Does Participation in Agricultural Value Chain Activities Influence Smallholder Fruit Grower Production Performance? A Cross-Sectional Study of Apple Farmers in Shandong, China

The value chain comprises several factors and activities useful for strengthening production and distribution by connecting producers with suppliers, intermediaries, and marketplaces and collaboratively creating added value for products or goods. However, the values of agricultural products mostly depend on various factors and actors, which should be linked together for fostering added values. Thus, there may be strong ground for facilitating a smooth transition of the agricultural value chain (AVC) within the prospects of emerging countries. It could be a key means of promoting a profound connection between smallholder farmers and modern agriculture facilities. It could be especially crucial for the highly perishable and high-value product such as fruits. The main aims of the study are to evaluate the factors influencing smallholder apple farmers’ participation in the agricultural value chain and determine whether participation in AVC improves farmers’ production performance. The empirical setup of the study was chosen based on survey data of apple growers in Shandong, China. The propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) models were employed to craft the study’s outcomes. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) Fruit farmers’ gender, total household expenditure, housing value, planting scale, planting years, degree of specialization, days of family labour input, and total days of employment have significant effects on their participation in AVC activities. (2) Fruit farmers’ usage of improved fertilizers and organization participation supports a higher yield and net income per acre. (3) Participating in two kinds of AVC can significantly improve the yield per acre and net income per acre compared with only using one type of AVC (improved fertilizer). Policy makers should improve the existing policy by eliminating institutional barriers and enhancing human factors for farmers to participate in high-value chain activities. Governments should extend technical support, and enhance training facilities, and comprehensively promote the AVC among smallholder farmers. Finally, farmers’ organizations (e.g., cooperatives and credit organizations) should come forward to help facilitate the effectiveness of AVC.

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Economics of contracts in African food systems: evidence from the malt barley sector in Ethiopia

Agricultural and Food Economics ◽

10.1186/s40100-021-00198-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Delelegne A. Tefera ◽

Jos Bijman

Keyword(s):

Value Chain ◽

Food Systems ◽

Net Income ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Vertical Coordination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Economics Of Contracts ◽

Malt Barley ◽

Inverse Probability Weighted ◽

The Impact

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) facilitates modernization of domestic agri-food systems in emerging economies through increased use of vertical coordination. This paper sheds lights on how international brewer investments in African food systems affect smallholder market participation and value chain development. In particular, we analyze the impact of contracts among malt barley producers in Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional survey data, we employ inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) and propensity score matching (PSM) techniques to analyze the economic impact of contracting. We find that contrary to popular belief, contracting has positive and significant impact on malt barley production, intensification, commercialization, quality improvement, and farm gate prices, ultimately resulting in increased net income and spillover into the productivity of other food crops.

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How the timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Uganda

International Journal of Agricultural Research Innovation and Technology ◽

10.3329/ijarit.v6i2.31709 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 77-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gabriel Karubanga ◽

Paul Kibwika ◽

Florent Okry ◽

Haroon Sseguya

Keyword(s):

Women Elderly ◽

Service Providers ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farming Communities ◽

Rice Farmers ◽

Catchment Areas ◽

Production Practices

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 2016

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Concordances and differences between a unidimensional and multidimensional assessment of frailty: a cross-sectional study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-019-1369-7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michael C. J. Van der Elst ◽

◽

Birgitte Schoenmakers ◽

Linda P. M. Op het Veld ◽

Ellen E. De Roeck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Assessment Instrument ◽

Net Income ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multidimensional Assessment ◽

