scholarly journals Economic Feasibility of Solar Irrigation Pumps: A Study of Northern Bangladesh

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Md. Tawhidul Islam ◽  
Md. Elias Hossain

Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world. With a total population of around 165 million, the country has constantly been facing food security challenges and other problems. Therefore, increasing food production is one of the feasible solutions to this challenge, and proper agricultural land use for food production bears critical importance. Adopting sustainable irrigation systems and viable technologies would be vital for ensuring efficient use of agricultural land in Bangladesh to safeguard the country's food security. Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can be a reliable option in this regard. However, Bangladesh has experienced a prolonged growth rate of SIP installation in the last decade.  The countryhas set a target to install 10000 SIPs by the year 2027, albeit it is a tiny share of the 1.57 million conventional irrigation pumps operating in the country. This study aims to investigate the economic feasibility of the SIPs operating in the northern region of Bangladesh in terms of estimating financial feasibility and environmental benefits. The study is mainly based on primary data collected from the users of SIPs from two Upazilas of Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. A total of 14 SIPs, categorized into large, medium, and small pumps, are selected randomly from the available SIPs in the study areas. The financial analysis reveals that small SIPs are the most profitable option (20% IRR) for investment. Large SIPs are moderately profitable (10% IRR), and their profitability can be improved (10.50% IRR) by introducing additional uses of solar energy. However, medium SIPs are the worst (5% IRR) option for investment. In the study areas, large and medium SIPs are designed for the 'fees for service model', and small SIPs are designed for the 'fees for ownership model'. It is found that the 'fees for ownership model' is more profitable than the 'fees for service model'. Moreover, the net environmental benefit for all SIPs is found almost equal to the given subsidy for installing them. Also, the net environmental benefit per kilowatt peak (kWp) is highest for the small SIPs. This paper recommends that additional use (e.g., husking, grinding, supply excess electricity to grid, and so on) of solar energy can improve the profitability of investmenton SIPs. Further, the government should continue giving grants for installing SIPs and promote 'fees for ownership model' (small SIPs) for personal use. It would speed up the dissemination rate of SIPs and help increase the country's agricultural production and improve the environmental conditions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 466-484
Author(s):  
Bashiru Mansaray ◽  
Shaosheng Jin

AbstractThe Sierra Leonean government has implemented the improved rice varieties directed at enhancing more rice production to reduce food insecurity. This paper evaluates the food security effect of improved rice variety adoption using cross-sectional data collected in 2017 from a randomly selected sample of 624 rice farmers in Sierra Leone. The analysis uses the endogenous switching regression and propensity score matching (PSM) approach. The results revealed that the adoption of improved rice varieties has a significant positive effect on food security. That confirms the crucial role of improved rice variety adoption in increasing food production and food security. Therefore, the study recommended the intensification of policies that promote improved rice variety adoption, if more food production and food security are to be realized. Further, the government should continue the lead in rice variety promotion and dissemination and in enhancing an enabling environment for the effective adoption of farmers. Given the preponderant evidence of the different factors of food security, appropriate policies that seek to promote formal education, more income generation for farmers, and easy and credible access to farmland for landless farmers would enhance food security.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong ◽  
Aaron Kobina Christian ◽  
John Ganle ◽  
Richmond Aryeetey

Abstract Background: Small-scale mining, referred to as galamsey in Ghana, is an important source of income for many rural populations. Although concerns have been raised in the media about the significant threats galamsey poses to the environment, and human health and livelihoods, there is a representational paucity of evidence regarding its links with local food systems, particularly from the perspective of affected mining communities. The current study explored community perceptions and experiences of galamsey and its perceived effects on food security and livelihoods in the East Akyem Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. Methods: Primary data was collected in the East Akim District of Ghana, using photography, interviews based on the photographs, and a photo exhibition, all conducted . Thirty-six male and female adults were purposively selected with the help of a community focal person and advertisements in the study community. Respondents participants in a one-day photography training and thereafter, deployed to take at least fifteen photos that portray the effect of galamsey on food security and health. Subsequently, each participant was asked to selected five of the photographs and to explain the image and why they captured that in the photo. A photo exhibition was held to facilitate community conversation and perspectives on the effects of galamsey on food and nutrition security. Results: Galamsey has resulted in degradation of, otherwise, fertile agricultural land, and contamination of freshwater sources. As a consequence, there is reduced cultivable land, reduced crop production, shortage of essential staple foods, increase in food price, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is also perception of increased exposure to heavy metals like mercury in locally-produced food. Conclusions: Given the adverse health consequences of both food and nutrition insecurity, and increased consumption of processed foods, it is important that public and policy discussions to minimize the effects of galamsey in Ghana should include considerations about food and nutrition insecurity in mining communities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-107
Author(s):  
Patrick Orengo Omari

