show that gross margin variability is reduced and the expected outcomes are improved due to improved irrigation-scheduling decisions made sequentially in multiple stages. Multi-stage decisions tend to make the impact of risk aversion less profound because taking account of unfolding weather information is risk reducing. Ignoring the risk-reducing impact of sequential decision-making will over-estimate the cost of water restrictions. Caution is hence necessary when formulating agricultural water-allocation policies based on crop water optimisation models that overlook the complex nature of irrigation decisions.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 78-92
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1636668
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1636668
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:78-92




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tafesse W. Gezahegn
Author-X-Name-First: Tafesse W.
Author-X-Name-Last: Gezahegn
Author-Name: Steven Van Passel
Author-X-Name-First: Steven
Author-X-Name-Last: Van Passel
Author-Name: Tekeste Berhanu
Author-X-Name-First: Tekeste
Author-X-Name-Last: Berhanu
Author-Name: Marijke D’haese
Author-X-Name-First: Marijke
Author-X-Name-Last: D’haese
Author-Name: Miet Maertens
Author-X-Name-First: Miet
Author-X-Name-Last: Maertens
Title: Do bottom-up and independent agricultural cooperatives really perform better? Insights from a technical efficiency analysis in Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 The cooperative landscape in Ethiopia is very heterogeneous with a mixture of remains of the pre-1991 government-controlled system and new post-1991 bottom-up collective action initiatives. This heterogeneity, coupled with a large growth in the number of cooperatives in the country, offers an interesting perspective to study the determinants of the (in)efficiency of cooperatives. In this paper, we analyse the performance of Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives, focusing on the degree of technical (in)efficiency and its determinants. We use the stochastic frontier approach in which we account for heteroskedasticity and the monotonicity of production functions, presenting a methodological improvement with respect to previous technical efficiency studies. The results show that NGO- and government-initiated cooperatives are less efficient than community-initiated ones, implying that governments and NGOs should not interfere too strongly in cooperative formation. Cooperatives with a high degree of heterogeneity in members’ participation are found to be about 98% less efficient, while cooperatives that have paid employees are 33% more efficient. Besides, results show that cooperatives in Ethiopia function more efficiently if they incentivize committee members through monetary compensation.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 93-109
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Qianqian Shao
Author-X-Name-First: Qianqian
Author-X-Name-Last: Shao
Author-Name: Dusan Drabik
Author-X-Name-First: Dusan
Author-X-Name-Last: Drabik
Author-Name: Marnus Gouse
Author-X-Name-First: Marnus
Author-X-Name-Last: Gouse
Author-Name: Justus Wesseler
Author-X-Name-First: Justus
Author-X-Name-Last: Wesseler
Title: Food self-sufficiency and GM regulation under conflicting interests: the case of GM maize in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Food self-sufficiency is an important contributor to food security, and one of the potential solutions to this problem is increased food production productivity through agricultural biotechnology. In this paper, we study the relationship between a country’s genetically modified (GM) food policy and the food self-sufficiency rate (SSR) under conflicting interests, with the example of GM crop regulation and GM maize production in South Africa. We develop a theoretical model of a small open economy and investigate the GM food policy as the outcome of a GM and a non-GM food groups’ lobbying game that follows the model of Grossman and Helpman. The government maximises its payoff by considering the weighted sum of social welfare and contributions from interest groups. Our findings suggest that a lower GM food regulation supports domestic agricultural production, and we offer potential reasons why a country that has a low SSR still has a strict GM food policy regulation. We also find that the food SSR is a biased measure of food availability when both production and consumption change simultaneously.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 110-128
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1664308
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1664308
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: The Editors
Title: Correction
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: iii-iii
Issue: 1
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 1
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1728996
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1728996
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:1:p:iii-iii




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Marlene Louw
Author-X-Name-First: Marlene
Author-X-Name-Last: Louw
Author-Name: Melissa van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Melissa
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe
Title: Asymmetry in food safety information – the case of the 2018 Listeriosis outbreak and low-income, urban consumers in Gauteng, South Africa
Abstract: 
 This study considered the efficiency with which food safety information is received and retained by low-income consumers in South Africa. Primary data from 110 low-income, urban, food consumers around Gauteng were collected and analysed with a willingness to pay (WTP) experiment and a proportional odds model. The study found that initially, 47% of the respondents claimed to know what Listeriosis is. Data validation, and a WTP experiment, however, suggest that there is social acceptability response bias. The proportional odds model further showed that education level is significant in explaining the level of food safety knowledge, but income is not. These results serve as an approximation of the degree of information asymmetry between low-income, urban food consumers and the South African government.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 129-143
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1713828
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1713828
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:129-143




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Abiodun Ogundeji
Author-X-Name-First: Abiodun
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji
Author-Name: Frikkie Maré
Author-X-Name-First: Frikkie
Author-X-Name-Last: Maré
Title: Analysis of price transmission in the beef value chain using a calculated retail carcass price
Abstract: 
 The large difference between the producer price of a beef carcass and the retail prices of individual beef cuts has raised concerns among producers. These concerns are caused by the possibility of asymmetry in the market. This study examines the price transmission mechanisms in the beef market by comparing the weekly producer carcass price with a weekly calculated retail carcass price, instead of average retail prices, over a period of three years. It further estimates the causality links between the producer and retail prices. The traditional and standardised augmented Dickey–Fuller procedures were used to test for co-integration and asymmetry in price transmission. Four competing models, namely the Engle–Granger, threshold autoregressive (TAR), momentum threshold autoregressive (M-TAR) and momentum consistent TAR models, were applied. The results indicated that there is positive asymmetric price transmission between producer and retail price as retailers in the market respond quicker to shocks that squeeze their margin than those that stretch them. Market information was found to be flowing from the producer to the retailer.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 144-155
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1700808
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1700808
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:144-155




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: W. A. Lombard
Author-X-Name-First: W. A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Lombard
Author-Name: J. H. Van Zyl
Author-X-Name-First: J. H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Van Zyl
Author-Name: T. R. Beelders
Author-X-Name-First: T. R.
Author-X-Name-Last: Beelders
Title: Eye-tracking consumers’ awareness of beef brands
Abstract: 
 Beef consumers now have the power in the market. Consumers are extensively exposed to advertisements, but the human brain can only process a limited amount of this information. Thus, products must be differentiated in order to stand out in the market place. Branding provides one manner in which products can be differentiated. This study investigated red meat consumers’ attention towards beef brand labelling in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. A complete dataset for 307 respondents was extracted and used to generate the results for this study. Results showed that 30.6% of the participants preferred to purchase their beef from a certain brand. Correlation results showed that higher educated, younger and consumers from higher income groups were more likely to pay attention to a less familiar beef brand. Consumers in higher income groups, however, took longer before paying attention to the brand label for the first time. No significant correlation was found for a more familiar beef brand. When new beef brands plan to enter a market, they should identify a market that has a large number of young, highly educated consumers who earn higher incomes, since they are more likely to pay attention to an unfamiliar beef brand.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 156-168
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1715807
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1715807
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:156-168




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Innocent Mugwagwa
Author-X-Name-First: Innocent
Author-X-Name-Last: Mugwagwa
Author-Name: Jos Bijman
Author-X-Name-First: Jos
Author-X-Name-Last: Bijman
Author-Name: Jacques Trienekens
Author-X-Name-First: Jacques
Author-X-Name-Last: Trienekens
Title: Typology of contract farming arrangements: a transaction cost perspective
Abstract: 
 This paper proposes an alternative typology of contract farming arrangements (CFA) based on transaction cost theory. To construct the typology, we first surveyed managers of agribusiness firms and contracted farmers in Zimbabwe to understand the provisions in their contracts, the motivations for their inclusion and the level of transaction attributes, particularly the sub-categories of asset specificity and uncertainty. We then developed a two-by-two matrix of contract types based on the interaction of transaction attributes. The results show that four contract types can be distinguished: total, group, lean and market contracts. Furthermore, CFAs that are misaligned with transaction attributes have problems of side-selling and inefficiency. Our new empirically based categorisation can help managers and policymakers to design CFAs that match with underlying transaction attributes, thus enhancing the stability and efficiency of CFAs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 169-187
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1731561
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1731561
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:169-187




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Katharina Bissinger
Author-X-Name-First: Katharina
Author-X-Name-Last: Bissinger
Author-Name: Daniel Leufkens
Author-X-Name-First: Daniel
Author-X-Name-Last: Leufkens
Title: (Fairtrade) certification: consequences of being a niche market
Abstract: 
 Product certification such as organic and fairtrade, leads to a price premium for producers in the majority of cases and thus, also encourages them to increase supplied quantities in order to boost revenue, as empirically evidenced by several studies. Theoretically, this might be a plausible business strategy. The market for certified products is, however, a small one, and producers are not able to sell off the entire quantity produced in the certified niche market. Said supply surplus has to be sold off via conventional trading channels, resulting in a head-on competition between certified and uncertified producers. The analysis at hand sheds light on the revenue gains of certified producers via price discrimination on conventional Southern markets, and the consequences for uncertified producers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 188-201
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1699840
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1699840
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:188-201




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Teresa Chuma
Author-X-Name-First: Teresa
Author-X-Name-Last: Chuma
Author-Name: Maxwell Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: Maxwell
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Author-Name: Jones Govereh
Author-X-Name-First: Jones
Author-X-Name-Last: Govereh
Title: Factors determining smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for a metal silo in Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 The outbreak of devastating storage pests has rendered smallholder farmers' traditional storage practices ineffective. This study used single bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation to examine factors determining smallholder farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a metal silo, a new and improved storage technology in Zimbabwe. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 249 randomly selected households in Makoni and Shamva Districts. Logit results showed that storage loss, quantity of non-food crops, equipment value, vegetable income, participation in informal activities, and household head's age and marital status significantly influenced WTP for metal silos. The amount of grain lost in storage positively influenced farmers' WTP, suggesting that current storage practices are not effective against storage losses. Income variables, except the value of equipment, showed a positive influence on WTP for a metal silo implying that increasing the household's income eases financial constraints that could impede investments in the silo technology. The study recommends the adoption of metal silos to curb storage losses and improve household food security. Diversification of agriculture and provision of credit are recommended to increase WTP for metal silos. Development agents promoting the technology should target married and young households for sustainability, without marginalising their counterparts.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 202-217
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1703769
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1703769
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:202-217




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Megan Davenport
Author-X-Name-First: Megan
Author-X-Name-Last: Davenport
Author-Name: Rashid Hassan
Author-X-Name-First: Rashid
Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan
Title: Application of exploratory factor analysis to address the challenge of measuring social capital in a rural communal setting in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Social capital (SC) is an umbrella concept combining attributes of multiple latent factors that are not directly observable, making it difficult to measure and express as a single variable. Despite its multidimensional nature, the bulk of empirical studies continue to construct and use unidimensional indicators of SC, generating notable disparities in results derived from the use of these alternative measures. This study employed exploratory factor analysis to search for and construct composite measures capturing the multidimensional facets of structural and cognitive social capital (SC) in a rural communal setting in Africa. Our factor analysis revealed eleven factors describing a diversity of SC components, with clear evidence of multiple features of cognitive SC at the household level. On the other hand, evidence of presence of structural SC was limited, which is a general finding of household level analysis of determinants of SC. Not adequately accounting for elements of informal social networks, is an important weakness of our study, and we accordingly strongly recommend that SC research in developing countries should include, as indicators of structural SC, measures of informal social networks.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 218-234
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1713829
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1713829
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:218-234




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Meizal Popat
Author-X-Name-First: Meizal
Author-X-Name-Last: Popat
Author-Name: Garry Griffith
Author-X-Name-First: Garry
Author-X-Name-Last: Griffith
Author-Name: Stuart Mounter
Author-X-Name-First: Stuart
Author-X-Name-Last: Mounter
Author-Name: Oscar Cacho
Author-X-Name-First: Oscar
Author-X-Name-Last: Cacho
Title: Postharvest losses at the farm level and its economy-wide costs: the case of the maize sector in Mozambique
Abstract: 
 With increasing population and demand for food, reducing food loss and waste is one of the greatest challenges worldwide. Current estimates point to over 1 billion tons of food lost and wasted worldwide, though nearly 10 percent of the global population is suffering from undernourishment and food insecurity. In Mozambique, about one-quarter of the population suffers from undernourishment and food insecurity. Estimates from FAO point to postharvest losses of maize in Mozambique at about 3.69 to 7.92 percent; this is less than one-fifth of the on-farm losses reported by other authors. In this study, an Equilibrium Displacement model is used to assess the economy-wide impact of postharvest losses of maize at the farm level. The impact of a 3 percent postharvest loss is tested. Results suggest that even this very conservative percentage of postharvest losses has a direct annual net cost of around $USD 28 million for both farmers and consumers domestically. This is equivalent to over 1 percent of the national budget. It is also higher than the average cost of food aid programs received over the last three years. Therefore, reducing postharvest losses of maize along with other interventions is crucial to achieve sustainable development and economic growth.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 235-253
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1721305
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1721305
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Joseph P. Musara
Author-X-Name-First: Joseph P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Musara
Author-Name: Lovemore Musemwa
Author-X-Name-First: Lovemore
Author-X-Name-Last: Musemwa
Title: Impacts of improved sorghum varieties intensification on household welfare in the mid-Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe
Abstract: 
 Attaining food and income security is a persistent challenge among small holder farmers of Southern Africa. Improved sorghum varieties are widely regarded as a panacea to extreme poverty. The paper uses endogenous switching regression to determine impacts of improved sorghum varieties intensification on household welfare. Household dietary diversity score and household food insecurity access score were used as outcome variables and proxies for food security. Cross-sectional data were generated in the Mid Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe in 2016 from 380 households in a survey conducted with five purposively selected wards. Social association groups, average weighted market prices, household income, age of principal decision maker, dependency ratio, ownership of draught power and storage facilities have significant (p < 0.01) implications on the adoption decision. Counterfactual analyses shows that farmers who allocate more land towards improved sorghum varieties are relatively better off in food diversity and food access. Intensifying improved sorghum varieties can increase dietary diversity by 35% while reducing food insecurity by 29–34%. Social networking can be strengthened through local, government and private partnerships to facilitate generation and efficient dissemination of sorghum production and marketing information. Improving the market prices can increase market size and enhance efficiency along strategic value chain nodes.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 254-267
Issue: 2
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 4
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1721306
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1721306
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:2:p:254-267




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: C. L. Yobe
Author-X-Name-First: C. L.
Author-X-Name-Last: Yobe
Author-Name: S. R. D. Ferrer
Author-X-Name-First: S. R. D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ferrer
Author-Name: M. Mudhara
Author-X-Name-First: M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mudhara
Title: Measuring the financial efficiency of agricultural cooperatives in South Africa: an application of the Simar–Wilson methodology
Abstract: 
 Post-1994, the South African government has favoured cooperatives over other types of corporate entities in its rural development programmes. An improved understanding of the key drivers underpinning the performance of cooperatives is important for informing government programmes and policies that target cooperatives. This study examined the financial efficiency, and its determinants, of 387 agricultural cooperatives in South Africa, using the Simar–Wilson methodology. Bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis estimates for financial efficiency were obtained in the first stage. The results indicated that many agricultural cooperatives are relatively inefficient, compared to the three best-performing cooperatives on the efficient boundary. In the second stage, a double bootstrap truncated regression model was used to obtain bias-corrected scores that excluded the best-performing cooperatives. The statistically significant efficiency determinants identified from the analysis were the age and size of the cooperative, the gender of the principal manager of the cooperative, its governance and the training indicators. The observed relationship between governance and efficiency may be attributed to institutions that prioritise non-financial goals by being relatively more willing to compromise on governance quality. Furthermore, deviations from sound institutional control mechanisms are more likely to emerge in cooperatives that have weak institutional and organisational arrangements.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 269-286
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1761845
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1761845
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:269-286




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Daniel Belay
Author-X-Name-First: Daniel
Author-X-Name-Last: Belay
Title: The effect of trust on farmers’ milk market participation in dairy cooperatives in West Shoa, Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 While previous studies recognise the importance of trust in cooperatives, there are very few empirical studies on the role trust plays in market participation in dairy cooperatives. This paper investigates the effect of trust on farmers’ milk market participation using data from dairy cooperatives in Ethiopia. First, a principal component analysis was performed on the data set of trust indicators to construct a composite indicator for measuring farmers’ trust. Second, the Heckman two-step procedure was employed to investigate the effect of trust on milk market participation. The result from the Tobit model indicates that trust is an important factor influencing the intensity of milk marketing through the cooperatives. The following implications are worthy of consideration for improving farmers’ trust and thereby market participation: improving the competency of the management, communicating and sharing of information, and democratic election of the management.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 287-302
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1734036
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1734036
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:287-302




