Evaluating the impact of farmers’ markets using a rural wealth creation approach

AbstractIn the winter of 2004–2005, over 300 of West Virginia's farmers' market vendors were surveyed with regard to sales levels, promotional techniques and operational characteristics such as hours worked, types of products produced and length of season. Vendors were categorized based on part-time, full-time or retired status, and full-time farmers, both with and without off-farm jobs, were found to be distinct from part-time and retired vendors with respect to 2004 total farmers' market sales and the percentage of household income from farmers' markets. Econometric analysis [ordinary least squares (OLS)] was performed to identify the impact of explanatory variables on total farmers' market sales, percentage of household income from farmers' market sales and amount of household income from farmers' market sales. Independent variables such as bargaining, cost-plus pricing, selling at markets outside West Virginia and providing print materials were found to have a positive impact on annual sales. The number of products produced, distance traveled to market and number of weeks at market were also positively related to the percentage of income obtained from farmers' market sales. Both part-time and retired producers received a lower percentage of household income from farmers' markets relative to full-time producers. Retired and part-time, along with limited-resource vendors (with annual household income less than $20,000) were also found to have lower total sales in the 2004 season. Identifying the characteristics associated with greater farmers' market sales and a higher reliance on such sales for household income will help in the sustained success of markets as engines of economic development and small farm viability.

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Utilization of the California Nutrition Incentive Program Among CalFresh Shoppers and Its Association with Food Security Status (P04-010-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz051.p04-010-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sridharshi Hewawitharana ◽

Ron Strochlic ◽

Wendi Gosliner

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

California Department ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Farmers Market ◽

Lower Odds ◽

Incentive Program ◽

Food Security Status ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives This evaluation aimed to examine whether utilization of the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) by California CalFresh farmers’ market shoppers was associated with food security. Methods CNIP aims to increase the ability of CalFresh shoppers to make healthy food choices by providing a dollar-for-dollar match, up to a market-specific maximum, for CalFresh benefits used to purchase FV at participating farmers’ markets. In this cross-sectional evaluation CalFresh shoppers were interviewed at a convenience sample of farmers’ markets that did not participate in CNIP (comparison group) and those that provided match incentives up to $10 or $20. Food security status was assessed using questions from the US Department of Agriculture's validated 6-item food security module. Regression models adjusting for demographic characteristics and clustering by market were used to assess the association between use of CNIP incentives and food security. Results A total of 192 CalFresh shoppers were recruited from 10 farmers’ markets throughout California. CalFresh shoppers who used CNIP incentives had significantly lower odds of cutting the size of or skipping meals due to insufficient money for food and significantly lower odds of not eating when hungry because there wasn't enough money for food compared to CalFresh shoppers who did not use CNIP incentives, holding all other covariates constant. CalFresh shoppers who used CNIP incentives showed a non-significant increase in the odds of being more food secure overall as compared to CalFresh shoppers who did not use CNIP incentives. Conclusions Understanding the effect of CNIP on CalFresh shoppers’ food security has important implications for the further support and promotion of this program. The results of this evaluation suggest that CNIP may positively benefit certain aspects of participants’ food security, but more robust studies are needed to more fully assess the impact of this program. Funding Sources This evaluation was funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

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Employee ownership in companies in Cameroon

Journal of Participation and Employee Ownership ◽

10.1108/jpeo-05-2019-0012 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 93-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ousmanou Alim

Keyword(s):

Average Rate ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Employee Ownership ◽

Management Tool ◽

Wealth Creation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Statistical Institute ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of employee ownership (EO) on the creation of shareholders’ wealth in companies in Cameroon. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach adopted is hypothetical-deductive. The sample includes 89 companies, of which 31 practiced EO policy for at least ten years. Information used come from secondary data collected over the period 2008–2013 at the National Statistical Institute of Cameroon. These data were analyzed through a time series cross-sectional regression, corrected for any latent heteroskedasticity and serial auto-correlation. Findings The paper finds that the average level for participation of employee in the capital is 7.4 percent and the average wealth creation of shareholders is 26 percent of invested equity. However, this average rate of creation of shareholders’ wealth is higher in companies with EO (45 percent) than in conventional firms (16 percent). For the results of model estimates, the percentage of capital held by employees affect positively and significantly at 1 percent the return on equity. This study concludes that EO is a lever for creation of shareholders’ wealth in companies in Cameroon. Practical implications Findings of this research can serve as framework for reflection by politicians, managers and business leaders as they will have a strategic management tool capable of improving the social climate in companies and also promoting shareholders’ wealth creation. It is a formula that would allow them combining economic and social realities of organizations. Originality/value No similar review has been done before in Africa in general and Cameroon in particular. Study was carried out in a context where financial market is not developed.

