Influencing Market Participation Research Articles

Analysis of factors influencing market participation among orange‐fleshed sweet potato smallholder farmers in southern region of Malawi: A case of RTC project

AbstractAgricultural markets remain major issue downgrading root and tuber crop farmers who form the mainstream of the agricultural producers in Malawi. Recent evidence however reveals that orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomea batatas) is currently being sold in produce markets along with the non‐orange varieties, sometimes in differentiated form in Malawi. The main objective of this study was to examine factors affecting market participation of sweet potato farmers in southern region of Malawi. Using a double‐hurdle model, this paper analyzed both the factors affecting farmer decision to participate and the extent/intensity of participation in market. The first tier of the double hurdle focused on decision to participate in the market using probit model and the second tier addressed factors affecting intensity of participation using truncated normal regression model. The paper used data collected from 360 farmers in southern districts of Malawi. Out of 360, 146 farmers had grown OFSP in the season preceding the survey. Double hurdle results indicate that farm size, output, age of a farmer (household head), and early maturing trait significantly determined decision to participate in the market. Further, results on intensity of participation indicate that access to market training, farm size, asset value, and output positively determined the intensity and negatively determined by distance to main market and gender of a farmer (household head). Based on the research findings, higher output levels and early maturing trait were found to increase smallholder farmer market participation. It is therefore recommended that strategies aimed at increasing household capacity to produce surplus produce through market tailored extension messages and productivity enhancement technologies could be highly effective in fostering smallholders' participation in commercial markets. Again, enhanced capacity building of research institutions to breed sweet potato varieties based on market demand is pivotal for increased market participation. Furthermore, research suggests that improving smallholder farmers' access to market price information, asset value, and farm size can help increase their intensity in the market. Therefore, it is critical for policymakers to holistically comprehend these socioeconomic factors in order to address the issue of smallholder farm households' decisions about market participation and the degree to which they participate.

Analysis of influencing factors and their inner mechanism of the market participation in the smart community construction of China

Market participation promotion is vital to ensure the efficacy of smart community construction and sustainable advancement. Previous studies focused on smart community construction but ignored analyzing market participation affecting factors in smart community construction and their inner mechanism, rendering the promotion of market participation challenging. This study aimed to get a clear structure of the influencing factors of smart community construction by developing a comprehensive analytical framework. Initially, systematic literature review (SLR) and grounded theory (GT) were employed to identify a comprehensive list of nine crucial influencing factors. Subsequently, the expert interview (EI) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) were utilized to establish a four-level model for factors influencing market participation. Finally, a strategic framework comprising 17 specific strategies, aimed at addressing key influencing factors, was proposed from the stakeholders' perspective. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that influence market participation and shed light on the inner relationships among these factors, thereby enriching the knowledge system of smart community construction. Furthermore, this study provides practical insights for stakeholders to effectively foster market engagement in smart community development.

Does shifting from subsistence to commercial farming improve household nutrition and poverty? evidence from Malawi, Tanzania and Nigeria

The current study sought to assess the effect of smallholder crop commercialization on household nutrition security and poverty status. Recent government efforts have gone beyond investing in agricultural production, thereby establishing markets for smallholder farmers in order to commercialize the agricultural sector. As such, developing countries like Malawi, Tanzania, and Nigeria are slowly transitioning to a market economy in order to improve the livelihoods of their people. To that effect, the study used country-wide representative data from Malawi, Tanzania, and Nigeria collected under the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Surveys (LSMS) and employed an instrumented-censored (probit and tobit) model to solve for endogeneity bias. The results show that poverty and nutrition insecurity were higher among subsistence farmers, emphasizing the need for a shift towards commercialization of the country's agricultural sector. Furthermore, farmer social and institutional context significantly influenced market participation. The study hence recommends a tailor-made extension delivery system, cutting across gender divides and other social barriers among smallholder farm households, in order to improve crop production among subsistence farmers, ensure household food security, and increase income from the sale of surplus crop output.

