Happiness and farm productivity: insights from maize farmers in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanglin Ma ◽  
Puneet Vatsa ◽  
Xiaoshi Zhou ◽  
Hongyun Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between farmers' happiness and farm productivity, taking maize production in China as an example.Design/methodology/approachThe conditional mixed process model is employed to account for the endogeneity that inevitably arises in regression models studying happiness and estimate the 2015 China Household Finance Survey data.FindingsThe empirical results show that a higher level of farmers' happiness is associated with higher maize productivity. The marginal return in maize productivity changes unevenly with increments in farmers' self-reported happiness on a five-point Likert scale. Farmers' happiness is positively determined by their age, educational level, farm size, machinery ownership, access to agricultural subsidy and car ownership. Machinery ownership and access to credit are two important factors that improve maize productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThe finding suggests that promoting the subjective well-being of farmers is conducive to higher productivity and improved national food security. The results have implications for China and other developing countries aiming for sustainable agricultural development.Originality/valueFirm-level data show that workers' happiness improves productivity. However, it is still unclear whether farmworkers' happiness affects farm productivity. Thus, this study provides the first empirical analysis of the impact of farmworkers' happiness on farm productivity.

scholarly journals The influence of social distancing on employee well-being: a conceptual framework and research agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Tuzovic ◽  
Sertan Kabadayi
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Service Continuity ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe ongoing pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus has severely influenced lives and livelihoods. As service organizations either face hibernation or continuity of their business operations, the impact of social distancing measures raises major concerns for the well-being of service employees. In this paper, the authors develop a conceptual framework to examine how different social distancing practices impact an organization's service continuity or service hibernation, which in turn affects different dimensions of their employee subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on macroeconomic data and industrial reports, linking them to theoretical concepts to develop a conceptual framework and a research agenda to serve as a starting point to fully understand the impact of this pandemic on employee well-being.FindingsThis article develops an overarching framework and research agenda to investigate the impact of social distancing practices on employee well-being.Originality/valueThe authors propose two opposing business concepts – service continuity and service hibernation – as possible responses to social distancing measures. By bridging different theoretical domains, the authors suggeste that there is a need to holistically examine macro-, meso- and micro-level factors to fully understand the impact of social distancing–related measures on employee well-being.

scholarly journals Linking Smallholder Farmers to the Heilongjiang Province Crop Rotation Project: Assessing the Impact on Production and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Zheng Cai ◽  
Shengsheng Li ◽  
Guoming Du ◽  
Ruhao Xue
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Heilongjiang Province ◽  
The Impact

Food security and environmental protection—led by sustainable agricultural development—are key development goals of Heilongjiang Province. One of the main challenges facing the Heilongjiang Province is improving soil and livelihood by integrating smallholder farmers into the pilot crop rotation project. This paper investigates a comprehensive project—the new crop rotation pilot project in Heilongjiang (NCRPPH)—which aims to improve the livelihood of the pilot participants by involving smallholder farmers in the pilot crop rotation program and connecting them with the food industry through farmers’ cooperatives. This paper analyzes the impact of the NCRPPH on farmers’ crop rotation, grain yield, multi-agent cooperation, food security, and education based on data collected in 2019 and other retrospective information. The instrumental variable method and three different estimation strategies are used to solve the endogenous problem. The results show that the project has a vast and positive impact on the gross and net value of grain production per hectare and the share of products sold to food manufacturers through cooperatives. Regardless of the farm size, farmers have equal opportunities from which they can benefit. In addition, our analysis shows that the NCRPPH improves the educational situation and food security without affecting crop rotation practices. Finally, our research proves the effectiveness of this project.

