Market Constraints Research Articles

Gender analysis is not only about gender: reshaping the potato breeding priorities to increase varietal adoption in Kenya

Public breeding programs are pushing to implement demand-led breeding to increase variety adoption, while tackling multiple challenges for increased production under climate change. This has included the improvement of variety target product profiles involving multiple stakeholders. A special case involves the unexpected and rapid spread of the Shangi potato variety in Kenya. This variety was not an especially outstanding variety and the levels of its traits did not exceed the expected thresholds defined in the target product profile for table potato in East Africa. By examining the customer segments looking at gender but also social contexts of smallholder and disadvantaged farmers such as access to markets, inputs, and labor, it became apparent that ready availability of potatoes for consumption, processing, or planting was of prime importance. Given the storage and market constraints, Shangi's very short dormancy, which had been assumed to be a negative trait for farmers, women cottage processors and consumers, was actually meeting the needs for available product and planting material. Consequently, this provided these groups increased control over their productive activities. The case study presented here analyzes different components of potato variety change in Kenya. It explores the challenges and tradeoffs faced by public sector breeding programs and how gender analysis from a broader inclusion perspective can uncover the underlying causes of varietal adoption. Focusing on the Shangi potato variety, the case study reveals a series of lessons learned that have re-shaped the definition of breeding priorities.

Scatter Search for Optimal Sizing of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Scheduling Green Hydrogen Production

At present, energy demands are mainly covered by the use of fossil fuels. The process of fossil fuel production increases pollution from oil extraction, transport to processing centers, treatment to obtain lighter fractions, and delivery and use by the final consumers. Such polluting circumstances are aggravated in the case of accidents involving fossil fuels. They are also linked to speculative markets. As a result, the trend is towards the decarbonization of lifestyles in advanced societies. The present paper addresses the problem of the optimal sizing of a hybrid renewable energy system for scheduling green hydrogen production. A local system fully powered by renewable energies is designed to obtain hydrogen from seawater. In order to monetize excess energy, the grid connection of the system is considered under realistic energy market constraints, designing an hourly purchasing strategy. This crucial problem, which has not been taken into account in the literature, is solved by the specific dispatch strategy designed. Several optimization methods have been used to solve this problem; however, the scatter search method has not previously been employed. In this paper, the problem is faced with a novel implementation of this method. The implementation is competitive in terms of performance when compared to, on the one hand, the genetic algorithm and differential evolution methods, which are well-known state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms, and, on the other hand, the optimal foraging algorithm (OFA), a more recent algorithm. Furthermore, scatter search outperformed all other methods in terms of computational cost. This is promising for real-world applications that require quick responses.

Small-scale farmers' market constraints in Ghana: influential farm-level contingencies

This study sought to identify significant barriers to market access and marketing connections for small-scale rural farmers, evaluating the impact of demographic factors (gender, education level) and operational factors (years in farming, distance from home, type of commodity) on these constraints. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and inferential quantitative approach to examine the barriers to market access and marketing connections among small-scale rural farmers in Ghana's Volta area. The conceptual framework is based on a multi-theory approach. The contingency theory elucidates the significance of farm size, resource availability, and geographic location; the human capital theory delineates the impact of education level and years of farming experience; and the logistics and spatial analysis framework examines how transportation infrastructure, geographic location, and commodity type affect market access and connections. The investigation indicated that inadequate road infrastructure and elevated transportation expenses were the primary obstacles for small-scale rural farmers in accessing markets, with notable disparities based on gender and educational attainment. The commodity kind, years of cultivation, and distance from home substantially influenced limitations. The study concentrated on the Volta region, however the results are probably relevant to other regions in Ghana because of comparable agro-ecological zones and rural socio-economic traits. The rigorous research design, data collection techniques, and comprehensive analysis guarantee dependable and valid outcomes. Notwithstanding possible constraints in generalisability, the research provides comprehensive insights into the distinct issues encountered by small-scale farmers. It emphasises socio-economic factors affecting market access, illustrates the impact of farm-level contingencies on market access and linkages, identifies both diversity and uniformity among small-scale farmers, and addresses a gap in the literature by offering empirical evidence on market access constraints specific to the Volta region that may have global relevance. These contributions are significant for both academic comprehension and practical initiatives aimed at assisting small-scale rural farmers in Ghana and analogous environments worldwide.

