Membership In Organizations Research Articles

Can farmer organization membership improve household food security and nutrition? Evidence from Northern Ghana

AbstractWe examine the impact of farmer organization (FO) membership on food and nutrition security among rural rice farmers, using cross‐sectional data from a household survey from Ghana. We employ an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model to account for selection bias from observed and unobserved factors. Our findings show that participation in FOs significantly increases household dietary diversity by 10.56% and reduces food insecurity by 9.7%. The residualized quantile regression model results are consistent with the ESR model across both outcome variables. Policymakers should consider promoting FO membership as a strategy to enhance food and nutrition security among smallholders in developing countries.

Empowered but afraid: do Saudi women have the capability to freely decide their university majors?

This study used a capability approach to investigate Saudi women’s empowerment experiences and their capabilities in decision-making regarding choosing their university majors. Further, the study explored what capabilities women required to make decisions regarding their majors at university. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 26 women, comprising graduates, students, and faculty members. Results revealed that new legislation and regulations in Saudi Arabia have positively influenced sociocultural transformation. However, in small cities and nonurban settings, women may struggle to reject traditional social norms despite their empowerment. The findings indicate that encouraging students’ voluntary work and their membership in groups and organisations, as well as ensuring diverse hiring practices are in place in rural areas and small cities, could support a more general acceptance of women’s empowerment.

The Expansion of Incentive (Performance-Based) Regulation of Electricity Distribution and Transmission in the United States

I examine developments in the application of performance-based regulation (PBR) to electricity distribution and transmission in the United States. Applications of comprehensive PBR to electricity distribution had been slow to diffuse in the U.S. prior to roughly 2000. PBR mechanisms are now being applied more frequently to electricity distribution, which reflects the changing structure of the electric power industry and the increasing obligations that are being placed on electric distribution companies. The new obligations are a consequence primarily of aggressive targets for decarbonizing the electricity sector in nearly half the states and the goal of using “clean” electricity to electrify transportation, buildings, and other sectors. PBR should be viewed as a set of “building blocks” that can be adopted in various combinations and should recognize that PBR and traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) are properly viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Recent reforms in the regulation of distribution companies in Great Britain—“RIIO”—have been influential in the U.S. The main reforms contained in RIIO are discussed. There has been essentially no application of PBR by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to owners of transmission assets or to independent transmission operators. FERC has applied targeted incentives to encourage investment in transmission facilities and membership in independent system operator organizations. However, the regulation of transmission rates relies primarily on COSR in the form of formula rates and has poor incentive properties. Regulation of independent system operators is a challenge because they are non-profit organizations with no equity to put at risk. Reforms here are suggested.

Professional networks and access to extension as drivers of sustainable agricultural practices among Ghanaian oil palm farmers

Increasing agricultural productivity through the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) offers a credible pathway to addressing food insecurity while preserving vital ecosystem resources, as such, factors that drive farmers' decisions to adopt these SAPs need examination. Most extant studies, on the adoption of SAPs, however, tend to place emphasis on socioeconomic incentives, giving little attention to the role of professional networks and institutional factors especially on oil palm which has strong links to deforestation and reduction in tree cover despite the numerous economic benefits. Using cross-sectional data from six oil palm producing regions in Ghana, this study analyses the role of producer membership, links with institutions such as NGOs, and extension access in the adoption of improved seeds, fertilizers, pest management practices, soil and moisture conservation practices, and legume cover crops among oil palm farmers in Ghana. The study employs a multivariate probit model to examine the probability of adopting SAPs and a poisson regression to model the intensity of SAPs adopted. The study also uses the instrumental variable approach to circumvent the issue of endogeneity. Results indicate that these networks and institutions significantly affect farmers’ adoption of SAPs. The study also finds heterogeneous associations with the adoption decisions depending on the type of innovation. In particular, we show evidence that farmers’ link with formal institutions is negatively associated with the adoption of diverse input intensive technologies, whereas it is positively associated with the adoption of natural resource management technologies. However, we find a consistent positive association of membership of producer organization on the adoption of different SAPs except legume cover cropping. Though differing relationships, we find that extension access and membership of producer organization are significantly associated with the intensity of SAPs adoption. Taken together, our findings suggest an integrated approach by the actors in the promotion of SAPs.

