scholarly journals Measuring the Technical and Scale Efficiency of Smallholder Maize (Zea mays) Farmers in Cameroon: The Case of the Centre Region

2021 ◽  
pp. 44-56
Author(s):  
Eloundou Etoundi Christian ◽  
Fon Dorothy Engwali ◽  
Minkoua Nzie Jules René
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Productive Efficiency ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Maize Variety ◽  
Centre Region

Urbanisation has led to the development of new markets, including that for cereals for human consumption, where maize cultivation has taken on an important role among smallholder producers in some countries, such as Cameroon. However, the cultivation of maize in the centre region of Cameroon raises several questions, including the efficiency of these farmers. This article presents the level and determinants of technical performance of smallholder maize farmers. The research method was based on field surveys. The study was carried out between September 2019 and December 2020 in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The research methods used included field work, field surveys through semi-structured interviews on 1060 (545 women and 515 men) maize farm managers who were selected in a reasoned method based on the file of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon. Data from the study was analysed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and the Tobit model allowed us to identify the determinants of the performance of these maize farms. The results show that the efficiency scores of the production and income outputs are 0.7773 and 0.6707, respectively, and provide evidence for the inefficiency of smallholder maize farmers in the Centre Region. Gender, cropping system, maize variety and number of treatments have a significant and positive influence on the productive efficiency of the farms while the only determinant that influences the income efficiency of the farmers is the maize variety used. Ultimately, smallholder maize farmers are not performing well in terms of both production and income. Value chain actors need to act on three main pillars around family farms: socio-economic characteristics (the place of women and education policy), the production system (access to quality seeds, and production techniques) and institutional factors (access to extension, financing and membership to a producer organization).

scholarly journals Does Farm Size and Specialization Matter for Productive Efficiency? Results from Kansas

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin W. Mugera ◽  
Michael R. Langemeier
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Production Technology ◽  
Returns To Scale ◽  
Productive Efficiency ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Sample Period ◽  
Analysis Techniques

In this article, we used bootstrap data envelopment analysis techniques to examine technical and scale efficiency scores for a balanced panel of 564 farms in Kansas for the period 1993–2007. The production technology is estimated under three different assumptions of returns to scale and the results are compared. Technical and scale efficiency is disaggregated by farm size and specialization. Our results suggest that farms are both scale and technically inefficient. On average, technical efficiency has deteriorated over the sample period. Technical efficiency varies directly by farm size and the differences are significant. Differences across farm specializations are not significant.

scholarly journals Connecting Inward and Outward Internationalisation of Malaysian SMEs: A Learning Approach

2018 ◽  
pp. 264-275
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

When SMEs are part of global value chain, the flows of information in cross-border buyer-supplier relationships which emerge from inward-outward internationalisation connections should be addressed. This study therefore investigates the learning processes of internationalising small and medium enterprises that engage in inward and outward internationalisation. Hence, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach based on ten cases of the internationalising SMEs in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews with the Managing Directors of the selected SMEs were conducted over a two-year period. Additionally, participant observations were conducted by attending the meetings related to import-export activities and documentations were gathered for data triangulation Findings of this study highlights that the relationship with key foreign suppliers empowered case firms to connect inward to outward internationalisation through collaborative knowledge sharing. The distribution of knowledge through tacit-tacit and tacit-explicit knowledge sharing underpinned by formal planning was a prerequisite for inward-outward internationalisation connections to be established.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Family Farms and the Dairy Industry

2022 ◽  
pp. 898-916
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ratten ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Regional Competitiveness ◽  
Agricultural Industry ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Standing ◽  
Entrepreneurial Strategies

There has been increasing recognition that for regional competitiveness in rural areas there needs to be a focus on sustainable farming initiatives especially for family farms that are competing with global conglomerates. Family farms, whilst declining in number, are the purpose of this paper studying the rural entrepreneurship in family farms as they are at the heart of rural communities and the overall agricultural industry and comprise a high percentage of total farms. This paper takes a case study approach using in-depth semi structured interviews to delve into the types of entrepreneurial strategies that are distinctive of family farms in terms of their sustainability approach to farming. Dairy farms in the West Victorian area of Australia are studied and the findings suggest that family farms can increase their regional competitiveness and international standing by focusing on their collaborative, social and sustainable entrepreneurial strategies.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Exposure of Turkey Farmers to Antimicrobial Resistance Associated with Working Practices

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Giorgio Franceschini ◽  
Marta Bottino ◽  
Ilary Millet ◽  
Elisa Martello ◽  
Francesca Zaltron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Individual Therapy ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Effect Analysis ◽  
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase ◽  
Working Practices ◽  
The Individual