Purpose: To determine the stakeholder aspects influencing implementation of food security projects in Msambweni District, KenyaMethodology: The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive case study. The population to be comprised the residents of Msambweni district who practice farming activities. Sampling of farmers was done at random from the existing divisions and locations of Msambweni district. The primary data was gathered using questionnaires that were semi-structured. Descriptive analysis was used and this included the use of weighted means, standard deviation, relative frequencies and percentages. The results of the analysis were presented using tables, percentages and bar-charts.Results: Results indicated that land ownership was a key determinant in influencing food projects implementation. The findings indicated that land ownership made the implementation of food security projects easy and faster. There was a positive and significant relationship between food security project implementation and land ownership. The findings also indicated that there are taboos in their community which discourage some types of farming methods and some food crops and if people in Msambweni were to disregard cultural beliefs farm productivity and food sufficiency would change positively. The findings were also supported by a negative correlation and the relationship between food project and cultural practices was found not to be statistically significant. Results indicated that farming methods and inputs were key determinants of food security project implementation. The findings indicated that farming methods influenced the implementation of food projects at Msambweni district.  The correlation between farming methods and food security project implementation was found to be strong and positive. Results indicated that education was a key factor that influences food security project implementation. However the findings also indicated that education level of the respondents did not matter so much as long as they apply the correct farming methods and attend farming seminars and workshops. There results also showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between education level and food security project implementation.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the results, it is recommended to the farmers to ensure that they retain their own lands and avoid selling and put the land into good use by practicing farming. It is recommended to the farmers that they review the existing taboos and beliefs and disregard them as this can lead to improved food security due to embracement of the government food security project implementation. It is also recommended that the farmers should have an open mind in fighting hunger as this will ensure that all people work to the betterment of improving food security issues regardless of the religion and culture. It is further recommended to the farmers to evaluate the advantages of mechanized farming methods and traditional farming practices and embrace the better option. The study also recommends that the farmers should attend the farmer’s workshops and seminars organized by the government to exchange ideas and learn also new tactics of farming activities. The study recommends that the farmers to organize themselves in groups to invite the agricultural officers so that they can be trained on various farming methods and on how to improve their productivity. It is also recommended that the government should look for ways of communication modern methods of farming using locally understood languages to ensure that the whole country embraces changes at the same pace.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Culas ◽  
Kimsong Tek

Purpose The paper presents food and nutritional status and relevant policy objectives that can sustain food security in Cambodia. This paper aims to review Cambodia’s food security situation over a period. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an approach for selecting food security indicators in relation to both inputs and outcomes by drawing on a conceptual framework. National level data for the food security indicators are analysed over a period to provide trends in food and nutritional status. Findings Cambodia has not experienced drastic food insecurity yet, as most people are farmers and their livelihoods dependent on agriculture. Agriculture has maintained food availability in the country; however, there is a proportion of the population living in remote areas unable to obtain sufficient, safe, nutritious food. Landlessness, internal migration, rapid population growth, lack of education and skills, limited access to natural resources and agricultural land, poor health and infrastructure leave the people with inadequate employment opportunities, low capabilities and low productivity which in turn bring deeper poverty. Therefore, people are insecure, excluded and vulnerable to food deprivation. Practical implications To tackle the food security challenges, the Government of Cambodia focuses on food-based social safety nets in the sectors of education, nutrition and productive assets/livelihoods support, to enable longer-term, nationally owned food security solutions. Originality/value The paper draws conclusions using a range of recently proposed food security indicators and offers a perspective for policy formulation which may be of interest to development scholars and practitioners.


