Market Outlets Research Articles

Correlates of smallholder poultry farmers extension and marketing information needs: Evidence from north-eastern South Africa

This study investigated the extension and marketing information needs of poultry farmers in Nkomazi, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews from 91 randomly sampled smallholder poultry farmers in the area. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis was used to analyse the correlates of the extension and marketing information needs of the poultry farmers. The results revealed that information on optimal production, disease management, feeding and water management are prominent areas where information and advisory services were highly needed by the farmers. Also, areas of high marketing information need by the poultry farmers were on product promotion and advertisement, record keeping and market outlet and strategies. Farmer's income, membership of farmer groups, and access to extension visits were significant correlates of the farmers extension and marketing information needs. The study recommended a need to improve on the implementation of the National Extension Policy by extension organisations through scaling-up their level of reach to poultry farmers in the area and ensure that the prominent areas of extension and marketing information needs highlighted are focused on when rendering extension and advisory services to the farmers.

Determinants of market outlet choice by smallholder wheat producers in Arsi Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of market outlet choice by smallholder wheat producers in Arsi Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Is it worth promoting battery swapping? A social welfare perspective on provider- and consumer-side incentives

In countries that promote further EV diffusion, battery swapping opens up a market outlet for time-sensitive consumers as well as another green policy channel. To better understand this phenomenon from the perspective of policy-making, this study establishes a Hotelling model of a competitive market comprising a battery swapping service provider and a charging service provider. The analyses of three scenarios, no subsidization, consumer subsidization, and provider subsidization, reveal how to maximize social welfare. Considering subsidy amount, consumer time preferences, service time, and operating costs, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers. Whereas incentive programs are generally helpful for battery swapping development and social welfare improvement, it is more effective to subsidize service providers than end consumers. Considering subsidy opportunity cost, it is necessary to control incentive amount and make continuous adjustments to promote battery swapping services without harming charging services.

Effects of entrepreneurial behaviour on market outlets choice: Evidence from rice producers in Ashanti Region, Ghana

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

Profitability of Selected Winter Vegetables and Its Market Outlet for Commercial Farmers: Evidence from Mymensingh District

This study has attempted to examine the profitability of commercially grown cauliflower and cabbage and its market outlet. The study is based on primary data collected in January 2021 from vegetables producers through face-to-face interview method using structured interview schedule. In total 80 commercial farmers (i.e., 40 farmers from each vegetable) were selected purposively from Sadar upazila of Mymensingh district. Tabular and descriptive analyses were used to determine the cost and returns of vegetables cultivation by commercial farmers. Least significant difference (LSD) of multiple comparisons of mean was applied to determine profitable market outlets for cauliflower and cabbage. The study found that both cauliflower and cabbage cultivation were profitable. The per hectare gross costs of cauliflower and cabbage production and marketing by farmers were Tk. 1,93,535 and Tk. 1,95,864, respectively and the corresponding net returns were Tk. 90,329 and Tk. 90,981. Three different market outlets (farm gate, local market, and district market) were found where farmers sold their cauliflower and cabbage. Farmers who sold their cauliflower and cabbage from district market outlet gained maximum net returns, which were Tk.1,31,093 and Tk. 1,07,221, respectively. The results of LSD test established that among the three market outlets, the mean net return earned by selling cauliflower and cabbage to district market is higher than the mean net return earned by selling to farm gate market. Therefore, district market outlet is significantly more profitable outlet for both cauliflower and cabbage. However, most of the farmers chose farm gate market for selling their cabbage and cauliflower because they feel comfortable to sell their vegetables from farm gate area.

Seed production and marketing experiences of producing cooperatives in Ethiopia

Seed producer cooperatives (SPCs) are important for improving the seed supply and thus contributing to increased access to seed. This paper assessed the seed production and marketing experiences of SPCs and factors affecting their performance in the northwest of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 117 members of the two SPCs and from ten local experts. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures were employed. The study identified three ‘market outlets' for the seed produced by cooperative members, namely seed sold to external buyers through SPCs, sold in the local market as seed, and used as seed (planting material) by individual members for the next cropping season. A large volume of seed (88.3%) has been sold through SPCs to external buyers, indicating less side-selling by cooperative members. Basic seed shortage, high basic seed price, market fluctuation, limited engagement and influence of SPCs in the seed value chain, weak competitor orientation, and limited management capabilities are key factors that limit the seed production and marketing performance of the SPCs. This study contributes to the increasing body of literature on the key role of cooperatives in agricultural-based economic development. SPCs should be able to develop their adaptation strategy to withstand the influence of internal and external factors that affect their seed production and marketing activities.

