A holistic approach in explaining farmers’ intentional behaviour on manure waste utilization

Abstract

This research examined livestock farmers’ intention to move manure waste to an allocated landfill and the impact of financial support by municipalities on farmer’s behavior. The theoretical framework was developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior and tested the validity of the model. The survey was carried out with 336 farmers in Bursa, Turkey, where animal husbandry is the primary source of livelihood.

Research results have shown that the developed model proved to be satisfactory in predicting farmers’ intentions.The attitude (?=0.38; p <0.01) variable was the most important determining factor on farmer behavior followed by subjective norms (?=0.30;p <0.01). Financial incentives provided by local governments was a strong mediator effect between attitude (?=0.62; p <0.01) and farmers’ behavior. This study emphasizes that local governments should employ more proactive environmental measures, raise financial incentive initiatives in animal waste management to ensure farmers ‘ participation in these practices and sustainable agriculture.

To what extend corruption and free-riding behavior affect technical and Water Use efficiencies of small scale irrigated farms.

Abstract

This paper examines irrigation management within the Tunisian Water Users Association (WUA),in Nadhour public irrigated area (central of Tunisia). The functioning of 14 WUAs was evaluated based on questionnaires and related interviews. The methodology of this study consists of two main steps; (i) an estimation of technical efficiency scores of 90 smallholder farmers and the sub-vector of WUE (Water Use efficiency) using the non-parametric DEA model, (ii) a regression of a Tobit model to test the hypothesis regarding explanatory variables of differentiated technical efficiency scores. The investigation shows an average technical efficiency of 70.8% and WUE of 64.8%. It highlighted the Water turn, the infrastructure state, the water supply shortage, corruption, and free-riding behaviors as tightly correlated factors with farm’s productivity. This suggests that there is potential to improve production efficiency by implementing targeted programs and rules for inefficient farmers. The findings of this study show that it is important to fight corruption in the water sector by an increased government oversight, reform of regulations, and increased accountability

Will agriculture beat the odds against Covid-19? The Covid-19 outbreak and its effect on agricultural supply in Turkey.

Abstract

The new coronavirus (Covid-19), which spread almost the entire world, adversely affected many sectors, both internationally and 30 locally. Households’ panic purchase have rocketed the demand for some food items in the early days. Besides, food safety 31 concerns have increased. This research aimed to uncover how the public perceived the impact of Covid-19 on the agriculture and 32 food sector. The online survey was conducted, and the data from 428 participants were analysed using the SPSS (v.23) program. 33 The third of respondents (30.8%) believed the outbreak would last between six months to one year, during which time food 34 shortages will occur (32.5%). While 27.4% of the respondents reported that they stockpiled food, 44.8% reported that if the 35 outbreak continued, they would stock up on food. Participants were concerned that if planting cannot be done, food shortages will 36 occur (74.6%), basic foodstuffs cannot be produced (67.8%), food imports (69.4%) and exports (74.6%) will be adversely 37 affected by the outbreak. The research found that if farming disturbed, food prices would increase (82.3%) and the government 38 should include agriculture-supporting measures (85%) in its economic measures.

Potential socio-economic impact of Xylella fastidiosa in the Near East and North Africa (NENA): risk of introduction and spread, risk perception and socio-economic effects

Abstract

The serious damages of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) in Euro-Mediterranean countries (Italy, France, Spain) raise concerns for the Near East and North Africa (NENA). Therefore, a study was performed to: a) assess the risk of Xf entry, establishment and spread in target NENA countries (viz. Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia); b) analyse risk perception and preparedness level among agri-food chain stakeholders; c) estimate potential socio-economic impacts for olives, grapes and citrus. Pest risk appraisal suggests that Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria are the most exposed to Xf risk; other target NENA countries, except Algeria, have intermediate risk. Risk perception analysis shows that governance efficacy and practices application can be improved by involving stakeholders and raising their awareness. Socio-economic impact assessment indicates declining yields, production, profitability, export, employment, and increasing import, with the highest impacts relating to olives, then citrus and grapes. The study suggests that the expected socioeconomic impacts are unacceptable and require urgent action against Xf at national and regional levels.

Food security and European migrant crisis: Case of Mediterranean area

Abstract

This paper focuses on a possible connection between food security and the migrant crisis that began in 2015, which had a tremendous impact on the European Union as well as on the Mediterranean area. The goal of this paper is to determine if there is a correlation between the number of migrants and the levels of food security in both their homeland countries and destination countries. The Promethee method was used to attempt to answer this question. Unfortunately, the analysis is limited due to lack of data for certain countries concerning food security caused by current poor political situations. Nevertheless, the results showed that the best-ranked countries by food security are mostly EU countries. These countries do not have issues with food security, especially in comparison to countries in the Middle East. Also, countries with a high level of food security and political stability have the highest influx of migrants, which suggests there is also an economic motivation for migration. Finally, the analysis confirmed a strong correlation between countries’ achieved level of food security and the number of migrants.