Author(s):  
Celile Özçiçek Dölekoğlu ◽  
Sema Gün

Rapid urbanization in developing countries involves unplanned migration, unemployment and poverty. The steady shrinking of rural areas and the use of agricultural land for other purposes are progressively increasing the pressure on natural resources. This development on the one hand increases the risk to food security, and on the other triggers climate change. The rural population who migrate to the cities or who are absorbed into urban areas continue their agricultural activities in the urban in order to provide themselves with an income or to maintain their food security. In the big cities of the developed world, contact with nature is kept by means of hobby gardens, recreational areas and urban and suburban plant and animal farming, and creative ideas such as roof gardens can be found. This development, known as urban agriculture, is practiced by 800 million people in the world. Urban agriculture has many economic, social and environmental benefits, but it may also have risks and adverse effects. In this study, the developments in this area in Turkey and the world are presented, and all aspects of its effects and outcomes are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bambang Irawan

<strong>English</strong><br />Conversion of wetland area into non-agricultural uses raises economic, social, and environmental problems. This phenomenon is a serious problem for food security because it is unavoidable and its impact on food production decrease is permanent, accumulative, and progressive. To control wetland conversion the government launched many regulations but this formal approach seems ineffective due to various factors. Accordingly, policies revitalization including economic and social approaches should be developed. Principally, future policy of wetland conversion should be intended: (1) to reduce economic and social factors that stimulate conversion of wetland area, (2) to control the acreage, location, and type of wetland area conversed in order to minimize the negative impacts, and (3) to neutralize negative impacts through investments funded by the private companies involved in the conversion.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Indonesian</strong><br />Konversi lahan sawah ke penggunaan nonpertanian seperti kompleks perumahan, kawasan industri, kawasan perdagangan, dan sarana publik dapat menimbulkan dampak negatif secara ekonomi, sosial, dan lingkungan. Bagi ketahanan pangan nasional, konversi lahan sawah merupakan ancaman yang serius, mengingat konversi lahan tersebut sulit dihindari sementara dampak yang ditimbulkan terhadap masalah pangan bersifat permanen, kumulatif, dan progresif. Banyak peraturan yang diterbitkan pemerintah untuk mengendalikan konversi lahan sawah tetapi pendekatan yuridis tersebut terkesan tumpul akibat berbagai faktor. Sehubungan dengan itu maka diperlukan revitalisasi kebijakan dalam mengendalikan konversi lahan melalui pengembangan pendekatan ekonomi dan pendekatan sosial. Pada intinya kebijakan pengendalian konversi lahan di masa yang akan datang perlu diarahkan untuk mencapai tiga sasaran yaitu : (1) menekan intensitas faktor sosial dan ekonomi yang dapat merangsang konversi lahan sawah, (2) mengendalikan luas, Iokasi, den jenis lahan sawah yang dikonversi dalam rangka memperkecil potensi dampak negatif yang ditimbulkan, dan (3) menetralisir dampak negatif konversi lahan sawah melalui kegiatan investasi yang melibatkan dana perusahaan swasta pelaku konversi lahan.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Nasuiton

Food security is inseparable from the factors of availability, quality, and affordability of food, where the condition of a country is able to meet the food needs of society ranging from families to individuals. This is in accordance with the contents of the latest Law number 18 of 2012 concerning Food which states that food security includes availability in quantity, quality, and affordability, the aim is to create a healthy, productive and sustainable life. This paper discusses how much influence the urban farming program as one of the government programs to achieve food security, especially family food. This research was conducted in several villages in five districts of Malang, namely Klojen, Suku, Lowokwaru, Blimbing, and Kedungkandang. The research method used in this paper is qualitative descriptive, with primary data collection techniques conducted by interviews and field observations. While secondary data collection is done by library and documentation techniques. Through the research conducted, the results show that this urban farming program has an influence on several points regarding food security contained in Law number 18 of 2012 including availability, quality, and affordability. Besides that, there are also locations that are less able to develop urban farming programs effectively, due to several obstacles encountered in implementing the program. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-229
Author(s):  
Emi Sari Ritonga ◽  
Ida Nur Istina ◽  
Maizar Maizar