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Daniel Belay
Author-X-Name-First: Daniel
Author-X-Name-Last: Belay
Title: Determinants of individual social capital in dairy cooperatives in West Shoa, Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 While previous studies recognise the importance of social capital for cooperatives’ social and economic outcomes, there are no empirical studies on the determinants of farmers’ social capital in cooperatives. This paper investigates the determinants of social capital using data from farmers in dairy cooperatives in Ethiopia. First, principal component analyses (PCAs) are performed on the data set of dimensions of social capital: structural, relational and cognitive. After applying PCA, composite indicators are developed as measures of farmers’ dimensions of social capital. Second, seemingly unrelated regression is employed to identify the determinants of the dimensions of social capital. The results suggest that marital status, education level and length of membership have a positive effect on the structural dimension. The relational dimension has a positive relationship with the ownership of a radio, the number of close friends, and membership in associations, while training access and number of close friends positively influence the cognitive dimension. The study concludes that improving farmers’ social capital in dairy cooperatives requires investment in the educational system, creating and developing local associations, promoting cooperatives through mass media, and strengthening the existing training programmes.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 303-320
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1743728
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1743728
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:303-320




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Etsehiwot Semreab Tiruneh
Author-X-Name-First: Etsehiwot Semreab
Author-X-Name-Last: Tiruneh
Author-Name: Solomon Bizuayehu Wassie
Author-X-Name-First: Solomon Bizuayehu
Author-X-Name-Last: Wassie
Title: Adoption and ex-post impact of alternative teff production technologies: micro-level evidence from Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 Using plot-level data from Ethiopia, this study aims to examine the determinants and impact of alternative teff production technologies on the productivity and profitability of smallholder teff producers. The study employed a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model that accounts for selection bias due to observable and unobservable factors. The authors’ results show that technology adoption has a positive association with education, farm size, extension visits, community meetings and asset ownership. On the contrary, distance to input and output markets have a negative and significant effect on the adoption of alternative teff production technologies. The MESR model results reveal that, while full technology adoption is the most productive and profitable option, adopting any of the alternative technologies also substantially improves the productivity and profitability of smallholder teff producers. The results also suggest that row-planting technology has a positive impact on the productivity and profitability of smallholder teff producers only when it is adopted with improved seed technology.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 321-336
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1782761
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1782761
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:321-336




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tebogo B. Seleka
Author-X-Name-First: Tebogo B.
Author-X-Name-Last: Seleka
Author-Name: David Mmopelwa
Author-X-Name-First: David
Author-X-Name-Last: Mmopelwa
Title: Effects of input subsidies on cropland allocation and diversification in Botswana’s subsistence economy
Abstract: 
 Input subsidy programs (ISPs) are an important agricultural development strategy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Past studies have focused on the impact of ISPs on crop production, food security and poverty. Little attention has been devoted to assessing their impact on crop diversification, which is a strategy for managing production risk and improving soil fertility under cereal-based smallholder production environments in SSA. Meanwhile, there is growing debate on whether ISPs may conflict with the crop diversification strategy by promoting crop concentration. We estimate cropland allocation and diversification models to test this hypothesis for two ISPs in Botswana, Accelerated Rainfed Arable Programme (ARAP) and Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD), using panel data of agricultural regions and the cropping seasons of 1978/79 to 2013/14. Results reveal that ISPs have induced increased concentration on cereals, away from beans/pulses and oil crops, leading to reduced cropland diversification. ARAP induced a 6.7 percentage point rise in cereal area share and a 5.2 (1.4) percentage point fall in beans/pulses (oil crops) area share. Similarly, ISPAAD induced a 4.4 percentage point rise in cereal area share and a 4.1 percentage point fall in beans/pulses area share. By discouraging legume production, ISPs may lead to soil fertility loss, as legumes may help rebuild nitrogen stocks in soils.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 337-353
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1758175
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1758175
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:337-353




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ubaldus John Tumaini
Author-X-Name-First: Ubaldus John
Author-X-Name-Last: Tumaini
Title: Household assets and food security in and around medium-sized towns: some insights from Morogoro and Iringa, Tanzania
Abstract: 
 This paper examines the extent to which household assets ownership vary along the urban-rural continuum, and assess the inﬂuence of these assets on household food accessibility. A cross-sectional research design using a stratiﬁed random sample of 279 households was sampled along the urban-rural continuum in Morogoro and Iringa, Tanzania. The results show that household assets ownership varies signiﬁcantly in areas regarded as urban, peri-urban and rural. Using binary logistic regression, household food accessibility improves as household head's education and the number of household members earning income increase. Conversely, food accessibility worsens as household size, the proportion of consumption expenditure on food, and reliance on aid increase. It is concluded that although household assets ownership varies greatly along the urban-rural continuum, its food accessibility status is influenced by factors such as household head's education level, number of members earning an income, household size, the proportion of consumption expenditure on food and reliance on aid. Household's location does not aﬀect its food accessibility. Therefore, household's heads should be given appropriate technical skills to enable them to improve their household food accessibility. More job opportunities should be created mostly in rural areas and people should be sensitised to practice family planning.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 354-365
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1743729
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1743729
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:354-365




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mehmet Balcilar
Author-X-Name-First: Mehmet
Author-X-Name-Last: Balcilar
Author-Name: Festus Victor Bekun
Author-X-Name-First: Festus Victor
Author-X-Name-Last: Bekun
Title: Do oil prices and exchange rates account for agricultural commodity market spillovers? Evidence from the Diebold and Yilmaz Index
Abstract: 
 This paper examines the nature of interconnectedness between the returns of the price of oil and foreign exchange on selected agricultural commodity prices. To do this, the authors leverage the novel methodology of a spillover index developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) that reports predictive directional measurement of volatility spillovers. International Journal of Forecasting 28, no. 1: 57–66) that reports: (i) Net spillovers; (ii) Directional spillovers; (iii) Pairwise net spillovers; and (iv) Total spillover indices. This study also captures all secular and cyclical movements with the aid of rolling window analysis to ensure the robustness of the estimations. Empirical analyses are constructed based on monthly realised frequency data from 2006M1 to 2016M7. The empirical analysis from the full sample size shows that rice, sorghum, price inflation, a nominal effective exchange rate and oil price display weak pass-through among the investigated variables while banana, cocoa, groundnut, maize, soybean and wheat are net transmitters of spillover. Based on these revelations, several policy prescriptions for the agricultural commodity markets and their diverse responses to either exchange rate fluctuations or a dwindling oil price are suggested for Nigeria.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 366-385
Issue: 3
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 7
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1694046
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2019.1694046
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:3:p:366-385




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Author-Name: Amelia Genis
Author-X-Name-First: Amelia
Author-X-Name-Last: Genis
Title: Efficiency of a mixed farming system in a marginal winter rainfall area of the Overberg, South Africa, with implications for thinking about sustainability
Abstract: 
 This study presents a preliminary analysis of the productivity performance of a small group of mixed winter rainfall farms over the past decade. Results indicate that there has been no technical progress in the sector over the past decade and group members are falling further behind their own benchmark as time passes. Relative rankings have remained stable, with most of the group riding the peaks and troughs of good and bad years without breaking rank. There is clearly room for fresh thinking. Drought does not offer a simple explanation for the observed trends. This group’s total factor productivity is inversely correlated with farm size despite evidence that their technology is increasing returns-to-scale. This is difficult to explain. Woolled sheep seems to be the solution to drought, but too much land under planted pastures lowers overall efficiency. There is much more investigation to do, including to cast the net wider so that a more sophisticated efficiency model can be fitted. There was no information on heat stress or rainfall variability, or the date of adoption of conservation agriculture, which is known to be a good strategy against unreliable rainfall. We also could not model the effect of farmers’ skills and ambitions on their performance. The study’s main contribution is to debunk the myths that rainfall places an absolute limit on performance and that a larger scale of operation is always beneficial.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 387-400
Issue: 4
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1828116
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1828116
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: H. J. Sartorius von Bach
Author-X-Name-First: H. J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sartorius von Bach
Author-Name: K. M. Kalundu
Author-X-Name-First: K. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalundu
Title: An econometric estimation of gross margin volatility: a case of ox production in Namibia
Abstract: 
 Cattle production in Namibia has been widely analysed. However, farm business performance is still partially understood. This paper provides a scenario of volatility in gross margin in the cattle farming enterprise, as a result of weather cycles. The impact of drought on biomass cattle production augmented by other factors are compound to the hypothesis for profit maximisation. The paper follows a stepwise approach to test the causality of variables affecting production decision-making during periods of volatility, such as drought or floods Testing the OLS results for robustness, if was found that the inclusion of dynamic estimations such as ARDL and ARCH/GARCH approaches were required. Findings show that effective rainfall is the main determinant for livestock farming in the Namibian arid areas, much more than stocking rates or other variables suggested in earlier literature. Advanced analysis shows that the inclusion of known rainfall cycles in production decision making can improve the farm gross margin by 15.9%, which reduces volatility. The findings call for extension services to avail early warning systems that will enable livestock farmers to cushion the impact of gross margin volatility. Cushioning the cattle industry against gross margin volatility will provide positive impact on the national economy.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 401-411
Issue: 4
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1822893
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1822893
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jakub Olipra
Author-X-Name-First: Jakub
Author-X-Name-Last: Olipra
Title: Price transmission in (de)regulated agricultural markets
Abstract: 
 This paper emphasises the impact of the ongoing liberalisation of agricultural policies and trade in agricultural commodities on spatial price transmission in agricultural markets. Based on a literature review covering a broad range of topics, the article derives four main conclusions. First, more market-oriented agricultural policies and trade liberalization improve horizontal price transmission in global agricultural markets. Second, in the integrated agricultural markets, some regions tend to lead the price discovery process, which is determined mainly by their role in international trade. Third, with the growing integration of agricultural markets, the significance of local factors such as seasonality is diminishing. Fourth, as markets become more integrated, spontaneous public interventions aimed at the stabilisation of domestic prices are less effective. These findings may help market participants at all stages of the food supply chain to better understand how policy deregulation and trade liberalisation affect price setting in agricultural markets and, consequently, enable them to adjust to these changes more effectively. Furthermore, the paper provides policy implications, as it distinguishes the institutional factors determining the degree of price transmission in agricultural markets and emphasises the decreasing effectiveness of domestic agricultural and trade policies as globalisation in agricultural markets continues.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 412-425
Issue: 4
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1831936
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1831936
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:4:p:412-425




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: John Njenga Macharia
Author-X-Name-First: John Njenga
Author-X-Name-Last: Macharia
Author-Name: Gracious Malton Diiro
Author-X-Name-First: Gracious Malton
Author-X-Name-Last: Diiro
Author-Name: John Rono Busienei
Author-X-Name-First: John Rono
Author-X-Name-Last: Busienei
Author-Name: Kimpei Munei
Author-X-Name-First: Kimpei
Author-X-Name-Last: Munei
Author-Name: Hippolyte D. Affognon
Author-X-Name-First: Hippolyte D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Affognon
Author-Name: Sunday Ekesi
Author-X-Name-First: Sunday
Author-X-Name-Last: Ekesi
Author-Name: Beatrice Muriithi
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Muriithi
Author-Name: Dorothy Nakimbugwe
Author-X-Name-First: Dorothy
Author-X-Name-Last: Nakimbugwe
Author-Name: Chrysantus Mbi Tanga
Author-X-Name-First: Chrysantus Mbi
Author-X-Name-Last: Tanga
Author-Name: Komi K. M. Fiaboe
Author-X-Name-First: Komi K. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Fiaboe
Title: Gendered analysis of the demand for poultry feed in Kenya
Abstract: 
 This paper uses a translog cost function approach to study the farm-level demand for poultry feed in Kenya. The study estimates the demand elasticities of the three common types of poultry feed; mixed feed, grain, and leafy vegetables. The estimated model was used to obtain estimates of Marshallian demand elasticities for poultry feed in Kenya for male-headed and female-headed households. The elasticities reported can be used by researchers and policy analysts to evaluate policy effects of changes in feed demand quantities within the livestock economy in Kenya. Moreover, these parameters can provide more reliable estimates of the total change in feed demand than relying on subjective measures of elasticities. Furthermore, the results of this study are essential in enhancing gender equitable policy formulation. Our findings show that own price elasticities of demand for all the feed types are negative and less than unit in absolute value for the sample of farmers surveyed, indicating that the feed types are relatively inelastic. The cross-price elasticities indicate that vegetables and grain are compliments while the rest of the poultry feed types are substitutes. The results also show that there are substantial gender differences in feed demand and elasticities of feed demand with respect to feed prices.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 426-439
Issue: 4
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1742747
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1742747
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:59:y:2020:i:4:p:426-439




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Abdul-Hanan Abdallah
Author-X-Name-First: Abdul-Hanan
Author-X-Name-Last: Abdallah
Author-Name: Awal Abdul-Rahaman
Author-X-Name-First: Awal
Author-X-Name-Last: Abdul-Rahaman
Author-Name: Gazali Issahaku
Author-X-Name-First: Gazali
Author-X-Name-Last: Issahaku
Title: Production and hidden hunger impacts of sustainable agricultural practices: evidence from rural households in Africa
Abstract: 
 This study employs panel data from the sub-Saharan Africa’s Intensification (Afrint) project to examine the impacts of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on crop production and hidden hunger. The dataset consists of 2368 households (4736 plots) across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The study utilizes a multinomial endogenous switching regression model in the empirical estimations to account for sample selection bias caused by observed and unobserved farmer attributes. In addition, the study employed Mundlak fixed effects criteria to address plot level heterogeneity. The results show that joint adoption of SAPs improves total value of output and reduces hidden hunger, relative to adoption of SAPs in isolation. Specifically, an increase in total value of output is at most USD8,288.66/ha whiles decrease in cereal self-provisioning capacity is at most 647.69 kg per adult equivalent. The results therefore suggest that joint adoption of the SAPs should be promoted over adoption in isolation. The results also indicate that the benefits associated with adoption of SAPs, either in isolation or jointly, vary across Africa. This therefore implies that compatibility and potentials of the SAPs in various locations of Africa should be considered when promoting uptake of SAPs.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 440-458
Issue: 4
Volume: 59
Year: 2020
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2020.1855219
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2020.1855219
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: Introduction to volume 60 of Agrekon
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-6
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1886493
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1886493
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:1-6




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: Reflections on two terms as editor of Agrekon
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 7-9
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1886494
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1886494
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:7-9




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Rebecca N. Kiwanuka-Lubinda
Author-X-Name-First: Rebecca N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kiwanuka-Lubinda
Author-Name: John N. Ng’ombe
Author-X-Name-First: John N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ng’ombe
Author-Name: Charles Machethe
Author-X-Name-First: Charles
Author-X-Name-Last: Machethe
Title: Impacts of interlocked contractual arrangements on dairy farmers’ welfare in Zambia: a robust Bayesian instrumental variable analysis
Abstract: 
 While contract farming and interlocked contractual arrangements (ICAs) are generally perceived to resolve persistent market failures and improve smallholder farmers' welfare in developing countries, uncertainties remain as to whether these arrangements enhance welfare because of farmers' low marketed volumes and margins. To account for potential selection bias, non-Gaussian and missing data problems, a robust two-stage Bayesian instrumental variable approach is used to determine the impact of dairy farmers' participation in ICAs on household income and milk revenue. Data are from smallholder dairy farmers in Zambia. We find that male household heads, wealth, experience selling to milk collection centres (MCCs), livestock holding, milking parlour ownership, landholding, and access to marketing information positively affect farmers' probability to participate in ICAs. However, increased off-farm income and distance to MCCs limit their participation. While some socioeconomic variables have significant positive effects of affecting ICA participation on household welfare, we find no sufficient evidence of causal effects of ICAs on household incomes and milk revenue among dairy farmers. Thus, while ICAs enhance smallholder farmers' access to markets, they may not address high rural poverty rates in developing countries. We provide some insights by which performance of ICAs in the dairy sector may be improved.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 10-30
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1875854
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1875854
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:10-30