Return and volatility transmission among economic policy uncertainty, geopolitical risk and precious metals

Purpose This paper aims to examine the return and volatility transmission among economic policy uncertainty (EPU), geopolitical risk (GPR), their interaction (EPGR) and five tradable precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium. Design/methodology/approach Applying time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) frequency-based connectedness approach to a data set spanning from January 1997 to February 2023, the study analyzes return and volatility connectedness separately, providing insights into how the data, in return and volatility forms, differ across time and frequency. Findings The results of the return connectedness show that gold, palladium and silver are affected more by EPU in the short term, while all precious metals are influenced by GPR in the short term. EPGR exhibits strong contributions to the system due to its elevated levels of policy uncertainty and extreme global risks. Palladium shows the highest reaction to EPGR, while silver shows the lowest. Return spillovers are generally time-varying and spike during critical global events. The volatility connectedness is long-term driven, suggesting that uncertainty and risk factors influence market participants’ long-term expectations. Notable peaks in total connectedness occurred during the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, with the latter being the highest. Originality/value Using the recently updated news-based uncertainty indicators, the study examines the time and frequency connectedness between key uncertainty measures and precious metals in their returns and volatility forms using the TVP-VAR frequency-based connectedness approach.

A MULTIVARIATE LOGISTIC ANALYSIS ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE MARKET PARTICIPATION OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS GOAT FARMERS IN MAKUYA VILLAGE OF THE HAMAKUYA COMMUNITY, MUTALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Livestock farming, particularly indigenous goat farming, is essential for rural economies, providing food and income. The demand for goat products is growing, encompassing meat, milk, fibres, and skins. Nevertheless, there's limited participation by farmers in formal markets, with most transactions happening privately. The study examined 45 smallholder indigenous goat farmers in Makuya Village, located in the Mutale Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a multivariate logistic model to explore factors influencing market participation. The findings highlighted the diverse community, with a notable presence of male smallholder goat farmers. Several factors affecting market participation were identified, including the age of the farmer, the number of goats owned, distance to the market, and the source of agricultural information. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting sustainable goat farming and enhanced market engagement in rural areas.

Effect of market participation on the food and nutrition security status of the rural smallholder farmers: the case of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa

IntroductionHunger and malnutrition remain serious issues in developing countries, particularly in rural regions. Increased market participation of smallholder farmers can result in improved livelihood and nutrition outcomes. However, smallholder farmers encounter several obstacles that hinder their ability to participate in the market. As a result, the objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence market participation and its impact on household nutrition security.MethodsThe study relied on secondary data gathered from a sample size of 1,520 people. About 389 of smallholder farmers participated in the market.Results and DiscussionThe results from Food Consumption Score (FSC) cut-off points showed that in the overall sample households, 54% were within the acceptable food consumption diets (>35), while 30 and 16% were in the borderline (21.5–35) and poor diets (0–21), respectively. According to the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) findings, 57% of smallholder farmers in the total population sample consumed highly diverse diets (consisting of at least six food groups), while 25 and 18% of smallholder farmers consumed diets with medium dietary diversity (consisting of 4–5 food groups) and low dietary diversity (consisting of at most three food groups), respectively. The results from marginal analysis showed that gender of household head, receiving social grants and higher wealth index had a positive impact on market participation. The results from Poisson endogenous treatment effect model showed that household size, ownership of livestock, social grant, wealth index, access to market information, and involvement in crop production had a positive and statistically significant impact on household nutrition security. On the other hand, agricultural assistance showed a negative and significant impact on household nutrition security.Conclusion and RecommendationsIt can be concluded that an improvement in agricultural assistance can improve the household nutrition security status. The improvement of agricultural assistance is more associated with improvement of extension services, which can lead to more production of diverse crops and more market participation. Health extension workers need to do more nutrition programs and workshops in rural areas. These programs and workshops will be intended on providing nutrition education, which will create awareness to smallholder farmers on diverse and balanced food items they should produce, sell, and consume.

Effect of uptake of improved seed potato and donor‐funded training on smallholder farmers’ market participation

AbstractEnhancing the productivity of crops through the adoption and uptake of technologies improves farmers' socioeconomic status through increased market participation. However, smallholder farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) face a myriad of challenges that make it difficult for them to access and participate in the output markets. Like most SSA countries, the uptake of improved technologies is still low in Malawi. This study examines the relationship between the uptake of improved potato seed and donor‐funded training on market participation. Using secondary data from 393 potato farmers in Malawi, the study applied a triple‐hurdle model to examine the extent to which such interventions and other socioeconomic and institutional factors influence market participation. The results showed that male‐headed farm households, more experienced farmers, and those who participated in International Potato Center (CIP)‐led training were likely to market their potato output. Further, farmers closer to urban centers, those with off‐farm income, those who had participated in potato training, use of improved potato seed, and quantity of output positively influenced the decision to sell in high‐value markets such as supermarkets. On the other hand, land size, ownership of transport equipment, group membership, and access to credit had positive effects on the amount of potatoes sold, while the distance to the markets reduced the quantity sold. Based on these findings, there is a need to set up a seed system within the local communities where farmers can easily access the seeds. Additionally, there is a need for a collaborative effort between public and private sector stakeholders to invest in the production of improved potato seeds that would help to address the shortfall in supply. Finally, institutional support interventions that utilize farmer groups as a key entry point in sustaining training on improved potato seed, relaxing credit constraints, and promoting diversification into off‐farm enterprises would enhance potato production and marketing.

