Labor Availability Research Articles

Factors influencing adoption of organic matter management on smallholder farms in the Rwenzori region of Uganda

Context specific studies on the factors influencing the adoption of organic matter management (OMM) practices on smallholder farms could be crucial for soil fertility improvement. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the adoption of OMM practices by smallholder farmers. A hybridized theoretical framework was used to map the farmers’ adoption process. This framework states: the adoption process of OMM practices can be facilitated if an individual’s characteristics and the institutional-related factors can support it; information about the OMM practices and the required inputs are available, and he/she can apply the required technology with ease. Data collection involved observations on 100 smallholder farms, interviews with 10 smallholder farmers and 18 experts, as well as two focus group discussions with 10 farmers each. The results indicated that a composite of technical, social, cultural, and economic-driven factors influence farmer adoption of OMM strategies. These factors included the farmer characteristics of age, education status, gender, culture, and knowledge about the use and application of an OMM practice; availability of labor and inputs; availability of appropriate equipment; the existence of supportive policy framework and social support. The factors cut across the adoption components of the hybridized theoretical framework: nature of technology, farmer characteristics, and input-related, information transfer-related and institutional-related adoption factors. The study findings can inform decision-makers to make investment decisions. Future studies should assess the feasibility of the hybridized theoretical framework before experts can apply it in devising strategies for the adoption of OMM practices on smallholder farms.

ANALYSIS OF INCOME INEQUALITY AMONG DRY AND WET SEASON FARO-44 RICE FARMERS BENEFICIARIES OF FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II PROJECT IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to examine income inequality among dry and wet season faro-44 rice farmer beneficiaries of fadama III additional finance II project in Taraba State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 500 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages) and inferential statistics (Gini coefficient). The findings of the study revealed a gini coefficient of 0.71 for dry season farmers indicating 71% inequality in the size of income distribution among dry season faro-44 dry season farmers. The Lorenz curve shows the degree of departure of the curve from the diagonal line shows the extent of the deviation of distribution from equality. There is hence inequality in income distribution among the farmers. The result also shows that most (86%) of the respondents had income range of ₦50,001- ₦100,000 with cumulative income of ₦95,531.56 per farmer representing a gini coefficient of 0.65 for farmers. This indicated a 65% inequality in the size of income distribution among wet season faro-44 farmers. The degree of departure of the curve from the diagonal line shows the extent of the deviation of distribution from equality. From the analysis of both dry and wet season, the study concluded that there is very high-income inequality among faro-44 rice farmers in the study area due to difference in off-farmer income, labour availability, farm size and production technologies adopted by farmers. The study recommended that faro-44 rice farmers in the study area should be encouraged to diversify their income sources beyond farming activities, credit facilities and savings mechanisms should be promoted among farmers. Training and support should be provided to farmers on improved agricultural techniques that can increase productivity and reduce the impact of seasonal variations. And there should be better market linkages for Faro-44 rice farmers to ensure they receive fair prices for their produce.

Economy of production: A theory of household labor organization and material reuse

AbstractHousehold economic studies of preindustrial societies have overlooked one very specific and common material aspect: thrift. This article introduces a theory of economic production for household analysis that focuses on the economic use of materials, space, and labor. This framework is especially integral to understanding emergence of hierarchies. In emerging hierarchies, craft production at the household level can play a key part in the accumulation of power because the scale and type of craft production are moderated by the availability and abundance of material, space, and labor. Control of craft production can mean control of material, space, and labor, and thrifty control can increase production; this is key to emerging economies, particularly those located in a frontier area. Because women are often most associated with household labor, examining cultural definitions of thrift and waste provides a more complete understanding of household gender relations and reframes the importance of women's labor. Using an example from a 14th‐century Mississippian frontier site in Virginia, I show that women engaged in craft production and that by using materials, space, and labor economically, they increased their power over time. An economy of production theoretical perspective highlights a significant factor, thrift, in household organization and agency.