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: A. Ferreira
Author-X-Name-First: A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ferreira
Author-Name: W. A. Lombard
Author-X-Name-First: W. A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Lombard
Author-Name: Y. T. Bahta
Author-X-Name-First: Y. T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta
Author-Name: A. C. Geyer
Author-X-Name-First: A. C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Geyer
Title: Price attributes of Döhne Merino wool in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Döhne Merino sheep are a dual-purpose breed known for both good-quality meat and Merino-type wool. The objective of this study was to determine the price attributes of Döhne Merino wool in South Africa using a hedonic model and data from 83 registered Döhne Merino farmers in South Africa. The results indicated that the price of Fleece wool was most sensitive to changes in the staple strength, staple length, and fibre diameter, while clean yield had a lower impact. Fibre diameter had the largest effect on the price of Pieces wool, followed by staple strength and staple length. The Bellies wool price was very sensitive to changes in clean yield, followed by staple length. It is recommended that Döhne Merino wool with higher staple strength and longer staple length should be produced due to the price premiums that could be earned. The findings provide evidence of the demand for quality attributes associated with wool and could aid Döhne Merino wool producers in deciding how to maximise their profit. Woolgrowers and other interested stakeholders could use this information to ensure that wool quality meets market demand.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 31-42
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1879659
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1879659
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jules Ngango
Author-X-Name-First: Jules
Author-X-Name-Last: Ngango
Author-Name: Seungjee Hong
Author-X-Name-First: Seungjee
Author-X-Name-Last: Hong
Title: Speed of adoption of intensive agricultural practices in Rwanda: A duration analysis
Abstract: 
 Maize is one of the main staple food crops grown in Rwanda that forms a significant part of household consumption. However, maize yields in Rwanda have remained low due to the limited adoption of fertilisers and improved seed varieties. This study aims to analyse factors that influence the timing of adoption of fertilisers and improved seed varieties (i.e., intensive agricultural practices) in Rwanda. The duration analysis approach is applied, providing a statistical method that permits the timing of the adoption event to be explicitly modelled in a dynamic framework. The results highlight the importance of social learning and information acquisition through extension services, media, and a network of fellow farmers in increasing adoption rates for fertilisers and improved maize varieties. Similarly, membership in farmers' associations, access to credit, and risk-loving behaviour positively affect the speed of adoption. Policy insights from the study suggest that strategies for promoting faster adoption should focus on providing information through agricultural extension services, media, and a network of fellow farmers. Additionally, farmers' cooperatives should be given priority as a dissemination pathway that can increase adoption speed for fertilisers and improved maize varieties.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 43-56
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1883448
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1883448
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Zimbini Mdlulwa
Author-X-Name-First: Zimbini
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdlulwa
Author-Name: Eric Mathebula
Author-X-Name-First: Eric
Author-X-Name-Last: Mathebula
Author-Name: Cynthia Ngwane
Author-X-Name-First: Cynthia
Author-X-Name-Last: Ngwane
Title: Determinants of livestock keepers’ primary animal health care practices
Abstract: 
 Livestock production remains vulnerable to animal disease, threatening the productivity and food security of smallholder farmers. Application of primary animal health care (PAHC) practices is considered a cost-effective method for farmers to prevent and control livestock diseases. Using data collected on 593 smallholder farmers in five provinces of South Africa, this paper uses partial proportional odds (PPO) modelling to evaluate the determinants of livestock keepers’ choice of PAHC practices. Access to animal handling facilities, contact with animal health practitioners, farmers’ associations, household income and positive perceptions about vaccines had a positive influence on the farmer’s choice of PAHC practices, while negative perceptions about vaccines had a negative influence. Increased timely delivery of animal health services and provision of animal handling facilities is recommended to expedite increased farmers’ uptake of PAHC practices. Development of animal health policies using the “One Health” approach is advised to ensure a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary effort at local and national level to achieve optimal health outcomes. Use of the PPO model is a departure from the norm in the literature for determining a farmer’s adoption strategies. The model proved to be instrumental as it predicted significant variables extra to those usually applied in multinomial models.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 57-79
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1894190
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1894190
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Thorvald Gran
Author-X-Name-First: Thorvald
Author-X-Name-Last: Gran
Title: How a government panel on land reform in South Africa is stuck in old ways
Abstract: 
 The government Panel on land reform, headed by Dr. Vuyokazi Mahlati, presents an encompassing analysis of government programmes suggesting revised and new programmes to increase the speed of land reform. This note registers that improvement of local democracy is not a variable in the report. The note suggests that the Panel is stuck in old ways, in effect a centralised planning tradition and a heavily top down governing model. It suggests that developing local municipal and amakhosi democracy might seem a detour in land politics but might actually lead to a different and more effective land reform. Such land reform will favour more dignity, creativity and trust among people and a more fair modernisation of the South African economy.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 80-84
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1901750
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1901750
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:80-84




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Wandile Sihlobo
Author-X-Name-First: Wandile
Author-X-Name-Last: Sihlobo
Title: Reply: how a government panel on land reform in South Africa is stuck in old ways
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 85-87
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1892992
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1892992
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:85-87




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Author-Name: Wandile Sihlobo
Author-X-Name-First: Wandile
Author-X-Name-Last: Sihlobo
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: In memoriam: Abdul Salam Mohammad Karaan (1968–2021)
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 88-89
Issue: 1
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1886495
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1886495
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:1:p:88-89




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mengistie Mossie
Author-X-Name-First: Mengistie
Author-X-Name-Last: Mossie
Author-Name: Alemseged Gerezgiher
Author-X-Name-First: Alemseged
Author-X-Name-Last: Gerezgiher
Author-Name: Zemen Ayalew
Author-X-Name-First: Zemen
Author-X-Name-Last: Ayalew
Author-Name: Zerihun Nigussie
Author-X-Name-First: Zerihun
Author-X-Name-Last: Nigussie
Title: Welfare effects of small-scale farmers' participation in apple and mango value chains in Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 This study examines the effects of participation in the fruit value chain on small-scale farmers' economic welfare in Ethiopia's Upper-Blue Nile Basin, focusing on apple and mango crops. This household economic welfare is measured by the consumption expenditure approach. Primary data were collected from a random sample of 384 households, 211 of which are fruit value chain participants and the rest are non-participants. The endogenous switching regression model was used to control for selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity. The study finds that the more apple and mango farmers join the value chain, the higher their consumption expenditure becomes. On average, the apple and mango value chain participation increased household consumption expenditure by about 17% and 18.5%, respectively. Overall, the results indicate a positive economic welfare effect of small-scale farmer participation. Hence, supporting small-scale farmers is imperative and a reasonable policy approach to improve their economic welfare in rural Ethiopia.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 192-208
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1926298
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1926298
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Yohana James Mgale
Author-X-Name-First: Yohana James
Author-X-Name-Last: Mgale
Author-Name: Yan Yunxian
Author-X-Name-First: Yan
Author-X-Name-Last: Yunxian
Author-Name: Provident Dimoso
Author-X-Name-First: Provident
Author-X-Name-Last: Dimoso
Title: Cointegration and spatial price transmission among rice markets in Tanzania: implications for price stabilisation policies
Abstract: 
 In an effort to increase agricultural production, promote regional specialization and stabilize domestic food prices, the Tanzanian government has implemented several market-enhancing policies. The success of these measures depends, among other factors, on the cointegration and degree of price transmission across spatial markets. This study uses the vector autoregressive procedure of the Toda-Yamamoto causality test, dynamic ordinary least squares cointegration tests, and the asymmetric error correction model to examine the performance of Tanzania's domestic wholesale rice markets (lead-lag price relationship and long-run price adjustment process) during the post-agricultural market liberalization period. In response to changes in the marketing-enhancing policies during the investigation period, the presence of multiple structural breaks in the long-run equation is allowed. The results show that the Dar es Salaam market influences prices in all the rice markets examined, thus acting as a price leader. Furthermore, the price adjustment process results demonstrated the absence of asymmetric price adjustment between the central and regional wholesale rice markets, suggesting improved integration and efficiency of inter-regional rice markets. On the other hand, a central market's presence implies that interventions aimed at the central market can buffer regional markets to withstand adverse price shocks caused by food price spikes and volatility.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 157-175
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1920436
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1920436
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Author-Name: Amelia Genis
Author-X-Name-First: Amelia
Author-X-Name-Last: Genis
Author-Name: Jan Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse
Title: District-level agricultural total factor productivity for the Karoo, South Africa: 1952–2002
Abstract: 
 An earlier study of district-level agricultural total factor productivity in the Western Cape province of South Africa Conradie et al. (2009a, b) is extended to include eleven Northern Cape districts that in combination make up the Karoo. Tornqvist Theil total factor productivity (TFP) indices are calculated using accounting data from 10 years of the farm census between 1949/50 and 2001/2. The Northern Cape districts experienced the same general productivity decline as those of the Western Cape’s Central Karoo. Both parts of the broader Karoo region show a similar mean rate of decline. However, the reasons for this are different, with developments in irrigation systems a major factor.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 128-144
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1908155
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1908155
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:2:p:128-144




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Yoshihiro Hirooka
Author-X-Name-First: Yoshihiro
Author-X-Name-Last: Hirooka
Author-Name: Tadayoshi Masuda
Author-X-Name-First: Tadayoshi
Author-X-Name-Last: Masuda
Author-Name: Yoshinori Watanabe
Author-X-Name-First: Yoshinori
Author-X-Name-Last: Watanabe
Author-Name: Yasuhiro Izumi
Author-X-Name-First: Yasuhiro
Author-X-Name-Last: Izumi
Author-Name: Hiroyuki Inai
Author-X-Name-First: Hiroyuki
Author-X-Name-Last: Inai
Author-Name: Simon Awala
Author-X-Name-First: Simon
Author-X-Name-Last: Awala
Author-Name: Morio Iijima
Author-X-Name-First: Morio
Author-X-Name-Last: Iijima
Title: Agronomic and socio-economic assessment of the introduction of a rice-based mixed cropping system to the Cuvelai seasonal wetland system in northern Namibia
Abstract: 
 In the semi-arid regions of southern Africa, around the borders of Angola with Namibia, the Cuvelai seasonal wetland system is formed by floods during the rainy season. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of introduction of a rice-based mixed cropping system to the seasonal wetlands (ondombe in the local language) from agronomic, social, and economic perspectives. For this purpose, we used a simple methodology with a multidisciplinary approach for yield and household survey and scenario analysis in northern Namibia. The yield survey revealed that in ondombe, rice showed a higher yield performance than that of pearl millet and sorghum, even in a drought year. The farm household survey showed that introducing a rice-based mixed cropping to ondombe could help local farmers enhance crop productivity by reducing labour and providing high rice yield. In addition, scenario analysis based on the yield and household surveys conducted in these regions suggested that the introduction of the mixed cropping system to ondombe could compensate for one-fourth of the governmental urgent food import budget even in drought years. Therefore, this system is an effective option for sustainable agricultural production and environmental management in the studied region.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 145-156
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1917429
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1917429
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Siphe Zantsi
Author-X-Name-First: Siphe
Author-X-Name-Last: Zantsi
Author-Name: Jan C. Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Title: Land redistribution in South Africa’s land reform policy: a better way to select beneficiaries
Abstract: 
 South Africa’s land reform policy might succeed better if it had clear criteria for selecting beneficiaries for land redistribution. The National Development Plan identifies the intended beneficiaries and states how they should be selected, but implementation of the plan is haphazard. A 2019 report by the Presidency’s Land Reform and Agriculture Advisory Panel recommends that the beneficiary selection process be clear and transparent. In this paper, we respond to the report and expand on a proposal in the 2020 draft Beneficiary Selection Policy. Our study is based on a review of the relevant policies and the literature on beneficiary selection, and a profile of 833 potential land redistribution beneficiaries randomly selected from three provinces in South Africa. We highlight the flaws in the existing selection methods. Building on the suggestion of Vink and Kirsten (2019) of a tender or job application process, we suggest improvements we suggest improvements that could reduce inefficiencies and make the selection process inclusive and transparent.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 108-127
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1906286
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1906286
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:2:p:108-127




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Siphe Zantsi
Author-X-Name-First: Siphe
Author-X-Name-Last: Zantsi
Author-Name: Gabriele Mack
Author-X-Name-First: Gabriele
Author-X-Name-Last: Mack
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: Towards a viable farm size – determining a viable household income for emerging farmers in South Africa's Land Redistribution Programme: an income aspiration approach
Abstract: 
 The purpose of this article is to propose an improved methodology to determine a viable farm size for potential emerging farmers as land reform beneficiaries. Land reform in South Africa has been criticised because of poor implementation and slow pace, accompanied by poor productivity in redistributed land. To explain this, it has been suggested that commercial farms are too large for emerging farmers who have little or no experience in commercial farming. Thus, there have been calls for measures to make subdivision of land easier and cheaper. To this end, cross–sectional survey data from 833 potential emerging farmers in three rural provinces are analysed to determine a viable income for emerging farm households as a basis for calculating a viable farm size, using the income aspiration literature, farm household economics theory as a point of departure. Off–farm income, farm income and aspirational income are included in the calculation. The viable income was matched to the existing commercial farm enterprise gross margins per hectare obtained from the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, which are then used as the basis for suggesting “viable farm sizes” for different emerging farm households.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 91-107
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1903520
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1903520
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:2:p:91-107




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Justice Gameli Djokoto
Author-X-Name-First: Justice Gameli
Author-X-Name-Last: Djokoto
Title: Foreign direct investment into agriculture: does it crowd-out domestic investment?
Abstract: 
 This study contributes to the debate on whether foreign direct investment crowd-in or crowd-out domestic investment by examining the short run and long run crowding effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on domestic investment (DI) in the agricultural economy, using a cross-section of 64 countries from 1997 to 2016. In the short run, FDI has no discernible effect on DI in developing and transition economies’ agriculture. For developed economies, however, there is a crowd-out effect. Overall, is a crowding-in effect in the short run. A crowding-out effect was observed for developed countries whilst a crowding-in effect was observed for developed and economies in transition. Overall, the long-run effect is “no effect”. Improving the investment environment regarding regulatory and administrative processes as well as the absorptive capacity of the host country are recommended.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 176-191
Issue: 2
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1920437
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1920437
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:2:p:176-191




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jacques C. Julien
Author-X-Name-First: Jacques C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Julien
Author-Name: Boris E. Bravo-Ureta
Author-X-Name-First: Boris E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Bravo-Ureta
Author-Name: Nicholas E. Rada
Author-X-Name-First: Nicholas E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Rada
Title: Productive efficiency and farm size in East Africa
Abstract: 
 In this study, we undertake a comparative analysis to re-examine the inverse relationship hypothesis between farm size and land productivity, paying special attention to possible errors in land measurement and the role of technical efficiency (TE). Our primary focus is on the distribution of TE over farm size, so that we may assess the productivity and efficiency relationship with land that has been discussed extensively in the literature. We hypothesize that the distribution of TE over farm sizes is non-linear. To test our hypothesis, we use the Living Standards Measurement Study–Integrated Surveys on Agriculture and a stochastic production frontier with Greene’s (2005) true random effects framework. Specifically, we ask if smaller farms – within the range of farm sizes prevalent in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda – are more technically efficient than larger ones after accounting for a number of attributes often ignored such as measures of the production environment, including transportation infrastructure, public extension visits, among other characteristics. The results confirm a robust overall inverse relationship between farm size and land productivity in all three countries. However, the relationship between farm size and TE is positive across some size segments, resulting in a U-shape distribution.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 209-226
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1960176
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1960176
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:209-226




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Adane Hirpa Tufa
Author-X-Name-First: Adane Hirpa
Author-X-Name-Last: Tufa
Author-Name: Arega D. Alene
Author-X-Name-First: Arega D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Alene
Author-Name: Julius Manda
Author-X-Name-First: Julius
Author-X-Name-Last: Manda
Author-Name: Shiferaw Feleke
Author-X-Name-First: Shiferaw
Author-X-Name-Last: Feleke
Author-Name: Tesfamichael Wossen
Author-X-Name-First: Tesfamichael
Author-X-Name-Last: Wossen
Author-Name: M. G. Akinwale
Author-X-Name-First: M. G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Akinwale
Author-Name: David Chikoye
Author-X-Name-First: David
Author-X-Name-Last: Chikoye
Author-Name: Victor Manyong
Author-X-Name-First: Victor
Author-X-Name-Last: Manyong
Title: The poverty impacts of improved soybean technologies in Malawi
Abstract: 
 Improved soybean varieties and agronomic practices have been widely disseminated to smallholder farmers in Malawi over the last 15 years. However, there is no empirical evidence on the welfare impacts of adopting improved soybean technologies. This paper estimated the poverty impacts of adopting improved soybean technologies using data from 1,234 households in six soybean growing districts accounting for over 80% of the total soybean production in the country. The results from an endogenous switching regression model showed that 32% of the sample households adopted improved soybean varieties and agronomic practices. The adoption benefits were higher for female-headed households and increased with the household head’s education and cultivated land areas. A comparison of the observed and counterfactual incomes for adopters based on the international poverty line of US$1.90 per capita per day showed a 4.16 percentage-point reduction in poverty among the sample households, translating to over 150,000 people lifted out of poverty. The household head’s education level, household size, cultivated land area, livestock size, and asset ownership are associated with the daily per capita income. The results point to the need for scaling up of improved soybean varieties and agronomic practices for greater impacts on poverty reduction among smallholders in Malawi.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 297-316
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1939075
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1939075
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:297-316




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Moses Chitete
Author-X-Name-First: Moses
Author-X-Name-Last: Chitete
Author-Name: Wisdom Mgomezulu
Author-X-Name-First: Wisdom
Author-X-Name-Last: Mgomezulu
Author-Name: Mercy Bwanaisa
Author-X-Name-First: Mercy
Author-X-Name-Last: Bwanaisa
Author-Name: Joseph Dzanja
Author-X-Name-First: Joseph
Author-X-Name-Last: Dzanja
Title: Analysis of intra-region market integration and spatial price transmission in groundnut markets in Malawi
Abstract: 
 Agricultural marketing has overwhelmingly received policy reforms indeveloping countries, Malawi included. In response to these policyreforms, extensive research on market cointegration has been conducted in evaluating the market performance of various agricultural commodities. In Malawi, literature on groundnut market cointegration is scanty. This study was aimed at understanding price co-movement in groundnut markets in Malawi. Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) data on groundnut prices from 2005 to 2018 were used. The Vector Error Correction Model was used to analyse the extent of market cointegration, both in the long and the short run. The speeds of adjustments in groundnut markets were found to be very slow. It takes long for the systems to revert back to equilibriums in the long run. In all regions, very few markets are cointegrated. Although the speed of adjustment is slow in most of the cointegrating vectors, Southern region markets depict the fastest speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium. Irrespective of the speed of adjustment, more markets are cointegrated in northern and central regions than in the southern region. Relevant policies are needed that promote smooth flow of information from surplus to deficit areas. Market infrastructure is also needed in the country.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 280-296
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1937246
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1937246
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:280-296