An empirical study of the impact of female labor participation on their subjective well-being in mainland China: evidence from CGSS data

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiehua Lu ◽  
Jiawei Nie
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Labor Participation ◽  
Female Labor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
The Impact

PurposeLabor participation has always been a hot topic in academic circle and a vital label in the process of China's economic and social development. Therefore, the purpose this paper is to use CGSS 2015 data, starting from labor participation, and make a comparably comprehensive analysis of the influencing factors of subjective well-being of females.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting probit regressions, the paper reveals the impact of labor participation and socio-demographic conditions on the subjective well-being of females in Mainland China.FindingsFirst, the authors’ findings turn out that urban women do have a higher level of women's subjective well-being when compared to rural women. Second, educational attainment has a significantly positive effect on subjective well-being only in urban areas, while having teen children is only statistically significant for rural residents. Third, the overall impact of employment conditions on women's subjective well-being is reduced due to the transition of gender conceptions. In all, the evaluation of subjective well-being of females is reshaped by the overwhelming transition of society in Mainland China.Research limitations/implicationsThere remain some limitations of this study. First, because CGSS 2015 data are the only data analyzed here, it is hard and inaccurate to compare the differences between this result and previous outcomes conducted by other scholars using CGSS 2005, 2010 and 2013 data. Second, the categories of employment conditions are not detailed, and thus it adds burden to further analysis. For future studies, a wider range of data should be taken into account and provide data support to have a convincing comparison at different times. The social background of diverse employment conditions could be discussed in-depth as well.Originality/valueBased on the early literature, this paper is intended to use Chinese data to study the major factors affecting Chinese female labor participation in Mainland China and also discuss the implications in practice.

Psycho-economic aspiration and subjective well-being

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 698-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Necati Aydin
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Muslim Country ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hybrid Culture ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Previous research using the Aspiration Index (AI) suggests that intrinsic goals are positively, but extrinsic/materialistic goals are negatively associated with subjective well-being (SWB). The purpose of this paper is to extend the scope of previous research by exploring the pursuit of different goals in conjunction with SWB in a country with a culture mixing western and traditional values. Several hypotheses regarding the effects of extrinsic, intrinsic, hedonic, and self-transcendent values on SWB were tested. Design/methodology/approach An extended AI survey was conducted among randomly selected cross-sectional sample of 878 Turkish adults in Istanbul. The survey data were analyzed to explore the relationship between 14 aspiration domains and SWB using both correlation coefficients and several different regression models. Findings The study confirms the basic assumptions of the AI research in a Muslim society with a hybrid culture of materialistic and spiritual aspirations. The study found weak supporting evidence for the contribution of two newly added domains (i.e. aesthetic appreciation as well as honesty and fairness) to SWB, whereas the evidence for the positive contribution of intellectual life was overwhelming. Paradoxically, although the evidence from both correlation and regression coefficients supported a positive relationship between household income and SWB, after dividing the sample into two groups based on their income level, the low-income earners turned out to have relatively higher life satisfaction, holding everything else constant. More importantly, the study reveals that the impact of materialistic aspirations on SWB is still negative even if they are pursued in a hybrid culture. Research limitations/implications The study included three new domains in the conventional AI model. Although the findings confirmed the importance of two domains, it is important that they be replicated in other studies, particularly in different cultural settings. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution in terms of testing the effect of materialist and spiritual values on SWB in a Muslim country.

Educational mismatch and job aspirations

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria del Mar Salinas-Jiménez ◽  
Joaquín Artés ◽  
Javier Salinas-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Conditional Distribution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Educational Mismatch ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantile Regression Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Education Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between education, job aspirations and subjective well-being. This analysis is done across the entire well-being distribution and taking account of educational mismatches that could condition individuals’ satisfaction if education generates certain aspirations which are not met by the individuals. Design/methodology/approach – Using data from the European Social Survey, a quantile regression model is estimated. This approach allows one to assess the impact of the education variables at different points of the happiness conditional distribution. Findings – The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the impact of education on subjective well-being varies across the distribution, with education effects lower at the top of the happiness distribution. It is also found that education generates certain aspirations among individuals in regard to the job they expect to hold and that people suffer a psychological cost when those aspirations are not met. This “aspiration mechanism” seems however to weaken as one moves along the distribution. Originality/value – The central contribution of this paper lies in the treatment of job aspirations through different variables of educational mismatch. Although rising aspirations have often been highlighted as the main mechanism that could explain the weak relationship between education and subjective well-being, this mechanism has barely been analyzed empirically. Moreover, the effects of educational mismatch on individual satisfaction have only been analyzed at the mean of the conditional distribution. The value of this study is therefore twofold, focussing on the analysis across the entire well-being distribution of the aspiration mechanism generated by education in regard to the job an individual expects to hold.