Zarazi table olives in Beni Khedache (Tunisia) highlighting an overlooked traditional product

Agricultural development in southern regions of Tunisia have often focused on a few very prominent products, such as dates and olive oil. Promoting traditional agricultural products in these regions could help foster a more resilient development trajectory. This study analyses the characteristics, development challenges and propects of Zarazi table olives in Beni Khedache (Medenine Governorate). This product is characterised by well-defined traditional production and processing practices. However, use of these olives is limited to home consumption due to a lack of market outlets. Local inhabitants and development actors have paid little attention to this product, but workshops with these actors have helped shed light on its potential, alongside discussions on possible actions to promote the development of a Zarazi table olive value chain.

Market Outlet Choice and Its Effects on the Welfare of Smallholder Vegetable and Fruit Producers in Ethiopia

The decision to choose an appropriate market outlet may involve a self-selection problem. This suggests that unobservable characteristics play an important role, and the examination of the impact of market outlet choice on smallholder household welfare needs to correct this selection bias. Consequently, this study, by using a multinomial endogenous treatment model, examined the determinants of market outlet choices and their subsequent effects on the welfare of smallholder vegetable and fruit producers in Ethiopia. The results on the determinants of market outlet choices obtained using this model indicated that distance to main roads, livestock ownership, access to extension, and cooperative membership influenced the decisions of smallholder farmers in one way or another. Furthermore, the model results obtained by correcting the selectivity indicated that, relative to formal markets, informal markets have a low impact on the welfare of smallholder farmers. Thus, alternative policy measurements aimed at improving the food security and welfare of smallholder farmers should be accompanied by improving their access to formal markets.

Determinants of Garlic Producers Market Outlet Choices in Goncha Siso Enese District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Multivariate Probit Regression Analysis

This study investigates the factors influencing garlic producers’ market outlet selection decisions in Goncha Siso Enese District, Ethiopia. A total of 359 garlic producer households were polled, and the results were analyzed using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. According to the MVP model results, extension contact, access to market information, quantity of garlic sold, and farm experience in farming were negatively and significantly associated with the choice of consumer outlet. Besides this, the estimated MVP for retailer outlet choice is positively influenced by the amount of quantity sold, and farm experiences in garlic have a significant and positive effect on the choice of retailer outlets. In contrast, education level, access to credit, extension contact, and land area allocated for garlic have a negative influence on the choice of retail outlet. Moreover, wholesaler outlet choice is significantly and positively influenced by education level, access to credit, amount of quantity sold, extension contact, and distance to market, whereas it is negatively influenced by lagged price. Assembler outlet is also positively influenced by sex, distance to market, access to market information, and quantity sold, and negatively affected by extension contact and lag price. The implication is that, if smallholder garlic producers have access to alternative market outlets, they must select an appropriate combination of market outlets to maximize their income in the long run. It is suggested that equal access to marketing infrastructure in potential production areas, the garlic production system, and rural-urban development infrastructure should be improved and made more accessible.

Land tenure system and harvesting time’s influence on the marketing behaviour of cashew farmers in the Bono Region of Ghana

This study investigated the land tenure system, harvesting time and marketing behaviour of cashew farmers in Ghana. Primary data was compiled from 120 cashew farmers, and the multinomial probit was used to assess the determinants of cashew marketing outlets. Types of land ownership (tenure system) for cashew production in Ghana were leasehold, stool, family, state and customary lands. The sales of cashew nuts to buying companies and/or exporters is positively influenced by the land tenure system, good road network, weekly harvest, contract agreements and grading of cashew nuts. Conversely, the experience of farmers coupled with less than one week of harvesting influences the choice of brokers' outlet. The result implies that, cashew cultivation on stool land, likewise harvesting time increases the probability of selling to buying companies and exporters who offered higher margins compared with brokers. Consequently, generic land reform for the whole country to enhance agribusinesses may be important but unnecessary. It is also suggested that the customary land arrangement provided the opportunity to sell to a profitable marketing outlet, it is suggested that Government and NGOs should rather be interested in strengthening the current customary land regime and consultatively recommend for review where necessary in the study areas.