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tulumbe Cheelo
Author-X-Name-First: Tulumbe
Author-X-Name-Last: Cheelo
Author-Name: Melissa van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Melissa
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe
Title: What factors influence smallholder farmers’ decision to select a milk marketing channel in Zambia?
Abstract: 
 Farmers are faced with computational and informational limitations when making marketing decisions. This holds true for Zambian dairy farmers. This study examined the factors that influence the choice of milk marketing channels among 251 smallholder farmers in Zambia participating in milk production and marketing using a multinomial logit model approach. Three milk marketing channels were identified: direct, traditional, and modern. Relative to the base category (direct), the results indicate that gender and volume of milk produced positively influenced participation in the traditional marketing channel. However, off-farm income had a negative influence on the selection of the traditional marketing channel. Gender, education, distance to major markets, and volumes of milk produced influenced the decision to participate in the modern marketing channel. There seems to be an underutilisation of the modern marketing channel. The study identified the following factors to stimulate participation in the modern marketing channel: (i) concerted value chain investments, (ii) government intervention in the form of policy changes, (iii) increased access to market information, (iv) support services, and (v) transparency in the milk value-chain. Understanding the factors that influence farmers' participation in the informal channels enables tailored policies to support the formalisation of existing structures in the informal sector.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 243-252
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1950017
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1950017
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:243-252




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Clement Kweku Kyei
Author-X-Name-First: Clement Kweku
Author-X-Name-Last: Kyei
Author-Name: Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu
Author-X-Name-First: Margaret
Author-X-Name-Last: Chitiga-Mabugu
Title: Welfare impacts of introducing water pollution tax in the Olifants river basin in South Africa: A revisited analysis using a top-down micro-accounting approach
Abstract: 
 Addressing the high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa remains a central policy concern. In this regard, this paper uses a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) microsimulation approach to revisit the effects of taxing water pollution on poverty and inequality at the level of a river basin. We combined the commodity and factor price changes from a regional environmental CGE model, after introducing the water pollution tax, with household survey data from the 2012 National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS) to explain the welfare impacts. The result shows that the tax policy will in general have adverse impacts in terms of welfare, poverty, and inequality. However, the tax policy coupled with a supply-side compensatory measure such as subsidising water pollution abatement has the potential to reduce regional poverty and inequality as well as improve the ecological status of the river. Our finding has policy implications for national and regional water resource managers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 253-263
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1937245
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1937245
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:253-263




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Isabel C. Sakala
Author-X-Name-First: Isabel C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sakala
Author-Name: Thomson H. Kalinda
Author-X-Name-First: Thomson H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalinda
Author-Name: Chewe Nkonde
Author-X-Name-First: Chewe
Author-X-Name-Last: Nkonde
Author-Name: William J. Burke
Author-X-Name-First: William J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Burke
Title: Adoption of ox-drawn minimum tillage ripping by smallholder farmers in Zambia
Abstract: 
 Applying a triple hurdle model to nationally representative farm household data from Zambia, this study examines determinants associated with three sequential crop production decisions: animal draught power adoption, minimum tillage ripping adoption, and the extent of hectares ripped. The correlated random effects estimator is also used to explore two dimensions of minimum tillage ripping adoption: changes in adoption within a household over time (within-household effect) and differences in adoption between households at a given time (between-household effect). Results reveal that age and gender of the household head, the head's level of education, household labour, hectares cultivated, ripper ownership, loan access, receiving conservation farming advice and distance to agricultural service providers are some of the key determinants associated with the three stages investigated using the triple hurdle model. The correlated random effects results demonstrate that while certain factors enhance or inhibit the expected value of hectares ripped within a given household, it is not always the case that these factors have a similar effect when the analysis is between households. This article highlights policy options to enhance ownership of rippers, support smallholder farmer access to loans, facilitate development of agro-dealer networks, and innovative approaches for disseminating conservation farming information to farmers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 335-351
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1946412
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1946412
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:335-351




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Admire Katunga
Author-X-Name-First: Admire
Author-X-Name-Last: Katunga
Author-Name: Edilegnaw Wale Zegeye
Author-X-Name-First: Edilegnaw Wale
Author-X-Name-Last: Zegeye
Author-Name: Gerald Ortmann
Author-X-Name-First: Gerald
Author-X-Name-Last: Ortmann
Title: Structure and entry barriers to access groundnut markets for intermediary traders in central and northern Malawi
Abstract: 
 Traders that participate in more competitive market structures earn relatively little marketing margins than those that participate in less competitive ones. For better returns, commodity producers have to transact in competitive market structures. Therefore, understanding market structures and market entry barriers are essential to inform policy. The study's objectives were to examine forms of market structure and investigate entry barriers into the local, district, and city groundnut markets for intermediary traders in central and northern Malawi. The findings revealed that the three markets were relatively competitive. Other results showed that business experience and sole ownership of business increased the traders’ likelihood to enter the district and local markets, respectively. Market transaction costs and storage infrastructure negatively and positively influenced the probability of traders’ entry into the local and city markets, respectively. The quantity of produce transacted increased and decreased the likelihood of entry into the local and city markets. Access to credit and informal credit sources increased and decreased the likelihood of entering the city market, respectively. Membership to informal trader associations increased the probability of entering the city market. Thus, institutions, markets and road infrastructure are critical to enhancing intermediary traders’ participation in the local and city groundnut markets.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 264-279
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1937244
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1937244
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:264-279




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Odile Mackett
Author-X-Name-First: Odile
Author-X-Name-Last: Mackett
Title: Female farm holding in Botswana's agriculture industry
Abstract: 
 In the Botswana Labour Force Survey, agriculture was identified as the fastest growing employing industry with growth mainly driven by the entrance of women into the industry. As such, the purpose of the study was thus to investigate how the demographic profile of farm holders have changed in Botswana over time. Using Agricultural Survey Reports, the paper descriptively analyses changes in the gender and age composition of farm holders in Botswana. The study found that the industry has in fact employed a larger share of women, but that the movement of women into the industry was still largely dependent on those of men. This is evident in the fact that the share of married male and female farmers move in opposite directions. It also found that during times of distress women's share as farmers increased. The movement of men and women in the industry indicates that policies which have historically been geared towards the needs and characteristics of male farmers and their households may require gender mainstreaming to accommodate female farmers and their households. This paper opens up a debate around gendered social assistance which accommodates women not just as ordinary household members, but more specifically farmers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 317-334
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1940222
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1940222
File-Format: text/html
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:317-334




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Moses Kakungulu
Author-X-Name-First: Moses
Author-X-Name-Last: Kakungulu
Author-Name: Moses Isabirye
Author-X-Name-First: Moses
Author-X-Name-Last: Isabirye
Author-Name: Kevin Teopista Akoyi
Author-X-Name-First: Kevin Teopista
Author-X-Name-Last: Akoyi
Author-Name: Kaat Van Hoyweghen
Author-X-Name-First: Kaat
Author-X-Name-Last: Van Hoyweghen
Author-Name: Liesbet Vranken
Author-X-Name-First: Liesbet
Author-X-Name-Last: Vranken
Author-Name: Miet Maertens
Author-X-Name-First: Miet
Author-X-Name-Last: Maertens
Title: Changing income portfolios and household welfare in rural Uganda
Abstract: 
 This paper provides evidence on the heterogeneous welfare implications of rural income portfolios in eastern Uganda. We use household survey data from two-panel rounds, and fixed and random effects estimation and quantile regressions to estimate average and heterogeneous effects. While the literature mostly focuses on either income diversification or participation in non-farm activities, we distinguish between income diversification, using the Simpson Index, and off-farm income generation. We use ex-post income and poverty measures as well as an ex-ante vulnerability measure to analyse welfare effects. We find that income diversification and non-farm income generation improve household income, and reduce poverty and vulnerability. We find that it is most beneficial for poorer households with less land assets to diversify their income portfolio, while moving out of agriculture is equally beneficial at all income levels and most beneficial for households with more human capital. We find that income diversification reduces vulnerability most strongly at high levels of diversification and low levels of income while non-farm income generation reduces vulnerability at lower levels of non-farm income and increases vulnerability at higher levels of non-farm income. Our results lead to nuanced findings that bring additional insights in the literature on structural transformation and rural development.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 227-242
Issue: 3
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1939743
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1939743
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:3:p:227-242




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Wencong Lu
Author-X-Name-First: Wencong
Author-X-Name-Last: Lu
Author-Name: Kwabena Nyarko Addai
Author-X-Name-First: Kwabena Nyarko
Author-X-Name-Last: Addai
Author-Name: John N. Ng’ombe
Author-X-Name-First: John N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ng’ombe
Title: Does the use of multiple agricultural technologies affect household welfare? Evidence from Northern Ghana
Abstract: 
 Agricultural intensification has been encouraged through the promotion of various agricultural technologies, but the synergies between different technologies have not been fully explored among various specific crops. Using the multinomial endogenous switching regression model complemented with the multivalued inverse probability regression model, this study determines the impacts of the adoption of combinations of chemical fertiliser, improved rice seeds, and herbicides on household welfare. Data were collected from 900 farm households in Northern Ghana. Our results indicate that the adoption of combinations of agricultural technologies is affected by various socio-economic attributes, resource constraints, institutional factors, and production shocks. We find that adopting multiple technologies improves rice yields, gross rice income, and per capita consumption expenditure. The results point out the crucial synergistic effects of the adoption of agricultural technologies on household welfare. We suggest that policies aimed at strengthening farm household welfare should encourage adopting multiple agricultural technologies in rice-producing farm households to realise the most welfare.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 370-387
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1992290
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1992290
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:4:p:370-387




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Josiah M. Ateka
Author-X-Name-First: Josiah M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ateka
Author-Name: Perez Ayieko Onono-Okelo
Author-X-Name-First: Perez Ayieko
Author-X-Name-Last: Onono-Okelo
Author-Name: Martin Etyang
Author-X-Name-First: Martin
Author-X-Name-Last: Etyang
Title: Selling at the farmgate? Role of liquidity constraints and implications for agricultural productivity
Abstract: 
 Market trends in many developing countries indicate that selling agricultural produce to itinerant traders at the farmgate has been rising, despite criticism that the practice preys on and exploits farmers. Using a cross-sectional data set of 525 households, we investigate the factors influencing participation in farmgate trading and its effects on agricultural productivity in western Kenya. We specifically consider the role of liquidity–related variables within a context of the perennial export crops, a contribution that has received less attention in literature. Our analysis reveals that variables related to demand for liquidity at the household level are strongly correlated with the selling of tea at the farmgate by smallholder tea farmers in the study area. The results also show that the household context (farmer's age, education and residence), farm characteristics (volume of output and age of tea plantation) and institutional variables (group membership and extension) are key determinants of household selling decisions. In addition, we find evidence that farmgate selling has a positive influence on crop productivity. We recommend strengthening of mechanisms that enable farmers to engage better with the existing market channels and encourage greater competition, in place of policies seeking to curtail the operations of farmgate traders.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 388-407
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1980409
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1980409
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:4:p:388-407




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Wellington Jogo
Author-X-Name-First: Wellington
Author-X-Name-Last: Jogo
Author-Name: Temesgen Bocher
Author-X-Name-First: Temesgen
Author-X-Name-Last: Bocher
Author-Name: Frederick Grant
Author-X-Name-First: Frederick
Author-X-Name-Last: Grant
Title: Factors influencing farmers’ dis-adoption and retention decisions for biofortified crops: the case of orange-fleshed sweetpotato in Mozambique
Abstract: 
 Despite their proven effectiveness in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, adoption of biofortified crops among smallholder farmers remains low. Using a cross-sectional survey dataset of 1538 households randomly selected from 15 districts in Nampula and Zambezia provinces of Mozambique, this study examined the factors influencing farmers' dis-adoption and retention decisions for biofortified OFSP varieties. Data on household socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices on OFSP production and nutrition were fitted to a Heckman bivariate probit model with sample selection to empirically assess the determinants of sequential adoption and dis-adoption decisions. The results showed that adoption and dis-adoption of OFSP is significantly influenced by a combination of farmers' socio-economic characteristics (age, gender, nutrition knowledge, education, access to planting material), consumption (taste, dry matter content) and agronomic (yield, early maturity, drought tolerance) traits. However, the agronomic traits and access to planting material are particularly key for the retention of OFSP varieties. These results suggest the need for breeding efforts to improve the agronomic traits of biofortified OFSP to match or better local non-biofortified varieties and establish seed delivery systems for sustainable adoption of biofortified OFSP.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 445-459
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1956555
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1956555
File-Format: text/html
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mawazo Mwita Magesa
Author-X-Name-First: Mawazo Mwita
Author-X-Name-Last: Magesa
Author-Name: Noah Nasson Mkasanga
Author-X-Name-First: Noah Nasson
Author-X-Name-Last: Mkasanga
Title: Smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for access to agricultural market information in Tanzania
Abstract: 
 Introducing user access charges to smallholder farmers accessing agricultural market information is considered as a strategy of financing operations of agricultural market information services. This research studied smallholders' willingness to pay for access charges as a strategy of sustaining information provision operations. Using questionnaires, data were collected from smallholders, randomly selected from three regions in Tanzania. Econometric models were used for data analysis. The Probit model indicated that factors that determine mobile phone use by smallholders included age, mobile phone use knowledge, reasons for growing crops, channels to available markets, and changes in farming practices. The Ordered Probit model indicated that road condition to markets, changing farming practices, and awareness on agricultural market information usefulness determined smallholders' willingness to pay for access charges. The Censored Tobit model indicated that the premium smallholders are willing to pay depends on their mobile phone use knowledge, farming techniques practiced, changes in farming practices, bargaining ability, and awareness on agricultural market information usefulness. To boost production, smallholders need to develop capabilities in different farming practices. For best information provisions, private sector can provide platform and resources needed for platform management while the government can ensure conducive environment for agricultural marketing and of information dissemination.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 424-444
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1980410
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1980410
File-Format: text/html
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: B. T. Assefa
Author-X-Name-First: B. T.
Author-X-Name-Last: Assefa
Author-Name: P. Reidsma
Author-X-Name-First: P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Reidsma
Author-Name: J. Chamberlin
Author-X-Name-First: J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Chamberlin
Author-Name: M. K. van Ittersum
Author-X-Name-First: M. K.
Author-X-Name-Last: van Ittersum
Title: Farm- and community-level factors underlying the profitability of fertiliser usage for Ethiopian smallholder farmers
Abstract: 
 While adoption rates for inorganic fertiliser are relatively high in Ethiopia, application rates are generally considered agronomically suboptimal. Using recent data on Ethiopian smallholder maize producers, we showed that maize response to nitrogen, and the profitability of fertiliser use depended on maize agronomy. The agronomic optimum ranged from 0 to 344 kg/ha with a mean value of 209 kg/ha. The actual nitrogen application rates were only about half the agronomic optimum, on average, and were less than the farm-specific economic optimum on 80% of maize fields. The average economic optimum level was 145 kg N/ha, but when we account for risk aversion, the resulting average optimum level is very close to the average observed usage level of 88 kg N/ha. Addressing risk aversion may help to induce greater levels of fertiliser investments at current prices and yield response rates. Our analysis also suggests that key pathways for increasing the economic returns to smallholder fertiliser investments include: complementing nitrogen inputs with phosphorus inputs and improved varieties, using lower levels of nitrogen under intercropping and manure inputs, enabling farmers to delay output sales beyond the immediate post-harvest period, and lowering the costs of accessing input and output markets.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 460-479
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1984958
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1984958
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Zimbini Mdlulwa
Author-X-Name-First: Zimbini
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdlulwa
Author-Name: Mampe Masemola
Author-X-Name-First: Mampe
Author-X-Name-Last: Masemola
Author-Name: Baratang A. Lubisi
Author-X-Name-First: Baratang A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Lubisi
Author-Name: Petronella Chaminuka
Author-X-Name-First: Petronella
Author-X-Name-Last: Chaminuka
Title: The financial burden of African Horse Sickness: a case of the European Union trade ban on South Africa’s horse industry
Abstract: 
 Globalisation and the increased movement of goods such as live animals and animal products across national borders can exacerbate the introduction and spread of diseases. This risk can be mitigated through adherence to trade control measures such as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, compliance with SPS measures usually results in additional production and trade costs. This paper applied cost–benefit analysis, using stochastic scenario analysis, to estimate the financial burden of SPS measures on exporting horses from South Africa to the European Union (EU). These measures were instituted following a ban on the direct export of horses from South Africa to the EU, triggered by outbreaks of African Horse Sickness (AHS) in the AHS Controlled Area in the Western Cape Province. Analysis revealed that compliance to existing SPS measures by exporting a horse via a third country is 1.67 times more costly than exporting directly to the EU. A strengthened public-private sector partnership is recommended to jointly identify the most efficient and effective ways to develop capacity for collaborative judicious investment in order to build a resilient horse industry thereby enabling employment creation and economic growth.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 353-369
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1975549
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1975549
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Sofía Jiménez
Author-X-Name-First: Sofía
Author-X-Name-Last: Jiménez
Author-Name: Alfredo J. Mainar-Causapé
Author-X-Name-First: Alfredo J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mainar-Causapé
Author-Name: Emanuele Ferrari
Author-X-Name-First: Emanuele
Author-X-Name-Last: Ferrari
Title: Analysis of the Kenyan economy: an input-output approach
Abstract: 
 Since the beginning of the 2008 economic crisis, economic growth and development have been in the forefront of economic research. In a global context, the highest levels of poverty as well as malnutrition problems are found in sub-Saharan African countries. Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs) are useful tools to describe the economic situation of these countries, the interactions among economic agents and to support policymakers in implementing their policies. The paper shows the macro- and micro-economic indicators of Kenya, which can be directly extracted from the described SAM 2017 for Kenya The analysis of the SAM multipliers shows that agri-food multipliers are in general above the average reflecting the strength of backward and forward linkages of Kenya’s economy.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 480-495
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1984957
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1984957
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ebenezer Donkor
Author-X-Name-First: Ebenezer
Author-X-Name-Last: Donkor
Author-Name: Jiri Hejkrlik
Author-X-Name-First: Jiri
Author-X-Name-Last: Hejkrlik
Title: Does commitment to cooperatives affect the economic benefits of smallholder farmers? Evidence from rice cooperatives in the Western province of Zambia
Abstract: 
 Using local provincial authorities, the government of Zambia has demonstrated renewed interest in cooperatives as a means of reaching smallholder farmers in rural areas. There exists, however, the problem of high heterogeneity within cooperatives regarding members’ commitment, with many passive members holding only formal membership and having a minimal understanding of the cooperative's principles and benefits. The main objective of this study was to analyse how varying levels of members’ commitment determine their economic benefits. We selected a total of 215 rice farmers (72 active and 143 passive members) from two rice-dominant districts and used the propensity score matching technique and endogenous treatment regression model for the analysis. The study results show that educational level, distance to the cooperative, members’ perception about trust and acceptance, and value of the investment in the cooperative have a considerable influence on member commitment. The results further indicate that actively committed members of the cooperative achieve much more economic benefits than passive members.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 408-423
Issue: 4
Volume: 60
Year: 2021
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1957692
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1957692
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:60:y:2021:i:4:p:408-423