Harnessing climate information service use for cocoa farming sustainability in Ghana

ABSTRACT Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural sectors worldwide, including the cocoa industry, which is highly vulnerable to climate variability. Understanding how climate information services (CIS) can support cocoa farmers in adapting to these challenges is crucial for enhancing resilience and ensuring the sustainability of cocoa production. We employed a survey methodology that usedd a simple random sampling technique to select 400 cocoa farmers. The findings show that a substantial majority of cocoa farmers actively use climate information services. Weather forecasts emerge as the most commonly utilised CIS (87.57%). Radio emerges as the predominant source of climate information, notably for its accessibility and reach. Respondents expressed a favourable perception of CIS. Membership in farmer-based organizations and access to extension services enhance the likelihood of CIS utilisation. A compelling narrative of the remarkable outcomes of CIS unfolds, spotlighting a 53% increase in cocoa yields, a resounding 72% reduction in household food insecurity, and a striking 58% surge in income. Despite these triumphant strides, the perceived complexity surrounding CIS dissemination and utilisation emerges as a key challenge. Urgent efforts to streamline accessibility, foster comprehension, and bolster resource allocations must follow, ensuring that cocoa farming remains a beacon of sustainable prosperity.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Decisions to Use Multiple Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies in North Wello Zone, Northern Ethiopia

Climate change presents significant challenges to agriculture in developing nations, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. In Ethiopia, agriculture is crucial to the economy and the well-being of millions. This study focuses on analyzing the determinants that affect smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies in the North Wello administrative zone, northern Ethiopia. Through multivariate and ordered probit econometric models, data from 411 rural household heads were analyzed. Results reveal the synergy among climate-smart agricultural practices in rainfed farming systems, essential for crafting a comprehensive CSA package within an agroecological framework. The multivariate probit estimation results show that education, membership in local organizations, farm size, tropical livestock unit (TLU), irrigated land ownership, plot number, steep slope, farmland distance to home, and access to a local media source are positive determinants for the decision to use the type and several climate-smart agricultural practices. Lack of credit, large family size, distance from extension services, and proximity to the nearest market were all associated with lower adoption of all CSA technologies. The findings suggest that blanket recommendations for climate-smart agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers can be avoided. The complementarities that exist between CSA technologies may require further investigation into how such complementarities have benefits in terms of improving land productivity and food security and reducing climate-related risks for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and other contexts. Moreover, by emphasizing an agroecological framework, the study promotes environmentally sustainable and socially equitable agricultural practices that are economically viable, contributing to broader environmental sustainability and development goals.

Factors influencing the allocative efficiency of the small-scale tomato (Lycopersicum species) production in Kaduna state, Nigeria: implications for food security and resource management

This study evaluated factors influencing the allocative efficiency of the small-scale tomato (Lycopersicum species) production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: implications for food security and resource management. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 small-scale tomato farmers. The data from primary sources was collected with the help of a well-structured and well-designed questionnaire. This data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result indicates that the mean age of the small-scale tomato resource farmers is 46 years old; the mean household size of the respondents is 7 persons, while the mean resource farm size is 1.17 ha. The minimum and the maximum allocative efficiency scores of the tomato farmers are 0.30 and 0.93 respectively. The results of the profitability analysis indicate that the tomato production is profitable with a gross margin and a net farm income of N550, 960 per ha and N497, 190 respectively. The gross margin and operating ratios are 0.69 and 0.28 respectively. The resource inputs and socio-economic factors influencing the allocative efficiency of tomato production are the following: age, farm size, household size, gender, marital status, level of education, access to extension services, and membership in a cooperative organization. The study recommends that farmers should be provided with the following resource inputs: improved seeds, chemicals, fertilizer inputs, credit facilities and extension services in order to reduce resource wastages, increase efficiency and productivity. Keywords: allocative efficiency, small-scale tomato production, resource management, food security, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Impact Evaluation and Adoption of Climate Resilience and Nutrition Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Burundi: A Case Study of the Rural Bujumbura Province

