scholarly journals A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253657
Author(s):  
Mapule Valencia Nkadimeng ◽  
Godswill Makombe ◽  
Obvious Mapiye ◽  
Cletos Mapiye ◽  
Isaac Oluwatayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Nguni Cattle ◽  
Margin Analysis

Factors such as increases in population, urbanization, growth in per capita income and changes in consumer taste and preferences are causing gradual increases in livestock product consumption and demand. South Africa is addressing this predicted increase in livestock products demand by commercializing smallholder livestock producers. The Limpopo Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Nguni Cattle Development Project is an example of such effort. The economic performance of these efforts needs to be evaluated. We use gross margin analysis to evaluate the performance of the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project. Additionally, we use regression analysis to identify factors influencing gross margins. Our results indicate that although smallholders show potential to commercialize, they lack commercial farming experience and require that a strong extension support system be used as one of the strategies to improve profitability. We also noted that individual farmers were more profitable than group farmers. Multiple regression analysis shows that three variables could be used to stimulate gross margin among the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project farmers. These are herd size, distance to market and farm size. Since farm size is a given, policy should focus on assisting farmers to build their herds and to have better access to markets.

scholarly journals Profitability of Improved Seed Adoption on Small Holders Maize Farmers in Abuja Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Ndem Chijioke ◽  
Uteh Akaninyene
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
T Test ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Stochastic Production Frontier ◽  
Maize Seed ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Margin Analysis

The study analysed the profitability of improved seed adoption on the profitability and technical efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Abuja, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics, gross margin analysis was used to determine the costs and returns of maize production. The t-test was used to compare the yield of improved maize seed adopters and non-adopters. The logit regression was used to analyse the determinants of adoption. The stochastic production frontier model was used to determine the technical efficiency of IMV. The results revealed that the average age of respondents (adopters and non-adopters) was 48 years and 39 years, respectively. Furthermore, 56% and 66% were male, 75% and 93% were married with average household size of 6 and 7 persons, respectively, and majority had formal education. Adopters had a mean farm size of 1.95 ha, while non-adopters had a mean farm size of 1.76 ha. The gross margin analysis result showed the profitability index for IMV and local seed were 0.66 and 0.41, respectively. The t-test result showed that IMV had higher yield per hectare (2,713.66kg/ha) compared to local maize variety (1,281.33kg/ha). The result of maximum likelihood estimate showed that the mean technical efficiency was 0.56 and 0.49 for adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The study revealed that adopters of improved maize seed varieties earned higher profits and were more technically efficient than non-adopters. It recommended the strengthening of extension services to enhance adoption through awareness by government. Farmers should form cooperatives to enable resourceful negotiation for inputs. Also, an improvement in the research and development of high quality improved maize varieties should be encouraged.

scholarly journals Gross Margin and Factor Analysis of Watermelon Production in Patuakhali District, Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bishwajit Sarker ◽  
Shankar Majumder ◽  
Sheikh Mohammad Sayem ◽  
Md. Shaikh Farid
Keyword(s):  
Production Function ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Factor Productivity ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Margin Analysis ◽  
Douglas Production Function

This study examined the Gross margin and factor productivity of watermelon production in Patuakhali district, Bangladesh. A multi-stage stratified sampling design had been used for the selection of the watermelon growing farmers.  Data were obtained with the aid of a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents was described and categorized by Descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis was used to analyze the cost and returns to watermelon production and Cobb Douglas production function was used to evaluate the input factor productivity. Results showed that the farmers are relatively middle-aged with an average age of 41 years with a sizable number of the respondents (1.7%) having passed through tertiary education. It was also observed that the farmers are typically smallholders with an average farm size of 50-249 decimal. The result of the gross margin analysis showed that watermelon production is profitable with a gross margin of Tk 756 per decimal. The result of the Cobb Douglas production function shows that the coefficients of cost of seed (0.137), cost of tillage (0.227), cost of irrigation (0.304), cost of labour (0.156), and cost of pesticide (0.305) were positively significant at 5% and 1%. The overall factor productivity index is 1.19 implying an increasing return to scale in water melon production in the study area. However, lack of irrigation facility and pesticide were identified as major production constraints.