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ferdinand Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdinand
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Author-Name: Tracy Davids
Author-X-Name-First: Tracy
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: Marion Delport
Author-X-Name-First: Marion
Author-X-Name-Last: Delport
Author-Name: Hester Vermeulen
Author-X-Name-First: Hester
Author-X-Name-Last: Vermeulen
Author-Name: Wandile Sihlobo
Author-X-Name-First: Wandile
Author-X-Name-Last: Sihlobo
Author-Name: Lucia Anelich
Author-X-Name-First: Lucia
Author-X-Name-Last: Anelich
Title: A sector-wide review of the COVID-19 impact on the South African agricultural sector during 2020–21
Abstract: 
 The agriculture value chain is a complex web of interactions which includes activities within the agricultural sector and various support industries less directly linked to the sector. Despite being declared an essential service when the COVID-19 regulations were promulgated and lockdown restrictions imposed, the value chain still faced multiple bottlenecks and disruptions that needed to be overcome to ensure food security through this period. This paper considers such bottlenecks and their impacts on major industries within agriculture, as well as the actions taken to address them. It highlights distributional challenges, which influenced accessibility to vulnerable groups, which was accentuated by the initial exclusion of informal traders from essential services – an omission that was later corrected. Furthermore, it notes severe impacts on non-food industries such as wine, where trade was restricted, but other sectors performed well and overall, agriculture still grew by 13% year on year and mostly keeping food inflation in check. Key to this performance was that real time communication and reporting mechanisms were put in place, allowing stakeholders to report bottlenecks quickly, from where they could be escalated and addressed through strong collaboration between government and industry.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 3-20
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2030241
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2030241
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tracy Davids
Author-X-Name-First: Tracy
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Author-Name: Kandas Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: Kandas
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Title: Covid-19 and the South African wine industry
Abstract: 
 South Africa has faced multiple waves of COVID-19 infections since March 2020 with various levels of economic restrictions imposed to control the pandemic’s spread. Such actions included intermittent bans on alcoholic beverage sales, which have had a substantial impact on the wine sector. This purpose of this paper is to quantify this impact, using a partial equilibrium simulation model to separate the direct impact of sales restrictions from the indirect impact of collapsed GDP growth and consequently also consumer spending. In 2020 alone, it points to a reduction in domestic sales and in exports as a result of the pandemic and the efforts to control its spread. The subsequent stock build up induces a prolonged period of weaker prices, and combined with additional actions imposed up to the end of July 2021, cost actors in the industry R3.6 billion in primary gross production value from 2020 to 2027, even without accounting for further value addition between bulk sale and retail value.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 42-51
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1975550
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1975550
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Edward Mabaya
Author-X-Name-First: Edward
Author-X-Name-Last: Mabaya
Author-Name: Jaron Porciello
Author-X-Name-First: Jaron
Author-X-Name-Last: Porciello
Title: Can digital solutions transform agri-food systems in Africa?
Abstract: 
 Digital agriculture solutions hold a promise to build agri-food food systems that are more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive, thereby contributing to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. In most African countries, the rapid adoption of mobile phones and other digital tools have accelerated the deployment of agricultural services for farmers and other value chain actors resulting in enhanced access to information, knowledge, financial services, markets, and farm tools. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to fast-track the deployment of contact-free digital solutions along the agri-food value chains. Despite the numerous opportunities presented by the digital agricultural revolution, its potential to transform agri-food systems in Africa remains uncertain. With a broad perspective on Africa, this paper explores the emerging evidence on digital agricultural services including key drivers, evidence on impact, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper concludes with some implications for policy makers and professionals in agricultural economics.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 67-79
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2032223
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2032223
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:1:p:67-79




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Ferdinand Meyer
Author-X-Name-First: Ferdinand
Author-X-Name-Last: Meyer
Author-Name: Thomas Reardon
Author-X-Name-First: Thomas
Author-X-Name-Last: Reardon
Author-Name: Tracy Davids
Author-X-Name-First: Tracy
Author-X-Name-Last: Davids
Author-Name: Melissa van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Melissa
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe
Author-Name: Daniel Jordaan
Author-X-Name-First: Daniel
Author-X-Name-Last: Jordaan
Author-Name: Marion Delport
Author-X-Name-First: Marion
Author-X-Name-Last: Delport
Author-Name: Gerhard Van Den Burgh
Author-X-Name-First: Gerhard
Author-X-Name-Last: Van Den Burgh
Title: Hotspots of vulnerability and disruption in food value chains during COVID-19 in South Africa: industry- and firm-level “pivoting” in response
Abstract: 
 We use a primary data set from a survey of medium and large firms and farms in the beef, citrus, and maize value chains in South Africa during March-June 2020, the early and late phases of the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. We have five main findings. (1) The initial lockdown regulations declared as “essential” the product (vertical) value chains but left as “inessential” the important “lateral” value chains delivering labour, materials, and logistics to the segments of the vertical value chains. This hurt the three vertical value chains as constraints in the laterals choked key segments of the verticals. (2) Vulnerability of the whole value chain emanated from vulnerability to shocks of critical “hotspot” linchpin segments (such as livestock auctions) or infrastructure (such as at ports). (3) Collective, industry-level “pivoting” was crucial both to organize the private sector response and to interact with government to course-correct on COVID-19 policies. (4) Responses to pre-COVID-19 challenges (such as drought and international phytosanitary rule changes) had prepared the beef and citrus value chain actors to respond collectively to the pandemic challenges. (5) Individual firm- and segment-level “pivoting” was also crucial for resilience, such as cattle auctions going on-line with the help of e-commerce firms.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 21-41
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.2007779
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.2007779
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Andre Van der Vyver
Author-X-Name-First: Andre
Author-X-Name-Last: Van der Vyver
Author-Name: Ulonka Barnard
Author-X-Name-First: Ulonka
Author-X-Name-Last: Barnard
Author-Name: Jean-Pierre Nordier
Author-X-Name-First: Jean-Pierre
Author-X-Name-Last: Nordier
Title: Identifying possible misspecification in South African soybean oil futures contracts
Abstract: 
 With the inclusion of a locally traded soybean oil futures contract, that is dual-listed and cash-settled of the Chicago Board of Trade futures contract, the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) aimed to provide local soybean crushing plants, the opportunity for managing their exposure toward the variation in soybean oil prices using effective hedging strategies. Which is only viable assuming adequate liquidity, that is currently lacking in these futures contracts. The soybean oil contract used for hedging local price exposure should also reflect local import parity and/or be correlated to local price movements. Therefore, with most soybean oil usually being imported from Argentina, one would expect SAFEX soybean oil futures contracts to reflect the cost of imported soybean oil from Argentina. Hence, the research study used the Engle–Granger (1987) cointegration approach, alongside a range of diagnostic tests to determine whether SAFEX soybean oil futures contracts, that is dual-listed and cash-settled of CBOT settlement values is a misspecification and whether or not SAFEX soybean oil futures contracts should rather be based on the Argentina free-on-board soybean oil prices which is a much better representation of South Africa’s import parity and local industry prices.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 80-93
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.2006070
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.2006070
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Marc Wegerif
Author-X-Name-First: Marc
Author-X-Name-Last: Wegerif
Title: The impact of Covid-19 on black farmers in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Covid-19 is impacting on food systems and food security around the world, including in South Africa, revealed most starkly in rising food prices and increasing food insecurity. Debates on what kind of food system we need to respond to this crisis remain unresolved and lacking in a good understanding of the impacts of Covid-19 on farmers who are key actors in food systems. This article contributes to these debates by revealing the experiences of black fresh produce farmers in South Africa since Covid-19 arrived in the country and the government responded with a range of emergency regulations. This is based on in-depth research with 40 market-orientated black small- and medium-scale farmers. Giving particular attention to black farmers is essential in South Africa given the high levels of continued wealth and racial inequalities. The study has found that, despite overall growth in the agricultural sector, these farmers are facing many challenges and receive inadequate support. The outcomes of Covid-19 related impacts include reductions in production and incomes as well as job losses. If not addressed there could be long-term negative consequences that undermine the food system and reinforce existing inequalities. A holistic food system approach, better informed by an understanding of black farmers and the networks they are part of, will be valuable to finding solutions.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 52-66
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1971097
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1971097
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:1:p:52-66




Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Johann Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: Special collection of articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on South African agriculture
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-2
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2034791
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2034791
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Kandas Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: Kandas
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Author-Name: Jan Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Author-Name: Marion Delport
Author-X-Name-First: Marion
Author-X-Name-Last: Delport
Title: Strategic perspectives on quitting or remaining in commercial agriculture in South Africa and why it matters
Abstract: 
 This paper explores reasons why some commercial producers in South Africa are expecting to quit and sell their farms, and others are not. Of 450 respondents to a voluntary survey, distinctly different groups of producers emerged concerning their longer-term strategic planning and how they experience and absorb current threats and challenges. Unsupervised learning on the dataset is imposed using a cluster analysis to explore the commonalities and the underlying factors why producers would expect to exit or not. Factors that we hypothesised might play a role included a producer's age and financial position, rural safety concerns, labor problems, industry-related problems, and opportunities for off-farm earnings. The factors the potentially exiting producers had in common were financial difficulty, which was uncorrelated to turnover, problems with access to dependable labor, uncertainty regarding land reform policy, and rural safety concerns. Intention to retire also played a role, although to a lesser extent. It is more often a combination of factors, rather than a single factor, that makes a producer more likely to decide to quit and sell in the future. With the exclusion of farm safety concerns and labor problems, the identified factors in this study are in step with those found internationally.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 94-108
Issue: 1
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2032222
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2032222
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:1:p:94-108





Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: H. J. Sartorius von Bach
Author-X-Name-First: H. J.
Author-X-Name-Last: Sartorius von Bach
Author-Name: K. M. Kalundu
Author-X-Name-First: K. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kalundu
Title: Are SACU countries self-sufficient in cereals? A dynamic panel analysis
Abstract: 
 Most countries within Southern Africa are reliant on cereal imports from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region, cereal insecure countries are often import-dependent. Changing income levels, pandemics, climatic conditions and the trade environment all create a wedge and put pressure on food self-sufficiency. This paper uses a robust dynamic approach of a five-country panel to investigate the key determinants of cereal self-sufficiency in the SACU region. Long-term and short-term effects of selected variables are tested using a dynamic panel data model. The key long-term drivers for cereal self-sufficiency are identified and the short-term results reveal that land surface and rainfall are statistically most significant at a level of ten percent. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test suggests that SACU member states could propose further macroeconomic harmonisation and good governance to stabilise national income to cushion against the possible increased cost of cereal production especially in Lesotho, Eswatini and Namibia. The adoption of climate smart technology to safeguard against rainfall variability and reduce the carbon footprint is important to foster an increase in agricultural productivity. A lack of effective harmonised policies may lead to an acceleration in cereal production insecurity and increased poverty.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 151-166
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2052124
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2052124
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:151-166



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: C. Z. Tsvakirai
Author-X-Name-First: C. Z.
Author-X-Name-Last: Tsvakirai
Author-Name: N. M. Zulu
Author-X-Name-First: N. M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Zulu
Title: Investigating the motivations driving meat analogue purchase among middle-income consumers in Mbombela, South Africa
Abstract: 
 Meat analogues are becoming widely accepted in high-income countries as substitutes for meat. As consumer acceptance of faux meat is beginning to follow a similar trend in South Africa, this study investigated the aspects of the product’s positioning that could be used to further grow the product’s market. Using data collected from 130 middle-income consumers in Mbombela, the study determined consumer perceptions of meat analogues. These were measured using composite indices extracted using principal component analysis, and these indices were regressed against the consumers’ purchase probability of meat alternatives. The study’s results showed that meat alternatives were perceived as a pricey symbol of class and status. This was found to have a two-sided effect on consumer behaviour. On one hand, the products' position encouraged purchase among the survey respondents and encouraged them to recommend the products to their peers and on the other, it discouraged consumption with their families. As this finding shows that meat analogues remain niche products in the study area, the study offers recommendations on ways to improve product performance in the niche market. It also suggests changes in the products’ marketing that could assist in launching them into the mainstream food market of South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 138-150
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2065322
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2065322
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:138-150



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Bedilu Demissie Zeleke
Author-X-Name-First: Bedilu Demissie
Author-X-Name-Last: Zeleke
Author-Name: Adem Kedir Geleto
Author-X-Name-First: Adem Kedir
Author-X-Name-Last: Geleto
Author-Name: Sisay Asefa
Author-X-Name-First: Sisay
Author-X-Name-Last: Asefa
Author-Name: Hussien H. Komicha
Author-X-Name-First: Hussien H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Komicha
Title: Adoption and impact of improved wheat varieties on productivity and welfare among smallholder farmers in the Arsi Highland of Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 This article evaluates the adoption and impact of improved wheat varieties on rural farm household welfare measured by consumption expenditure per adult equivalent and productivity per hectare in rural Ethiopia. The study utilises cross-sectional farm household-level data collected in 2017/2018 from a randomly selected sample of 323 farmers in Arsi Highland of Ethiopia. We estimate the adoption and causal impact of improved varieties by utilising endogenous switching regression complemented with a binary propensity score matching methodology. This helps us estimate the productivity and welfare effect of technological adoption by controlling for the role of selection bias problem stemming from both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. Our analysis reveals a consistent result across models indicating that adoption enhances wheat productivity per hectare by 0.63 tons/ha and household welfare by 31%. Even farm households that did not adopt would benefit significantly had they adopted. Education, wheat price, farm machineries, crop rotation, row planting, social capital (such as informal network, core trust, and institutional trust), training on varieties selection, and information on seed availability are found to be the main drivers behind the adoption of improved wheat varieties.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 207-228
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2044359
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2044359
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:207-228



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Author-Name: Craig Galloway
Author-X-Name-First: Craig
Author-X-Name-Last: Galloway
Author-Name: Andrea Renner
Author-X-Name-First: Andrea
Author-X-Name-Last: Renner
Title: Private extension delivers productivity growth in pasture-based dairy farming in the Eastern Cape, 2012–2018
Abstract: 
 This study presents a novel way to measure the contribution of private extension to farm productivity for club data. Club data refers to any convenience sample obtained from a study group, consulting firm, cooperative or producer organisation. The study develops a stochastic frontier production function model with the inefficiency effects of pasture-based dairy farming in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The analysis for 2012–2018 involves 49 adopter farms, and controls for inter-calf period, nutrient use efficiency and the amount of extension contact. Results are robust to functional form specification and there is no evidence of frontier-shifting technical progress for the Cobb Douglas or translog model, but there is a clear productivity benefit to engaging with the private extension service provider working locally (adoption). Productivity rises at 0.91–1.06% p.a. over time and by 1.54–1.62% p.a. with each extra year of the extension. Large farms close to the private extension provider’s base of operations benefit most from being in the group. This case study is important because it documents productivity growth in the period since 2010 and puts the effect of extension on productivity growth back on the local research agenda.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 109-120
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2063143
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2063143
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:109-120