Policy Reforms in Agriculture and Farmer’s Income Diversification Decision: The Case of Eggs Farms

Abstract

Reforms in agriculture have become an integral part in policymaker’s agenda. Research on past reforms in various sectors showed their effect on farmer’s decision making regarding the continuum of farm work. This research objective is to expand and predict implications of emerging policy reforms on eggs branch farmers economics’ viability. The theory presented here aims to analyze the farmer’s decision
making on income diversification by accounting for socio-demographics, wealth, and peripherality. The study of income diversification that is presented here can throw light on how risky the reforms are for farmers that their income is exclusively based on agriculture. Logistic regression and classification tree were employed in analyzing a sample of eggs producers in Israeli’s periphery. The main findings signify that the younger, educated, and wealthier farmers who are more peripheral, prone towards diversifying income. Policymakers should acknowledge this variability in potential risks while designing agricultural reforms.

Enjeux, pratiques et contraintes pour une mise en valeur agroécologique des terres au Sahara. Cas d’un périmètre péri-oasien dans la Vallée du M’Zab (Algérie).

Abstract

This article analyzes the adoption of practices face to the ecological and social issues and the constraints perception to agroecological development in the M’Zab Valley. The socioecological approach shows that the current agrosystem is “hybrid”, under the influence of the old oasis model, symbol of ecological balance, and of the conventional model, vector of both a dynamic of innovations and threats on agricultural sustainability. However, the institutional environment is perceived to be very restrictive. The application of multinomial logistic regression to explain the practices adoption and the constraints perception brings out the socio-demographic characteristics (level of education, age, pluriactivity, link with environmental association) which have a positive effect on agroecological practices; the productions (vegetables and breeding) whose effect is ambivalent; and social categories (low level of education, mono-activity, sheep and goat farming) who perceive the institutional environment rather very restrictive to the development of agroecology.

Climate Change Perceptions and Adaptations for Dairy Cattle Farmers in Jordan: Case Study in North East Region -Al-Dhulel Area

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate how dairy farmers of AL-Dhulel cooperative Dairy Society (ACDS) perceive climate change, the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers to cope with the impact of climate change and the barriers to the adoption of these strategies. A 92 dairy farmers provided with a questionnaire that was developed to collect the data and covered farmers perception, adaptation strategies, and the barriers facing them towards adopting the strategies. The personal interviews with the farmers were performed during early January, 2020. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The main result obtained from the study that most of dairy farmers were aware of the climate change impact on dairy cattle performance and health. Furthermore, the adaptation strategies that was suggested has limiting factors according to farmers as a result of governmental and agricultural institutions restriction polices. Therefore, recommendations regarding new polices was suggested to facilitate the way of getting benefit from grants and financial support for improving dairy farms and to mitigate the effect of climate change on dairy cattle.

Évaluation de la rentabilité et de la productivité totale des facteurs de production des exploitations céréalières : cas de la culture du blé dur au Nord de la Tunisie

Abstract

The main objectives of this paper are to assess the production costs and to measure the total factor productivity (TFP) of durum wheat production for a sample of cereal farmers in the North of Tunisia. Our hypothesis is that improvement of these indicators can reduce the production costs and consequently the improvement of producers’ incomes. To test this hypothesis, a survey was carried out with 232 cereal farms in the subhumid region in the North of Tunisia cultivating durum wheat. The reconstituted costs approach was used to estimate the production costs. The results obtained show that total costs, production costs and net margins of durum wheat vary according to the farm size. About 67% of surveyed farms make a positive net margin. The empirical results of the regression reveal that productivity is negatively affected by the farm size, the new varieties demanding water and the investments made by the farm while it is affected positively by crop rotations

Quel avenir pour la filière huile d’olive fraichement introduite dans une zone steppique ? Cas de la région de M’Sila

Abstract

In the region of M’Sila, a steppe zone and characteristic of a dominant agro-pastoral framework, the local olive sector has certainly grown in terms of area expansion, but the information available indicates that its future in terms of performance is dependent on a series of internal and external factors. The aim of this article is to highlight the main explanatory variables by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the sector, the opportunities and threats linked to its environment. Two methods are used: the first, SWOT, constitutes a structured diagnostic framework and a universal decision-support tool. The second, the causality analysis, according to the Parmenides EIDOS tool, makes it possible to obtain a hierarchy of relations in the sector based on the opinions of the intervening actors. The data used come from the bibliographic summary of a series of studies and the results of a survey carried out in 2017 in the field. The results obtained show that the internal factors are linked to the characteristics of the farms, to the production systems, and to the surrounding conditions of the value chain. External factors are linked to the dynamics of national and global markets.