Factors Influencing Production and Market Participation among Smallholder Tomato Growers in Makhuduthamaga Municipality, Greater Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economic sector in Limpopo province in terms of its contribution to the economy, and the number of employment opportunities it produces within local communities. The majority of people involved in agricultural practices are emerging farmers and smallholder/small scale farmers. The aim of the study was to determine and profile factors influencing production and market participation among smallholder tomato growers in Madibong and Manganeng Villages, Makhuduthamaga Municipality in Greater Sekhukhune District, South Africa. A purposive sampling technique integrated with a random sampling technique were used to collect primary data from 100 smallholder tomato farmers using structured questionnaires. The Multiple Linear Regression and the Logistic Regression models were used to analyse the socio-economic factors that influence tomato production and market participation among smallholder tomato farmers in the study area. The results of the study revealed that extension access, fertiliser application, marital status, income from production and use of agricultural equipment positively influence tomato production. While, the educational level, gender of the farmer, farming experience, marital status and farm size positively influence market participation, market distance negatively influences market participation among smallholder tomato farmers. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that there should be a comprehensive producer support programme that focuses primarily on subsidising smallholder farmers when purchasing production inputs.

Analysis of the Market Participation and Consumption of Vigna unguiculata in Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria


 This study was carried out to analyse the market participation and consumption of Vigna unguiculata in Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 300 households in 4 Local Government Areas of the State using multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and double-hurdle regression model. Age of household head, sex of household head, marital status, years of household head education and primary occupation of household head influenced market participation while years of education, total expenditure, price of cowpea and its attributes such as weevil damage tolerance and presence of foreign particles influenced consumption of cowpea. This study recommends that for consumers to participate in the market and consumption of cowpea, then research and breeding institutes should endeavor to develop cowpeas with the required qualities; and that policy makers should target policies that are pricing-related through subsidization.

Analysing the Factors that Influence Market Participation among Avocado Producers in Kaffa Zone of South-Western Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Market participation by smallholder farmers is crucial for livelihood improvement in developing countries. Even though it is the source of currency, the fruit market has not been given attention. Therefore, this study intended to identify factors influencing avocado producers’ market participation decisions and volume of market participation in the Kaffa zone, Ethiopia. Gimbo and Chena districts were selected purposefully with a multi-stage sampling method on the bases of production potential. Data for this study were collected from 384 households from six representative Kebeles with the Cochran formula. Both primary and secondary data were employed. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and the double hurdle econometric model were employed for analysis. The descriptive statistics showed that out of 384 households (236 participants and 148 were non-participants), 89.19% were male avocado market participants and 76.69% were male avocado non-market participants. The econometric model results confirmed that market participation decisions (hurdle 1) of producers were significantly influenced by sex, market experience, education level, and family size. The intensity of avocado market participation (hurdle 2) is significantly affected by the market experience, access to credit services, extension contact, family size, and off-farm income. Understanding the factors of both avocado market participation decisions and level of participation helps policymakers to re-adjust their policies both at the regional and federal government levels. Then, this study recommends that governments need to exploit more effort into market-oriented production to enhance the productivity of avocados. Credit providers also must strengthen. Additionally, modern production technologies must be taken into consideration to increase the avocado quantity produced.

Implications of Female Farmer Knowledge and Participation in Bangladesh: Entrepreneurial Propensity and Income Enhancement

The study hypothesizes that female farmer participation in the local knowledge training provides corn farmers an advantage over non-participants. We planned on determining the amount of influence market participation had on female corn farmers along with entrepreneurial propensity among them and whether there was any change in income or standard of living among them. 600 female corn farmers were sampled in Bangladesh through a multi-stage sampling technique. Mean, standard deviation, and independent-sample t-test were used for data analysis. The findings showed that female participation in training classes gave them an advantage, entrepreneurial propensity (p<0.01), and improved standard of living/income enhancement (p<0.01). There is a continual need to strengthen female farmer participation through improved training for better outcome and economic growth.