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: David Olson
Author-X-Name-First: David
Author-X-Name-Last: Olson
Author-Name: Nicole M. Mason
Author-X-Name-First: Nicole M.
Author-X-Name-Last: Mason
Author-Name: Lilian Kirimi
Author-X-Name-First: Lilian
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirimi
Author-Name: Joyce Makau
Author-X-Name-First: Joyce
Author-X-Name-Last: Makau
Title: Do changes in maize prices and input prices affect smallholder farmers’ soil fertility management decisions? panel survey evidence from Kenya
Abstract: 
 Soil fertility management (SFM) practices such as maize-legume intercropping and organic fertiliser, particularly when used jointly with inorganic fertiliser, have the potential to increase yields and yield response to inorganic fertiliser, improve soil health, and contribute to sustainable intensification (SI). However, relatively little is known about the drivers of adoption of these practices, especially for joint use. Moreover, it has been suggested that African farmers will respond to an increase in the maize price they expect to receive at the next harvest by increasing investment in their soils or altering use of SFM practices in response to input price changes. Yet previous studies largely ignore the role of prices. Using nationwide household panel survey data from Kenya, we estimate the effects of changes in crop and input prices on household use of individual SFM practices and combinations thereof. We find that Kenyan smallholders’ SFM adoption decisions are largely insensitive to changes in expected maize prices. However, when inorganic fertiliser prices rise, farmers are more likely to use organic fertiliser and use less inorganic fertiliser per acre. These results suggest that price policies alone are unlikely to be effective ways to promote SI of maize production in Kenya.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 167-191
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.2006071
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.2006071
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:167-191



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Carina Troost
Author-X-Name-First: Carina
Author-X-Name-Last: Troost
Author-Name: Johann F. Kirsten
Author-X-Name-First: Johann F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirsten
Title: Producer prices, carcass classification and consumers’ willingness to pay for different sheep meat grades: an experimental auction approach
Abstract: 
 South African sheep farmers receive different prices for animals of different age, carcass form and fat level. Older animals trade at a substantive discount to the younger animals due to the perceived tenderness and juiciness of the younger animal. There is however a question whether the size of the discount is warranted given that certain cuts from older animals are preferred by consumers for specific purposes. This paper applies an experimental auction combined with sensory tests to establish the consumers’ willingness to pay for sheep meat products from carcasses with different age categories. In this way the paper endeavours to test whether the price differentiation in the mind of the consumer (through its perceived intrinsic value) corresponds with the price differentiation at the abattoir level. Consumers’ sensory assessment results and average bid prices via the experimental auction indicated a difference in preference towards the three age classes for the stew meat, loin, and leg cuts respectively. The results validate previous results with trained panels and confirm the specific consumer preferences for specific cuts of different age categories. It was also found that the difference in the bids for different age categories was far smaller than the difference in abattoir prices for the different age categories.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 121-137
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2047079
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2047079
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:121-137



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Hezbon Akelo Awiti
Author-X-Name-First: Hezbon Akelo
Author-X-Name-Last: Awiti
Author-Name: Eric Obedy Gido
Author-X-Name-First: Eric Obedy
Author-X-Name-Last: Gido
Author-Name: Gideon Aiko Obare
Author-X-Name-First: Gideon Aiko
Author-X-Name-Last: Obare
Title: Crop mix portfolio response to climate risks: evidence from smallholder farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya
Abstract: 
 Farm households respond to market uncertainties and household demand for food commodities by diversifying their farm-level crop portfolio. However, it is unclear if farmers’ crop mix also responds to unpredictable climate variability. We use primary data from 267 randomly selected respondents and apply a multinomial logit model to test the hypothesis that crop portfolio choice is an ex-ante mechanism to manage climate risks in the absence of crop insurance. The results suggest that access to information on climate variability does influence the mix of maize, cassava, sweet potato, and sorghum, which smallholder farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya grow in various combinations. Access to credit services, farm size, gender of household head, farming experience, and distance to nearest market also influence the farm-level crop mixture. These findings imply that policies geared towards incentivizing a better crop choice portfolio at the smallholder farm level should address climate variability awareness. In addition, encouraging crop-variety mixes that are tolerant to climate risks would enhance resilience in food systems among these smallholder farmers.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 192-206
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2028642
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2028642
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:192-206



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Romanus Osabohien
Author-X-Name-First: Romanus
Author-X-Name-Last: Osabohien
Author-Name: Oluwatoyin Matthew
Author-X-Name-First: Oluwatoyin
Author-X-Name-Last: Matthew
Author-Name: Hajra Maqsood
Author-X-Name-First: Hajra
Author-X-Name-Last: Maqsood
Title: Social protection policy and agricultural labour outcome in West Africa
Abstract: 
 This study engages panel data consisting of 15 West African countries that are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To resolve the possible issues of endogeneity, the system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) was applied. The data for the analysis was sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), and the World Development Indicators (WDI) for the period 2005–2018. Findings show that all social protection indicators included in the study are positive and significant in explaining the level of agricultural labour outcome in West Africa. The implication of the result is that policy for social inclusion, building human resources, equity in public resource use and overall social protection coverage may increase agricultural labour outcomes by 0.77%, 0.82% and 0.26%, respectively. The study concludes that to raise labour productivity in West Africa towards the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially, SDG-1, there is a need for social protection coverage to mitigate shocks and vulnerability.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 229-238
Issue: 2
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2021.1997773
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2021.1997773
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2078847_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Olubunmi Bamiwuye
Author-X-Name-First: Olubunmi
Author-X-Name-Last: Bamiwuye
Author-Name: Olaide Akintunde
Author-X-Name-First: Olaide
Author-X-Name-Last: Akintunde
Author-Name: Lateef Jimoh
Author-X-Name-First: Lateef
Author-X-Name-Last: Jimoh
Author-Name: Khadijat Olanrewaju
Author-X-Name-First: Khadijat
Author-X-Name-Last: Olanrewaju
Title: Perceived changes in food security, finances and revenue of rural and urban households during COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria
Abstract: 
 The Covid-19 pandemic has generated shocks that have affected the global economy. The study examined perceived changes in food security as well as finances and revenue of rural and urban households during Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Data were sourced from the National Longitudinal Phone Survey executed between April and June 2020 by the National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the World Bank. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test. Findings revealed 83 percent of urban households and 78 percent in rural were food insecure. About 83 percent of rural households and 79 percent of Urban perceived Covid-19 pandemic as a threat to household finances. Household finances dropped for 29.3 percent of urban and 31.5 percent of rural households while 30.5 percent of urban and 20.0 percent of rural households who operate family business had no revenue at all. The study concluded that the pandemic has worsened the food security situation of both rural and urban households and has also adversely affected rural and urban household finances. Given a new surge in the epidemic, the government should take cognizance of the disparities in the context in which the pandemic affects the rural and urban households in Nigeria.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 282-291
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2078847
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2078847
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2066551_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Regret Sunge
Author-X-Name-First: Regret
Author-X-Name-Last: Sunge
Author-Name: Nicholas Ngepah
Author-X-Name-First: Nicholas
Author-X-Name-Last: Ngepah
Title: Agricultural trade liberalisation, agricultural total factor productivity growth and food security in Africa
Abstract: 
 The study draws inference on the impact of agricultural trade openness, total factor productivity (TFP) growth, and domestic agriculture support on food security in Africa. To retain estimates efficiency and consistency in the presence of complex error terms, we employed the Panel-Corrected-Standard-Error (PCSE) estimator on panel data spanning 2005–2016 for 13 African countries. Results suggest that agricultural trade liberalisation and TFP have significant and favourable effects. Moreover, we find that reducing agricultural support beyond distortion-free levels enhances food security. Further to trade openness, we call for export growth-oriented domestic support anchored on agricultural human-capital development, innovation, and research and development.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 292-313
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2066551
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2066551
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:292-313



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2078381_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Mehmet Balcilar
Author-X-Name-First: Mehmet
Author-X-Name-Last: Balcilar
Author-Name: Kamil Sertoglu
Author-X-Name-First: Kamil
Author-X-Name-Last: Sertoglu
Author-Name: Busra Agan
Author-X-Name-First: Busra
Author-X-Name-Last: Agan
Title: The COVID-19 effects on agricultural commodity markets
Abstract: 
 This study examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on major agricultural commodity prices (cattle, cocoa, coffee, corn, cotton, hog, rice, soya oil, soybeans, soybean meal, sugar and wheat) using daily data from 1 January 2016 to 25 February 2022. We measured COVID-19 effect using a news-based sentiment index. A robust nonparametric Granger causality-in-quantiles test is used to test the effect of the COVID-19 sentiment on agricultural commodity prices and price volatility. We find significant Granger causality from the news-based COVID-19 sentiment to mean of the agricultural commodity prices in the lower and upper ranges of the quantiles. Moreover, findings show that the COVID-19 sentiment is also causal for variance of agricultural commodity prices, but only above the quantile ranges above the first quarter. Thus, COVID-19 is causal for large volatility changes in agricultural commodity prices. Accordingly, the extremely negative sentiment associated with COVID-19 has not only caused a price crash in agricultural markets, but also significantly increased market risk. Policymakers should be wary of the risks and vulnerabilities of agricultural commodities to extreme events, as well as the ramifications for producers and consumers throughout the economy.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 239-265
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2078381
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2078381
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:239-265



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2095291_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Gowokani Chijere Chirwa
Author-X-Name-First: Gowokani Chijere
Author-X-Name-Last: Chirwa
Author-Name: Levison Chiwaula
Author-X-Name-First: Levison
Author-X-Name-Last: Chiwaula
Title: Socioeconomic inequalities in household resilience capacity in the context of COVID-19 in the fisheries sector in Malawi
Abstract: 
 Malawi relies on fish as a source of protein, and the fisheries sector employs many individuals. The COVID-19 shock has affected the fisheries sector. The current study measured household resilience in the fisheries sector. We collected primary data from 405 respondents. We used TANGO International's resilience capacity indices (RCI) and concentration indices (CI) to measure resilience and assess the inequality in the household resilience among fish value chain actors, respectively. Our findings show that the lowest average resilience capacities index (RCI = 31.14; p < 0.001) was among households in the lowest income quintile, and the highest resilience capacities index (RCI = 59.74; p <0.001) among the highest wealth category. Regarding inequality in resilience, an overall positive concentration index (CI = 0.12; p <0.001) was found. This means that wealthier households are likely to be more resilient than less wealthy households. In terms of policy, the government may consider extending the urban COVID-19 cash transfers to poor households in fishing communities.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 266-281
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2095291
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2095291
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:266-281



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2063144_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Nixon S. Chekenya
Author-X-Name-First: Nixon S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Chekenya
Author-Name: Laurine Chikoko
Author-X-Name-First: Laurine
Author-X-Name-Last: Chikoko
Title: Intolerance, xenophobia and cross-border supermarket groups’ operations in South Africa
Abstract: 
 We examine whether there is a relationship between xenophobic attacks and the stock market value of supermarket groups in South Africa. We perform an event study analysis on significant incidents of violent attacks targeted at shops owned by foreigners in South Africa for the period 2006–2017. Using an event study approach with an augmented market model, we uncover evidence that the stock market perceives these events as bad news instead of good news for supermarkets having operations in South Africa and other parts of Africa, as they realise a decline in abnormal returns of about 2.57 percent. We interpret our findings as economic costs of xenophobic attacks emanating from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Our analysis attempts to shed light on the peace-building challenges and the potentially grim implications of xenophobia on economic activity in South Africa.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 360-378
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2063144
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2063144
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2090972_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Edith Wairimu
Author-X-Name-First: Edith
Author-X-Name-Last: Wairimu
Author-Name: John Mburu
Author-X-Name-First: John
Author-X-Name-Last: Mburu
Author-Name: Asaah Ndambi
Author-X-Name-First: Asaah
Author-X-Name-Last: Ndambi
Author-Name: Charles Gachuiri
Author-X-Name-First: Charles
Author-X-Name-Last: Gachuiri
Title: Factors affecting adoption of technical, organisational and institutional dairy innovations in selected milksheds in Kenya
Abstract: 
 Technical dairy innovations (TDI), such as improved cow feeding, health management and genetic improvement, could boost milk production. At the same time, organisational and institutional dairy innovations (OIDI), including group milk sales, feed and credit access, could boost dairy supply chain efficiency. This study examined the TDI adoption determinants and the OIDI adoption intensity. Data were collected from 1146 farmers (410, 382 and 354 in the milksheds of Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Limited [MWDL], Happy Cow Limited [HCL] and New Kenya Co-operative Creameries [NKCC], respectively) and analysed using a double hurdle model. Access to credit positively influenced the TDI adoption in the three milksheds. Adoption of TDI was influenced by hired employees, dairy records, total dairy cows and household head education. The empirical evidence from the study supports the observation that OIDI adoption intensity is influenced by income, farm size, dairy records, and dairy information access. To boost TDI adoption, the dairy development partners should link cooperative society members with agricultural credit lenders. Additionally, the dissemination of dairy information to farmers by the dairy stakeholders could spur TDI adoption, while providing dairy information and training farmers on dairy record keeping should be promoted to boost TDI and OIDI adoption.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 324-338
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2090972
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2090972
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Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2094976_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Meizal Popat
Author-X-Name-First: Meizal
Author-X-Name-Last: Popat
Author-Name: Oscar Cacho
Author-X-Name-First: Oscar
Author-X-Name-Last: Cacho
Author-Name: Garry Griffith
Author-X-Name-First: Garry
Author-X-Name-Last: Griffith
Author-Name: Stuart Mounter
Author-X-Name-First: Stuart
Author-X-Name-Last: Mounter
Title: Food loss and waste in maize in Mozambique and its economic impacts: a system dynamics assessment approach
Abstract: 
 Food loss and waste are of global concern. In developing countries like Mozambique, it seems to be a major issue at the upstream end of supply chains, which is also regarded as postharvest losses (PHL). In this study, PHL is analysed in the context of maize in Mozambique, which is the most important crop in that country. The analysis focuses on empirically testing a simulation modelling approach for determining the short and mid-run economic impacts of PHL. A system dynamics model is applied. This model acknowledges climate, management, and domestic and regional marketing related factors as major drivers of PHL. A novel result from this study suggests climate related factors as the cause of a systematic amount of PHL at about 70,000 tons per year. However, marketing forces also play an important role to explain the overall PHL, particularly in periods domestic production increases sharply. The impact of potential interventions in the value chain are also tested.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 339-359
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2094976
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2094976
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:339-359



Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2073242_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220804T044749 git hash: 24b08f8188
Author-Name: Dambala Gelo
Author-X-Name-First: Dambala
Author-X-Name-Last: Gelo
Title: Rainfall variability and alternative technology adoption: evidence from Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 This paper investigates the effects of rainfall variability on agricultural input demand while controlling for risk preference and other covariates. For the empirical analysis, rural household survey data, which was matched with rainfall variability data and experimentally generated measures of risk preference, was used. The results show that increased rainfall variability prompts households to reduce the application of productivity-enhancing inputs, such as fertiliser, but bolsters the application of low-risk inputs such as manure. These results are robust to alternative specifications and support the theoretical predictions developed. The findings suggest the following policy implications for chemical fertiliser use among risk-averse smallholder farmers in areas characterized by rainfall variability. First, developing more weather-resilient crop varieties and irrigation could stimulate higher use of chemical fertiliser by producing more stable yields. Secondly, weather index insurance (WII) could incentivize higher chemical fertiliser use by reducing income risk and easing liquidity constraints. Thirdly, social protection such as cash transfer programmes could lead to a higher use of chemical fertiliser by serving as insurance against income risks (i.e., through providing regular and predictable financial resources).
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 314-323
Issue: 3
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 07
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2073242
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2073242
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:61:y:2022:i:3:p:314-323