The companion effect on adventure tourists’ satisfaction and subjective well-being: the moderating role of gender

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lujun Su ◽  
Jin Cheng ◽  
Scott Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Additional Contribution ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction ◽  
Relative Ability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose In an adventure tourism context (i.e. sky diving, bungee jumping) the effect of the absence or presence of a travel companion; companion relative ability (i.e. perception of a companion’s possessed resources useful for the achievement of travel goals); and tourist gender on the impact of companion relative ability on tourists’ satisfaction and subjective well-being is examined. This paper aims to investigate the mediating role of satisfaction that combines companion relative ability, tourist gender, tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being. Design/methodology/approach This research uses three situational experiments. A one-factor between-subjects experimental design was used for Study 1. Studies 2 and 3 used a one-factor between-subjects and a 2 × 3 factorial between-subjects design. Participants included tourists visiting a national park in China assigned to scenarios using an anonymous intercept approach and an online survey. Findings Having a companion with greater/comparable relative ability produces a greater effect on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being than having a companion with lower relative ability. Furthermore, the perceived relative ability of a travel companion results in a stronger positive effect on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being for female tourists. Meanwhile, satisfaction fully mediates the impact of the interaction between companion relative ability and tourist gender on subjective well-being. Originality/value The current research validates the companion effect on adventure tourists’ satisfaction and subjective well-being. An additional contribution is an investigation into the effect of companion relative ability. The study is the only one the authors are aware of that examines the moderating role of tourist gender on the effect of companion relative ability on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being and identifies the mechanism that combines companion relative ability, tourist gender, tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being.

scholarly journals Adoption and impact of index-insurance and credit for smallholder farmers in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Marr ◽  
Anne Winkel ◽  
Marcel van Asseldonk ◽  
Robert Lensink ◽  
Erwin Bulte
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Index Insurance ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Basis Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent scientific literature on the determinants explaining the demand for index-insurance, the impact of index-insurance and the existing links between insurance and credit. In this meta-analysis, the authors identify key discoveries on the potential of index-insurance in enhancing credit supply for smallholders and thus farm productivity. Design/methodology/approach – Following a systematic literature search in Scopus and Web of Science, relevant empirical articles were identified by using the following criteria search algorithm: “insurance” and (“weather” or “micro” or “area?based” or “rain*” or “livestock” or “index”), and ((“empiric*” or “experiment” or “trial” or “RCT” or “impact”) or (“credit” or “loan*” or “debt” or “finance”)). The authors identified 1,133 related papers, 110 of which were selected as closely matching the study criteria. After removing duplicates and analysing each document, 45 papers were included in the current analysis. The framework for addressing insurance and credit issues, in the paper, entails three subsequent themes, namely, adoption of insurance, impact of insurance and links between insurance and credit. Findings – It is not confirmed yet that demand for insurance is indeed hump-shaped in risk aversion and the functional form of this relationship should be tested in more detail. This also holds for the magnitude of the effect of trust and education on actual demand. Furthermore, it is unclear to what extent other risk mitigation strategies form complements or substitutes to index-insurance. Lastly, the interaction between basis risk and price is important to the design of index-insurance products. If basis risk and price elasticity are indeed highly correlated, products that diminish basis risk are crucial in increasing demand. On the impact of bundled products, e.g. combination of insurance and credit, limited empirical research has been conducted. For example, it is unknown to what extent credit suppliers would react to the insured status of farmers or what the preferences of farmers are when it comes to a mix of financial products. In addition, several researchers have suggested that microfinance institutions or banks could insure themselves against covariate risk, yet no empirical evidence about this insurance mechanism has been conducted so far. Research limitations/implications – The authors based the research on scientific literature uploaded in Scopus and Web of Science. Other potentially insightful grey literature was not included due to lack of accessibility. Given the research findings, there is plenty of opportunity for further research particularly with regard to the effects of bundled products, e.g. insurance plus credit, on demand for index-insurance, supply of credit, loan conditions and impact on farm productivity and farmers’ well-being. Practical implications – Microfinance institutions, insurance companies, NGOs, research institutions and universities, particularly in developing countries, will be interested to learn about the systematic review of scientific research done in the area of insurance and credit for agriculture and the possibilities for application in their own practice of supplying these financial products. Social implications – A rigorous understanding of the potential of index-insurance and credit is essential for identifying the right mix of financial products that help smallholder farmers to increase farm productivity and their own well-being. Originality/value – The paper is valuable due to its rigorous evaluation of existing theoretical and empirical research around issues explaining the degree of adoption and impact of index-insurance and that of bundled financial products (i.e. index-insurance plus credit). The paper has the potential to become essential reading for academics, practitioners and policy-makers interested in researching and putting in practice the best options leading to greater farm productivity and well-being in developing countries.