“Tree to fight hunger”: determinant of enset market participation and intensity of participation: the case of Southwest Ethiopia

Kaffa, Sheka, and Bench sheko Zone in the Southwest region of Ethiopia are known for enset farming. The objective of this study was to identify factors constraining market participation of enset producers and marketed surplus. Data were obtained from a sample of 657 enset producers. Heckman's two-stage model was used to identify the determinants of enset products market participation and marketed surplus. Heckman's two-stage selection model results showed that family size, level of education, farming experience, land allocation, livestock ownership, and access to training had significantly influenced market participation decision while family size, level of education, farming experience, livestock ownership, access to transport, quantity enset produced, off-farm income and inverse Mill's ratio (LAMBDA) influenced significantly the extent of marketed surplus. Based on the findings of the study, we suggest that the government and concerned stakeholders should focus on promoting improved enset variety, encouraging the use of labor-saving technology, strengthening the existing social services, promoting farmers' cooperatives, empowering women, improving market linkage, and competitive market should be created.

The Role of Sensory Perception in Consumer Demand for Tinned Meat: A Contingent Valuation Study.

This study presents an analysis of consumer preferences for a new food product: Tinned Chianina meat. Respondents (N = 249) participated in a sensory test, where they were also asked to declare their willingness to pay (WTP) for the tasted product. The WTP data were collected after the sensory test by means of the contingent valuation method using a payment card elicitation format. Data were analysed with Cragg’s double-hurdle model to understand which factors influenced market participation (WTP > 0) and then the variables that influenced the declared WTP. According to our results, sensory perception played a key role in explaining both participation in the market and the magnitude of the expressed WTP. Moreover, we found that the sensory aspects have a different effect on the decision to participate in the market and on the magnitude of the expressed WTP. Smell and flavour are the most important in determining the probability of entering the market, while texture has the greatest impact on the declared WTP.

Key factors for increasing farmer participation in markets: evidence from the Malian dairy sector

Substantial growth in Malian milk supply is necessary to meet rising demand for dairy products while also improving the livelihoods of milk producers and strengthening the competitiveness of the Malian dairy sector against imports. We applied a Cragg two-tiered model to a nationally representative dataset of dairy farming households to examine factors influencing market participation decisions. Four key findings and corresponding policy implications emerged. Firstly, dairy herd size was positively associated with market entry and milk sales. Improving the dissemination of higher-yielding improved breeds, to which less than 10% of households had access, should result in an increase in milk supply. Secondly, herd access to water, feed, and veterinary care also had the positive effect of increased milk supply, highlighting the importance of increased investment in animal health and nutrition. Thirdly, female-headed households were more likely to enter milk markets and they sold greater volumes than male-headed households. Because women typically face inequitable access to productive resources, gender-responsive policies and programs in the dairy sector should help to stimulate milk supply. Fourthly, an increase in milk price was associated with an increase in milk sales. This provides evidence that Malian milk producers are responsive to price incentives, while underlining the importance of incorporating dairy products into existing market information systems.

Factors that influence market participation among traditional beef cattle farmers in the Meatu District of Simiyu Region, Tanzania.

Market participation among beef cattle farmers is key to ensuring better income, food security, and sustainable beef supply. Farmers in the traditional beef cattle sector, nevertheless, are well known for their low market participation. This study, thus, sought to examine factors that influenced market participation among beef cattle farmers in the Meatu district of Simiyu region, Tanzania. The study randomly selected a sample size of 393 farmers. The cross-sectional data collected through interviews and questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. The descriptive analyses showed that the average age of the interviewees was 53.73 years with a family size of 13.11. On average, the respondents had about 24.14 years of farming experience. Most of the respondents (67.9%) had primary education. Among the respondents, about 61.3%, 4.6%, and 32.6% had access to market information, farm credits, and veterinary services, respectively. The average cattle herd size was 53.46 heads. About 90.1% of farmers had participated in the markets by selling an average of 5 heads each, per year. This study has revealed low volume of sales, low education levels, and poor access to credits and veterinary services as the major factors that limit market participation. Furthermore, econometric results show that the key factors that significantly influenced farmers to increase the volume of beef cattle sales in the market at P < 0.05 included price, herd size, off-farm income, distance to market, age of the farmer, and cattle fattening. Moreover, membership in cooperatives, access to market information, and farming experience also had significant influence at P < 0.05. This study recommends establishment of strategic cooperatives to function not only as a communication channel for farm credits, price, market information, and training on commercial farming, but also to assist farmers in selection of profitable markets.