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
# input file: RAGR_A_2107030_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220907T060133 git hash: 85d61bd949
Author-Name: Mirriam Matita
Author-X-Name-First: Mirriam
Author-X-Name-Last: Matita
Author-Name: Ephraim Wadonda Chirwa
Author-X-Name-First: Ephraim Wadonda
Author-X-Name-Last: Chirwa
Author-Name: Stevier Kaiyatsa
Author-X-Name-First: Stevier
Author-X-Name-Last: Kaiyatsa
Author-Name: Jacob Mazalale
Author-X-Name-First: Jacob
Author-X-Name-Last: Mazalale
Author-Name: Masautso Chimombo
Author-X-Name-First: Masautso
Author-X-Name-Last: Chimombo
Author-Name: Loveness Msofi Mgalamadzi
Author-X-Name-First: Loveness
Author-X-Name-Last: Msofi Mgalamadzi
Author-Name: Blessings Chinsinga
Author-X-Name-First: Blessings
Author-X-Name-Last: Chinsinga
Title: Determinants of smallholder farmers’ livelihood trajectories. Evidence from rural Malawi
Abstract: 
 This paper examines the determinants of livelihood trajectories of households surveyed in rural Malawi in 2007 that were tracked in 2018. Using a set of indicators, including income source diversification and participation in social assistance programmes, households were placed in different trajectories, namely, dropping out, stepping up, hanging in and stepping in. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse factors explaining placement in a livelihood trajectory. We find that the explanatory factors are not the same for farmers in different pathways. The stepping-up of households is likely with increasing commercialization and significant asset accumulation. Furthermore, the stepping-in trajectory is constrained by initial land holding sizes but is more likely if a household has had experience with the cultivation of several different kinds of crops. We find that crop diversification reduces the chance of dropping out but also increases the possibility of hanging in, implying that the blanket recommendation to farmers to diversify crop production may not attain the same benefits to all farmers. This may well be complemented with useful extension services, especially for young farming households. Overall, the study findings point to the complexity and the need for context-dependent development approaches to provide sustainable escapes from poverty.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 399-411
Issue: 4
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2107030
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2107030
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# input file: RAGR_A_2127810_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220907T060133 git hash: 85d61bd949
Author-Name: David Beca
Author-X-Name-First: David
Author-X-Name-Last: Beca
Title: Potential improvement in the performance of dairy farms in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Over 2003–2021, the pasture harvested on South African pasture-based dairy farms increased markedly. This increased production and consumption of pasture has helped to reduce the cost of producing milk in South Africa relative to dairying in other countries and delivered comparatively high levels of profit. National milk production has grown steadily. Over this same time, pasture as a proportion of the total diet of dairy herds has decreased significantly: supplements make up the major share of the diet. This change to dairy herd diets puts upward pressure on the average cost of feeding the herd and on the cost of production. The focus of this paper is on whether dairy farmers would be better off if they significantly increased the proportion of pasture in the total diet of their herds and relied less on supplementary feed. It is shown that progressively increasing the pasture component and proportion in the diet of dairy herds, from an industry average of 41% to 57%, could increase profit. Results were a 26% increase in profit (return on capital), a 59% increase in profit margin per litre, and a 7% decrease in cost of production per litre. If this change in production system to increased use of pasture and less use of supplementary feeds was replicated across the entire South African pasture-based dairy industry, farmers in the industry would be significantly more profitable and their businesses would be more resilient than under the current feeding regimes that are used.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 412-432
Issue: 4
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2127810
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2127810
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# input file: RAGR_A_2149576_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220907T060133 git hash: 85d61bd949
Author-Name: Rutendo H. Jonga
Author-X-Name-First: Rutendo H.
Author-X-Name-Last: Jonga
Author-Name: Huang Delin
Author-X-Name-First: Huang
Author-X-Name-Last: Delin
Author-Name: Courage Masona
Author-X-Name-First: Courage
Author-X-Name-Last: Masona
Author-Name: Christopher Belford
Author-X-Name-First: Christopher
Author-X-Name-Last: Belford
Title: The effect of agricultural technology transfer on Zimbabwe’s economic development: a dynamic global trade analysis project approach
Abstract: 
 Since 2000, Zimbabwe’s agricultural output has fluctuated despite the transfer of agricultural technology by various organisations and international partners. The low output response to technology transfer is attributed to the twin problems of lack of access and adoption of technology, which are largely explained by weak institutions, financial constraints, skill and knowledge deficiency, and poor rural infrastructure. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect of agricultural technology transfer on economic development using a dynamic Global Trade Analysis Project model for the reference year 2011. The study results indicated that economic performance improves when quality fertilisers, certified seeds, and machinery from other countries are used more intensively. Thus, policy interventions are required that enhance credit extension, roads, capital equipment, and good institutions such as property rights that incentivise farmers to adopt and invest in technology.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 433-448
Issue: 4
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2149576
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2149576
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# input file: RAGR_A_2099917_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20220907T060133 git hash: 85d61bd949
Author-Name: Mwita Erick Marwa
Author-X-Name-First: Mwita Erick
Author-X-Name-Last: Marwa
Author-Name: Julius Manda
Author-X-Name-First: Julius
Author-X-Name-Last: Manda
Title: Do youth farmers benefit from participating in contract farming? Evidence from French beans youth farmers in Arusha, Tanzania
Abstract: 
 Contract farming (CF) is often seen as a system that enhances production efficiency leading to increased agricultural productivity and improved farmer livelihoods. However, there is a conflict in the literature on its impact on young farmers who are involved in farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper evaluates the impacts of CF on crop yield, crop and household income among the youth farmers involved in French bean farming in Tanzania using cross-sectional data of 273 households. The study employs an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model that accounts for observed and unobserved factors to estimate the impact of CF. Further, the propensity score matching (PSM) model is used to check the robustness of ESR results. The results indicate that 162 farmers had contracts and French bean yields and incomes significantly increased with CF. Specifically, the empirical results reveal that CF leads to a gain of 17%, 34% and 37.5% in the yield, crop income and household income. Participation and impact of contract farming differed according to different socio-economic/institutional variables, such as access to extension services.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 379-398
Issue: 4
Volume: 61
Year: 2022
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2099917
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2099917
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# input file: RAGR_A_2156899_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Omphile Temoso
Author-X-Name-First: Omphile
Author-X-Name-Last: Temoso
Author-Name: John N. Ng’ombe
Author-X-Name-First: John N.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ng’ombe
Author-Name: Sirak Bahta
Author-X-Name-First: Sirak
Author-X-Name-Last: Bahta
Author-Name: David Hadley
Author-X-Name-First: David
Author-X-Name-Last: Hadley
Title: Total factor productivity growth in livestock production in Botswana: what is the role of scale and mix efficiency change in beef production?
Abstract: 
 It is well established that improving livestock productivity has the potential to boost food security, income, and employment for rural communities. While the technical efficiency of the livestock sector has been extensively studied in both developing and developed countries, few studies have analysed total factor productivity (TFP) and its components (technical change, technical, scale, and mix efficiency changes). To fill this gap this study specifically analyses the TFP growth of 26 beef cattle producing districts in Botswana using the Färe-Primont index. This index does not only allow us to understand how TFP varies amongst the districts but also how it has changed over time (between 2007 and 2014) as well as examining what has been driving that change. We also employ a feasible generalised least squares estimator for panel data to identify sources of productivity and efficiency growth. Results show that livestock TFP increased during the study period, and that this was driven by technological change, whilst efficiency change (TFPE) decreased. Further, we found that the decline in scale-and mix efficiency change (OSME) was largely responsible for the slowdown of TFPE, with a relatively smaller decline in technical efficiency change (OTE) also contributing. Districts with foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks and restricted access to export markets had lower TFP growth whilst proximity to livestock advisory centres (LAC), off-farm income, education and herd size were shown to enhance productivity and efficiency growth.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 5-18
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2156899
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2156899
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# input file: RAGR_A_2176895_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Johan Fourie
Author-X-Name-First: Johan
Author-X-Name-Last: Fourie
Author-Name: Jan Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Title: Wheat productivity in the Cape Colony in 1825: evidence from newly transcribed tax censuses
Abstract: 
 We calculate, for the first time, farm-level wheat productivity for Cape Colony settler farmers in 1825. We can do so because we now have access to a fully transcribed tax census for that year. Although there is some variation in wheat productivity across the Colony, probably a result of the varying environmental factors, we find much larger variation within districts. We perform various tests to explain this large variation. We find, surprisingly, that slave labour has no explanatory power. Khoe labour, however, helps to differentiate farmers according to their productivity.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 98-115
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2176895
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2176895
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# input file: RAGR_A_2149577_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Nicolette Matthews
Author-X-Name-First: Nicolette
Author-X-Name-Last: Matthews
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse
Title: Technological differences in South African sheep production: a stochastic meta-frontier analysis
Abstract: 
 This study compared four South African sheep producing districts relative to each other and a common metafrontier to analyse within and between group efficiency and explored what could be learnt from this technique compared to simple frontiers. A sample was compiled from sources that were previously successfully used in local benchmarking exercises, and despite very modest sample sizes at the group level and minimal information on how groups differ, the group models performed adequately while the meta-model performed very well. The results revealed that while within group performances were comparable across districts, there were huge differences in between group performance. These differences are partly attributable to natural resource endowments, but institutional arrangements also contribute significantly to local success. This suggests that to achieve rural regeneration public–private partnerships are necessary to address this issue. State support is insufficient and producer organisations have a major role in promoting institutional innovation.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 19-30
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2149577
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2149577
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# input file: RAGR_A_2179720_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Jenifer Piesse
Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer
Author-X-Name-Last: Piesse
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: The measurement of agricultural productivity in Africa
Abstract: 
 Our purpose here is to provide an introduction to the set of papers in this Special Edition on “The measurement of agricultural productivity in Africa” and to draw lessons for further research.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 1-4
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2179720
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2179720
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# input file: RAGR_A_2176896_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Jan C. Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Author-Name: Bandile Banele Mdluli
Author-X-Name-First: Bandile Banele
Author-X-Name-Last: Mdluli
Author-Name: Beatrice Conradie
Author-X-Name-First: Beatrice
Author-X-Name-Last: Conradie
Title: Farm size and productivity: smallholder dairy production in Eswatini
Abstract: 
 In response to the 2015 paper by Henderson published In Journal of Agricultural Economics, this case study of dairy farmers in Eswatini, this case study of dairy farmers in Eswatini tests the explanatory power of two hypotheses to explain the inverse relationship between farm size and productivity. To this end, we fit a stochastic frontier production function with inefficiency effects. We find that dairy farmers who use hired labour are significantly less efficient than those who use own and family labour. This supports the labour market imperfections hypothesis. To test the technical efficiency hypothesis, we segment our sample into small, medium and large farmers based on the number of cows in milk. We find that small farmers are the most efficient (78.5%), followed by medium (75.9%) and large (75.1%) farmers, but the differences are not statistically significant. This supports Henderson's finding that differences in efficiency affect productivity but not enough to disqualify labour market imperfections as the principal explanation for the inverse relationship.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 49-60
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2176896
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2176896
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# input file: RAGR_A_2156898_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Mensah Tawiah Cobbinah
Author-X-Name-First: Mensah Tawiah
Author-X-Name-Last: Cobbinah
Author-Name: Gideon Danso-Abbeam
Author-X-Name-First: Gideon
Author-X-Name-Last: Danso-Abbeam
Author-Name: Abiodun A. Ogundeji
Author-X-Name-First: Abiodun A.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ogundeji
Title: Access to mutual labour support in agriculture: Implications for maize productivity and efficiency of farmers in northern Ghana
Abstract: 
 Access to cheap labour affects Ghanaian smallholder farmers significantly. Such access can be enhanced through mutual labour support. However, it has become necessary to explore how this form of collective action affects farmers’ productivity and efficiency. In this study, the impact of access to mutual labour support on productivity and technical efficiency was estimated using data collected from 592 smallholder maize farmers in Northern Ghana. The study uses a translog stochastic production frontier model, while accounting for sample selection bias that may emanate from both observable and unobservable household characteristics. Farmers with access to mutual labour support are significantly more productive and technically efficient than those without, with mean technical efficiency in the range of 0.62–0.71 for farmers with access to mutual labour support and 0.55–0.60 for those without access. Sex, education, spraying machine ownership, farm size, extension visits, access to credit, and membership of farmer-based organisation are significant determinants of access to mutual labour support. Policies to help farmer groups and extension agents promote mutual labour support accessibility among farmers are recommended.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 61-79
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2156898
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2156898
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# input file: RAGR_A_2150664_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Abigail Ampomah Adaku
Author-X-Name-First: Abigail Ampomah
Author-X-Name-Last: Adaku
Author-Name: Francis Tsiboe
Author-X-Name-First: Francis
Author-X-Name-Last: Tsiboe
Author-Name: Joseph Clottey
Author-X-Name-First: Joseph
Author-X-Name-Last: Clottey
Title: Taking stock of gender gaps in crop production technology adoption and technical efficiency in Ghana
Abstract: 
 There is a strong linkage between agricultural performance and economic growth in developing countries. However, the gain from agriculture disproportionately trickles down to the poor which can be partly reduced by addressing gender differences in production. Historically, the validity of gender statistics has been questioned as the way researchers and policymakers describe gender differences also affects how they perceive and address them. Amid these antecedents, we apply a meta-stochastic frontier to pooled cross-sectional population-based surveys that represent three decades (1987–2017) of the production history for twelve crops in Ghana to assess the dynamics of gender gaps in technology gaps and technical efficiency (TE). Results indicate that female farmers exhibit technology gap and TE scores of 25 and 76% while their male counterparts exhibit scores of 20 and 73%. The TE gap of 4% against male farmers has remained relatively steady over the three decades while the technology adoption gap against females has reduced from 18% in 1997/98 to 3% in 2016/17. All farmers operate at 60% of the potential possible given the overall crop production technology in Ghana. Over the three decades, the estimated crop production gap of 5.94% against females shifted to a gap estimated at 9.24% against males.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 31-48
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2150664
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2022.2150664
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# input file: RAGR_A_2176894_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Oliver K. Kirui
Author-X-Name-First: Oliver K.
Author-X-Name-Last: Kirui
Author-Name: Lukas Kornher
Author-X-Name-First: Lukas
Author-X-Name-Last: Kornher
Author-Name: Maksud Bekchanov
Author-X-Name-First: Maksud
Author-X-Name-Last: Bekchanov
Title: Productivity growth and the role of mechanisation in African agriculture
Abstract: 
 This paper compares agricultural productivity growth, specifically, the impact of agricultural mechanisation on total factor productivity and cereal yields, across African countries using contemporaneous and sequential Malmquist index approaches. Contemporaneous approach findings indicate that agricultural productivity grew by 1% annually over 1961–2014, while sequential technology measures show much higher growth of 1.7%. The highest growth rates were experienced since the 2000s due to technical progress. Regression analysis indicates that mechanisation, research and development, weather conditions, and population pressure influence African agricultural productivity. Climate-smart options to sustain crop yields in countries relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture are critical. The transfer of knowledge from countries with high-level productivity might enhance productivity in “laggard” countries.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 80-97
Issue: 1
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 01
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2176894
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2176894
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# input file: RAGR_A_2186003_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Melissa van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Melissa
Author-X-Name-Last: van der Merwe
Title: Agricultural economics: a discipline in crisis?
Abstract: 
 Agricultural economists have continuously raised questions about their role in the wider economy and society since the discipline's establishment. This led to continuous reinvention, development and stretching of the discipline's boundaries. We have seen the same critique by scholars in other disciplines; many of these evolved to thrive or regressed to die. This begs the question, is the agricultural economics discipline evolving and adapting to change or regressing and facing extinction? To answer this evolutionary question, I use the three key pillars that make up the hereditary material of a discipline as a conceptual framework: research, teaching and association. I use several data sets to diagnose the health of each of these pillars to ultimately comment on the health of the discipline. Our findings indicate the weakest pillar as the association. Although our research and teaching pillars are not as strong as we want them to be, we are in the process of reinforcement. In conclusion, the agricultural economics discipline is not in crisis, at least not yet. I also acknowledge that the emergence of crisis does not always lead to the end of a discipline, but it promotes educational reflection and reform to lead to disciplinary evolution.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 117-132
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2186003
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2186003
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# input file: RAGR_A_2230959_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Girma Gezimu Gebre
Author-X-Name-First: Girma
Author-X-Name-Last: Gezimu Gebre
Author-Name: Yuichiro Amekawa
Author-X-Name-First: Yuichiro
Author-X-Name-Last: Amekawa
Author-Name: Aneteneh Ashebir
Author-X-Name-First: Aneteneh
Author-X-Name-Last: Ashebir
Title: Can farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies ensure their food security? Evidence from Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agricultural production among smallholder farm households in Ethiopia. To reduce the adverse effects of climate risks, farm households have sought to adopt different adaptation strategies. This study investigates factors influencing farm households’ choice of climate adaptation strategies and associated effects on their food security in Ethiopia using data collected from 516 farm households from three regions. A multivariate probit and propensity score matching models were used to analyze data. Major adaptation strategies adopted by the farm households in the study area are planting drought-tolerant crop varieties (60%), changing the planting dates (53%), growing diversified crops (49%), and diversifying the sources of household income (45%). Results suggest that older farm household heads are more likely to use drought-tolerant crop varieties to reduce climate risks. Farm households with larger farmland size and those with more years of experience in farming are more likely to use drought-tolerant crop varieties and crop diversification strategies. Farm households with larger family size are more likely to use crop and income diversification strategies and change the planting dates against the backdrop of a high risk of climatic shocks. Membership in input supply cooperatives, frequency of contact with extension agents, and access to information on expected rainfall and temperature are positively associated with different adaptation practices adopted by farm households. Farm households who have adopted climate adaptation strategies have higher food security status (by 2.3–2.8%) compared to those who have not. Thus, the farm households’ climate adaptation practices have positive food security effects in Ethiopia.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 178-193
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2230959
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2230959
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# input file: RAGR_A_2220684_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Beine P. Ahimbisibwe
Author-X-Name-First: Beine P.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ahimbisibwe
Author-Name: John F. Morton
Author-X-Name-First: John F.
Author-X-Name-Last: Morton
Author-Name: Shiferaw Feleke
Author-X-Name-First: Shiferaw
Author-X-Name-Last: Feleke
Author-Name: Arega D. Alene
Author-X-Name-First: Arega D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Alene
Author-Name: Tahirou Abdoulaye
Author-X-Name-First: Tahirou
Author-X-Name-Last: Abdoulaye
Author-Name: Kate Wellard
Author-X-Name-First: Kate
Author-X-Name-Last: Wellard
Author-Name: Eric Mungatana
Author-X-Name-First: Eric
Author-X-Name-Last: Mungatana
Author-Name: Anton Bua
Author-X-Name-First: Anton
Author-X-Name-Last: Bua
Author-Name: Solomon Asfaw
Author-X-Name-First: Solomon
Author-X-Name-Last: Asfaw
Author-Name: Victor Manyong
Author-X-Name-First: Victor
Author-X-Name-Last: Manyong
Title: Assessing the crop productivity and household welfare effects of adopting certified seeds of improved cassava varieties in Uganda
Abstract: 
 This article identifies the determinants, crop productivity, and household welfare impacts of adopting certified seeds of improved cassava varieties (c-ICVs) in Uganda. The determinants were identified using the two-part model while the crop productivity and household welfare impacts were assessed using the endogenous switching regression model. The data came from 609 farm households in Uganda’s three major cassava-growing regions (Eastern, Northern, and mid-Western). The results showed that adopters of c-ICVs experienced a considerable increase in productivity (stem and root yields) and improvement in welfare outcomes (cash income and consumption expenditure). The results provide evidence of the effectiveness of the country’s seed certification and genetic improvement efforts over recent years and justify increased investments in genetic improvement and seed certification.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 164-177
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2220684
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2220684
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:2:p:164-177