Access to credit and maize productivity in Mali

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoul Karim Diamoutene ◽  
John Baptist D. Jatoe
Keyword(s):  
Credit Market ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Family Labor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fertilizer Use ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of access to credit on maize productivity in Mali, by identifying the determinants of credit market participation and maize yield, and then estimating the impact of credit on maize yield.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the impact of credit on maize productivity using data from the World Bank 2014 Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) on Mali, and the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model.FindingsThe results suggest a positive effect of credit on maize yield in Mali. Farm size, production shocks and the female gender exert negative effects on credit market participation, unlike education, intercropping with cotton, male family labor and fertilizer use which show positive effects. Farm size has a negative effect on maize yield, but both male family labor, and fertilizer use exert positive effects. Although the use of credit improves agricultural yields, the results show a greater potential effect for rationed producers, than credit users.Research limitations/implicationsThese results suggest that implementing a credit strategy that allows those currently excluded from the credit market, to participate, could substantially increase productivity and maize production output in furtherance of the country's food security strategy. Gender-based targeting is needed to bridge the gender gap in access to credit.Originality/valueAs far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to explore the credit-farm productivity links in Mali, while addressing selection bias.

Spectators' perceived social benefits, subjective well-being and support intention: non-mega-parasporting events' educational perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rei Yamashita ◽  
Masaya Muneda
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Local Resident ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Benefits ◽  
Community Benefits ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIt is crucial to create an inclusive society through sport. Many researchers have focused on the social benefits of hosting events and identified the necessity of revealing the impact of parasport. There is inadequate knowledge of what local residents perceive from spectating non-mega-parasporting events. Therefore, this research aimed to reveal the influence of spectators' perceived social benefits, subjective well-being, and support for parasport events.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with questionnaires distributed to spectators of two wheelchair basketball tournaments. Of the 2,100 questionnaires distributed, 1,996 were returned; of these, 1,544 were rejected because of not having local resident status. The final response rate of useable questionnaires was 22.6% (n = 452).FindingsBoth community benefits and cultural/educational benefits positively affected subjective well-being, which also significantly affected support for the event. Further, there was no significant moderating effect of having family members or close friends with disability.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that sporting event managers can collaborate with local educational boards and use sporting events as educational material for children to raise next-generation, highly diversity-minded leaders from the local area.Originality/valueThis study revealed that parasporting events have educational value. Additionally, athletes with disabilities inspire spectators, which changes the perception of their educational impacts.

scholarly journals Enhancing postgraduate researcher wellbeing through support groups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fryni Panayidou ◽  
Benjamin Priest
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of PhD support groups as an intervention that improves mental well-being and increases confidence in timely PhD completion. Design/methodology/approach Participants of six PhD support groups, which we co-facilitated, completed a survey at the start of the intervention and at the end of the eight weeks of attendance. The survey measured subjective well-being and confidence in completion using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and statements from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (2017 and 2019). The final survey also included open-ended questions to identify the helpful factors of the intervention. Findings Participants’ subjective well-being scores increased considerably over the eight weeks of group attendance and improved from initial score ranges associated with risk of depression or psychological distress. As a result of feeling understood and supported by other group members, participants felt less isolated and anxious, were more satisfied with their life and work-life balance, and felt more confident about completing their PhD within the institutional time frame. The results confirm previous findings on the positive effects of social support and the relationship between poor well-being and attrition. Practical implications Support groups could form an integral part of university support as they increase well-being and could improve retention. Originality/value Existing literature mainly highlights factors that affect postgraduate researchers’ well-being, with limited research on innovative interventions. This paper investigates the impact of social support in a facilitated peer group that focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of the PhD experience, rather than peer group learning or support with specific research tasks.

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