The new orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties have been adopted with the aim of increasing production, farmers' welfare, and combating chronic malnutrition. This study analyzed the impact of orange-fleshed sweet potato adoption on production in Gihanga commune using the propensity score matching method. A survey of 385 households was carried out on April 2023, including 161 orange-fleshed sweet potato adopters and 224 non-adopters. The determinants and rate of adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potato were also analyzed using the logit model and the Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) method respectively, while Kendall's Concordance Coefficient was used to determine adoption constraints. Thus, unpredictable weather and climatic conditions, lack of capital, unavailability of PDCO cuttings, insufficient arable land as well as high labor costs are the main constraints to orange-fleshed sweet-potato adoption. The adoption rate for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is estimated at 42%. Adoption of PDCO was positively and significantly influenced by the household head's level of education, family labor, access to credit, access to extension services and membership of producer organizations, while the household head's age and household size had a negative impact on adoption. The ATT revealed that the adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes increased production per adopter household by an average of 369.88 kg, although the difference was not statistically significant. The government and other players in the agricultural sector should do their part to raise awareness, disseminate, facilitate access and mobilize farmers to adopt sweet potato varieties in order to improve their productivity.

IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENCES IN THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMS PARTICIPATING AND NOT ARTICIPATING IN SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS. EMPIRICAL STUDY IN POLAND

The main aim of the research was to identify the differences in socio-demographic characteristics between managers of small farms in Poland who do and do not participate in short food supply chains (SFSCs). The analysis was based on the results of a survey conducted in 2023 among 199 respondents – farmers in Poland. Selected social and demographic variables were analysed. For the demographic ones, there were used: gender, age, education of the farm manager, and number of members on the farm. In turn, the level of social capital characterising farmers was described by participation in continuing education, participation in organizations, cooperatives, associations, clubs, etc., and participation in events, concerts, festivals, etc. A chi-square Pearson’s test of independence was used to compare two groups of farms in terms of the analysed variables. The strength of the relationships was measured using the V-Cramer convergence coefficient. Research revealed that among the social and demographic variables, gender and education were significant. Hence, among farms participating in the SFSCs, there were significantly more farms owned and managed by women and managers of those farms were better educated than managers of farms not participating in the SFSCs. Moreover higher level of social capital, particularly perceived through the involvement of farm owners or members of a household in lifelong education and membership in organisations, cooperatives, or associations was also a distinguishing feature of farms participating in the SFSCs.

Factors affecting decision-making to strengthen climate resilience of smallholder farms in the Centre region of Cameroon

This study examined the resilience to climate change of smallholder family farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Data were collected using a mixed-methods strategy and analyzed using descriptive, multivariate, and inferential statistics. Family farms exhibited a mean climate resilience index of 0.46 (medium), with the Ntui, Mbangassina, Batchenga, and Obala regions scoring 0.42, 0.44, 0.47, and 0.51, respectively. Family farmers had a high transformation capacity (59.07 ​%), a low adaptation capacity (32.10 ​%), and a very low absorption capacity (8.82 ​%). Logistic regression revealed significant causal relationships (p ​< ​0.05) between the capacity of the farms to adapt to climate fluctuations and change and annual income, access to agricultural inputs, access to agricultural machinery, and membership in a farmers organization. These are the primary factors that could significantly increase climate resilience in Cameroonian family farms. Consequently, policymakers in these regions and beyond should consider these as indicators when developing policies to strengthen the climate resilience of local agricultural systems. In doing so, they should also consider community monitoring and indigenous knowledge, which can help bridge the gap between local adverse impacts and the necessary adaptations to climate change.

How membership of a farmer organization can support farmers in adapting to climate change in the Pacific Island region

Abstract Climate projections for the Pacific Island region serve to emphasize the climate unpredictability, variability and intensity that farmers will have to adapt to in the future. The impact that climate change is having on agriculture in the Pacific is evident from the data around agriculture loss and damage from extreme weather events such as flooding and cyclones. It is clear that food systems will have to be resilient and farmers will have to adapt, if food security in the region is not to be seriously threatened. The factors considered as essential for building adaptive capacity are: (a) social capital; (b) ability of communities to engage effectively with external agents; (c) access to knowledge including how knowledge is generated, shared and exchanged; (d) merging of local and external knowledge; (e) space for farmers to interact, communicate, experiment and learn from each other; (f) trust in the adaptation measure(s)being promoted; (g) effective capacity building; (h) decentralized research; and (i) supportive policy. This article explores these factors and proposes that membership of a farmer organization (FO) provides an enabling platform for the effective and efficient delivery of these conditions, thereby providing farmers with the tools essential for adaptation to a changing climate. Examples illustrating how farmers around the Pacific Island region are working together to put in place measures that will strengthen the resilience of their farming systems are provided from national and regional farmer organizations in the region.