Potato Market Participation and Its Extents Evidence from Southwest Ethiopia: A Double Hurdle Approach

Potato is an important commodity for livelihood in many parts of Ethiopia. Potato producers in Ethiopia face sophisticated marketing challenges, including inadequate access to market and low amount of marketed surpluses due to subsistence-oriented production of potato. The study aimed to identify factors that determine the market participation and its extents. About 136 potato producers were selected randomly from peasant association found in Dedo Districts of Ethiopia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary sources. Descriptive and econometric methods of data analysis were used to analyze data from the survey. A double hurdle model was applied to investigate factors affecting market participation and its extents. Results of descriptive statistics revealed that out of the total sample producer, 87.5 % of sample household has participated in the potato market. Age, sex, education, land size allocated for potato, and non-farm income were significantly influencing potato market participation. Age, sex, education (years of schooling), non-farm income, active labor and land allocated for potato influenced smallholder farmers level of market participation.

Shortage of pulses in India: understanding how markets incentivize supply response

PurposeThis paper aims to understand the significant farm and market-level factors that incentivize the adoption and marketing of pulses influencing its supply response to changing demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first use a modified Nerlovian supply response model using secondary data to identify the major price and non-price factors influencing the supply of pigeon pea, black and green gram in the major pulses growing states in India. Second, using primary qualitative data the authors map the pulses value chain from farm to retail to identify the how proportional and fixed transaction costs (FCTs) influence market participation of pulses growers and limit the transmission of price and quality information.FindingsThe supply response model shows some positive influence of price on area allocation for pigeon pea and black gram and some negative effects of yield and price increase of competing crops on pigeon pea acreage. However, for the most part, the area of Kharif pulses is inelastic to prices in the long run. Irrigation, rainfall and yields in the lag year are shown to have a significant influence on area allocation for pulses. The market study reveals that low yields, low landholding size and geographical disadvantages of high agro-climatic risk and poor connectivity hinder market access of pulses farmers relative to other crops. Market power in favor of buyers and poor price and quality information is a disadvantage to sellers, influencing their ability to participate in markets.Research limitations/implicationsA quantitative study would be required to identify the magnitude of farm and market-level transaction costs.Originality/valueThis study helps to understand the supply response of pulses and gives suggestions to direct policy to rectify this.

Factors Influencing Market Participation among Food Crop farmers in Oyo State: A Double Hurdle Approach

Factors Influencing Market Participation among Food Crop farmers in Oyo State: A Double Hurdle Approach

U.S. unconventional monetary policy and risk tolerance in major currency markets

This paper studies the effects of U.S. unconventional monetary policy announcements on the implied volatility of three major currency pairs, Dollar/Euro, Dollar/British Pound and Dollar/Yen by using panel data analysis along with several model specifications and robustness tests. Monetary policy announcements not only have an effect on the realized behavior of asset prices, but also influence market participants’ expectations regarding future volatility. Our empirical findings show that Federal Reserve’s unconventional monetary policy announcements significantly reduce the market expectations about future realized volatility of exchange rates, suggesting that lax monetary policy leads to elevated risk-tolerance in currency markets. Furthermore, our findings indicate that market participants’ expectations respond differently to the different rounds of U.S. quantitative easing.

Factors Affecting Chickpea Market Chain: The Case of Dembia District, North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Chickpea is the 4th largest foreign currency earning crop of Ethiopia following coffee, sesame and haricot bean and the major cash crop grown in the study area mainly for market. This study was aimed to examine analysis of chickpea market chain in Dembia district. For analysis both primary and secondary data were employed. The primary data were collected from 150 chickpea producers and 30 traders by individual interview schedule based on two stage random sampling. Heckman two-stage model was used to identify factors affecting market participation and volume of sale of chickpea. As the result indicates, the age of household head and non-farm income have affected market participation decision and volume of sale negatively and significantly while education level of the household head, access to market information, farming experience, land allocated to chickpea and lagged market price have been influenced market participation and volume of supply of chickpea positively and significantly. Based on the findings, the government and other policy makers have to increase marketing information and ability of chickpea farmers through opportunities like mass media, extension service, and other means of capacity building. Keywords : Heckman Two-step model, Market Participation, Volume of Sale of Chickpea, and Dembia, Ethiopia. DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/66-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020