The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida

Florida’s diverse ornamental aquaculture industry has many unique challenges that set it apart from other aquaculture commodity groups. The numerous production techniques, diversity of species, and various market outlets make the ornamental aquaculture industry an intriguing study in how regulations impact the industry. By understanding those regulatory impacts, we can streamline efforts to address them. A study was conducted to measure the regulatory impact on ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida using on-farm data from 2018. All farms were censused in the state and results covered 82% of the industry with a response rate of 41% of farms. This factsheet discusses the results of that study and the regulatory burden that the ornamental aquaculture industry in Florida endures.

21st Century Loom Weaving in Ilocos Sur: A Cultural Heritage

This study determined the socio-demographic profile of loom weavers, the equipment, tools materials, processes, patterns, designs, and terms in loom weaving. It also analyzed the chain of supply and the effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the community. It was conducted using the quantitative and qualitative descriptive research design. A self-structured questionnaire and ethnographic processes was utilized to obtain relative data.Majority of the loom weavers are: females, senior citizens, elementary graduates, purely weavers as to their field role, with experience of 26 years and above, having estimated monthly income of 5,000, who organized themselves into associations and most of their products are marketed to customers through the micro entrepreneur-weavers. They utilize almost the same type of loom, loom accessories, tools, materials and processes. The weaving patterns they are producing are: Plain, Twill, and Overshot. Out of these patterns, varieties of designs are created. The loom weaving supply chain reflects the interconnections and movement of raw materials into finished products up to its market outlets. The effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status is described as Much Beneficial and Moderately Beneficial respectively. A collaborative intervention program is recommended to be initiated by concerned agencies to control the occurrence of dearth of loom weavers in the future, to improve marketing system, and to level up the benefit of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the people.

CHOKEPOINTS IN SUSTAINING ORGANIC RICE PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

Organic agriculture is sustainable on the ecological aspect, but other external factors influence its sustainability. The present paper covers the different chokepoints in the sustainability of organic rice production in Northern Mindanao. A total of 380 farmers served as respondents from the five provinces of Northern Mindanao that were selected through purposive sampling. The data were gathered through FGD and personal interviews using a structured questionnaire and data was analyzed descriptively. The study identified production, technical and marketing issues in sustaining the organic rice production. The issues include changing priorities of the Department of Agriculture, unavailability of commercial organic inputs, neighbor rice farm practiced conventional rice production, no price premium received, limited market outlets for organic produce, and high cost of organic certification. The identified issues are areas to be considered for improvement in order to effect improvement and sustainability of organic rice industry in the region.

Market outlet choices for African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs): a socio-economic analysis of farmers in Zambia

Agricultural research institutes in Sub-Sahara Africa have focused on establishing farmer groups that facilitate the commercial production and marketing of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) to address food and nutritional security. With the freedom of selecting the choices of market outlets, we explored the factors such as farmers’ characteristics, farm attributes, selling preferences, social relations, and other primary reasons that influence farmers' decision to choose a particular outlet to sell AIVs. A purposive random survey was conducted among the AIV farmers to understand the preferred market outlets for AIVs in Zambia. The results of the multinomial logit model indicate that male respondents are more likely to choose intermediary options to sell AIVs, particularly brokers and wholesalers. The rainfed farmers and those who receive primary income from farming activities are less likely to choose retailers and wholesalers to market their AIVs. Similarly, those who expect instant payment for their produce indicate that they are less likely to prefer retailers and brokers. Farmers who belong to the farmer's group exhibited a positive coefficient, meaning that they are more likely to choose intermediary options to sell their AIVs compared with the farmer-to-consumer direct sales option. However, good price, a positive momentum of AIVs price in the past, and processing activities were found to be insignificant determinants for market outlet choices when compared with farmer-to-consumer direct outlet option. Our findings could help to better cognize AIVs marketing channels and develop the intervention for new farmers to make an informed decision as to how best to market their AIVs.