Production and Marketing of Potato in Middle Gujarat

Background: This paper presents the economic analysis of potato cultivation in middle Gujarat. The area under total vegetable and production of vegetables in the state has increased over the years. The study focuses on production and marketing of potato in middle Gujarat. Methods: Primary data were collected using pre-tested schedule. The cost of production was calculated using cost concept and marketing efficiency was calculated using Acharya’s formula. Result: The study found that the cost C2 was ₹ 208587.5 per hectare for potato cultivation. Yield of potato was found to be 242.5 quintal per hectare, while gross income was ₹ 247370.4 per hectare. The net return was observed to be at ₹ 38782.9 per ha for potato cultivation. Benefit cost ratio over cost C2 was observed to be at 1.19. There were two marketing channels found in potato in study area. The market efficiency was found higher in channel I. Unavailability of labour, long distance of input market and increasing prices of inputs were the major production constraints, while low price received by farmer, delayed in payment and higher cost of transportation were the major marketing constraint found in study area.

From Perception to Practices: Adoption of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Vietnam Upland Areas—A Case Study in Thua Thien Hue Province

In the context of increasing interest in ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), there remains a paucity of discussion regarding the transition from perception to practice in aiding farmer households to adapt to climate change (CC) while maintaining the provision of essential ecosystem services. Thus, this study aims to explore policymakers’ and local people’s perceptions, from thinking about the implementation of EbA strategies to responding to CC in current and future agricultural production and forestry in upland Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. This study has adopted the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to CC to investigate the perceptions of EbA among various administrative and household levels through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion methods. Our findings indicate a significant relationship between the perceptions and understanding of EbA among policymakers and farmer households, and the adoption of EbA practices. Many EbA practices are already well-established and have demonstrated their ability to enhance ecosystem services provision, adaptation benefits, and livelihood and food security. These benefits are crucial for helping farmer households to adapt to CC. However, current financial, technical, and market constraints hinder the broader adoption of these practices. Therefore, to increase adaptive capacity to CC and upscale EbA practices, EbA interventions must consider technical, financial, and market aspects. Furthermore, it is essential to provide evidence from both scientific and practical perspectives and disseminate information on EbA practices to encourage broader adoption by local farmers. In addition, supportive policies from various departmental and agency levels are necessary for managers in the agricultural and forest sectors as well as households to recognize EbA as a vital strategy for developing agriculture and forestry in a manner that is sustainable and resilient to CC.

Assessing the Competitiveness: Afghanistan’s Fresh Grapes Export Performance in the Global Market

This study assesses Afghanistan’s fresh grapes export competitiveness using methods like CAGR for growth, CDVI for instability, and RCA/RSCA for comparative advantage. It also applied the NPC to evaluate price competitiveness, Markov Chain Analysis to track export patterns, and the Bai-Perron test to identify structural breaks, providing a comprehensive analysis of Afghanistan's global market position during 2008 to 2023. Fresh grapes, was one of the important components of Afghanistan’s agricultural exports, grew considerably in both quantity and value, though their export performance was marked by notable instability. The study highlighted that, Afghanistan had moderate competitiveness in the world market, aided by favorable climatic conditions. However, a low NPC suggested limited trade protection, as domestic prices for Afghan grapes remained below international prices. Comparative analyses showed that, while Chile’s export volumes were declined and value growth held steady due to rising prices. Peru achieved robust export growth despite moderate instability. Italy focused on high quality grapes production primarily for domestic consumption, ensuing with low instability. Pakistan emerged as the most consistent market for Afghan fresh grapes, showed a steady demand that supported Afghanistan’s competitive position in regional trade. Structural breaks in 2015 and 2019 found export volume shifts, with an initial increase from better market access, followed by a decline due to COVID-19. Since 2015, export values declined due to market constraints and economic factors, but recovered strongly with favorable weather and government policy adjustments.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