The objective of the present study was the identification of farming practices in the production of turkeys for human consumption, and their ranking in terms of the occupational probability of exposure to antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, for farm workers. We gathered evidence and data from scientific literature, on risk factors for AMR in farmers, and on the prevalence of those hazards across farming phases. We administered semi-structured interviews to public and private veterinarians in Northern Italy, to obtain detailed information on turkey farming phases, and on working practices. Data were then integrated into a semi-quantitative Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Those working practices, which are characterized by direct contact with numerous animals, and which are carried out frequently, with rare use of personal protection devices resulted as associated with the greatest probability of exposure to AMR. For methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), these included vaccination and administration of any individual therapy, and removal and milling of litter, given the exposure of farmers to high dust level. Indeed, levels of occupational exposure to MRSA are enhanced by its transmission routes, which include direct contact with animal, as well as airborne transmission. Level of exposure to extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) is more strictly associated with direct contact and the oral-fecal route. Consequently, exposure to ESBL resulted and associated with the routinely tipping over of poults turned on their back, and with the individual administration of therapies.

Rethinking on growth mechanism of Indian sugar industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 412-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheetal ◽  
Rajiv Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Growth Mechanism ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Sugar Industry ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Industry Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to revisit the growth mechanism of Indian sugar industry by deploying quantitative and qualitative metaphors. Design/methodology/approach The research paper has been composed through comprehensive primary research survey using a structured questionnaire, and qualitative discussion following semi- structured interviews with industry professionals on emerging issues across the whole value chain of sugar industry. Respondents regarding primary survey were selected using the purposive sampling, and this collected quantitative information has been verified on the lenses of multiple stream modelling (MSM). Findings To support the data analysis, MSM – a policy-making framework has been developed which found that government being a central construct exerts a profound presence across whole value chain; in suppliers’ mechanism, marketing of sugar and sugar mills’ infrastructural expansions. Nationwide uniformity in sugar policy instead of states’ monopolistic policies, rational and mutual benefits-based decisions collectively by the government, mills management and sugarcane growers, and diversification in production processes are enumerated as the proposed solutions against the chronical industry problems. Practical implications This study enriches extant Asian sugar industry literature. For policymakers, the proposed results should be of help in identifying specific policies to support the competitiveness of local systems and individual manufacturing companies in the Indian sugar industry suggesting that the development of growth mechanisms can contribute simultaneously to improve the financial, market and operational performance of both individual firms and supply chains. Originality/value Cyclicality in production, rising sugarcane farmers’ problems and resulting severe financial distress of mills are some of the topical issues of Indian sugar industry, and the study has explored these issues factually, quantitatively and qualitatively in proximity of industry professionals and described in this depository with the help of document analysis.

scholarly journals Assessing Sustainability of Smallholder Beef Cattle Farming in Indonesia: A Case Study Using the FAO SAFA Framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siwi Gayatri ◽  
Vincent Gasso-tortajada ◽  
Mette Vaarst
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Goal ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Lack Of Information

<span lang="EN-US">This article aims to assess the sustainability of smallholder beef cattle farms in Indonesia, where there is a national goal to improve the country’s beef self-sufficiency, and to explore and discuss potential improvement limitations and solutions. This article presents a sustainability assessment based on the FAO SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems) of six selected family farms representing three types of family farming systems (with only family labour; with hired labour; and with hired labour and a 'middleman in marketing system'). Individual structured interviews based on the SAFA guidelines were conducted and the results analysed with the <em>SAFA Tool</em> software. The results showed that the SAFA sustainability performance generally scored better in the farming system with relatively more resources and hired labour, and the household head also working as middleman, as compared to the other two farming systems with some or no hired labour. These results indicate that the larger room for sustainability improvement relies in the farming systems with only family labour. Lack of information, training and economical resources showed to be two main drivers that explain part of these differences. These results suggest that the government’s role in increasing awareness, providing information and training and facilitating sustainable development practices is critical.</span>

Digital radio – the fight for diffusion in Germany

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 70-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juergen Steinheber
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Digital Audio ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Radio ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Audio Broadcasting ◽  
Radio Industry ◽  
Potential Diffusion