Structural characteristics of the agricultural sector in terms of access to agricultural credits in Turkey

Structural characteristics of the agricultural sector in terms of access to agricultural credits in Turkey

New Medit, vol 16, n.4, (December 2017), pp. 66-72

Language: EN
Jel classification: E60, Q14

The purpose of this study is to determine the credit needs and analyse the structural effects o loans with a view to contributing to develop strategies with banks, cooperatives and all other institutions and organizations involved in agricultural credit. The master data was processed using the primary data obtained from 2,029,116 farms. Farmers are registered with the Farmer Registration System and 640 are registered with the Farmer Accounting Data Network. Farms were classified based on farm type and cropping system. Results showed that the education level of farmers is low and household size is high, farm holdings are small and fragmented and there is an imbalance in land distribution. These characteristics affect negatively the utilisation of credit, although 56% of farmers utilise credits and the equity ratio is very high (97.3%). The new regulations on the Inheritance Law will help both increase farmland and solve the problem of fragmentation in Turkey. The institutions and organizations concerned should satisfy this demand taking into account the specific characteristics of the sector (by facilitating utilisation of credit, supporting small businesses and providing additional loan opportunities, renewing machine fleet and regulations on land acquisition) in order to contribute to its advancement.

Turkey, structural development, agricultural credits

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Can the Nile Generate Output, Income and Employment in Egypt? A Mixed Multiplier Analysis

Abstract

Nile water availability is one of the major constraints for agricultural development in Egypt. This study conducts a mixed multiplier analysis, under water and land constraints, to identify the seasonal agricultural activities with high output and income multipliers. It uses a 2008/09 SAM for Egypt with detailed representation for Nile-related production factors employed by agricultural activities across irrigation seasons. The results demonstrate the significance of addressing Nile water constraints not only for agriculture, but also for the overall economy. Policies that enhance water productivity, particularly in winter season, generate outstanding increases in output, income, and employment through sizable multiplier effects.

Water users associations and irrigation water use efficiency in costal oases areas of Gabes, South-eastern Tunisia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the efficiency level of Water Users Associations (WUAs) in the coastal oases of Gabès (South-Est of Tunisia) and assessing its main determinants. First, an input-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to measure the relative efficiency scores of WUAs and to evaluate the management and maintenance costs sub-vectors efficiencies separately through a mathematical modification in the initial DEA specification. In a second stage, critical determinants of sub-vector efficiency are determined by applying a Tobit model. A key finding of the study is that WUAs are clearly inefficient. Results show that on average, 38% of the used inputs could be saved if the WUAs operated on the frontier. The inefficiency found can be mainly attributed to the number of water pumping stations managed, the ratio of water losses and WUAs’ age. The results also show a discrepancy between the technical efficiency values calculated under the CRS and VRS assumptions, resulting in a 20% scale inefficiency. The study also revealed that the sub-vector inefficiency of WUAs is more linked with engineering inefficiencies than to their management inefficiencies.

How to foster employee satisfaction by means of coaching, motivation, emotional salary and social media skills in the agri-food value chain

Abstract

Most employee satisfaction studies do not consider the current digital transformation of the social world. The aim of this research is to provide insight into employee satisfaction in agribusiness by means of coaching, motivation, emotional salary and social media with a value chain methodology. The model is tested empirically by analysing a survey data set of 381 observations in Spanish agribusiness firms of the agri-food value chain. The results show flexible remunerations of emotional salary are determinants of employee satisfaction. Additionally, motivation is relevant in the production within commercialisation link and coaching in the production within transformation link. Whole-of-chain employees showed the greatest satisfaction with the use of social media in personnel management. Findings also confirmed that employees will stay when a job is satisfying. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the effect of current social and digital business skills on employee satisfaction in the agri-food value chain.

Does Human Capital Play an Important Role in Farm Size Growth? The Case of Slovenia

Abstract

The paper investigates the drivers of farm size and farm size growth in Slovenia during the period 2007-2017 using a farm-level Farm Accountancy Data Network dataset within a quantile regression framework. Farm size growth is measured by growth in utilized agricultural area per farm. The findings suggest that growth in farm land size is driven by initial farm land size and policy subsidy support. Contrary to expectations, human capital does not play an important role in either farm land size or farm land size growth according to quantile regressions. These findings from inter-quantile comparative analysis are important for farm-related structural and rural development policy.