An Introduction to Lagrange Multipliers: Theory and Applications in Economics

The purpose of this paper is to explore the basic applications of the Lagrange multiplier method in economics and to help beginners build their understanding of this mathematical tool. Tesla Inc. is used as a case study to examine how it maximizes profits by optimizing pricing and marketing expenses under given market conditions and constraints. The context of the study includes the importance of maintaining Tesla’s leadership position as the world’s leading electric car manufacturer in a competitive market. In this paper, the Lagrange multiplier method is used to incorporate specific market share and marketing expense constraints into the profit function and to find the extreme values by constructing the Lagrange function and solving for the derivatives. However, the results of the study show that the solutions obtained are extreme minima rather than the expected maxima. This result highlights the possible limitations of the Lagrange multiplier method in economic optimization problems. Nonetheless, this paper provides valuable lessons for understanding and applying the Lagrange multiplier method and points the way for further research on the application of optimization methods in economic decision making.

The relationship between ESG ratings and digital technological innovation in manufacturing: Insights via dual machine learning models

In the era of the current scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, digital technology innovation serves as a critical driver for the high-quality development of manufacturing enterprises. The dual attributes of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, encompassing "internal governance" and "external support," play a pivotal role in propelling digital technology innovation within these enterprises. This study utilizes a dual machine learning approach to empirically investigate the influence of ESG ratings on the digital technology innovation of manufacturing enterprises and explores the underlying mechanisms. Findings indicate that ESG ratings significantly boost digital technology innovation by alleviating financial market constraints, enhancing customer stability in the product market, elevating human resource levels, and increasing innovation awareness and efficiency. These improvements occur through the mechanisms of "external support" and "internal governance." Moreover, the study reveals that ESG ratings substantially enhance digital technology innovation in state-owned and high-tech manufacturing enterprises, in contrast to their limited impact on non-state-owned and non-high-tech counterparts. Conclusively, the paper proposes policy recommendations focused on heightening enterprise and societal awareness of ESG importance, intensifying supervision and enforcement, and refining the ESG rating system.

Examining purchasing strategies in public food procurement: Integrating sustainability, nutrition, and health in Spanish school meals and social care centres

Sustainable Public Food Procurement (SPFP) is pivotal in advancing sustainable and healthier food systems. However, practical gaps persist in understanding how policies function at the local implementation. This study addresses these gaps by analysing 22 SPFP contracts for school meals and social care centres in Spain, focusing on implementation while contextualizing findings within the broader policy cycle. This research categorizes SPFP criteria in tenders and evaluate their potential for actionability across sustainability, nutrition, & health dimensions. It also explores how these criteria are combined into purchasing strategies to achieve simultaneous or individual goals. Key findings reveal a strong use of product quality criteria, particularly organic foods, supported by policy and ease of implementation. However, non-ambitious targets, market constraints and procurement officers’ limited knowledge hinder progress. The study highlights significant adoption of nutritional & health criteria, though non-mandatory policies and varying regional targets impede consistent implementation and reveal gaps in promoting healthy and sustainable dietary practices. Environmental criteria are widely used signalling policy priorities within the EU policy framework. In contrast, proximity and social criteria are underutilized due to regulatory constraints and insufficient guidance. Despite these challenges, innovative local procurement strategies are utilized to overcome barriers. At the strategy level, the study reveals diverse approaches to SPFP implementation, highlighting adaptability but underscoring the need for flexible frameworks that accommodate local variations while aligning with broader EU or national goals. This research advocates for a holistic approach to SPFP that addresses both the practical challenges of implementation and the systemic issues present in the earlier stages of policy development.