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# input file: RAGR_A_2180041_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Million Sileshi
Author-X-Name-First: Million
Author-X-Name-Last: Sileshi
Author-Name: Stefan Sieber
Author-X-Name-First: Stefan
Author-X-Name-Last: Sieber
Author-Name: Teshome Lejissa
Author-X-Name-First: Teshome
Author-X-Name-Last: Lejissa
Author-Name: Daniel W. Ndyetabula
Author-X-Name-First: Daniel W.
Author-X-Name-Last: Ndyetabula
Title: Drivers of rural households’ food insecurity in Ethiopia: a comprehensive approach of calorie intake and food consumption score
Abstract: 
 Most food insecurity studies in developing countries, including Ethiopia, use a single food security indicator to determine the food insecurity status, thus overlooking the multidimensional nature of food security. Using cross-sectional data collected from 408 households in three districts of East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia, this study combined two food security indicators namely calorie intake and Food Consumption Score (FCS) so as to gain more insights on the multidimensional nature of food security and to categorise households into different food insecurity groups. The study further sought to identify factors influencing the households’ food insecurity status. The research findings based respectively on the per capita calorie intake and the FCS indicate that 36.03 and 49.02 percent of the sampled households were food insecure. However, the findings reveal that when the two indicators were combined, 22.06 and 40.93 percent of the households were completely food insecure and transitory food insecure respectively. These findings also suggest that the 40.93 percent (26.96 and 13.97 percent) of households categorised as food secure based on single indicators (i.e., per capita calorie intake and FCS respectively) was unrealistic. Furthermore, findings from the bivariate probit model indicate that food insecurity incidences decreased with the adoption of soil and water conservation, access to irrigation, livestock, access to fertilisers, and household income. It increased with the age of the household head, the household size, and the coping strategy index. Therefore, policies and strategies combating food insecurity should consider a combination of food security indicators.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 152-163
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2180041
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2180041
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# input file: RAGR_A_2181831_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Felician Andrew Kitole
Author-X-Name-First: Felician Andrew
Author-X-Name-Last: Kitole
Title: Economics of Agricultural Development: World Food Systems and Resource Use,
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 194-196
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2181831
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2181831
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:2:p:194-196



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# input file: RAGR_A_2169481_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20230119T200553 git hash: 724830af20
Author-Name: Willy Mulimbi
Author-X-Name-First: Willy
Author-X-Name-Last: Mulimbi
Author-Name: Lawton Lanier Nalley
Author-X-Name-First: Lawton Lanier
Author-X-Name-Last: Nalley
Author-Name: Johann Strauss
Author-X-Name-First: Johann
Author-X-Name-Last: Strauss
Author-Name: Kristiina Ala-Kokko
Author-X-Name-First: Kristiina
Author-X-Name-Last: Ala-Kokko
Title: Economic and environmental comparison of conventional and conservation agriculture in South African wheat production
Abstract: 
 Global wheat yields must increase to meet current and rising global demand despite the increasing threats to production resulting from climate change. One climate change adaptation strategy in wheat production in the Western Cape of South Africa is conservation agriculture (CA). Using a data set of 1,043 plot-level wheat observations collected at Langgewens and Tygerhoek research farms from 2002 to 2020, this study conducts a stepwise Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to estimate the environmental and economic impacts of switching from conventional wheat production to CA’s zero tillage (zero-till) and no-tillage (no-till) systems. The results indicate that CA is more profitable and has a higher environmental efficiency, than conventional tillage wheat production. In Langgewens, zero-till and no-till are respectively 113% and 55% more efficient than conventional tillage when comparing the environmental impact of producing one kg of wheat. Findings also suggest that, compared to 100% conventional tillage wheat production, the adoption of CA systems has led to reductions in environmental damage valued between R269.2 and R402.5 million in the Western Cape.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 133-151
Issue: 2
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 04
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2169481
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2169481
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# input file: RAGR_A_2277423_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Abebayehu Girma Geffersa
Author-X-Name-First: Abebayehu Girma
Author-X-Name-Last: Geffersa
Title: Agricultural productivity, land use intensification and rural household welfare: evidence from Ethiopia
Abstract: 
 While the role of agricultural productivity in alleviating poverty and enhancing household well-being is widely acknowledged, the micro-level evidence on the relationship between smallholder productivity and rural household welfare remains scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. Utilising three-wave comprehensive panel data from rural Ethiopia, this paper offers valuable insights into the effect of maize productivity on rural household welfare. We use both fixed-effects and correlated random-effects IV estimators to account for unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity. Our findings reveal that increased maize productivity leads to higher household income, enhanced maize consumption, and greater asset ownership, ultimately reducing rural poverty. Notably, the welfare gains from maize productivity vary among farm households, with the most substantial effects observed among advantaged households, particularly those headed by male farmers and those with a more favourable economic standing in terms of poverty status. These results not only hold promise for poverty reduction through intensified agricultural practices in rural Ethiopia but also emphasise the necessity for targeted interventions to ensure equitable distribution of welfare benefits.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 309-327
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2277423
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2277423
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:309-327



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# input file: RAGR_A_2279159_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Aart-Jan Verschoor
Author-X-Name-First: Aart-Jan
Author-X-Name-Last: Verschoor
Author-Name: Colleta Gandidzanwa
Author-X-Name-First: Colleta
Author-X-Name-Last: Gandidzanwa
Author-Name: Terence Newby
Author-X-Name-First: Terence
Author-X-Name-Last: Newby
Author-Name: Anneliza Collett
Author-X-Name-First: Anneliza
Author-X-Name-Last: Collett
Author-Name: Sonja Venter
Author-X-Name-First: Sonja
Author-X-Name-Last: Venter
Title: Proposing a farm assessment toolkit: evaluating a South African land reform case study
Abstract: 
 The paper presents a robust, scientific evaluation method to determine the potential viability of a farm, compared to its current performance. The comparison informs recommendations for sustainable farm development. The process entails a stepwise analysis of land suitability, enterprise potential, infrastructure status, operator capacity, inherent limitations and external risks of the farm. An expert panel considers quantitative and qualitative data to establish suitable development measures. Applied to a land reform initiative, ±2000 farms entailing 1.86 million hectares were evaluated, detailing corrective measures for each farm. Roughly 59% of the evaluated farms were potentially commercial, but only 7% performed accordingly. Correlations between farmer capability and farm performance, as well as between infrastructure and performance, were evident, indicating that post-settlement support is vital. As risk and limitation scores increased, farm viability tended to decrease. The tool accurately determined viability based on available resources (natural and physical), resulting in evidence-based policy advice. The evaluation informed land reform policy recommendations, proposing more coordinated support to improve access to services. The tool would also be useful for farmers to reflect on enterprise performance. The visual, sequential nature of the evaluation facilitates sound decision-making. The tool has potential as a valid agricultural development evaluation instrument.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 215-227
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2279159
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2279159
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:215-227



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# input file: RAGR_A_2253795_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Edgar E. Twine
Author-X-Name-First: Edgar E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Twine
Author-Name: Stella E. Adur-Okello
Author-X-Name-First: Stella E.
Author-X-Name-Last: Adur-Okello
Author-Name: Gaudiose Mujawamariya
Author-X-Name-First: Gaudiose
Author-X-Name-Last: Mujawamariya
Title: Estimating oligopsonistic market power in Uganda’s rice industry
Abstract: 
 The study applies the conjectural variations approach to determine whether Ugandan rice traders exercise oligopsony power in the market for domestic rice. The trader margin for milled rice is found to be 10.20% on average. Using an econometric system of four equations, the null hypothesis of competitive behaviour holds at different price elasticities of farm supply, ranging from inelastic to elastic supply. This implies that there is no evidence that rice traders apply oligopsony power when procuring milled rice from farmers. However, since the study does not examine the existence of trader bargaining power, we cannot completely rule out the existence of market power at this node of the value chain. Therefore, future studies should examine trader bargaining power to be able to ultimately determine if there is need to intervene at this segment of rice value chains to ensure competitive behaviour.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 292-308
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2253795
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2253795
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:292-308



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# input file: RAGR_A_2277420_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Johan Bruwer
Author-X-Name-First: Johan
Author-X-Name-Last: Bruwer
Author-Name: Martin Kidd
Author-X-Name-First: Martin
Author-X-Name-Last: Kidd
Author-Name: Nick Vink
Author-X-Name-First: Nick
Author-X-Name-Last: Vink
Title: The single-serve wine option in South African restaurants: product involvement, risk perception and information-related behavioural effects
Abstract: 
 Wine is a highly-valued-added end product of an important agricultural value chain. In this product category, the single-serve wine by-the-glass (WBG) option in restaurants presents a largely underutilized business opportunity. Academic research examining consumer behavioural psychology-based constructs in the situational consumption context of restaurants, has also not kept pace with this market reality. Hence, this study establishes how product involvement, risk perception, and information processing, affect consumption of WBG by consumers in the situational milieu of restaurants. Following scale validation by conducting confirmatory factor analysis and thereafter fitting a structural equation model, the relationships between constructs are examined by utilising a sample of 1,038 South African consumers representative of dining across all restaurant categories. The findings contribute to the literature by showing that distinct motivational relationships exist between the involvement and perception of risk constructs and information-related behaviour of consumers engaging with the WBG option in restaurants. The stable nature of consumers' enduring involvement with wine products evokes motivational processing by triggering situational involvement upon purchasing WBG and perception of risk arousal of both the cognitively-evaluated (psychological, social and functional) and non-cognitively-evaluated (financial, physical and time) risk types.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 258-278
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2277420
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2277420
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:258-278



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# input file: RAGR_A_2283017_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Kandas Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: Kandas
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Author-Name: Anke Möhring
Author-X-Name-First: Anke
Author-X-Name-Last: Möhring
Author-Name: Siphe Zantsi
Author-X-Name-First: Siphe
Author-X-Name-Last: Zantsi
Title: Modelling the exiting of South African producers from commercial agricultural production – an agent-based model
Abstract: 
 This paper explores the prospects of commercial producers who would be willing to exit voluntarily in the near future to make land available in the market. In addition, it also considers what factors are restricting the acceleration of this rate of exit from a land-supply perspective with respect to barriers to exit. The prospect of structural change from such acceleration is also explored using three scenarios. An agent-based mathematical model is used to implement the three scenarios. This model is constructed from a dataset of 450 commercial producers across South Africa. The results suggest that a reasonable amount of arable land could be available for redistribution, with only modest structural change regarding animal production, despite drastic alterations in veld. These results provide some guidelines on how assistance for struggling producers can make land available for efficient producers, which could make the sector stronger. All potential exiting commercial producers have common reasons for doing so, which could be used to initiate a positively inclined, structured discussion on land supply.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 197-214
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2283017
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2283017
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:197-214



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# input file: RAGR_A_2253878_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Senait D. Senay
Author-X-Name-First: Senait D.
Author-X-Name-Last: Senay
Author-Name: Jan C. Greyling
Author-X-Name-First: Jan C.
Author-X-Name-Last: Greyling
Author-Name: Philip G. Pardey
Author-X-Name-First: Philip G.
Author-X-Name-Last: Pardey
Author-Name: Helene Verhoef
Author-X-Name-First: Helene
Author-X-Name-Last: Verhoef
Title: Data note: Spatializing South African agricultural censuses, 1918–2017
Abstract: 
 Agriculture is an intrinsically spatial production process. Where on the landscape agriculture occurs affects the environmental (e.g., soil, water, climate) factors that have large output and production risk consequences. The location of agriculture also has substantial logistic, policy and market performance implications. To facilitate analysis of the spatial dynamics of agriculture, we developed a collection of new ADM 2 boundary files whose geographical dimensions and naming standards map directly to the 18 agricultural censuses that report farm inputs, outputs and related statistics for South African agriculture over the period 1918–2017. The statistical aggregates – representing Magisterial and Municipal Districts –, changed in number, area size and boundaries over time. Cross-referencing these changing statistical aggregates to our newly digitised census boundaries, is an essential step for any geospatial assessment of the causes and (productivity and environmental) consequences associated with the changing physical footprint of South African agriculture over the past century.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 328-336
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2253878
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2253878
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# input file: RAGR_A_2255167_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Lloyd J. S. Baiyegunhi
Author-X-Name-First: Lloyd J. S.
Author-X-Name-Last: Baiyegunhi
Title: Examining the determinants of agricultural innovation activities: a case study of emerging sugarcane farmers in South Africa
Abstract: 
 Since innovation is regarded as a source of a firm's development, productivity, and competitive advantage, the identification of the drivers of innovation activities is important for businesses and governments. Based on a case study of 35 emerging sugarcane growers in KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast, South Africa, this study employed the Nossal and Lim framework, which utilised the criteria and methodologies described in the Oslo Manual to measure the innovation activities of firms. The Ordered Probit Model (OPM) was utilised to estimate the factors impacting the innovation activities of the emerging sugarcane farmers. The study findings show that majority of farmers (57%) are highly innovative, with process innovation being the most popular type of innovation. Furthermore, the OPM results revealed that several socioeconomic, institutional, and farm level factors are statistically significant in explaining farmers’ capacity for innovation. Therefore, it is essential for farm managers and policymakers to consider and incorporate these range of elements that have a positive link with innovation and are crucial for new farming ideas.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 241-257
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2255167
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2255167
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Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:241-257



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# input file: RAGR_A_2269185_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Kandas Cloete
Author-X-Name-First: Kandas
Author-X-Name-Last: Cloete
Author-Name: Louw Pienaar
Author-X-Name-First: Louw
Author-X-Name-Last: Pienaar
Author-Name: Melissa Van der Merwe
Author-X-Name-First: Melissa
Author-X-Name-Last: Van der Merwe
Title: Is persistent “loadshedding” pulling the plug on agriculture in the Western Cape, South Africa?
Abstract: 
 Besides a few industry reports on the impact of loadshedding on agriculture, there is a dearth of literature on the electricity dependence and the impact of loadshedding on the South African agricultural sector. We aim to make two main contributions. First, we analyse the electricity dependence of the agricultural sector and assess how loadshedding impacts the sector's various economic activities. Second, we employ Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA) to determine the cause-and-effect relationships of loadshedding on the agricultural sector. We purposively selected 27 senior managers from the Western Cape agricultural value chain to participate in the study. The IQA reveals eight categories influenced by loadshedding: operational capacity and scheduling, input supply and availability, output quality and volume, financial implications, biological and fixed assets, socio-economics, and product selling price. The biggest cause for disruption is operational capacity and scheduling, and the biggest effect is product selling price. Solving the loadshedding problem and preventing knock-on effects require collaboration between firms, industry, and government. The government needs to create an enabling environment: sound regulatory framework, incentives to invest in renewable energy, and access to low-cost capital. The industry then takes responsibility for disseminating government strategies to firms and providing feedback based on firm-level experience.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 228-240
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2269185
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2269185
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# input file: RAGR_A_2288709_J.xml processed with: repec_from_jats12.xsl darts-xml-transformations-20231214T103247 git hash: d7a2cb0857
Author-Name: Klara Fischer
Author-X-Name-First: Klara
Author-X-Name-Last: Fischer
Author-Name: Nomahlubi Mnukwa
Author-X-Name-First: Nomahlubi
Author-X-Name-Last: Mnukwa
Author-Name: Amanda Bengtsson
Author-X-Name-First: Amanda
Author-X-Name-Last: Bengtsson
Title: The Covid pandemic, cultivation and livelihoods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape
Abstract: 
 South African smallholders have disengaged from cultivation in recent decades despite the lack of alternative incomes. The Covid-19 pandemic led to further rises in poverty and food insecurity. Between March and May 2022, we asked respondents from all 104 households in one village in the Eastern Cape province about how the pandemic had impacted their lives, and their perspectives on and engagement in agriculture. The majority reported that school closures and loss of incomes had led to increased food insecurity. Overall the respondents did not report that the pandemic had had any significant positive or negative impact on cultivation. Material limitations (purchased seed, fertiliser, fencing and traction) were widely mentioned as hampering the possibility of cultivating land already before the pandemic. At the same time, many respondents expressed a love for farming. Future agricultural development support could be directed at promoting farming systems that are less dependent on external inputs and that can support rural livelihoods in the face of external shocks and crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Journal: Agrekon
Pages: 279-291
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 62
Year: 2023
Month: 10
X-DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2023.2288709
File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/03031853.2023.2288709
File-Format: text/html
File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
Handle: RePEc:taf:ragrxx:v:62:y:2023:i:3-4:p:279-291