Search

Beekeeping is a profitable and socially beneficial farming business among Sub-Saharan Africa's rural forest-based communities. Honey production, which is crucial for farm household health and nutrition in Rwanda's forest-based rural communities, is growing significantly. However, various factors influence farm household heads' decisions regarding the best outlets for delivering honey to the nearest market. It is vital to identify these factors to optimize honey production and marketing activities. Hence, this research was conducted in Rwanda's Southern province, where agriculture and forestry are the primary economic activities to identify the potential factors. Using a cross-sectional approach, with primary data collected over a specific period, the economic data of honey producers were analyzed using STATA version 16. In total, 152 respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling technique. A multivariate probit regression was used to assess the determinants of market outlet choices for honey producers. The results showed that education level, distance to market, training and credit access, extension service, market information, farming experience, time spent on honey collection, quantity sold, communication, and transport cost significantly influenced honey producers' market outlet choices. To increase profits, honey producers should increase honey collection time and sales, improve client communication, form cooperatives, and negotiate better prices with potential buyers. Driving personal vehicles can also reduce transportation costs. The government and industry stakeholders can support producers by offering credit loans, market information, extension services, marketing infrastructure, and adult education. To improve honey marketing channels, industry connections should be strengthened, and capacity-building training provided to raise producer awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Beekeeping is a profitable and socially beneficial farming business among Sub-Saharan Africa’s rural forest-based communities. Honey production, which is crucial for farm household health and nutrition in Rwanda’s forest-based rural communities, is growing significantly. However, various factors influence farm household heads’ decisions regarding the best outlets for delivering honey to the nearest market. It is vital to identify these factors to optimize honey production and marketing activities. Hence, this research was conducted in Rwanda’s Southern province, where agriculture and forestry are the primary economic activities to identify the potential factors. Using a cross-sectional approach, with primary data collected over a specific period, the economic data of honey producers were analyzed using STATA version 16. In total, 152 respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling technique. A multivariate probit regression was used to assess the determinants of market outlet choices for honey producers. The results showed that education level, distance to market, training and credit access, extension service, market information, farming experience, time spent on honey collection, quantity sold, communication, and transport cost significantly influenced honey producers' market outlet choices. To increase profits, honey producers should increase honey collection time and sales, improve client communication, form cooperatives, and negotiate better prices with potential buyers. Driving personal vehicles can also reduce transportation costs. The government and industry stakeholders can support producers by offering credit loans, market information, extension services, marketing infrastructure, and adult education. To improve honey marketing channels, industry connections should be strengthened, and capacity-building training provided to raise producer awareness.

Abstract Selecting appropriate market outlets offer the opportunity for farmers to capture a bigger share of the price paid by final consumers. However, smallholder farmers in developing countries are still confronted with myriad challenges regarding selecting profitable market outlets. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze determinants of market outlet choices by smallholder mango farmers in Aleta Chuko District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The study's representative 391 sample mango producers were selected using a multi-stage sample selection technique and a cross-sectional research approach. Descriptive statistics and the multivariate probit model were used to analyze the data. The result of the study showed that the probability of mango producers to choose consumer, collector, and retailer and wholesaler market outlets was 38%, 39.4%, 41% and 25%, respectively. This shows that retailer was the most likely chosen market outlet while wholesaler was the less likely chosen market outlet. The joint probability of farmers to choose the four market outlets is (0.042%) lower than the likely of not choosing four market outlets (23.21%). The result of the multivariate probit model showed that the sex of the household head, age of the household head, educational level of the household head, the quantity of mangoes produced, size of the land allocated for mango production, use of market information, credit access, livestock holdings, and distance to the nearest market were all statistically and significantly influencing factors in the market outlet choice behavior of mango producers. Based on the results of this study, the government and other concerned organizations should take action to improve the efficient marketing of mango producers in all outlets by providing market information, expanding and following up on extension services, increasing credit access, and building roads and other marketing infrastructure in the study area.

The edible insect sector has, in recent times, gained significant prominence and attention. Particularly, the government of Kenya has made remarkable steps to achieve a potentially large and valuable edible insect market, with a significant milestone being the passing of regulations on edible insects as a new source of proteins. However, research on the edible insect marketing environment is still indistinct. Therefore, the study sought to evaluate the determinants of the market outlets preferred or used by smallholder farmers and traders of domesticated and field-collected edible insects (including cricket, bees, winged termites, lake flies, and dung beetle) in Siaya and Vihiga counties. This cross-sectional study was done among 188 edible insects’ farmers and traders. Purposive sampling identified the study area, while snowball sampling reached the study participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using multinomial logit regression to assess independent-dependent variable relationships, yielding marginal effects. Study findings showed that at 95% confidence interval, the yield was significant to the three outlets used by the farmers. Gender was significant to both institution and open-air markets outlets but insignificant to selling at the farm gate. Age, education level, and experience in marketing were insignificant to all the three market outlets. Marketing training was significant to the institution and open-air markets. The study also showed that farmers and traders had limited choices to sell their edible insect produce, which was majorly affected by yield and age variables. In view of these findings, enhancing edible insect marketing and training through initiatives that would increase production among farmers and breaking the attitudes toward open-air marketing among male farmers is pivotal to the thriving of the novel food enterprise towards achieving food security in the region.