Impact of COVID-19 on production decisions of marginal, small and medium farmers: empirical evidence from South India

PurposeThis study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural production in South India by evaluating the influence of market channels and socioeconomic conditions on the production decisions of farmers during two key cropping seasons. We base our analysis on primary data from 200 marginal, small and medium farmers, primarily focusing on the key seasonal crops, namely paddy and black gram.Design/methodology/approachWe studied the downstream supply chains of paddy and black gram crops in the district of Villupuram, situated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Using a Bi-Probit model, we analyzed the production decisions of marginal, small and medium farmers engaged in paddy and black gram cultivation. Various factors are considered, including farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, gender, market channels accessed and the coping strategies employed.FindingsAfter the easing of lockdown measures in June 2020, our research revealed substantial disruptions in agricultural production during the critical Kharif and Rabi seasons. Most farmers refrained from returning to their fields during the Kharif season; those who did produced millet as the main crop. Factors such as choice of market channels in previous seasons, economic status, access to all-weather roads, labor availability, gender and coping strategies played an important role in the return to production in the subsequent Kharif and Rabi seasons.Research limitations/implicationsOur data revealed several interesting threads related to price volatility, irrigation and access to markets and their impact on food security. The role of intermediaries and market channels in providing liquidity emerges as an important aspect of farmers' choice of markets. The pandemic impacted all these factors, but a detailed analysis was beyond the scope of this study.Social implicationsWe also find that resilience to economic shocks varies not only by economic status but also by gender and social groups. Farmers with female members are more likely to be resilient, and marginal and small farmers primarily belong to social groups that are economically less developed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on factors influencing farmer choice and decision-making and provides nuances to discussions by analyzing crop-specific supply chains, highlighting the critical role of socioeconomic factors. It also highlights the role of demographics and infrastructural factors like access to all-weather roads and access to markets that influence farmers’ production decisions.

ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF SUGAR PRODUCTION AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA WITHIN THE TRIPARTITE FREE TRADE AREA

Background: The economic performance of any sector is measured by the level of its competitiveness against its competitors. The South African sugar industry, as a member of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), faces stiff competition and is therefore challenged to improve its production and export performance to survive and dominate in the market in the long term. Aim: This study aimed to assess the competitiveness of the South African sugarcane industry by looking at the economic drivers of sugar production and export. Methods: The study employed Michael Porter`s Diamond Model to assess the competitiveness of the South African sugarcane industry, using primary data collected from a total of 123 sugarcane farmers and 100 key stakeholders. A 7-point Likert scale was applied to indicate the degree to which each of the determining factors is perceived to affect the performance and resulting competitiveness of the sugar industry. Results: The findings revealed that the major constraints experienced by respondents are the availability of skilled labour; cost of doing business; level of infrastructure development; cost of infrastructure; water availability; climatic conditions; rainfall patterns; availability of financial services; access to credit; crime; and HIV/AIDS. In terms of exports, tariffs were found to be the major constraint along with some of the aforementioned factors. Several factors that are experienced as having a positive effect on competitive success also emerged. These include product design; packaging; labelling and pricing; manager’s willingness to export; level of education and training; length of time in the business; experience; and language.

Impact of COVID-19 on agri-food systems: An assessment of actors along the food value chain in Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria and Mali