Vocal Pedagogues Training Dysphonic Voices: Treatment Seeking Approaches and Practices

ObjectiveThis study examined the practices of current professional voice teachers' management of voice disorders. Type of StudySurvey. MethodsAn online survey was developed and made available to vocal educators who had membership in organizations within the field of voice. Respondents rated their comfort with management of voice disorders, criteria for accepting a dysphonic student, and their approach within the multi-disciplinary environment. ResultsOf 786 responses from professional vocal educators, 48% had worked with a vocalist recovering from dysphonia, vocal surgery, or a vocal pathology. Two thirds reported management of nodules, polyps, or cysts. The majority of respondents working with injured voices had advanced degrees in vocal performance, but few had cross training as an SLP. Pedagogues focused on breathing strategies while SLP pedagogues focused on resonance and reduction of phonotrauma. Pedagogues sought information on voice science and medicine from scholarly journals, attending conferences, and medical professionals. ConclusionsVocal pedagogues were interested members of the interdisciplinary team with a desire to seek knowledge beyond their initial career training, even though additional continuing education or licensure is not mandated for vocal educators. Findings show a need for vocal degree programs to include anatomy and physiology and multidisciplinary management of voice disorders.

Diaspora and Conflict: The Case of Tamils in Germany

While most research on the Tamil diaspora and the conflict in Sri Lanka studies the Tamil diaspora in the United Kingdom and Canada, this article focuses on the role of organized Tamils in Germany. Based on an extensive three years of qualitative field study in Germany and Sri Lanka, and using the theoretical framework of Bercovitch's (2007) conflict cycle, I analyzed the engagement of the Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka in three phases of the conflict: conflict emergence before the war (until 1983), conflict escalation and the war (1983–2009), and post-conflict reconstruction after the war (from 2009). In each of these phases, they took different positions toward the conflict. Before the war, German Tamil organizations were reluctant to get involved in the conflict. During the war, some Tamil diaspora organizations in Germany were involved in the war to a minor degree by their active membership and political participation in larger umbrella organizations initiated by the Tamil militant organization called Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The larger part of the diaspora focused on self-initiated and independent social development projects in Sri Lanka. After the LTTE lost the war, the second generation of Tamils took over leadership positions in the diaspora in Germany and focused on new social and health projects in Sri Lanka.

ASSESSING DRIVING FACTORS OF AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION AMONG FARMERS IN MADIMBA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Agroforestry is a significant solution to the challenges of tropical agriculture, offering substantial socioeconomic and ecological benefits. However, its adoption by farmers in Madimba territory, D.R. Congo, has shown challenges. This study investigates the factors influencing agroforestry adoption by surveying 310 households in 31 villages. We first used chi-square to identify variables associated with agroforestry adoption, subsequently, we inserted them in the Probit model as potential factors. The research identifies nine key factors affecting adoption: gender, age, land ownership, farming type, germplasm availability, perceived environmental change, products obtained from agroforestry, access to sensitization, and farmers’ organization membership. While aligning with some existing studies, these findings also present uniqueness, offering crucial insights for policymakers and practitioners. Therefore, the study shows the importance of targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance agroforestry practices adoption which contribute to the farmer's resilience towards economic and environmental challenges.