AbstractBamboo meets a growing and various bamboo product demands and generates revenue. The study aimed to analyze the factors that affect the choice of alternative bamboo market outlets. By using two stages sampling procedures, 114 bamboo producers were randomly and proportionally selected. The determinants that affect the choice of bamboo market outlets were analyzed by multivariate probit (MVP) model. Based on the model result, the probability of bamboo producers to select wholesalers, retailers, processors and local traders outlet were 16.8%, 46.2%, 60.8% and 54.3%, respectively. The probability of success and failure to select four market outlets were 2.5% and 2.2%, respectively. The result of MVP revealed that family size, total land holding size, amount of culm production, farming experience, distance to the market and silviculture management practice affect the probability of farmers market outlet choice. Therefore, this study gives an emphasis to the analysis of bamboo market outlets for bamboo culm producers to increase the market return for producers.

AbstractWheat is one of the staple crops widely cultivated in Arsi Zone of Ethiopia. It is the source of food and provides income for the majority of smallholder farmers. To this end, to benefit smallholders from their produce identifying and selecting the appropriate market is crucial. However, choosing a suitable market channel is not an easy task because there are different factors that influence market outlet choices. Hence, this study scrutinized the determinants of market outlet choice of smallholder wheat producers in Arsi Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. It uses primary and secondary data collected through questionnaires and desk reviews from 336 randomly selected households. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, percentage, and cross-tabulations of frequency distribution. The result from the multinomial logistic regression specifies that among the ten explanatory variables included in the model seven of them were statistically significant at 1%, 5%, and 10%. Those factors significantly affecting wheat producers’ market outlet choices were sex, age, education, year of participation, nearby market, nearby road and quantity produced. Based on the results, the study recommended that the government and stakeholders should focus on strengthening education, expansion of road infrastructure, telecom, and access to credit which promote farmers profitable market outlet choices in one hand and increases the production and productivity of wheat in another way.

Copyright of Acta Economica is the property of University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Smallholder rice producers have limited demand for their locally produced rice due to the complex market outlets choice decisions challenges they become confronted with as well as their limited knowledge of appropriate entrepreneurial traits required for successful rice production and marketing. This study assessed the entrepreneurial behaviours of smallholder rice producers in Ashanti region of Ghana. Using multi-stage sampling technique, the study used primary data collected from 200 rice producers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Entrepreneurial behavior index (EBI) and the multivariate probit model were the methods of analysis. The results showed that most rice producers have medium level of risk-taking ability, innovativeness behaviour, proactiveness behaviour, self-confidence, and decision-making ability. Also, majority of the producers consider retailers as the most appropriate market outlet among the diverse market outlet alternatives in the region. In addition, innovative behaviour, self-confidence, and decision-making ability influenced the choice of market outlet by the rice producers. The study recommends that smallholder rice producers should enhance their entrepreneurial competencies through enrollment and participation in social groups and farmer-based workshops to equip them with networking and social skills. Also, programs designed to improve the entrepreneurial skills of smallholder rice farmers should adopt a tailored approach by taking into account the fact that different farmers have different levels of entrepreneurial skills.

The main objective of the study is to identify the determinants of wheat value chain in case of North Shewa Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia. The researchers used multistage purposive random sampling technique to select representative households in the study area. The ordinary least square output revealed that production of wheat, price of wheat and secondary and tertiary education of the household positively and significantly affect supply of wheat to the market. On the other hand, distance from the market and distance from the main road have negative and significant effect on supply of wheat. Moreover, the multinomial logit regression result showed that household family size and market information have positive and significant effect while distance from the market and ownership of livestock have negative and significant effect on smallholder farmers’ market participation. The binary logit model also indicates that land holding, access to market information, total livestock and primary education affected positively and significantly. Therefore, policies aiming at increasing farmer’s awareness of producing value added wheat produce to enhance value creations are recommended to strengthen chain development.