Many Instruments ◽

Kappa Value

Abstract Background Many instruments to identify frail older people have been developed. One of the consequences is that the prevalence rates of frailty vary widely dependent on the instrument selected. The aims of this study were 1) to examine the concordances and differences between a unidimensional and multidimensional assessment of frailty, 2) to assess to what extent the characteristics of a ‘frail sample’ differ depending on the selected frailty measurement because ‘being frail’ is used in many studies as an inclusion criterion. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years), which were selected from the census records. Unidimensional frailty was operationalized according to the Fried Phenotype (FP) and multidimensional frailty was measured with the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI). The concordances and differences were examined by prevalence, correlations, observed agreement and Kappa values. Differences between sample characteristics (e.g., age, physical activity, life satisfaction) were investigated with ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis test. Results The mean age was 72.74 (SD 8.04) and 48.98% was male. According to the FP 23.59% was not-frail, 56.92% pre-frail and 19.49% frail. According to the CFAI, 44.33% was no-to-low frail, 37.63% was mild frail and 18.04% was high frail. The correlation between FP and the CFAI was r = 0.46 and the observed agreement was 52.85%. The Kappa value was κ = 0.35 (quadratic κ = 0.45). In total, 11.92% of the participants were frail according to both measurements, 7.77% was solely frail according to the FP and 6.21% was solely frail according to the CFAI. The ‘frail sample respondents’ according to the FP had higher levels of life satisfaction and net income, but performed less physical activities in comparison to high frail people according to the CFAI. Conclusion The present study shows that the FP and CFAI partly measure the same ‘frailty-construct’, although differences were found for instance in the prevalence of frailty and the composition of the ‘frail participants’. Since ‘being frail’ is an inclusion criterion in many studies, researchers must be aware that the choice of the frailty measurement has an impact on both the estimates of frailty prevalence and the characteristics of the selected sample.

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Perceived readiness for hospital discharge: Patients with spinal cord injury versus physiotherapists

South African Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.4102/sajp.v74i1.437 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marliza Du Plessis ◽

Cassandra R. McGaffin ◽

Thamsanqa Molepo ◽

Roleen Oelofse ◽

Susan Van Zyl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Spinal Cord Injury ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Discharge Planning ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Smooth Transition ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cord Injury ◽

At Home

Background: Successful discharge from rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) relies on a smooth transition home. Assessing readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) is important in reducing secondary health conditions and improving satisfaction and function. Perception of PWSCI on RHD may be different from their physiotherapists, leading to difficulties.Objective: To compare the perceptions of PWSCI and physiotherapists with regard to RHD.Method: A comparative cross-sectional study included 50 PWSCI and their physiotherapists in Tshwane. They completed the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) and their responses to the subscales were compared. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Relationships between variables of interest and the general perception of RHD were determined using Pearson’s chi-square test. An independent samples t-test was used to analyse the difference in RHDS scores (including subscale scores) between PWSCI and physiotherapists. Results were significant if p < 0.05.Results: The total score of the RHDS was not significantly different (t = 1.31, df = 98, p = 0.19). Patients had higher perceptions in coping ability and expected support subscales (t = 3.15, df = 85.97, p = 0.002 and t = 4.23, df = 98, p = 0.0001, respectively). Physiotherapists had higher perceptions in the knowledge subscale regarding what to do and not do at home (t = -2.05, df = 82.08, p = 0.044) and follow-up sessions (t = 2.625, df = 85.28, p = 0.010).Conclusion: There was no difference in perception of readiness to go home, although physiotherapists gave lower scores for emotional readiness and ability to handle demands at home and higher scores for knowledge.Clinical implications: The use of the RHDS in the spinal cord rehabilitation units will better align the goals of rehabilitation and discharge planning to improve overall satisfaction with care and discharge outcomes. All members of a multidisciplinary team can achieve consensus and comparisons can be made on their patient’s perceived RHD.