Production and marketing of aromatic (katarni) rice cultivation in Bihar : an economic analysis

Bihar has been traditionally an aromatic rice growing state of India, where varieties like Katarni, Tulsi, Manjari, Badshahbhog, Br9 etc. are grown since decades. Among these, the most important katarni rice is being cultivated in about 368 ha, area in district of Bhagalpur, Bhanka and Munger. Due to its aromatic and other qualities this variety has also been awarded G.I. Tag in the year 2016. The present study is based on primary data (kharif 2019) collected from a sample of 90 katarni rice growers selected randomly from the Jagadishpur block of Bhagalpur district to analyzecost of cultivation, resource use efficiency, marketable surplus, price-spread and constraints. The findings show that the average cost of cultivating katarni rice was estimated as Rs. 50326 per ha, including 82.84 and 17.16 per cent of variable and fixed cost, respectively. The yield of katarni rice was estimated as 24.52 q ha-1. The resource use efficiency showed that seed, fertilizer, irrigation and labor were underutilized and therefore their quantity is to be increased to increase the yield of katarni rice. The marketable surplus of katarni rice was estimated as13.70 and 37.17 quintals on two categories of farms, respectively. The higher producers' share in consumers' price (71.79 per cent) was found under Channel II and Channel III while it was 68.33 per cent under Channel I. The major production constraints identified were rainfall pattern (Garrett Score: 65.48) followed by quality seed (GS: 54.27), availability of urea (GS: 55.63) and pest & diseases (GS: 62.50). The important marketing constraints included selling produce at village market (GS: 64.44). The area under this variety is found to be declining due to introduction of other high yielding varieties.The study concludes that in spite of low productivity and various constraints, the farmers of area are traditionally & religiously attached with katarni rice and feel proud to cultivate it. Therefore, to protect this premium rice variety there is need for assured availability of quality seed, irrigation and post-harvest processing including marketing with remunerative price.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Business Competitiveness: A Systematic Literature Review

The goal of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to present a thorough examination of the connection between corporate competitiveness and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Based on 74 publications from reliable sources, including Science Direct, JSTOR, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, this review combines data to highlight important concepts, conceptual frameworks, and research findings. According to the review, supply chain strategies that incorporate sustainability principles can improve social responsibility, environmental performance, and economic viability—all of which support long-term competitiveness. The analysis reveals that among the key success factors within SSC that are related to social and environmental impacts, operational resilience and continuity, financial performance, technological innovation, technological innovation, differentiation, regulatory compliance and industry standards, customer satisfaction and loyalty, and resource efficiency and cost savings. Transparency and traceability, market and reputation benefits, risk management techniques, and circular economy ideas are some of the best ways that SSC practices boost company competitiveness. However, some of the biggest obstacles to supply chain management (SSCM) that undermine firm competitiveness are high beginning costs, complexity, supply chain interruptions, and market constraints. The review expands on our knowledge of the ways in which SSCM boosts corporate competitiveness. Discussions are held regarding conclusions, suggestions for additional study, and theoretical and practical ramifications.

Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems

Sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems has emerged as a crucial strategy for addressing the dual challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in developing regions. This approach seeks to increase agricultural productivity on existing farmland while minimizing negative environmental impacts and ensuring the social and economic well-being of smallholder farmers. This article explores the principles, practices, and potential benefits of sustainable intensification within smallholder farming systems. By integrating improved agricultural techniques, such as agroecology, precision farming, and integrated pest management, with local knowledge and resources, sustainable intensification aims to enhance crop yields, soil health, and resource efficiency. The study also examines the barriers to adopting these practices, including limited access to technology, market constraints, and policy gaps, while highlighting the role of community engagement, education, and supportive policies in overcoming these challenges. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of sustainable intensification for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing its potential to contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The findings suggest that with the right support and adaptation to local conditions, sustainable intensification can play a vital role in transforming smallholder farming systems into more productive, resilient, and sustainable sources of food and livelihoods.