FARMERS’ PERCEPTION REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHERN TURKEY: THE CASE OF MERSIN PROVINCE

Abstract

Climate change is responsible for the negative effects in human life causing a decrease in agricultural products, biodiversity, soil fertility, and forest areas. In contrast, climate change increases plant diseases and pests, the cost of agricultural production and risk in food security. This study aims to determine whether climate change is a phenomenon via the analysis of the perceptions of the farmers in the Mersin province conducted over 251 questionnaires. Farmers primarily perceive climate change over production costs and the reduction in yield. Moreover, they are highly aware of its relation to natural events such as floods, drought, and storms. Nevertheless, inappropriate agricultural practices also lead to the negative consequences caused by climate change. In this respect, this study revealed that farmers with high cooperative partnerships and experience perceived climate change significantly.

Aggregate Supply Response in Algerian Agriculture: The Error Correction Model Applied to Selected Crops

Abstract

This paper examines aggregate supply response of 19 selected crops in Algerian agriculture during the 1966-2018 period by employing cointegration analysis and error correction model (ECM). It tests whether there has been a long-run equilibrium relationship between agricultural outputs and prices, besides a confirmation about the responsiveness of agricultural supply to economic incentives (prices). Findings indicate that the long-run elasticities of all selected crops with respect to prices are statistically significant and mostly low, whereas short-run elasticities are lower, which appeals to the adequacy of adjustment to economic incentives. Furthermore, the results of the ECM confirmed the positive responsiveness to prices with differential rates of adjustment for selected crops, ruling out the applicability of a presumed perverse supply response in Algerian agriculture.

Impact of parcel fragmentation on the calculation of the real estate value of land belonging to farms

Abstract

Agricultural parcels are often the subject of land valuation studies. This approach implicitly assumes that the real estate value of the land belonging to a farm is the sum of the values of the individual parcels that make up the farm. Nonetheless, the value of a whole can be very different from the sum of its parts. This study proposes a methodology for calculating the real estate value of the land belonging to a farm, by including parameters relating to the fragmentation of the land. Fragmentation increases production costs and reduces farmers’ incomes and by extension the real estate value of the farm. In our study area, the province of Jaen in Spain, figures for its most emblematic crop, the olive, show that fragmentation of the land reduces its value by between 51% for a 10 ha farm and 12% for a 30 ha farm as compared to the values set out in the bibliography. The reorganization of the ownership system or the promotion of systems for the common management of land could increase the profitability and therefore the value of land according to the ‘income capitalization’ approach.

Assessment of the economic sustainability of an organic olive oil farm in Puglia region (Italy) under the voluntary regional quality scheme

Abstract

Puglia region is the most important producer of organic olives in Italy. The study aims at assessing the economic sustainability of a selected organic olive oil farm by adopting and testing the methodology based on a scientific approach designed by CIHEAM Bari, with the aim of a group of experts from national and international research organisations, used in the Programme “Agricoltura&Qualità of Puglia Region. SWOT-analysis of quality schemes system in Puglia has been drawn. The case study concerns a traditional organic farm producing olive oil, table olives, and almonds in Puglia region. The SWOT analysis highlights that Puglia has not a fully functioning system to ensure the sustainability. However, the results prove the feasibility of the methodological approach to assess the economic sustainability. The farm is economically sustainable and can use the Economic sustainability logo, in addition to the organic and PDO logos. Per hectare, almond is the most profitable crop with higher revenue, the variable costs are higher in table olives and inputs are higher in olives for oil. The growing interest in sustainability is an important opportunity to develop the agri-food sector.

Using threshold co-integration to estimate asymmetric price transmission in the Turkish milk market

Abstract

We investigate the price dynamics between retail milk price and raw milk price in the Turkish fluid milk market. The study uses monthly fluid milk prices for 14 years between January 2003 and December 2016. We analyze the price adjustment in the fluid milk market through an asymmetric error correction model with threshold co-integration. We find that the transmission between the two prices has been asymmetric in both the long term and short term period. Differences between the farm milk prices and retail milk prices may exist due to marketing costs across the supply chain and pricing policies associated with the market structure. Results of the long-run analysis indicate a significant market power in the fluid milk market. Therefore, in this asymmetric case, the deviations are likely to be the reason for the market power of the processors/retailers and the reason for the oligopolistic market structure in the sector.