Food security in Africa was impacted as a result of supply chain disruptions and government lockdowns brought on by the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With participation from important actors in the agricultural value chain, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) assessed the effect of COVID-19 on agri-food system in Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. Farmers, agro-processors, private service providers, off-takers and merchants, input dealers, and Ministry of Agriculture Extension service personnel are among the value chain actors that took part in the study. The survey, which was held from April 13 to April 16, 2020, used semi-structured tools and questionnaires aimed at the different stakeholders. The study used a cluster sample technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, which included frequency counts, percentages, rank correlation, and categorical regression. Based on the severity of the lockdowns associated to COVID-19, the survey found that the outcomes differed by country. The analysis shows a negative association between e-extension and education during the COVID-19 epidemic, but a high and positive correlation (p < 0.01) between extension services and postharvest services, as well as credit availability. Factors such as transportation, labor availability, price fluctuations, output market activity, loan availability, and food and nutrition security were significantly and positively correlated with COVID-19 awareness. Additionally, the respondents indicated that price changes were favourably correlated with labour availability and transportation, and that farming activities were significantly and positively correlated with food and nutrition security, labour availability, and the output market. According to the perspective data collected in every country during the COVID-19 epidemic, postharvest services, agricultural input activities, and food and nutrition security all heavily relied on extension services, with postharvest services having a negative correlation with extension services. The results of the analysis show that COVID-19 impacted several variables that are associated with extension services across the four countries. For instance, the R2 value of the relationship between value chain variables and extension service delivery across Mali (0.485), Nigeria (0.621), Ethiopia (0.426), Uganda (0.529), and the combined countries (0.511) indicates that the variation of the dependent variables can account for 48.5% of the variation in the values of the independent variable (extension service delivery) in Mali, 62.1% in Nigeria, 42.6% in Ethiopia, 52.9% in Uganda, and 51.1% in the combined countries. Farmers' access to agricultural labour, credit services, inputs for agriculture, and output markets was restricted by the ban on travel and social gatherings. Smallholder farmers should employ digital solutions more to strengthen the agricultural value chain's actors' resilience against potential pandemics or conflicts, according to the study's implications for extension services. This will reduce the requirement for extensive personal touch and travel in the delivery of extension services. The study also highlights how crucial it is for extension services to show tangible outcomes and benefits in order to increase farming communities' and value chain actors' resilience in any difficult circumstances. Key words: COVID-19, food systems, extension services, value chain actors, output markets

Strategic insights in manufacturing site selection: a multi-method approach using factor rating, analytic hierarchy process, and best worst method

The current study focuses on selecting the most suitable site location for a manufacturing industry using the Factor Rating Method (FRM). The study considers six key factors: Raw Materials Availability, Location, Availability of Labor, Transport, Availability of Utilities, and Environmental Impact. The FRM assign weights to each factor based on their relative importance. The results indicate that Raw Materials Availability holds the highest weight, suggesting its critical influence on site selection decisions. Subsequently, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Best Worst Method (BWM) are utilized to prioritize three available location alternatives through pairwise criteria comparisons. The analysis reveals that Location C emerges as the most favorable option, effectively meeting the manufacturing industry’s requirements. The successful application of these methods demonstrates their value in aiding decision-making processes related to site location selection. By considering multiple factors and utilizing structured methodologies, organizations can make informed choices aligned with their specific needs and goals. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into effective site selection strategies for the manufacturing industry. Further research opportunities exist in incorporating additional factors, addressing real-world constraints, and conducting sensitivity analyses to enhance the accuracy and applicability of site location decision-making.

The influence of farm resources and management decisions on the severity of Striga infestation and maize productivity in western Kenya

AbstractThe control of Striga is of critical importance for smallholder farmers cultivating maize and other cereals in the western region of Kenya. Therefore, advanced knowledge and analysis is needed to understand farmers' resource endowment and decision making with regards to crop management, and the possible effect on Striga infestation and crop productivity. The overall objective of the study was to understand the role of resource endowment and allocation decisions on Striga infestation and maize productivity and offer effective and locally adapted options in western Kenya. The study used semi‐structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and resource flow mapping to identify farm resources and key management decisions that are critical in management of Striga on smallholder farms. Soil was sampled from fields of selected farms and taken to the laboratory for analysis including Striga seed counts. In the fields, Striga shoots counts, and maize yield were recorded. Socio‐economic variables such as land size, household income, labour availability, were used to construct a farm typology and assign farmers to different resource groups (RGs). Our results showed that household diversity leads to different land‐use patterns, resource‐use intensity and agricultural management practices which affect soil fertility and Striga infestation. Poor‐resourced farmers tend to be associated with poor crop and soil management which results in maize fields with low soil fertility and high level of Striga infestation. Soil organic carbon showed a strong negative association with Striga infestation. Improving soil fertility is, therefore, the central component of any integrated and sustainable Striga management approaches, and technological solutions to address Striga and soil fertility issues, and they must be tailored to the farm and field diversity. The inclusion of legumes is highly recommended either as rotation or intercropping depending on land availability. Where possible, farmers may use mulch from previous crop residues to suppress weed emergence and prevent flowering and seed setting. Hand weeding though tiresome, remains a low‐cost effective method to control Striga especially in areas where fields are small as in western Kenya.