Constraints in Production and Marketing of Ginger in state of Telangana, India

Constraints in Production and Marketing of Ginger in state of Telangana, India

SOCIOPRENEUR IN DIGITAL MARKETING: EMPOWERING THE MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES) IN BOJONGPICUNG VILLAGES

The Indonesian economy is largely derived from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The MSME sector has a strategic role in the Indonesian economy because it is significant in contributing to the formation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) tend to not keep up with the development of digital technology, mainly due to a lack of knowledge about digital marketing. Therefore, the Postgraduate Muslim Student Association (HIMMPAS) of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia conducted training through social entrepreneurship activity in Bojongpicung Village and Jati Village, Cianjur Regency, West Java. This training aimed to provide insight to MSME practitioners by optimizing the potential of MSMEs through digital marketing to improve the economy of the local community in Bojongpicung Village and Jati Village, Bojongpicung District, Cianjur Regency, West Java. The MSME participants involved in this training totaled 11 people from various industries. This program applied direct training and mentoring methods. The discussion in this article aimed to identify constraints or problems experienced by the MSMEs and evaluate the participants' level of satisfaction with the implementation of the training activities. The results showed that MSME participants have constraints in product marketing, funding, and traditional production equipment. After being trained, MSME participants found several relevant solutions for the development of their MSME businesses through digital marketing. In addition, the material provided was in accordance with the needs of MSME participants. MSME participants also realized that they still need more similar training in the future.

Turmeric Cultivation in Erode District: An Analysis of Farmer Constraints

Turmeric farming is a key agricultural activity in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu, contributing significantly to the region's economy. However, farmers in this area face a myriad of constraints that hinder their productivity and economic stability. This study investigates the specific challenges encountered by turmeric growers, focusing on technical, economic, marketing, storage, and general constraints. In terms of production, consumption, and exports, India leads the world in turmeric usage. India is estimated to produce 11.7 lakh metric tonnes of turmeric in 2022–2023. Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal are the main states in India that produce turmeric. In Tamil Nadu, 96,000 metric tons of turmeric are grown around 20,000 hectares. An ex-post facto research design was employed, with Kodumudi Block selected due to its prominence in turmeric cultivation in Erode district. A proportionate random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from five villages: Vengampur, Punjai Kollanali, Unjalur, Kollathupalayam, and Kodumudi. The inclusion of an interview schedule as the data collection tool adds depth to the study, as it allows for a structured approach to gathering information directly from the respondents, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings. The data that were gathered was compiled and subjected to suitable statistical analysis like cumulative frequency method, percentage analysis and ranking method. The findings reveal that the most critical issues include high fluctuations in market prices, pest and disease outbreaks, inadequate storage facilities, and a lack of technical guidance. Economic challenges such as high input costs, difficulty in securing loans, and insufficient subsidies further exacerbate the situation. Marketing constraints, including poor transportation infrastructure and the absence of regulated markets, force farmers into distress sales. General issues like labor shortages and inadequate irrigation facilities add to the farmer burdens. To address these challenges, the study suggests implementing efficient irrigation systems, promoting integrated pest management (IPM) programs, establishing community-based storage facilities, and strengthening farmer cooperatives to enhance their bargaining power. Additionally, introducing government-backed procurement systems with minimum support prices (MSP) and improving access to financial services are recommended as the solutions. By tackling these constraints, the study aims to enhance the sustainability and profitability of turmeric farming in Erode District, ensuring a stable livelihood for the farmers.

Taking a Second Look at the Bait: Attention to Upside Potential Versus Downside Risk in Venture Capitalists’ Staged Investment

This study investigates how venture capitalists (VCs) balance upside potential and downside risk across investment stages. Drawing on the attention-based view, we propose a situated attention mechanism—that is, the investment stage represents a situational consideration affecting VC’s attention allocation to different risk dimensions. We argue that varying staging situations drive VCs to prioritize upside potential in the initial stage yet downside risk in the subsequent stage. As such, VCs may initially favor a risky project, but subsequently devalue it. We further propose that these effects are contingent on number of VCs on market, start-up maturity, and VC attention constraints. Our empirical results support our predictions.