Effects of harvest season on carcass characteristics of lambs in the Intermountain West

The objectives of this study were to survey characteristics including hot carcass weight (HCW), 12th rib fat thickness (RFT), body-wall thickness (BWT), longissimus muscle area (LMA), USDA yield grade (USDA YG), percentage closely trimmed retail cuts (RC), and calculated yield grade (Calc YG) of lamb carcasses in the Intermountain West to determine the effects of season of slaughter and interrelationships among carcass characteristics. Lamb carcass characteristics were evaluated in 2 commercial Intermountain West processing plants over one year (n = 10,027). Carcasses were evaluated by season: spring (December–April, n = 2,322) and summer (May–August, n = 7,705). Carcasses of lambs slaughtered in the spring had 3.4 kg heavier HCW (P = 0.04) than those slaughtered in the summer. Subcutaneous fat (RFT; P = 0.06) and Calc YG (P = 0.09) tended to be greater in the spring than summer. Correlation coefficients and models of fit with a linear covariate of HCW indicated negative relationship between HCW and RC and positive relationship with all other carcass traits (P < 0.001). Overall, graded lamb carcasses exceeded commercial processing plant preferred HCW (38.6 kg) by 5% (mean = 40.5 kg) and industry acceptable RFT (6 mm) by 25% (mean = 8.03 mm). Furthermore, 70% of lamb carcasses exceed 6 mm RFT. Season of slaughter contributed to differences in HCW and USDA YG but no other carcass characteristics. Still, carcass data surveyed from the largest lamb-producing region of the United States suggests that the degree of fatness exceeds industry preferences. Although abattoirs mitigate adverse effects of excessive fat through trimming and diverse market outlets, industry-wide efforts that agree on acceptable standards of trimness are needed. Transparent dialog across industry segments should be prioritized in addition to consistent integration of value-based pricing to reduce the proportion of excessively finished lambs.

Conjoint Analysis of the Consumers’ Preferences Between Locally Processed Root Crop-Based Food Products and Commercial Junk Foods

It is undeniable that the demand for locally processed root crops is low compared to commercial junk foods, affecting the income of both farmers and local processors. This study was conducted to ascertain the product attributes that influenced the purchasing decision of the consumers which serves as a basis for positioning the product in the market. It utilized a survey research design using a combined purposive and quota sampling techniques to select the respondents who are the target market of the product. This study collected market data and consumer preferences from 200 segmented respondents who are located in Baybay City, Leyte. Conjoint analysis was used to determine the attributes that highly influenced the buying decision of the consumers. Results show that product type highly influenced the buying decision of the consumers. Processed root crops that are locally produced are mostly preferred by the consumers over commercial junk foods. However, consumers are rarely buying the product because it is unavailable in the common market outlets. Given its high market potential, it is recommended to modify and improve the marketing strategies employed by the local processors. Tapping LGUs for promotion and other aid for complying with the regulatory requirements necessary for placing the product in the local and department stores is highly advised.

Evaluating profitability of beef cattle farming and its determinants among smallholder beef cattle farmers in the Baljovan District of Khatlon region, Tajikistan.

In Tajikistan, owning beef cattle is an important survival mechanism for smallholder farmers to alleviate poverty. Therefore, beef cattle farming enterprises should indeed strive to maximize profit to excel and flourish in a free economy. Nevertheless, smallholder beef cattle farmers are known for making little profit. Thus, this study was set to evaluate the profitability of beef cattle farming and its determinants to enhance profit maximization among smallholder beef cattle farmers in the Baljovan District of Khatlon region, Tajikistan. A total of 388 farming households were chosen at random and purposive for the study. The cross-sectional data collected using questionnaires was analyzed by using descriptive, gross margin (GM), and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. Based on the descriptive analyses, the mean age of beef cattle farmers was 52.73 years, with a household size of 7.07 members. The beef cattle farmers had an average of 18.23 cattle herd size with 8.54 years of farming experience. The average land area possessed by farmers was 10.59 hectares. Among farmers, men (98.2%) dominated beef cattle farming activities. Around 83.8% of farmers had a college grade (higher literacy). Besides, around 89.4% of farmers had access to farm credits. However, only 71.4% of farmers used farm credit points to produce beef cattle. Most of the farmers (89.7%) had access to accurate market information. Such market information enabled 75.8% of farmers to sell their beef cattle to open market (profitable) outlets rather than middlemen. About 89.4% had access to veterinary services. Additionally, about 82.7% of farmers acknowledged the availability of pasture for grazing, which motivated 87.6% of farmers to be involved in selling contracts. Furthermore, economic investigation results revealed that on average, farmers had a gross margin (GM-profit) of 353.77 US$ per cattle, with feed costs (58.6%) and medications costs (26.1%) accounting for the largest share of total variable costs. Meanwhile, the profitability of beef cattle farming among farmers was significantly influenced by education level, family size, farming experience, pasture availability, land size owned, selling contract, feed costs, medications expenses, access to credits, and sales costs (P < 0.05). This study concluded that beef cattle production is a feasible business. However, the potential for increased profitability is significant if existing resources are efficiently coordinated and production expenses, notably feed and healthcare costs, are minimized. Thus, the government should develop additional measures for addressing concerns such as capacity building, suitable and freely available pasture as well as health management, to boost beef cattle profitability among farmers in Tajikistan.