Farmers’ Adoption of Finger Millet Production Technologies and the Impact on Finger Millet Yields

Low remuneration and poor adoption of Finger millet [Eleusine coracana] production technologies were major constraints in yield gap in finger millet. Therefore, evaluation of production potential, adoption, economic and other benefits of the technologies in social perspectives of the farmers was undertaken. The study was conducted in two districts of Karnataka, India where the frontline demonstrations programme organized during the five years from 2017-18 to 2021-22 in 200 farmers’ fields. The knowledge, adoption and impact were measured by following before and after method, and data was collected through survey, focussed group discussion and personal interview methods. The demonstrated technologies resulted into increase in Knowledge over pre demo in use of high yielding variety (85%) followed by use of nitrogen (Urea) (62%), seed treatment (62%), use of FYM (56 %). Increase in adoption over pre demo was found in use of high yielding variety 82 % followed by use of nitrogen (62%), seed treatment (55%), use of FYM (48%). The higher adoption of the demonstrated technologies (71%) by the farmers in Karnataka led to higher grains production (33%) with better quality (65%) and fodder yield by 38% over pre-FLD stage. The increased yields not only enabled them to obtain higher net returns (55%) and incremental increase of benefit-cost ratio (25%) but also motivated to increase in area under finger millet (20%) significantly than the pre-FLD stage. Whereas, very low increase in cost of production (10%) over the pre-FLD stage was observed. Age, education, family size, annual income, institutional support, extension contact, herd size, and utility of grain and fodder were found to be significant in explaining the variation in their adoption level of demonstrated finger millet production technologies. Among the constraints, availability of labour, wild animals (deer and wild boar) and availability of seed are the major production constraints and price fluctuation, limited quantity purchases by government, delay in payment by government, and high commission from APMC are the major market constraints. To boost-up the adoption, large family size of the farmers, their dependency on farming and continuing newly selected farmers with field demonstration of location-specific low-cost technologies up to five years should be considered.

Mengembangkan Ide Kreatif Penjualan Produk Purun Melalui Digital Marketing

One of the businesses that is affected by changes in times and technology is purun crafts . Based on observations, it shows that the biggest problem with the existence of this business is the inability to access the market in a sustainable manner. On the other hand, there is a limited amount of raw materials taken directly from nature in swamp areas that have been converted into housing, and a limited number of craftsmen. Other problems are related to the availability of skilled labor, product durability and the involvement of creativity in producing the product.