Ritonga ES, Istina IN, Maizar M. 2019. The performance of the c type of swamp rice line through ratoon technology at Rokan Hilir Regency. Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal: Journal of Suboptimal Lands. 8(2):220-229.  To support food security, the government set a national rice production target of 10 million tons in 2014. Its a trigger in agricultural innovation. The utilization of sub-optimal lands such as tidal lowland for the purpose of increasing food production and self-sufficiency and making swamps as a national food barn continue to be pursued, both through innovation and excavation and the development of local wisdom. Various technological innovations have been produced by the IAARD on tidal lowland, including increasing crop intensity (IP), genetic improvement in rice, and ratoon planting systems. The aim of this research was to get the type C tidal rice lines through ratoon technology. The research has been conducted at Pematang Sikek Village, Rimbo Melintang sub District, Rokan Hilir Regency with  C type of tidal lowland using a Randomized Group Design with 4 replications. The rice strains tested included 11 tidal rice were with 11 types of tidal rice lines (G1, G3, G4, G6, G7, G8, G17, G20, G23, G45 , G53). The results showed that the best vegetative growth were G3 (118.33 cm), G7 (15.00 stems) Number of productive tillers was G4 (15.33 stems) while for generative growth G4 (2.50 t / ha), G53 ratoon (35.33 cm) 238.00 gram), weight of a thousand grains of G53 ratoon was (26.77 gram). G4 gives the highest production and adapted to Rokan Hilir tidal lowland.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3A) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Liza ., Tunggali ◽  
Wiske ., Rotinsulu ◽  
Zetly ., Tamod

This qualitative study was analyzed using semi-detailed method is based on the assessment of data and information that is more accurate, can be quantitative. Primary data was collected through interviews with the stakeholders starting from the government officials, the academics and community leaders to get information about important issues emerging in Bolaang Mongondow. Secondary data collected from various government agencies and institutions or personnel associated with the research. The results showed that the mining activities in BolaangMongondow both for exploration and exploitation cause negative impacts by 50%. Starting from the conversion of land that have growing increasingly by time which can certainly bring problems in the future. The implication of uncontrolled agricultural land conversion can threaten food supply capacity and even in the long term can cause social harm. The mining activities, plantation and cultivation will lead to fragmentation of forest landscapes. Forest fragmentation will cause the forest to be smaller in which to live for animals and resulted in less food available for wildlife. There are 6 rivers in Bolaang Mongondow indicated that some parameters that are already above the value of standard quality. They are River Toraut located in the Sub-district of West Dumoga, Totabuan River, Tombolango River located in the Lolak Sub-district, upstream and downstream sections of Wineru River and Nonapan River located in Poigar Sub-District. In addition, natural disasters often occur in Bolaang Mongondow including floods and landslides. This natural disaster resulted in tremendous losses for the community. This study concludes that need to enactment of Regions to regulate mining activities in the area. And also there are should be intensive supervision from the institution concerned. The most important thing is also necessary accomplishment of an alternative control strategies are based on community participation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Sri Pujiati ◽  
Amelia Pertiwi ◽  
Churun Cholina Silfia ◽  
Dewa Maulana Ibrahim ◽  
Siti Hadiyati Nur Hafida

AbstractFood security becomes an aspect that needs to be considered, especially when the population and degradation of agricultural land are increasing. Many variables that affect the measurement of the food security index, and what is often used is the availability, affordability, and utilization of food. This study aims to determine the effect of food availability, affordability, and utilization variables on the food security index. This study uses a correlational design and multiple regression analysis techniques. All regions in Central Java Province were the objects of this study, there are 35 districts/cities. The results from this study showed that the three variables did not significantly influence the increase of the food security index. The result shows that the current food security index has been influenced by other variables.  Therefore, the government needs to examine more closely the new variables that affect the food security index in order to develop a strategy to improve the food security index in Central Java Province, especially in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Keywords: Food Security Index; Food Affordability; Food Availability; Food Utilization


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