Marketing efficiency and sales outlet choice among fuelwood harvesters in the Bono Region of Ghana

Fuelwood continues to be the leading energy source for rural and urban dwellers, creating competition between domestic and commercial fuelwood users in Ghana. This competition has carved a market niche for people to engage in the fuelwood trade as a source of livelihood. The study aimed to describe the marketing outlets of fuelwood, determine the most efficient fuelwood marketing channel outlets, and examine the factors influencing the choice of fuelwood marketing outlets in the Dormaa Municipality of Ghana. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 fuelwood harvesters drawn from eight communities that harvest fuelwood for sale using the multistage sampling method. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression were used in analysing the data. The study revealed that open forest is the main source of fuelwood for trade. Further, selling fuelwood directly to the end-users (outlet I) is the most efficient marketing outlet among the four marketing outlets identified in the study. The significant variables influencing the choice of fuelwood marketing outlets were level of education, processing of fuelwood before sales, cost of transporting fuelwood, the quantity of fuelwood harvested weekly, and the nature of the road. These findings provide immense guidance to fuelwood market actors in terms of market outlet selection decisions and the need for rural infrastructure improvement. It is recommended that fuelwood traders should endeavour to own the splitting and cutting tools to minimise processing costs and maximise profit since splitting and cutting costs constitute the highest marketing cost. The marketing of fuelwood should be formalised by the Forest Service Division (FSD) in collaboration with the Municipal Assembly and encouraged to establish woodlots for fuelwood. This will forestall any future invasion of the forest reserves for fuelwood for marketing.

Determinants of Market Outlet Choices of Tef Producers in Western Ethiopia: Evidence of Multivariate Probit Model

This study was required to assess the existing tef market outlets and examine factors affecting market outlet choices among smallholder tef producers in western Ethiopia. For this study qualitative and quantitative data were collected from tef producers. Purposive and multi-stage sampling technique was used to determine sample households. The descriptive statistics and multivariate probit model were employed to analyze the collected data. The result shows that there are five alternative main market outlets available for the tef producers that are wholesalers, collectors, cooperatives, consumers, and retailers. These market outlets were affected by household’s demographic such as age, gender, education level, and household size), socio-economics (land allocated for tef, a variety used, livestock holding, and off/non-farm activities), institutional (credit, extension, and market information), and market (volume of tef produced, own transport facility, and nearest market) factors. Based on the findings strengthening farmers’ skills and knowledge through training, advising, and supervision; capacitate farmers by the additional work atmosphere and empowering women farmers by improved variety, working capital, and other recommendations are need attention by respective sectors.

Value Chain Analysis of Korarima (Aframomum Corrorima) in South Omo Zone, SNNPR Ethiopia

Korarima is a known cash crop in the South Omo zone and provides a wide range of economic and sociocultural benefits. Even though its economic and socio-cultural importance the development of the Korarima sector along with the value chain is hampered by several constraints. Hence, the study aimed to analyze the Korarima value chain in the South Omo zone. Using a two-stage sampling technique, 120 Kororima producers were selected to collect primary data through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and econometrics model (multivariate probit model) were used for data analysis. The study identified three major Korarima market outlet choices such as collectors, retailers, and wholesalers as alternatives to Korarima producers to sell the majority of their products. Thus, collectors accounted for 82.2%, wholesalers (73.6%), and retailers (35.5%) of the total sold. The results of a multivariate probit model indicated that sex of household, credit access, family size, price information, market distance, and extension contact of farmers significantly affected the market outlet choice decisions in one or another way. Furthermore, no brand indicating this crop, inadequate infrastructural development, and market accessibility, weak extension services regarding improved varieties were major problems identified. Therefore, it is better to work on the brand name of this particular crop to trace up to the end market, infrastructural development and market accessibility, extension services provided regarding the improved Korarima variety, and accessing formal market information from the concerned body are essential to enhance Korarima producers’ benefit and bargaining power through avoiding information asymmetry.