АНАЛІЗ ПЕРСПЕКТИВ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ З ІНОЗЕМНИМИ ІНВЕСТИЦІЯМИ В УКРАЇНІ

Formulation of the problem. The post-war recovery of Ukraine requires attracting foreign investment. Attracting foreign direct investments will make it possible to ensure capital investments, annual direct contributions to the economy, new jobs, exports, acquisition of new skills and technologies, innovativeness of economic sectors. The aim of the research is to analyze modern prospects for the development of the process of foreign investment and the functioning of enterprises with foreign investments in Ukraine. The оbject of the research is theoretical and practical approaches to the attraction of foreign investments and the functioning of enterprises with foreign investments in Ukraine. The methods of the research: logical method, method of comparison, methods of induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, system analysis, correlation analysis. The hypothesis of the research. The volume of foreign investment is directly proportional to the volume of GDP, expenditure on education and labor force and inversely proportional to the income inequality level and unemployment level. The statement of basic materials. Correlation coefficients between the volume of foreign investment and the factors affecting this volume have been determined, which will allow influencing specific key indicators that most stimulate the inflow of foreign investment. The mechanism for attracting foreign investments is presented, covering strategic, intermediate and current goals, a list of forms, methods, objects and tools of influence. The practical significance of the research. The practical implementation of the proposed measures will make it possible to intensify the attraction of foreign investments in Ukrainian enterprises. Conclusions and perspectives of further research. The problem of attracting investments into the economy of Ukraine is related to the lack of motivation to invest, insufficient accumulation of resources by the main groups of investors, a wide outflow of capital abroad, etc. Unfavorable investment climate caused by military actions, occupation of territories and destruction of infrastructure, migration of experienced specialists abroad, extremely unstable economic situation in the country, slowdown of economic reforms, high level of corporate taxation, instability of legislation, corruption, low purchasing power of the population, low predictability of junctures of commodity and raw material markets, significant price fluctuations; imperfection of ownership and shareholding relations, becomes the main obstacle in attracting investments. However, there are undoubtedly attractive factors for investing in Ukraine's economy, including the attractive geographical position determined by the country's location in the center of Europe at the crossroads of trade routes, the presence of an educated workforce, as Ukraine has a very high intellectual and professional level of manufacturers. Also, labor is cheap. Ukraine has favorable conditions for the introduction of high technologies, which is facilitated by the presence of performers with a high intellectual level. Also, relatively cheap raw materials and energy resources, which contributes to the low cost of manufactured goods. The obtained results showed a high dependence between the amount of FDI and the level of GDP in the country (correlation coefficient is 0.82), and a direct interdependence was revealed, which means that with the growth of GDP, the amount of foreign investment will increase, which is logical, because with the growth of GDP, the country is investment attractive for a foreign investor. The high correlation between the volume of foreign investment and the availability of labor in the country (correlation coefficient is 0.79) means that the availability of labor, including skilled labor, is extremely important for the investor (this is also evidenced by the interdependence between FDI and state spending on education in the country ), since the ease of hiring employees and their productivity depend on it.

Wage Bargaining Power of Internal Migrant Workers: Evidence from Urban Labor Market in China

This study analyses the wage bargaining power of employers and internal migrant workers in the urban labor market in China using a two-tiered SFA model. The findings indicate that bargaining power decreases the observed wage relative to the benchmark wage which is associated with worker’s actual productivity. The availability of migrant labor is identified to be a key variable in the wage bargaining process. This study reveals that the migrant workers who obtain jobs via informal job search methods stand in a weak bargaining position relative to those using formal search methods which is consistent with limited choices hypothesis. Additionally, the migrant workers in the manufacturing and construction industries or producing and processing occupations extract surplus nearly identical to other groups.

The Influence of Geological Potential and Investment Climate on Botswana’s Competitiveness

Objective: This article's objective is to evaluate Botswana's attractiveness to investors in mineral exploration. Botswana's competitiveness and ability to attract exploration and mining investment have declined in recent years. Method: Questionnaires were used as part of a mixed methodology to collect data that was subjected to empirical analysis. From a possible 231 respondents including exploration and mining companies, mining consultants, a research firm, and a mining association, a representative sample of 100 were chosen and given the survey through a stratified random sampling process. The data was analyzed using SPSS and both descriptive and inferential analyses were utilized. Result: This study finds that Botswana is only moderately successful in luring exploration investment. Botswana's ability to entice exploration investment is influenced by factors including the country's political stability, mining tax, mineral policy, license approval, quality of geological data, availability of skilled labor, adequate infrastructure, a streamlined licensing process, effective relevant institutions, and clear rules and regulations. Conclusion: The study recommends that Botswana regulators should consider improving mining tax incentives and continue removing bureaucratic requirements that delay the licensing process, as this may result in a more favorable mining environment that encourages both domestic and international mining interests.