scholarly journals A probit Analysis of Determinants of Adoption of Improved Sorghum Technologies Among Farmers in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Thedy Gerald Kimbi ◽  
Essegbemon Akpo ◽  
Eliud Kongola ◽  
Chris O. Ojiewo ◽  
Ronnie Vernooy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Probit Analysis ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Improved Varieties ◽  
Grain Market ◽  
Margin Analysis ◽  
Significant Factors

The adoption of improved sorghum technologies by smallholder farmers is still low in Tanzania. Many farmers fail to acquire quality inputs due to different underlying reasons. This article analyzes factors underlining the adoption of improved technologies among sorghum farmers in Tanzania and evaluates profitability of grain production. A total of 212 individual farmers were interviewed through structured questionnaires from nine districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, probit regression model and gross margin analysis. Results show that 39.2%, 26.5%, 16.9%, 8.4% and 7.2% of sorghum farmers adopted seeds of improved varieties, insecticides, inorganic fertilizers, threshing machine and optimum seed rate, respectively. Probit estimates indicated that age, sex, number of years in school, group membership, farm size, availability of free seeds, seed accessibility, grain market accessibility and grain market price were the significant factors influencing adoption of these technologies. Adopters obtained higher profitability (822,288 Tshs/ha) than non-adopters (374,363 Tshs/ha) of improved varieties. Further policy actions are needed to improve determinants of adoption, breeding technologies and accessibility of agricultural inputs to ensure benefits to farmers and the sorghum sub-sector.

Economic Impact Assessment of the National Fadama Development Project on Rural Farming Communities in Niger State of Nigeria

2018 ◽  
pp. 264-275
Author(s):  
Godwin Anjeinu Abu ◽  
Steve A. Okpachu ◽  
M. Mallam
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Cane ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Economic Impact Assessment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Margin Analysis

The chapter tested the hypotheses that the National Fadama Development Project had no significant effect on the income of Fadama farmers and that there is no difference in the profit of sugar cane and rice, the two major crops cultivated in the project. Primary data were collected in 2007 through the use of questionnaire randomly administered to 150 farmers in Niger state who are Fadama beneficiaries. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and gross margin analysis. The results of the study showed that sugar cane gave the highest gross margin of N93,460 and rice with a gross margin of N 51,051 gave the highest return per Naira invested of 1.77. The study showed that the difference between the pre-project and post-project income was insignificant at 5%. Scarcity of production inputs and the attendant environmental degradation were the constraints experienced in the project. The chapter concludes that Fadama projects positively impacted on beneficiaries by sustainably increasing farm income. The chapter recommends that the National Fadama Development Project should make timely provision of subsidized production inputs.

scholarly journals Development of a Comprehensive Conceptual Framework for Biogas Technology Adoption in South Africa

Resources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Solomon E. Uhunamure ◽  
Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe ◽  
David Tinarwo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Biogas Technology

This article focuses on the development of a conceptual framework guiding the adoption of biogas technology in selected rural areas of the Limpopo province. The theoretical framing of the study emanated from the critical evaluation of models and work that privileged the technical design and optimisation of a biogas system over the adoption of the technology at the household level. Based on the empirical evidence, and using logistic regression analysis, the study highlighted that determinants of biogas technology adoption in communities are complex, context-dependent and spatially varied. Hence, the policy of biogas adoption should be tailored based on the principle of fit-for-purpose, instead of using existing unimodal approaches for all settings. Based on the findings, the study developed a robust conceptual framework that harnesses the relationships between the influencing variables that can enhance the adoption of biogas technology.

scholarly journals Water Purification in South Africa: Reflections on Curriculum Development Tools and Best Practices for Implementing Student-Led Sustainable Development Projects in Rural Communities