Purpose – The diffusion of digital radio has experienced more challenges than for digital TV regarding a digital switchover. The purpose of this paper shows on the specific case of Germany, which difficulties the digital sound broadcasting technology of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been facing from several points of view. The difficulties are reviewed and outlined to overcoming different barriers and to facilitating its diffusion. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses how the diffusion of digital radio is perceived by industry representatives such as radio consultants and several stakeholders along the value chain of the radio industry. In semi-structured interviews, participants describe and evaluate the challenges for DAB as digital audio broadcasting standard mainly in Germany. Findings – After two decades of deploying digital radio in Germany, its success is still missing. Various very different aspects have prevented the diffusion of the new technology. Among various barriers, the radio industry sees missing benefits, marketing errors and a lack of inter-industrial collaboration as barriers in a retro-perspective. Research limitations/implications – The analysis does not cover other countries, where DAB as standard was introduced. Also other standards for digital radio are not considered. Practical implications – With referring to barriers for digital radio, there is a scope for those countries about to introduce the technology to troubleshoot the failings of overcoming barrier. An idea can emerge, how authorities and industrial stakeholders can help to facilitate the diffusion of digital radio. It also indicates the need of governmental interaction for the coordination of a technology introduction in a network industry. Social implications – The theoretical model, referred to, gives a good overview of potential diffusion barriers as most identified problems for the German case. The model and the illustrated problems of the paper can be used in practice to manage potential diffusion problems during technology introductions. Originality/value – There is a lack of published information about the faced challenges for the diffusion of digital radio. The retro-perspective benefits from the broad experience of participants having observed the challenges of the past decade with DAB in Germany. Additionally, the results are mapped to a theoretical framework with limits for the diffusion of innovation for generalising.

scholarly journals Operational integration in a craft-oriented small enterprise

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Gamme ◽  
Eva Amdahl Seim ◽  
Eirin Lodgaard ◽  
Bjørn Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Process Step ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smooth Flow ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Operational Integration

Purpose Many leisure boat manufacturers have thrived on designing and building highly customized boats based on longstanding traditions of craftsmanship. To achieve efficient value chains, it is not enough to optimize each process step, but also important to achieve a smooth flow through the dependencies between each process steps. The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing enablers and disablers for operational integration in a craft-oriented small enterprise. Design/methodology/approach One case company has been studied, to identify enablers and disablers for operational integration in the value chain. The research methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with selected persons from different levels within the company. Findings The results indicate the importance of management promotion and support of integration and a strong relationship between foremen and operators. Furthermore, to avoid functional myopias, mechanisms to encourage horizontal integration could be useful. Small company and informal culture make integration easier. However, to further establish a common standardized platform, could be necessary. Even small physical barriers in the layout were experienced to affect the integration negatively. Research limitations/implications This has been an exploratory study of one single craft-oriented enterprise; hence it is difficult to generalize. Practical implications Based on empirical findings from the case study, recommendations on how to achieve better operational integration will be presented. Originality/value The research initiative provides knowledge experience of operational integration from a case study in one company within craft and artisan sector in Norway.

Who and what set the price of walnuts for small-scale farmers in Southwest China?

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Yan ◽  
Anne Terheggen ◽  
Dagmar Mithöfer
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Village Level ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
The Village

Purpose Domestic demand for walnuts has been on the rise for the last decades. Consumption outstrips domestic production capacities, which led to increasing prices until recently. Small-scale farmers are at the centre of walnut tree planting and walnut collection efforts. Farmers are now integrated into rapidly expanding agrifood value chains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the walnut value chain originating in Yunnan (the dominant producer of walnuts in China). The authors are especially interested in the position of small-scale farmers in the chain and the factors affecting the price that they receive. Design/methodology/approach Price and intra-chain governance information were collected through structured interviews with value chain actors like certified and conventional small-scale farmers, traders, processors, food manufacturers and wholesalers. The resultant price data set was analysed using a multiple regression analysis. Findings Timing of harvest, distance to market and sales volume are correlated with the village-level price. Farmers are in a market governance segment of the chain. Lead firms (e.g. supermarkets) are price-setters and determine the value distribution, with farmers receiving a smaller share relative to downstream actors’ shares. Research limitations/implications Improved connectivity to markets, transparency of standards and price (formation), processing and certification could improve farmers’ profits. Originality/value The authors contribute to the growing literature of value chain studies focussing on farmers’ integration into food systems at different scales. The authors investigated the price determinants at the village level and additionally provide information on an organic marketing arrangement.

A Values Approach to Business Education in Hong Kong

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Jennifer Radbourne
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Learning Behaviour ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hong Kong Students ◽  
Behaviour Learning

This paper investigates the learning behaviour, learning environment and learning outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese students enrolled on an Australian university's Bachelor of Business degree course taught by visiting Australian lecturers in Hong Kong. The Chinese students are task-focused and passive learners. They do not demonstrate creative thinking, critical analysis or risk taking in problem solving, and appear to focus on surface-level rote learning. Semi-structured interviews with students and lecturers identified the changes experienced in learning behaviour and teaching strategies. By applying a teaching and learning value chain developed by Radbourne in 2001 and using Biggs's 3P culturally modified model of teaching and learning, new teaching strategies were developed to ensure that the Chinese Hong Kong students graduated with the capabilities required to be effective in the global workplace.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document