Why get involved? A cross-sectional survey of factors that influence student pharmacist membership in professional organizations

IntroductionUnderstanding factors that motivate and deter student pharmacists from joining professional pharmacy organizations may assist schools and organizations in determining ways to recruit, engage, and support the next generation of pharmacy professionals. The objective is to identify motivating and hindering factors related to student pharmacist membership in professional pharmacy organizations. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was sent to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Student Services Personnel community members for distribution to student pharmacists at their respective schools. The survey collected demographic data, determined the extent of student membership and leadership involvement within professional organizations, and assessed factors that motivate and deter student pharmacist membership in organizations. Results467 students completed the survey. Seventy percent indicated they are currently involved in one or more pharmacy organizations. Final-year students were less likely to join organizations than other professional years (p < 0.001). Women (p = 0.001) were more likely to join and hold leadership positions, as were younger-aged students (p = 0.001) and those living on or near campus (p = 0.049). Opportunities for professional development was the highest-ranked factor motivating students to join a professional organization, and the time required for participation was the highest-ranked hindering factor. ConclusionNumerous factors affect student pharmacists' decisions to join professional pharmacy organizations. This information may assist in determining ways to recruit and engage students starting early in their pharmacy education. It may be prudent to redefine student engagement within professional organizations, especially in the context of new generations of students.

Determinants of Marketing Channels Choices: Evidence from Vegetable Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Vegetable farmers are faced with computational and informational restrictions when making marketing decisions. Fresh produce markets in South Africa lack an efficient approach to supply chain management, from the farmers to the consumers. Improving market access can incentivise smallholder farmers to scale up their production. The present paper investigates factors influencing smallholder vegetable farmers' choice of market channels in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire and a multi-stage sampling technique were used to select 149 vegetable farmers. Multivariate probit regression and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The results show that most sampled vegetable farmers in the study area sell their vegetable produce to traditional, wholesale, and retail outlets compared to other outlets. The study found that vegetable farmers can substitute one market with the other. Various socio-economic characteristics, transaction costs, asset ownership, membership of farm organisations, and access to extension services influence the selection choice. The study recommends intensive education and training to capacitate smallholder farmers through extension officers and farm organisations to enable farmers to understand and meet the requirements of high-value markets.

Walter Eichler and his role in the development of electroneurography

ABSTRACT Walter Eichler (1904–1942) performed the first in situ nerve conduction studies in humans. Eichler’s work has been largely overlooked and there have been no biographical accounts written of him. His 1937 paper, Über die Ableitung der Aktionspotentiale vom menschlichen Nerven in situ (On the recording of the action potentials from human nerves in situ) was translated and reviewed. Archival material was obtained on his career that was housed predominantly at the University of Freiburg im Breisgau. He had memberships in Nazi organizations but did not appear to be politically active. During his brief career, he constructed novel equipment and established seminal principles for performing nerve conductions on humans. The authors repeated his experiment in the ulnar nerve, which duplicated Eichler’s findings. His recordings were quite remarkable given advances in technology. In summary, the Eichler paper is the first study in the development of in situ clinical electroneurography in humans. Many of his procedural observations are still fundamental in the current practice of electroneurography. As best can be determined, his study in humans did not appear ethically compromised. Although Eichler’s personal background remains open to question, his paper is a seminal study in the history and development of clinical electroneurography. Abbreviations: AP: Action potential; C: Capacitor; CNP: Compound nerve potential; DC: Direct current; E1: Preferred term for active electrode; E2: Preferred term for reference electrode; NSDÄB: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche NSD-Ärtzebund (National Socialist German Doctors’ League; NSDAP: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers’ Party/ Nazi Party); SS: Schutzstaffel (Protective Echelon or Squad of the Nazi party)

Cambodia's Imminent Graduation from Least Developed Country Status: What Will be the Impact of the TRIPS Agreement on Access to HIV and Hepatitis C Medicines in Cambodia?

Cambodia has experienced exponential economic growth in recent years and is expected to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status within the next decade. Membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will require Cambodia to grant product and process patents for pharmaceuticals upon LDC graduation. This study aims to measure the impact of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on the price of HIV and hepatitis C medicine in Cambodia once it graduates from LDC status and is obliged to make patents available for pharmaceutical products and processes. Using scenarios based on likely outcomes of accession to the TRIPS Agreement, it measures the impact on the price of the HIV treatment program and compares that impact with the hepatitis C treatment program. Graduation from LDC status would be expected to result in a modest increase in the cost of the antiretroviral (ARV) treatment program and very large increases in the cost of the direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment program. If annual treatment budgets remain constant, patent protection could see 1,515 fewer people living with HIV able to access ARV treatment and 2,577 fewer people able to access DAA treatment (a drop in treatment coverage of 93%).