An econometric analysis for food security in Tunisia

Abstract

Food security issue is getting more attention in middle-income countries such as Tunisia after the revolution 2011, where many factors affecting its food security are multiplied. An econometric analysis of food security was done through the Vector Error Correction Model approach (VECM). The result of this approach shows that there is a significant long-term causality between the dependent variables and the explanatory variables. Some signs of variables like land under cereals assert the hypothesis of Ricardo’s land rent theory and also attract attention for the preservation of land fertility in climate change context. However, there is a short-term causal relationship between food security and independents variables like: land under cereals, inflation and food imports. These results confirm that the issue of food security in Tunisia is a question of threat in the short and long-term instability. So, it is important today to readjust some factors to ensure food security in Tunisia like controlling inflation and lowering the food importation as short-term measures and preserving and improving the fertility of land under cereals and adopting climate change as long-term measures.

Natural Resources Revenues, Agriculture Development and Urbanization in African Countries

Abstract

This paper analyzes the mechanism through which natural resource abundance leads to a poor agricultural performance and a rapid urbanization in African countries. We conducted a static and dynamic panel data analysis for a panel of 39 African countries during the period 2000-2013. Our findings show that natural resources rents have a negative impact on agricultural performance and a positive impact on food import dependency. In addition, the results show a significant positive impact of resource rents on rural-urban migration and on urbanization rate. We argue that these findings can be explained by the government choice to specialize in primary commodities to the detriment of the development of other productive sectors, especially agriculture. Because policy makers tend to invest resources rents in developing infrastructures, mostly in cities, this inevitably creates some pulling factors for rural population in search of a better life. Consequently, we observe a rapid urbanization associated with serious problems (Expansion of urban slums, limited access to improved water and sanitations facilities) in many African countries, highly dependent on natural resource rents.

 

Disparités régionales et développement local au Sud tunisien

Abstract

Sustainable development is regarded today as a goal which has to be reached by all countries. Therefore cooperation for development is more than ever necessary to face the global challenges such as poverty, human health, food crisis etc. This work aims to study the regional disparity that may exist between provinces in the south of tunisia. To this end, a data analysis applied to a set of regional development indicators using the principal components analysis method (ACP) was conducted.

Optimisation des Réseaux de Distribution des Produits Agroalimentaires: Modélisation et Application

Abstract

A certain number of factors can affect the functioning of the distribution chains of large agrifood companies and impact their efficiency. Among them, poor adaptation to fluctuations in demand, imperfect control of production and transport costs and poor location of distribution centers. These dysfunctions can have negative consequences with high product prices, supply disruptions and customer dissatisfaction. The company is therefore required to review regularly the distribution plan for its products in order to optimize it: addition, deletion, relocation, reassignment of warehouses, delivery centers, etc. We propose, through a case study of the agro-food group Cevital (Algeria), a solution to the problem of restructuring supply and distribution networks, at a stage of development of this company. Using an operational research tool (mixed-integer linear programming), the study assesses four scenarios for structuring the company’s distribution network and suggests, for decision-making purposes, strategic solutions for managers.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AS DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR SECOND-TIER COOPERATIVES

Abstract

The Spanish olive oil sector is the world leader in terms of olive oil production. This sector primarily comprises companies in the social economy, especially cooperatives, which account for more than 75% of production. The emergence of second-tier cooperatives has enabled the implementation of one of the recurring recommendations by scholars, namely enhancing the commercialization of olive oil through greater concentration and integration of supply. This improved commercialization is made possible in part by the greater capacity of these companies to invest in information and communication technologies (ICTs) and human capital specialized in managing these ICTs. The use of the Internet gives these companies access to a market of unparalleled dimensions. In light of this situation, this study examines the factors that explain a higher level of online sales activity by these firms. To do so, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used. The results show that age, size, the management’s ICT training, social network activity, and outsourced ICT management are associated with greater online sales of olive oil by second-tier cooperatives.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF ARABLE FARMS IN SERBIA: DO SUBSIDIES MATTER?

Abstract

This paper analyses the technical efficiency of arable farms in Serbia and its determinants using a two-stage double bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach on the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data from 2014 and 2015 with special emphasis on the impact of agricultural subsidies on the technical efficiency of arable farms in Serbia. Bias-corrected DEA efficiency scores were first calculated and then regressed on a set of explanatory variables using the double-truncated regression approach. The estimates suggest that the share of rented land, land to labour ratio and financial stress variables are the main determinants of arable farm efficiency in Serbia. For the subsidies we found that area payments and input subsidies have some impacts on the technical efficiency of arable farms. In contrast, investment and other subsidies were found to have an insignificant impact on farm technical efficiency. These results suggest that the future potential shift of the Serbian agricultural support towards the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)-like area based payments is expected to have a minimal but likely positive impact on farms technical efficiency in Serbia.