Effect of Plant Density on Mechanical Harvest Efficiency of New Mexico Pod-type Green Chile Pepper

Summary. New Mexico green pod-type chile (Capsicum annuum) has significant importance as a vegetable crop. The cultivation and trade of New Mexico pod-type green chile are culturally significant within New Mexico (USA) and contribute to the state’s economy by providing income and employment to farmers and through supporting industries. However, because of the high cost and limited availability of labor, New Mexico pod-type green chile acreage has declined. Traditionally, New Mexico pod-type green chile is hand-harvested when the fruit are full-size but physiologically immature. To preserve and expand the production of New Mexico pod-type green chile, the adoption of mechanical harvest technologies is essential. In 2015 and 2016, experiments were conducted at New Mexico State University’s Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center (Los Lunas, NM, USA) to examine the effects of increased planting density on New Mexico pod-type green chile fruit size, plant architecture, and mechanical harvest efficiency. Two commercial New Mexico pod-type green chile cultivars, NuMex Joe E. Parker and AZ-1904, were direct-seeded on 17 Apr 2015 and 14 Apr 2016. On 11 Jun 2015 and 14 Jun 2016, three plant density treatments were implemented at 39,000 (high), 23,000 (medium), and 15,000 (standard) plants/acre. Before harvest, plant measurements, including height, width, height to first bifurcation, stem diameter, and number of lateral basal branches, were obtained. Plots were mechanically harvested using an inclined double helix harvester, and harvested material was sorted into marketable green fruit, machine-broken fruit, and nonpod plant material. Fruit measurements, including fruit weight, width, length, pericarp thickness, and number of locules, were obtained. Both cultivars exhibited a 9% increase in height to bifurcation accompanied by fewer basal branches grown at high density. Plant density did not significantly affect the fruit length, width, number of locules, and pericarp thickness. Plants grown at high density had an increased percentage of marketable fruit, with ‘NuMex Joe E. Parker’ having a higher percentage of marketable green fruit compared to ‘AZ-1904’. The results demonstrated that an increase in planting density in production fields to 39,000 plants/acre coupled with cultivar selection enhanced efficiency in a mechanical harvest system.

NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT: A SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGY OF WALNUT

The management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) holds significant benefits for forest-adjacent communities, including the potential for commercial ventures such as the walnut enterprise. This study aims to examine the walnut business in Onto Village, Bontomatene District, Selayar Islands Regency, Indonesia, analyse internal and external factors, and formulate a development strategy for the walnut business. This study employs SWOT analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The findings suggest that the walnut industry has the potential to be a profitable venture and a standout product in the region. Internal factor analysis indicates that the the availability of labour is the most significant strength (0.021) in the walnut business, while insufficient accessibility of commodity sources represents the most notable weakness (0.085). On the external front, a promising farming business emerges as the highest priority opportunity (0.146), whereas the absence of a walnut business development program poses the most significant threat (0.235). The prioritised strategy for implementation is the W-T2 strategy, with a value of 0.75, focusing on enhancing community and government cooperation to improve infrastructure, particularly roads leading to walnut fields.

INSTRUMENTS MITIGATING THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN AGRICULTURE

Aim: The aim of the study is to identify and characterize agricultural policy instruments employed to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. It also aims to propose new and modified state policy instruments to counter the pandemic’s negative consequences in agriculture. Methods: We employed a qualitative approach using expert reviews to refine agricultural policy instruments aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen independent experts critically evaluated our internally formulated instrument proposals, providing in-depth feedback and assessments. These expert assessments were conducted in June-July 2023. Results: The primary entities that provide public financial support for agriculture in Poland are the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS), and the National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR). The study developed and refined a range of instruments to counteract the detrimental effects of pandemics on agriculture. These tools, refined through expert insights, address key challenges such as market access, labor availability, logistical issues, and health risks in farming activities. The Integrated Agricultural Platform (IAP), Anti-Crisis Agricultural Fund (ACAF), and other state-supported initiatives constitute a comprehen­sive strategy designed not only to alleviate immediate impacts, but also to strengthen long-term resilience. Conclusions: This proactive and multifaceted approach is essential to ensure the stability and sustainability of the agricultural sector in the face of potential future health crises, including pandemics.

