Smallholders Beef Cattle Commercialization in Southwest Ethiopia

In this study, the beef cattle markets in Southwest Ethiopia are analyzed based on a survey of 172 producers. The first part emphasized the characterization and commercialization of the beef cattle market in the study area. The second part is dedicated to identifying the factors affecting households’ participation in the beef cattle market using the Heckman two-step selection model. In the findings, the beef cattle market is characterized by the dominance of few traders, asymmetric information, lack of contract enforcement, lack of transparency among market actors, and poorly developed market infrastructure. There is very low net commercial off-take rate of cattle for smallholder farmers in the study area. The result from the Heckman two-step selection model revealed that having positive stock of cattle, better access to extension service & feed, and a better level of literacy enhanced market participation and sales volume. On the contrary, market participation and sales volume were negatively affected by cattle keeper’s age, non-livestock income, and poor road and health infrastructure. The study suggested that improving the market and health infrastructure, providing capacity building for producers, and improving access to feed could enhance the intensity of smallholder beef cattle market participation.

Tomato Value Chain Analysis in Yayo And Hurumu Districts of Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Ethiopia

Background: Tomato is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at analyzing tomato value chain in Yayu and Hurumu districts of Ilubabor zone. The specific objectives of the study were to identify actors and their roles in the value chain, to estimate marketing margins of each actor and identifying determinants of market participation decision and level of participation of farm households in tomato market.Methodology: The study used both primary and secondary data. Descriptive statistics, value chain analysis and Heckman two-stage selection model were used to analyze the data.Results: The major tomato value chain actors in the study area are input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Producer received the maximum profit when they sell directly to consumers. The Heckman first stage model result showed that four variables such as family size, production experience, participation in non-farm activity and quantity produced significantly affect the tomato market participation decision. Heckman second stage model indicated that extension contact, quantity produced and perception of lagged price significantly influence the tomato level of market participation.Conclusion: in the study area Tomato is produced mainly as a source of food and income and it is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable. The market participation decision of the farmers is influenced significantly by family size, production experience, participation in non-farm activity and quantity produced. Similarly, extension contact, quantity produced and perception of lagged price were among determinants which affect significantly tomato producer’s level of market participation. Hence, these significant factors need to be intervening so as to enhance the possible gain that could be drawn from tomato value chain in the study area.

Moderating Effects of Financial Cognitive Abilities and Considerations on the Attitude–Intentions Nexus of Stock Market Participation

This study aims to examine the determinants of investors’ behavioral intentions to participate in the stock market. In this attempt, this research investigated the direct and moderating effects of the financial cognitive abilities and the financial considerations on the nexus of attitudes and behavioral intentions of investors. Data for this study were collected from active and potential investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange of Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire. The partial least squares method was used to examine the nature and extent of the relationships of investors’ behavioral intentions with their attitude, financial cognitive abilities, and financial considerations in making stock market investment-related decisions. The findings of this study suggest that investors’ attitudes, financial planning ability, and perceptions of financial risks and benefits are important factors that influence their decisions in stock market participation. Moreover, financial planning, financial satisfaction, and perceived financial risk moderate the nexus of attitude and behavioral intentions to participate in the stock market. This study, therefore, has significant implications for policymakers, stock market regulators, and financial service providers.

Women’s Labor Market Participation in Bangladesh: A Logistic Regression Analysis

As women around the world struggle for equality, there is a need for measuring their progress. The problem regarding women’s employment is more acute in Bangladesh. The conservative nature of Bangladesh’s society is a significant obstacle in the achievement of their goals in life. The aim of this study is to explore the factors that affect the empowerment of women and determine the factors significantly associated with women’s labor participation in Bangladesh. The study represents the current condition of women participating in the labor market in Bangladesh. A total of 375 structured questionnaires were distributed and 188 usable questionnaires were returned. SPSS version 20.0 was used and the analysis was carried out using binary logistic regression and bivariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for women’s labor participation. The findings revealed that women’s labor market participation is influenced by age, education and their partners’ education, as education is also an important factor that changes human behavior significantly. This study has also proven that women with higher levels of education have more employment opportunities.