Determinants of microfinance credit uptake and the amount of credit by smallholder dairy cattle farmers in Maara sub-county, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Microfinance institutions play a crucial role in enhancing the production and productivity of smallholder farmers by providing them with the necessary financial resources. However, the adoption and utilization of microfinance credit in the Maara sub-county fall short of their potential benefits. Despite various credit service providers, not all smallholder dairy cattle farmers in this region have been able to capitalize on these services. Several factors contribute to the low uptake of microfinance credit among smallholder dairy farmers, including inadequate financial literacy, absence of collateral, high transaction costs, and insufficient infrastructure. Acknowledging that these factors are dynamic and can vary across different regions is and essential. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics influencing microfinance credit adoption and utilization in the Maara sub-county is lacking. This study examined microfinance credit uptake from two angles: the factors affecting its adoption and the determinants of credit size once accessed. Recognizing the interdependence of these choices, the study employed the Heckman selection model. Results indicated that factors such as years of schooling, household size, organization membership, access to extension services, and collateral availability significantly (p &lt; 0.01) influenced microfinance credit uptake. Furthermore, schooling years, household size, and daily milk production per cow emerged as the most impactful credit size determinants (p &lt; 0.05). The study suggests that promoting organization membership among smallholder dairy cattle farmers could enhance access to microfinance credit facilities, thereby ensuring sustainable milk production. By addressing the identified factors, the Maara sub-county could unlock the potential of microfinance credit to benefit its agricultural sector.

Domestic macroeconomic sources of the USA–China trade conflict

PurposeTrade relations between China and the USA have been marked by conflict, especially since China’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). These conflicts have been analyzed from a variety of perspectives, including the loss of jobs in the USA due to Chinese imports, competition in high technology sectors and the balance of trade. Conceptual frameworks have employed models of domestic differences as well as models of international power distribution. Among domestic differences examined are the existence of state-owned enterprises in China compared to the domination of the USA economy by private firms, the large role of the Communist Party in China and the influence of labor and environmental and labor groups in the USA. Power distribution theories focus on the systemic effects of the distribution of power on trade openness and on the pattern of intra-bloc versus between-bloc trade. This paper aims to examine the role of macroeconomic policy factors in China and the USA, in particular, the role of national patterns of savings, investment and consumption (both private and government). The paper concludes that insofar as the balance of trade is an important component of the trade conflict, domestic macroeconomic factors continue to be important. The resolution of the conflict will have to take into account the respective macroeconomic policies of China and the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe design is an analytic case study of US–China trade relations with a particular focus on the balance of trade. The conceptual framework employed involves an analysis of macroeconomic policy categories, especially the overall pattern of savings (household, firm and government), investment and consumption. Process tracing over time since China's membership in the WTO is carried out with an eye toward the relationship between the balance of trade and macroeconomic policy.FindingsThe main findings are that there is a strong relation between the respective macroeconomic policies of the USA and China and their trade relations. The domestic political economy of the USA encourages consumption and a low rate of savings. The opposite is true of China where household income is low by design and national savings are high. China depends on the USA to consume what is not consumed domestically. The USA depends on Chinese imports for additional consumption encouraged by its low rate of savings. The two economies are locked in a mutual dependence.Research limitations/implicationsKey research implications are that there should be more focus on domestic macroeconomic policies since these are the root causes of the trade imbalance. This is not to say that trade frictions centering on jobs, subsidies and competition in high technology are unimportant. However, without the resolution of differences in the management of macroeconomic policies, trade conflicts between the USA and China will continue.Practical implicationsPractical implications are huge, in some ways much more important than the academic implications. Macroeconomic policy differences in savings, investment, government spending, taxation and infrastructure are important. Furthermore, there are available tools in both China and the USA to manage the macroeconomy, particularly, monetary and fiscal policy.Social implicationsOne implication of this paper is that satisfaction or dissatisfaction of workers is dependent on income distribution which in turn affects trade. Treatment of people in different socioeconomic categories, such as the elderly, the young, and those at working age are a function of macroeconomic policies.Originality/valueMany people have written about macroeconomics. It is a conventional subfield of economics. The originality of this paper lies in its advocacy of a shift of focus and attention and in the argument that traditional macroeconomics is related to trade. Despite its importance, macroeconomics has not been the center of attention for most political scientists, though economists have made it more central.