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Results of a Nutrition Incentive Program Within a Bi-State Region: A Mixed-Method Evaluation

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_042 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 191-191

Author(s):

Cheryl Gibson ◽

Heather Valentine ◽

Rose-Bertine Mercier ◽

Susan Harvey ◽

Lauren Landfried ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Grocery Store ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Implementation Barriers ◽

Assistance Program ◽

Incentive Program ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Nutrition Assistance ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives To conduct a process and impact evaluation of Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Heartland, a nutrition incentive program, to facilitate program delivery and sustainability at farmers markets and grocery stores, and to examine the impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers. Methods Across 4 years, we employed a mixed methods approach, including surveys with customers (n = 678) and vendors (n = 223), and interviews with market managers (n = 52) and grocery store employees (n = 38). Study samples were obtained using a geographically-stratified, probability-proportional-to-size sampling plan. Customer surveys included demographic, social, dietary and health-related variables. Survey respondents included SNAP customers who had used DUFB (n = 382) and those who had not (n = 296). Results DUFB customers were primarily female (81%) and white (48%), with a mean age of 46 ± 15 years. Non-DUFB users had similar characteristics. Of DUFB users, 56% indicated food insecurity issues and 27% rated their general health as fair to poor. Most learned of DUFB on-site. DUFB customers reported being able to afford more produce (98%), consuming a greater variety of produce (59%), and reducing their intake of unhealthy foods (45%). Importantly, 93% of DUFB users indicated the presence of the program influenced their decision to shop at the site. Among non-DUFB users, most were unaware of the program but 98% indicated they were likely to participate next time they shopped. Grocery store cashiers reported DUFB implementation was easy and it did not add time to complete a sales transaction. Store directors felt DUFB brought about a greater focus on locally grown produce and all expressed a desire to continue the program. Market managers stated participation in DUFB increased produce sales, and the number and diversity of customers. Market vendors viewed DUFB as beneficial, stating it resulted in a new customer base and increased produce sales. Conclusions Results were instrumental in identifying successes and challenges faced by locations that were implementing the DUFB program. DUFB was well accepted with few implementation barriers noted. However, many SNAP users were not aware of the nutrition incentive program. Findings will be used to refine materials and develop strategies to extend program reach. Funding Sources USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program.

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The impact of divestitures on shareholder wealth – The DACH case

European Journal of Management and Business Economics ◽

10.1108/ejmbe-08-2019-0133 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Nils Teschner ◽

Herbert Paul

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Relative Size ◽

Abnormal Returns ◽

Shareholder Wealth ◽

Wealth Effects ◽

Wealth Creation ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Content Type ◽

Publicly Traded Companies ◽

The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to study the impact of divestitures on shareholder wealth. This study covers selloffs of publicly traded companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH region) during the period 2002–2018. It aims to understand the overall effect of selloffs on shareholder wealth as well as the impact of important influencing factors.Design/methodology/approachThis study is part of capital market studies which investigate shareholder wealth effects (abnormal returns) using event study methodology. To determine the significance of abnormal returns, a standardized cross-sectional test as suggested by Boehmer et al. (1991) was applied. The sample consists of 393 selloffs of publicly traded companies with a deal value of at least EUR 10m.FindingsThe findings confirm the overall positive impact of selloffs on shareholder wealth. The average abnormal return on the announcement day of the sample companies amounts to 1.33%. The type of buyer, the relative size of the transaction as well as the financial situation of the seller in particular seem to influence abnormal returns positively.Originality/valueThis study investigates shareholder wealth creation through selloffs in the DACH region, a largely neglected region in divestiture research, but now very relevant due to increasing pressure of active foreign investors. Sophisticated statistical methods were used to generate robust findings, which are in line with the results of similar studies for the US and the UK.