Analysis of The Causes of Delays and Overbudget And Mitigation To Overcome Them In PT.WER Construction Projects

This study discusses variables that affect delays and overbudget in construction projects at PT. WER. Taking the approach of multiple linear regression analysis and the Relative Important Index (RII), this study shows that the most influential variables for delay and overbudget involve unavailability of manpower, changes in the behavior of the surrounding community, lack of project team knowledge about work sites, lack of knowledge transfer between project teams, and lack of maturity of project team competencies. The results of the study provide an in-depth understanding of the condition of PT. WER, which at certain periods experienced delays and overbudgets on a number of its projects. The proposed mitigation measures involve partnerships with educational institutions to increase the availability of skilled labor, improve communication with local communities, increase project team knowledge through training and guidance, encourage knowledge transfer between project teams, and implement continuous training programs to improve project team competencies. The conclusion of this study provides a foundation for companies to develop more effective mitigation strategies to achieve optimal project success.

Practical Marketing System as a Solution to Limited Labor and Post-Harvest Processing Areas for Rice

The majority of rice farmers in Denpasar City chose a practical marketing system, this system implements rice sales based on estimated production results. Farmers generally sell their produce when the rice is approaching harvest time. The buyer determines the purchase price for rice by estimating the number of transaction objects after carefully observing and viewing the rice to be harvested. With this system, farmers no longer need to think about the availability of labor to harvest, transport the harvest home, dry the grain until it reaches a certain level of dryness. The novelty of this research is conducting in-depth research on the practice of buying and selling rice using a practical marketing system in Denpasar City. This research will also examine in depth the practical marketing system from two sides, namely from the perspective of farmers and buyers. The results of this research reveal that the practice of buying and selling rice using a practical marketing system in Denpasar City involves farmers as sellers and buyers who are usually called penebas. The reason why farmers choose a practical marketing system is that this system is considered more profitable for farmers with all the limitations of farming in urban areas, where farmers only need to care for the rice they plant until it is ready to harvest.

SPATIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON AGRICULTURE IN SELECTED EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

The article aimed to assess the direction and strength of the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on agriculture in six of the most important for EU agriculture countries. A comparative analysis of the agricultural activity indicators was the research method. The Eurostat was the data source. The analysis covered different years from 2016-2023. For some indicators the period is shorter because not all data have been available for 2022 and 2023. The research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the agriculture of the EU countries. The immediate adverse effect occurred in the animal production sector in the form of stopping animal sales as meat processing companies had severe problems with workers’ infections and quarantines. In the plant production sector the effects appeared in the second and third years of the pandemic. In general, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agriculture took the form of an absolute decline in the value added by this sector or a reduction in its growth rate. The effects of the pandemic are at least medium-term, as the pandemic has triggered or accelerated phenomena limiting the availability of labour in agriculture. The effects of the pandemic varied significantly between countries. The pandemic most affected Italy’s and France’s agriculture and also hurt agriculture in Poland. Agriculture in Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany was quite resistant to the pandemic influence.

Economic Impact of Covid 19 on Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

The primary aim of this study was to explore the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing nations, with a specific focus on Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. To accurately portray the pandemic's impact on these economies, our research employed a model incorporating fixed effects. The findings revealed a notable decline in the per capita income of the countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The existing economic downturn can be attributed to various factors, with a significant contributor being the reduced availability of labor. The prevalence of illnesses and adherence to public health guidelines led to a noticeable shortage of labor for active participation in economic activities. As a consequence, there was a decline in both productivity and economic output. Moreover, our analysis yielded a thought-provoking finding: a notable increase in fatalities had a discernible effect on the populace. The population experienced a significant decline as a result of the fatalities caused by the pandemic, an event that had complex economic ramifications. This decline in population paradoxically resulted in a rise in GDP per capita. By employing a fixed effects model, our research gains greater resilience, rendering it a valuable asset for policymakers, economists, and scholars endeavoring to navigate the intricate landscape of the effects of pandemics on emerging economies. In summary, the findings of this research stand to make a significant contribution to the wider comprehension of the repercussions of COVID-19 on these particular countries.