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Knowledge, Perceptions and Effects of Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak on the Pig Value Chain in the Agro-pastoralist District of Luwero, Central Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-76238/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Samuel Majalija ◽

Doreen Birungi ◽

Gabriel Tumwine ◽

Charles Drago Kato ◽

Tonny Ssekamatte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Value Chain ◽

Ebola Virus ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Unit Cost ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farming Communities

Abstract Background: Ebola outbreaks have continued to affect the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of communities. In particular, Ebola response interventions affect food value chains, food and income security of pig farming communities. There is paucity of information on the effect of Ebola outbreak on the pig value chain as well there is a gap on the knowledge and perceptions of those engaged in the pig value chain on Ebola. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the knowledge, perceptions on the occurrence of Ebola and its effects on the pig value chain in the agro-pastoral district of Luweero, Central Uganda.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two parishes of Ssambwe and Ngalonkulu, Luwero district. A total of 229 respondents were included in the study. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 22 while qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis.Results: Of the 229 respondents, 95.6% could recall the occurrence of the last Ebola outbreak in their locality. The proportion of respondents that associated touching pigs or eating pork with acquisition of Ebola virus was 24.5%. Ebola was perceived as a spiritual manifestation of witchcraft activities. Traditional healers were among the first line of health care providers to Ebola patients in the outbreak. There was no significant association between the perceived human practices such as bush meat consumption, contact with wild animals and acquiring of Ebola virus. The number of pigs sold during the outbreak was significantly reduced (p= 0.001) and this normalized 2 months after the area was declared Ebola free. There was a significant reduction (p= 0.03) in consumption of pork, as well as the unit cost per kilogram of pork during the Ebola outbreak due to fear of acquiring the disease from pork. Conclusion: The study showed that the pig value chain was negatively affected by Ebola outbreak. Therefore, there is need to sensitize the stakeholders on Ebola in order to minimize the negative economic impacts associated with EVD outbreaks.

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Precision and accuracy of FEV1 measurements from the Vitalograph copd-6 mini-spirometer in a healthy Ugandan population

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0253319

Author(s):

Wajd Abbas Hassan Hansen ◽

Vivi Schlünssen ◽

Erik Jørs ◽

Daniel Sekabojja ◽

John C. Ssempebwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Calibration Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Diagnostic Quality ◽

Accuracy And Precision ◽

Function Impairment ◽

Study Population ◽

High Flows ◽

Ugandan Population

Objective Evaluate the accuracy and precision of the copd-6 mini-spirometer for FEV1 in a rural Ugandan population. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 171 smallholder farmers performed spirometry with copd-6, and a diagnostic-quality spirometer. Results and discussion The copd-6 underestimated FEV1 at low flows and overestimated FEV1 at high flows. Across all participants, the device slightly overestimated FEV1 by 0.04 [0.02; 0.06] L. Calibration data showed similar patterns. Conclusion The copd-6 could be considered as an affordable tool for research on lung function impairment in resource-constrained settings. However, further validation in a study population with obstructive lung disease is needed.

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Recent pesticide exposure affects sleep: A cross-sectional study among smallholder farmers in Uganda

Environment International ◽

10.1016/j.envint.2021.106878 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 158 ◽

pp. 106878

Author(s):

Samuel Fuhrimann ◽

Iris van den Brenk ◽

Aggrey Atuhaire ◽

Ruth Mubeezi ◽

Philipp Staudacher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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What Stimulates Proactive Behaviour of Midwifery Students during their Education?

Archives of Health Science ◽

10.31829/2641-7456/ahs2019-3(1)-105 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-10

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Educational Programme ◽

Added Value ◽

Positive Contribution ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Proactive Behaviour ◽