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Eric Harshfield ◽  
Ana Jemec ◽  
Ofhani Makhado ◽  
Elias Ramarumo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Water Purification ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
University Of Virginia ◽  
The University

This paper presents a sustainable development project in which University of Virginia students collaborated with University of Venda faculty, Global Sustainability Club students, and local community members to address water problems in a village in the Venda region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The cohort’s goal was to implement a sustainable and contextually appropriate water purification and distribution system. The authors present the design and constructed process for a slow sand filtration system intended to provide clean drinking water to most households in the community. They present and analyze the successes, failures, and ethical dilemmas encountered throughout project execution. Also, the authors assess the project based on three evaluation criteria for service learning projects and explore possibilities for follow-up through the collaboration between the University of Virginia and the University of Venda. The paper ends with a reflection examining aspects of engineering community engagement projects including site assessments prior to project implementation, project timeframes, and crosscultural institutional collaborations.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Adoption of Climate-Smart Irrigation Technologies for Sustainable Crop Productivity by Smallholder Farmers in Arid Areas of South Africa

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1222
Author(s):  
Batizi Serote ◽  
Salmina Mokgehle ◽  
Christian Du Plooy ◽  
Sylvester Mpandeli ◽  
Luxon Nhamo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Irrigation Technologies

The adoption of climate-smart irrigation technologies amongst smallholder farmers generally remains low beside their role in combating food and nutrition security in a society and in climate change adaptation strategies. This study identified the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision to adopt Climate Smart Irrigation Technologies (CSIT) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Data were collected through the completion of a face-to-face structured questionnaire by 100 smallholder farmers selected through convenience and purposive sampling. A probit regression and OLS model were used to identify factors that influence the smallholder farmer’s decision to adopt CSIT and the level of adoption. The results indicated that only 46% of the smallholder farmers adopted climate-smart irrigation technologies and suggested that adoption is influenced positively by factors such as gender, age, district, farm size, staple food production and knowledge on CSIT. There is an urgent need for related stakeholders to transform the smallholder farmer subsector through improved extension services, training, adopting resilient crop varieties, promoting underutilized and nutrient-dense crops adapted to harsh local conditions, and other interventions. This should be done by promoting awareness to smallholder farmers regarding these interventions and new technologies that have the potential to improve rural livelihoods and enhance resilience and adaptation.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Profitability of Rice Production in Afikpo North L.G.A.

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Uche Nkechi ◽  
Donatus, Jane ◽  
N. Uchenwachi, Margaret
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Transportation Cost ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Total Revenue ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Margin Analysis

This study was carried out to determine the profitability of rice production in Afikpo North L.G.A Ebonyi State of Nigeria between April and September, 2019. Seventy (70) rice farmers (35 each) randomly selected from two prominent rice producing villages (Amasiri and Akpoha) in the study area were used as sample size. Questionnaires and personal interviews respectively were the basic primary and secondary means of data collection. Descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis and Likert Scale were used to analyze the data obtained for socio-economic, profitability and constraints to rice production in the study area respectively. Results showed that socio-economic characteristics including gender, age, farm size, household, education etc are among the factors that affect rice production in the area. The result of likert scale showed that inadequate capital, high cost of labour, inadequate farm input etc were major constraints to rice production, while cost of transportation, cost of pesticide and marketing outlet were not considered as constraints rice production in the area. The result of gross margin analysis showed that Total Revenue and Gross margin were 270,000 and 214, 0000 respectively while Net Profit was N201, 500. The cost return ratio was 3.9k. This implies that the rice farming is highly profitable since the total revenue significantly outweighed the total cost. The cost return ratio of 3.9k implies that for every one naira invested in rice production about 4.0k is returned as profit. The study therefore recommends that Government should formulate agricultural enhancement policies that will address the major constraints observed in this study to ensure large scale and profitable rice production in Afikpo North LGA.

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