Carbon pricing under electricity market constraints: analyzing rent management dynamics in the Republic of Korea

ABSTRACT How do policymakers manage the tension between enforcing a carbon price and ensuring low-cost electricity provision? This paper answers this question in two steps. First, it combines literature on electricity market design and rent management to arrive at a novel analytical framework. Carbon pricing can disrupt longstanding rent transfers between the state and electricity consumers by making it more expensive to produce and/or consume fossil fuel-based electricity. We theorize that policymakers respond to this dilemma by making incremental policy design adjustments to gradually enforce rent losses across the electricity production value chain. We apply this framework to study the implementation of the Korean emissions trading scheme (ETS) policy 2015–2022. Drawing on 20 expert interviews and policy documents we identify an initial sequence of policy design adjustments which enable, but also delay, the enforcement of the carbon price signal in the electricity system. This incremental and politically contentious process reduces the ETS policy’s ability to abate greenhouse gas emissions from the Korean electricity sector in the short term. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of carbon pricing in the electricity sector hinge on the parallel construction of supportive institutions to permit meaningful carbon cost pass-through.

Original Research Article Analyzing Price Behaviour and Constraints in Marketing of Small Onion in Tamil Nadu, India

This study examines market trends and seasonal patterns in small onion Markets in Tamil Nadu, while also investigating challenges faced by various stakeholders in the onion supply chain. The various analyses have made use of secondary data that has been gathered from different sources. The NHRDF office in Coimbatore, NHB website and AGMARKNET website are the sources of the monthly data on wholesale market prices and arrivals of small onions f markets of Dindigul, Chennai, Coimbatore and Idukki from 2014 to 2023. Primary data also obtained to fulfill the one of the research objectives by surveying the sample of respondents. Two districts were selected purposefully: Perambalur and Trichy districts, based on the top onion producing districts in Tamil Nadu. The sample size constitutes 180 respondents (80 farmers, 40 retailers, 20 wholesalers and 40 consumers) were randomly interviewed with help of pre structured interview schedule. Trend analysis revealed increasing price trends across all markets, with Idukki experiencing the highest rate of increase. Seasonal index analysis indicated that prices in Tamil Nadu markets are influenced by arrivals, with lower prices during peak arrival periods., while Idukki market in Kerala prices less influenced by arrivals. Farmers struggle primarily with high labor costs (78%) and high cost of fertilizers pesticides and machineries (68.7%), while consumers face problems with price fluctuations (68.8%) and quality concerns (68.6%), retailers face problems with lack of storage facilities (76.27%) and absence of facilities for grading (64.85%), and wholesalers struggle with financial risks (79.2%). The study's findings will aid policymakers to focus on improving market infrastructure, regulating intermediaries, and supporting farmers in managing costs. Leveraging existing labor schemes could help alleviate workforce shortages. Furthermore, customers would gain from initiatives to maintain price stability and raise quality standards.

Clients’ Perceptions of Authentic Intimate Connection on Erotic Webcam Modeling Sites

ABSTRACT While early uses of technology in the sex industry centered on increasing accessibility to pornography or expanding advertising opportunities for direct service sex workers, the growing prevalence of personalized, platform-based sexual technologies reflects the postindustrial paradigm of sexual labor in which “authentic” emotional and physical connection is increasingly prioritized. In this study, we explored how erotic webcam modeling platforms (e.g. LiveJasmin) exemplify “bounded authenticity” by offering clients an experience of “genuine” intimacy that is nevertheless constrained by both its transactional nature and technological reality. We conducted a web-based survey of LiveJasmin clients (N = 2,047) in 2020. We assessed participants’ perceptions of the authenticity of their emotional bonds with models – and the boundaries that potentially constrain these relationships – via quantitative and qualitative measures. Quantitative results revealed that 65% of participants reported having ever experienced an emotional bond with a model, with over half of participants (51.6%) reporting that they believed the models cared about their lives outside the platform. Providing nuance to these findings, qualitative results illustrated the ways in which participants’ perceptions of the emotional authenticity and boundaries of these relationships varied, with participants reporting a range of experiences that extended from perceived “real” connections to those that feel transactional and hollow, but nevertheless shaped by the platform. Our findings ultimately underscore how camsite clients’ perceptions of these relationships mirror the tension between desiring genuine feelings of emotional intimacy from the models and the market and technological constraints of these experiences.