Mother And Child ◽

And Coping ◽

Reproductive Healthcare

Background: Proactive behaviour, triggered by various individual and/or contextual antecedents, could be a significant added value to cope with the major challenges midwifery students face in adapting quickly and effectively to different clinical settings. Aim: Assessing the presence of various individual and contextual antecedents in a group of midwifery students and explore their association with proactive behaviour which could bring benefits to the constantly evolving field of reproductive healthcare. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate associated antecedents of proactive behaviour in a group of midwifery students (n = 421) between December 2017 and February 2018. Findings: More than half (66.8%) of the midwifery students demonstrated some kind of proactive behaviour. Albeit, 13.6% of the proactive behaviour was associated to the appearance of the investigated individual and/or contextual antecedents. The Dutch nationality, the evolution in the educational programme, a high role breadth self-efficacy, generalized compliance, trust in peers and autonomy were all positively associated to proactive behaviour. Conclusions: Midwifery students showing generalized compliance to the organization, have a high role breadth self-efficacy and trust in their peers are positively associated to proactive behaviour. Discussion: Anticipating the various significant antecedents during the midwifery education, could strengthen the level of proactive behaviour of future midwives. The awareness of for proactive behaviour could have a positive contribution to the work efficiency and coping attitude of future midwives. This will indirectly contribute to the quality of care for mother and child.

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COVID-19 Effects and Resilience of Vegetable Farmers in North-Western Nigeria

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11091808 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1808

Author(s):

Rosaine N. Yegbemey ◽

Christelle M. Komlan Ahihou ◽

Ifeoluwa Olorunnipa ◽

Marwan Benali ◽

Victor Afari-Sefa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Added Value ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Probit Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Processing And Storage ◽

And Storage ◽

North Western

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected the supply of perishable foods such as vegetables, which could adversely affect food and nutrition security. Here, we study the mechanisms by which COVID-19 has affected vegetable production and the coping strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. We use cross-sectional data collected through individual interviews on a random sample of 521 vegetable producers in north-western Nigeria. The perceptions of respondents, measured on a 5-point Likert scale (from 1—not affected, to 5—severely affected), shows that COVID-19 had an average effect of 3.07 (±1.23) on vegetable production. Farmers also reported challenges in accessing farm inputs and storing or selling fresh vegetable produced. In response, farmers reduced market-oriented vegetable production, produced more vegetables for own consumption, added value through own home processing and storage, explored new markets, and accepted lower farmgate selling prices. A multivariate probit regression shows that socio-economic factors such as age, household size, marital status, challenges in accessing inputs, and perceptions of the effects of COVID-19 influenced farmers’ decisions to adopt particular coping strategies. To sustain vegetable supplies, policy makers should consider investing more in market-oriented strategies such as vegetable processing and storage, which individual farmers may not be able to afford due to high costs, lack of information and required knowledge on good agronomic practices, postharvest handling, storage and market. Public extension services can contribute to help farmers to adapt better.

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The value chain of non-wood forest products as a component of development of the forestry sector in a part of South Serbia

Glasnik Sumarskog fakulteta ◽

10.2298/gsf1512043k ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 43-58

Author(s):

Ljiljana Keca ◽

Milica Marceta ◽

Danijel Mladenovic ◽

Sreten Jelic

Keyword(s):

Value Chain ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Forest Products ◽

Added Value ◽

Rosa Canina ◽

Cornus Mas ◽

Forestry Sector ◽

Production And Distribution ◽

Dog Rose

The value chain represents a detailed outline of the process that a product or service passes from raw materials, production and distribution to the consumer. The aim of this article is that within the analyzed companies in the area of the statistical region of South Serbia determined the dynamics of purchasing and marketing of non-wood forest products (NWFPs), and their value. The purpose of this research is to examine the possibilities for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards sustainable use of NWFPs in a part of the territory of South Serbia. The subjects of the research are: purchased and sold quantities in analyzed companies, as well as the prices of these products in the market. The research was conducted in the territory of the dominant Pcinja, and they included 19 companies engaged in purchasing, processing and sale of NTFPs. The purchase of forest raspberries, wild strawberries and blackberries and herbs is represented within the Pcinja District. The highest average annual growth rates were recorded in the sales of products with added value of dog rose (Rosa canina) and cornelian (Cornus mas). Export oriented enterprises in this area are at a low level. The total gross revenue earned by the placement of the selected final NWFPs in the domestic market was about 6,315,710 ?.

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