Innovation ecosystems for youth agrifood entrepreneurship in the Mediterraneanregion

Abstract

This paper is the outcome of a reflection on the MIP report 2020, a collection of information and data used to describe the scenario on youth innovation and entrepreneurship in agrifood sector in Mediterranean countries. In particular, it highlights the need to study innovation in Mediterranean regions under the lens of social and institutional innovation. It is argued that social and institutional innovation are key drivers of the development of Innovation Ecosystems. The paper discusses the main findings – and relevant case studies – of the MIP report, with a specific attention to the role of the Innovation Support Organizations. It is noted that while in the field of institutional innovation there are signs of official activity, in the field of social innovation there is no or very limited attempt to embody social innovation into national policy frameworks. However, the article identifies interesting bottom-up initiatives that may constitute the basis for new policy initiatives.

 A research on the opinions and suggestions of the youth who study agriculture in Turkey on the Young Farmer Grant Project 

Abstract

The agricultural population in Turkey declines year by year due to rural-urban migration and, consequently, the number of young farmers is on the decrease in Turkey, like in some developed countries. The Young Farmer Grant Project was launched for encouraging young people in rural areas in 2016. This study was conducted to determine the tendency of the youth who study agriculture to invest in agriculture and their opinions and suggestions on the Young Farmer Grant Project. Data was collected by the survey from 480 students who studied agriculture at Ege University and Kocaeli University. Five-point Likert scale was used to determine the opinions, tendencies and expectations of the students. At this stage, chi-square tests and analysis of variance were also applied. Logistical regression was performed for determining of factors affecting the probability of students benefiting from the Young Farmer Grant Project. According to results of logistical regression, age, the situation of being a farmer in the family and having a family-owned farmland positively affect the probability of students benefiting from the Young Farmer Grant Project.

Consumer preferences and purchasing rationales for wine: a multivariate data analysis

Abstract

The wine market is very heterogeneous and complex, being the knowledge of the behaviour and attitudes of consumers a key tool to design efficient marketing plans, namely in countries that are traditionally wine producers and consumers, such as Portugal. In this country, Port wine is an economic and cultural icon, but, in the last decade, total sales have been decreasing. Despite this trend the domestic consumption has been gaining relevance and therefore a focus to reverse the negative cycle of total sales. The main goal of this paper is to analyse the profile and behaviour of domestic Port wine consumers, identifying homogeneous market segments. For this purpose, an online survey was applied and random sample of 678 Portuguese Port wine consumers was collected. Using multivariate statistical techniques, three profiles of purchasers/consumers emerged: experienced, less experienced and inexperienced consumers. This segmentation shows that Port wine consumers can be grouped according to their involvement with the product, consumption occasion and price they are willing to pay. In addition to the academic contribution of wine market segmentation, the paper provides useful insights to be used in designing marketing plans, both by institutional stakeholders and wineries.

Notes (Vol. 19 N. 4 – 2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide impact on our lives (Hakovirta and Denuwara, 2020) and is going to have further direct and indirect impacts on our ‘common home’. Besides justified renewed attention to human health and to reinforce the sanitary systems, reasonable worries are developing around the impact of the pandemic on food systems1 and on possible solutions to be enacted for counteracting the effect of present and future emergencies and ensuring access to food to human population worldwide. After 2007-08 and 2010-11 economic crises, our globalized economic system has been once again set on the edge of a deep crisis. In this context, a debate is arising on the main factors at the base of the spread of pandemics and misleading concepts/interpretations are more and more at the centre of media attention. Such misleading information could drive current mainstream opinion in a direction that can further impair the natural capital, increasing risk for new pandemic outbreaks and further ingenerating unbalance in food access.

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Towards an Innovative Olive Oil Value Chain: Options for Inclusive Development in South-Eastern Tunisia

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyse the olive oil value chain (OVC) in the Governorate of Medenine (south-east of Tunisia) and the relationships between its main operators for an effective involvement and better performance and resilience of olive sector. Based on semi structured interviews and participatory multi-stakeholders’ workshops, OVC has been analysed and described. MACTOR approach has been applied to establish linkages among chain operators and activities in a partnership approach. Innovative interventions were proposed to strengthen farmers’ organizations to increase profitability of OVC.
Empirical findings suggest that public-private-civil society partnerships are essential for the development of pro-poor approaches for uncovering technological and institutional innovations which may involve more inclusive olive oil value chains. The underpinnings of our argument will be of interest and value to both development practitioners and the research community engaged within Tunisia, and the wider region more generally, on initiatives aimed at fostering effective, inclusive and contextually relevant processes for agricultural innovation.