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Poverty Reduction, Wealth Creation, and Tourism in Ethnic Minority Communities in Mainland Southeast Asia

Socio-Economic Development ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-7311-1.ch047 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 904-920

Author(s):

Scott A. Hipsher

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Minority ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Global Economy ◽

Poverty Reduction ◽

Wealth Creation ◽

Livelihood Options ◽

International Trading ◽

Trading Networks ◽

The Impact ◽

Benefits And Costs

This article describes how there is a debate over the benefits and costs of international tourism and engagement with international trading networks for people living in areas where poverty continues to affect a large percentage of the population. An examination of the perspectives of ethnic minority micro-entrepreneurs on the impact of tourism on their lives and communities is presented. It was found most individuals from these communities find tourism increases livelihood opportunities and neither want to be isolated from the global economy nor want to abandon their traditional cultural values; instead it is preferred to have additional the additional livelihood options which tourism creates.

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Conceptualising the impact of culture and language upon hospitality service management

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes ◽

10.1108/whatt-10-2015-0037 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 12-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Saloomeh Tabari ◽

Jonathan A.J. Wilson ◽

Hadyn Ingram

Keyword(s):

Cultural Sensitivity ◽

Cultural Transmission ◽

Service Management ◽

Intercultural Sensitivity ◽

Hospitality Management ◽

Success Factor ◽

Wealth Creation ◽

Content Type ◽

Critical Success ◽

The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and definitions of culture and its relationship to language and cultural sensitivity in hospitality management services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a critical literature review followed by a phenomenological exploratory pilot study, using template analysis. Findings – Previous studies indicate that the more individuals understand and embrace notions of intercultural sensitivity, then the better they become at being able to recognise and discriminate between cultural differences. Furthermore, as a by-product, there is an increased appetite and tendency towards adopting cultural perspectives other than ones’ own. However, the operationalisation of this process encourages benchmarking along linear scales, which is problematic and over-simplifies the dynamic and fluid nature of effective cultural transmission. The paper’s findings suggest that rather than there being singular cultural and language constructs, there are cultures, which in places overlap, but elsewhere do not and therefore cannot be placed on universal scales; second, the critical success factor is less about linguistic literacy linked to vocabulary and explicit rational comprehension, and more about a pre-emptive cultural interpretive intelligence which identifies emotion and sentiment. Research limitations/implications – This is largely a conceptual paper, which, it is suggested, needs further empirical investigation – both longitudinally and on a larger scale. Originality/value – This perspective moves management, marketing and service delivery away from zero-sum games and transactional exchanges, whether financial, social or linguistic, towards collective wealth creation and empowerment – manifest in social cultural capital and the generation of tacit knowledge. The challenge that remains is how this process can be formalised and the tacit and implicit knowledge gained and created can be preserved.

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Evaluating the Economic Impact of Farmers' Markets Using an Opportunity Cost Framework

Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics ◽

10.1017/s1074070800028091 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 40 (01) ◽

pp. 253-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

David W. Hughes ◽

Cheryl Brown ◽

Stacy Miller ◽

Tom McConnell

Keyword(s):

Farmers Markets ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Full Time ◽

Full Time Equivalent ◽

The West ◽

Local Economies ◽

Direct Sales ◽

Gross State Product ◽

Survey Results ◽

The Impact

Farmers' markets presumably benefit local economies through enhanced retention of local dollars. Unlike other studies, the net impact of farmers' markets on the West Virginia economy is examined. Producer survey results are used in estimating annual direct sales ($1,725 million). Using an IMPLAN-based input-output model, gross impacts are 119 jobs (69 full-time equivalent jobs) and $2,389 million in output including $1.48 million in gross state product (GSP). When the effect of direct revenue losses are included (primarily for grocery stores), the impact is reduced to 82 jobs (43 full-time equivalent jobs), $1,075 million in output, and $0,653 million in GSP.

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