The main objective of the study is to identify the determinants of wheat value chain in case of North Shewa Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia. The researchers used multistage purposive random sampling technique to select representative households in the study area. The ordinary least square output revealed that production of wheat, price of wheat and secondary and tertiary education of the household positively and significantly affect supply of wheat to the market. On the other hand, distance from the market and distance from the main road have negative and significant effect on supply of wheat. Moreover, the multinomial logit regression result showed that household family size and market information have positive and significant effect while distance from the market and ownership of livestock have negative and significant effect on smallholder farmers' market participation. The binary logit model also indicates that land holding, access to market information, total livestock and primary education affected positively and significantly. Therefore, policies aiming at increasing farmer's awareness of producing value added wheat produce to enhance value creations are recommended to strengthen chain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges of perishable vegetable production is selecting appropriate market outlets to deliver the produce fresh and earn better price. Various factors affect producers’ decision to choose among the alternative market outlets. This study was aimed to identify determinants of smallholder vegetable producers’ decision on market outlet choice and verify the existence of difference in productivity and income of households among different market outlets in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Using primary data collected from a survey of 385 farmers in three districts located in Lake Tana basin, the study estimated multivariate probit model to explain the factors that influence market outlet choice of smallholder vegetable producers. F-statistics was sued to verify the effect of market outlets on productivity and income. The results show that those households choosing both farm gate and local market simultaneously are found at better level of productivity and income. Multivariate probit results show that buyers visit and age of household head simultaneously determined all market outlets decision of producers. Those households visited by buyers at farm or village were found more likely to choose farm gate and roadside market outlets and less likely to sell the produce at market place. The implication is that as far as smallholder producers had access to alternative market outlets, they would earn better income by choosing appropriate combination of market outlets. Interventions that improve access to all market outlets could improve income and boost production of vegetables.

We study the effects of food safety awareness on consumers' milk purchasing behavior in Nepal. We conducted consumer survey and employed an instrumental variable regression. We find education, income, and social network to influence food safety consciousness (FSC). Our results indicate the positive impact of FSC on weekly milk expenditure and probability of purchasing milk from milk cooperatives. Any policy that helps to improve the FSC levels will likely increase the purchase of safe milk from the modern market outlet, and lack of such awareness raising policies has prevented the market for safe food from evolving and expanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in Gololcha District of Arsi Zone with the objective of identifying determinants of coffee producer market outlet choice. The primary data were collected through personal interviews from a total of 154 producers, using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The multivariate probit model result indicated that the sex of the household head, level of education, means of transport ownership and access to information had positively influenced choice of wholesaler and negatively influenced choice of agent middle-men. Level of education was significantly and negatively related with agent middle-men, and significantly and positively influenced cooperatives' and wholesalers' channel choice. Enhancing institutional and infrastructural (transportation and extension) facilities is necessary to enable coffee producers to select efficient channels. In addition, the study recommends that steps be taken to establish and support multi-purpose coffee farmers' cooperatives - grow their membership, as this should increase farmers' income through marketing activities and supply of important inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are important for income generation to a large proportion of the rural households. Enhancing tomato farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing tomato production in Ethiopia. The perishable nature of tomato necessitates effective marketing channels choice decisions. So, the main objective of this study was analyzing the determinants of market outlet choice decisions of tomato producers. The two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select the sampled kebeles and households, whereby 235 farm households were surveyed for the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected to address the objectives. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an econometric model by using SPSS and STATA software. Multivariate probit Model results showed that the probability to choose wholesalers, collectors, retailers, and consumers market outlets were significantly affected by age of the household head, educational status of the household head, distance to the nearest market, access to credit, owning transport facility, land allocated to tomato and household size. Policy implications drawn from the study findings include that the government and concerned stakeholders should focus on strengthening rural-urban infrastructure, intensification of land for tomato, expanding the accessibility of credit and strengthening the existence of formal and informal education.

Vegetables are important for income generation to a large proportion of the rural households. Enhancing tomato farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing tomato production in Ethiopia. The perishable nature of tomato necessitates effective marketing channels choice decisions. So, the main objective of this study was analyzing the determinants of market outlet choice decisions of tomato producers. The two-stage random sampling procedure was used to select the sampled kebeles and households, whereby 235 farm households were surveyed for the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected to address the objectives. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an econometric model by using SPSS and STATA software. Multivariate probit Model results showed that the probability to choose wholesalers, collectors, retailers, and consumers market outlets were significantly affected by age of the household head, educational status of the household head, distance to the nearest market, access to credit, owning transport facility, land allocated to tomato and household size. Policy implications drawn from the study findings include that the government and concerned stakeholders should focus on strengthening rural-urban infrastructure, intensification of land for tomato, expanding the accessibility of credit and strengthening the existence of formal and informal education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]