The Impact of Agricultural Cooperatives on Efficiency and Productivity: Evidence from Olive-growing Farms in West Bank of Palestine

Abstract

Collective action by farmers including the development of cooperatives is regarded as one of solutions to overcome low productivity. This study investigates the impact of agricultural cooperative on technical efficiency (TE) and total factor productivity (TFP) of olive farms in the West Bank of Palestine. Using cross-section data of olive-growing farms in Jenin governorate, we estimated a stochastic frontier production function with inefficiency components. TFP was also estimated by residual approach. We employed propensity score matching to reduce self-selection bias in becoming a member of the cooperative. Results suggest that cooperative membership has a positive impact on TE and TFP, as joining a cooperative raises the TE by 10.16 to 10.52 percentage points. We interpret access to credits, land and productive olive seedlings, and extension services provided by cooperatives are possible pathways that affect TE and TFP. Due to the existence of huge inefficiency and low land productivity of olive farms in Jenin, we imply participation in cooperatives is an effective strategy for them to catch up with productive farms in the Mediterranean region.

Eliciting stakeholder preferences on the potential benefit of diversified small scale fishery activities

Abstract

Collective action by farmers including the development of cooperatives is regarded as one of solutions to overcome low productivity. This study investigates the impact of agricultural cooperative on technical efficiency (TE) and total factor productivity (TFP) of olive farms in the West Bank of Palestine. Using cross-section data of olive-growing farms in Jenin governorate, we estimated a stochastic frontier production function with inefficiency components. TFP was also estimated by residual approach. We employed propensity score matching to reduce self-selection bias in becoming a member of the cooperative. Results suggest that cooperative membership has a positive impact on TE and TFP, as joining a cooperative raises the TE by 10.16 to 10.52 percentage points. We interpret access to credits, land and productive olive seedlings, and extension services provided by cooperatives are possible pathways that affect TE and TFP. Due to the existence of huge inefficiency and low land productivity of olive farms in Jenin, we imply participation in cooperatives is an effective strategy for them to catch up with productive farms in the Mediterranean region.

Pass-through of global food commodity prices to food inflation in Morocco: A structural VAR approach

Abstract

This paper examines the pass-through of world food commodity prices to food inflation in Morocco, over the period 2004-2018, by using Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) model on monthly data. Several interesting results are found from this study. First, the impact of global food prices on domestic food inflation is shown significant, which reflects the large imported component in the domestic food consumption basket. Second, the transmission effect is found to vary across commodities. Consumer prices of cereals and oils significantly and positively respond to external price shocks, while those of dairy and beverages are weakly influenced. Third, there is evidence of asymmetries in the pass-through from world to domestic food prices, where external positive shocks generate a stronger local prices response than negative ones. This situation is indicative of policy and market distortions, namely the subsidies, price controls, and weak competitive market structures. Our findings suggest that food price movements should require much attention in monetary policymaking, especially that the country has taken preliminary steps towards the adoption of floating exchange rate and targeting inflation regimes.

A regional agricultural model for reallocation of water resources in central-eastern Tunisia

Abstract

Good management of water resources requires a good allocation of their availability, especially in public irrigated schemes in Tunisia. This paper contributes to a better reallocation of available water resources at the farm and regional levels.
A case study was discussed in the Kalâa Kebira region, in the center-east of Tunisia. Regional models based on aggregation and the possibility of water transfer between two irrigated schemes was tested.
The results show that a good seasonal allocation is possible with a total regional exchange of 9.60% m3 of water available between these two schemes. This reallocation is beneficial at the regional level, recording an increase of 2.12% in agricultural income and less beneficial, except for farms that are less competitive, in terms of use of water resources. This reallocation also allows for cultural diversity and specification of agricultural farms. Competitiveness in the water use, diversification and specification of agricultural production systems help to preserve natural resources but they also help to satisfy demand of the regional market.Good management of water resources requires a good allocation of their availability, especially in public irrigated schemes in Tunisia. This paper contributes to a better reallocation of available water resources at the farm and regional levels.
A case study was discussed in the Kalâa Kebira region, in the center-east of Tunisia. Regional models based on aggregation and the possibility of water transfer between two irrigated schemes was tested.
The results show that a good seasonal allocation is possible with a total regional exchange of 9.60% m3 of water available between these two schemes. This reallocation is beneficial at the regional level, recording an increase of 2.12% in agricultural income and less beneficial, except for farms that are less competitive, in terms of use of water resources. This reallocation also allows for cultural diversity and specification of agricultural farms. Competitiveness in the water use, diversification and specification of agricultural production systems help to preserve natural resources but they also help to satisfy demand of the regional market.

Determining the food waste behaviour of consumers in Northwest Turkey: a crosssectional Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine attitudes of consumers in the northwestern part of Turkey towards food waste behaviour. A structural equation model was used to analyze the attitudes and behaviour of consumers to food waste within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. It was found that food-related planning routines had no effect on food waste behaviour, but that food-related shopping routines encouraged food waste behaviour. On the other hand, the intention not to waste acted to discourage food waste behaviour in consumers. Accordingly, the tendency for consumers to buy more food than they need when shopping leads to an increase in food waste in the household, while the intention not to waste food acts to reduce the amount of waste. Moral attitudes increased the effect of shopping routines while perceived behaviour control had the effect of decreasing it. Intention not to waste was reduced by moral norms and enhanced by subjective norms. Food waste is an ever-increasing problem, but it is preventable. It is recommended that these factors be taken into consideration when developing campaigns, public information notices and workshops about food waste reduction.

Investigating causes of informal market for fresh meat: the case of Tirana prefecture, Albania

Abstract

This study is about the level and factors of informality concerning the fresh meat market in the prefecture of Tirana-Albania. Sample data for 200 households have been used to carry out the study. Descriptive statistics, linear and logistic multinomial econometric modeling techniques are used to analyze the data. The level of informality is 34%, while its major factors are the level of price, as well as safety and quality of meat. Other determinants are household’s income and consumption quantity and ineffective public monitoring system, while the education of the household’s header seems of dubious effect. Important policy implications would be improving the legislation, regulations and the tax system performance. Other recommendations would be improving the rule of law to prevent informal selling and stimulate legal trade. Design and maintain a pro-poor business policy for a positive investment climate encouraging employment and income generation is a priority. Rigorous control of production standards and stimulation of good farming practices as well as improving detection and the use of repressive measures would be some necessities but also tough challenges for the future.

Food and Agricultural Product Pilot Selection for Geographical Indication Projects

Abstract

This study assesses methodologies used during the selection of pilot products for the support to development of sustainable geographical indication projects by using the FAO/EBRD project as a case study. Relevant pilot products are essential to provide stakeholders with concrete experience, demonstrative effects and lessons learned in order to disseminate bets practices and facilitate scaling-out of sustainable GI processes. Qualitative data were transformed to quantitative data for product selection because data for local products were insufficient, and standard data were unavailable for each product. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), simple scoring and geographical indication assessment form were used together as product selection methods. Gemlik Olives, the first registered geographical indication product in the Bursa province, was included during assessment as a control group. Six local products with a potential for GI registration were considered for pilot product selection to serve as demonstrative process. Results suggest that the most important selection criteria were “reputation of the product” and “power of the organisation” and first two ranked products selected for the project were Bursa Black Figs and Bursa Peaches.

Changing Route: Common Action on Food Systems Transformation in the Mediterranean

Abstract

The Coronavirus pandemic has revealed the fragility of our food systems, affecting all dimensions of food security and nutrition across the world. It has highlighted how deeply our world is interconnected and the importance of better recognising and understanding the interconnections that are intrinsic to these systems and their key role in pursuit of the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. There is now, more than ever, a stronger need for a “route change” towards a common action on food systems transformation. Dialogues among all stakeholders to redesign the future of tomorrow’s food systems are needed to trigger collective, multi-stakeholder actions on the ground, at local, regional and global level, towards more sustainable food systems, linking sustainable food production to more healthy and sustainable food consumption. In this context CIHEAM, FAO, and the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat (UfMS) initiated in 2019, a joint collaborative effort for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform on Sustainable Food Systems in the Mediterranean to accelerate the shift towards the Agenda 2030 in the Mediterranean region, with the Mediterranean diet acting as a driver.

Determining the food waste behaviour of consumers in Northwest Turkey: a crosssectional Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine attitudes of consumers in the northwestern part of Turkey towards food waste behaviour. A structural equation model was used to analyze the attitudes and behaviour of consumers to food waste within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. It was found that food-related planning routines had no effect on food waste behaviour, but that food-related shopping routines encouraged food waste behaviour. On the other hand, the intention not to waste acted to discourage food waste behaviour in consumers. Accordingly, the tendency for consumers to buy more food than they need when shopping leads to an increase in food waste in the household, while the intention not to waste food acts to reduce the amount of waste. Moral attitudes increased the effect of shopping routines while perceived behaviour control had the effect of decreasing it. Intention not to waste was reduced by moral norms and enhanced by subjective norms. Food waste is an ever-increasing problem, but it is preventable. It is recommended that these factors be taken into consideration when developing campaigns, public information notices and workshops about food waste reduction.