Poor Market Infrastructure Research Articles

Effects of Fish Waste Management Practice on Environmental Pollution in Tanzania: A Case Study of Kivukoni Ferry Fish Market

Globally, waste arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid and are discarded as useless or unwanted are broadly defined as solid waste. It includes municipal garbage, industrial and commercial wastes, sewerage slug, waste of agricultural and animal husbandry, demolition waste and mining residues. The study aimed to identify strategies deployed by the management at Kivukoni Ferry Fish market. The study adopted case study research design with mixed approaches. The study used purposive and probability sampling techniques. The study used Slovenes formulae to obtain sample size of 160 respondents from target population of 213 respondents. The study used questionnaire and interview to obtain data needed. The study findings indicates that 77.1% of respondents agreed that management of Kivukoni Ferry fish market provide clean water for fish processing and fish waste collection bins. The study concluded that, Kivukoni fish market provide clean water for fish processing, also inadequate provision tools for fish waste collection and poor logistics for fish waste transportation from Kivukoni Ferry fish market to Pugu damp. In additional to that, poor market infrastructure led the market to produce odor smell, immediately in hot weather condition, this situation threaten the environment and the safety of workers and community at large. The study recommended that, Kivukoni Ferry fish market management should establish designated waste collection points within the market to streamline the disposal process and should develop a reliable logistics system for the timely transportation of fish waste from the market to Pugu dump.

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND FACTORS LEADING TO DISCONTINUED UTILIZATION OF BIO-FORTIFIED MAIZE IN OYO AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

The study assessed the communication strategies and factors leading to the discontinued utilization of bio-fortified maize among selected value-chain actors in Oyo and Ondo States, Nigeria. Information was collected from 320 value chain actors on the sources of information on bio-fortified maize, factors affecting its utilization, and factors leading to its discontinued adoption. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, tables, means, and standard deviations, with hypothesis tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results revealed that 34.1% of respondents received information on yellow maize most frequently through extension agents, 33.0% often through friends/relatives, and 35.3% often through family members. Key factors affecting the utilization of yellow maize included the value chain actors’ experiences (mean = 1.70), market availability (mean = 1.66), and economic benefits (mean = 1.54). Additionally, 57.5% of respondents discontinued utilizing yellow maize due to low distribution of seeds by ADP extension agents, 51.9% due to exploitation by middlemen, and 51.0% due to poor market infrastructure. A significant relationship was found between factors affecting utilization and those leading to the discontinuation of yellow maize (r = 0.364, p ≤ 0.01). The study concluded that value chain actors have access to extension services and receive information on yellow maize through multiple sources, including extension agents, friends/relatives, newspapers, drama, and bulletins/handbills. However, challenges such as low seed distribution, middlemen exploitation, and poor market infrastructure persist. It is recommended that extension agents and other stakeholders address these factors to promote the sustained adoption and utilization of bio-fortified maize among value-chain actors.

Study on the Challenges Encountered by Eri Silkworm Rearers in Tapioca Cultivation and Eri Rearing in Udalguri District of Assam

Sericulture, specifically eri silk production, plays a crucial role in sustainable rural development and employment generation. This study investigated the constraints faced tapioca cultivation and eri rearing in Udalguri district, Assam. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents through a snowball sampling technique. The rearers encountered personal, social, land utilization, rearing, managerial, economic, marketing, transportation, and institutional challenges. Notable issues included lack of formal education, high labour wages, land scarcity, inadequate rearing facilities, limited knowledge on scientific practices, insufficient capital, price fluctuations, poor marketing infrastructure, transportation costs, and lack of need-based training. The respondents suggested interventions such as government support for infrastructure and equipment, need-based training, formation of cooperatives, effective marketing channels, financial assistance, value-added product training, community rearing centers, land allocation, and extensive plantation of secondary feed plants. Addressing these constraints through targeted strategies is essential for fostering the long-term sustainability of eri silk production and enhancing the socio-economic status of rearers.

Socioeconomic Conditions of Apple Growers in Marpha, Mustang District

Socio-economic condition of the farmers plays a crucial role in agriculture. Apple is one of the key fruits with potential to generate income and employment in the high mountain districts of western Nepal. The objective of the study has to analyze the socioeconomic status of apple grower in Marpha of Mustang district. A total of 145 households have been sampled out of 235 households by using simple random sampling technique and interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain data regarding socioeconomic condition, production, marketing channels, cost and apple price from apple growers as well as secondary sources of data obtained from the District Agriculture Development Office and Temperate Horticulture Development Center, Marpha, Mustang with other published and unpublished documents. The study concluded that socioeconomic conditions of marginal farmers have significantly improved during the last three decades because of apple farming. Seasonal road and poor marketing infrastructure, underprivileged technical knowledge, unavailability of inputs in time, insect pest damage and lack of storage facilities, price disparity and low quantity of production have been noticed major production and marketing problems in the study area.

The Production and Marketing Constraints Faced by Ginger and Turmeric Growers in Assam's Hill and Plain Region, India

The present study was conducted to know the constraints perceived by Ginger and Turmeric growers in terms of production and marketing in the hill and plain district of Karbi Anglong and Jorhat of Assam during September 2021. Using Multistage Stratified Random Sampling, the constraints perceived by 252 respondents from both districts were tabulated and ranked accordingly. The major constraints that affected the production and marketing of ginger and turmeric in the hills were low adoption of better and improved production practices and technology, and the presence of middlemen/ local traders respectively whereas, for the plain region, the major constraints that affected production and marketing of ginger and turmeric were unfavorable weather conditions and poor market infrastructure respectively. As Assam is a major hub for ginger and turmeric production, policies should aim at providing better quality planting materials, provision of proper market infrastructure, creation of a “spices park” and creation of a proper export channel.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTITUDES OF FARMERS TOWARDS FRUITS AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ZONE D AGRO ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Aim of the study: This study examined farmers' attitudes towards the consumption of fruits and vegetables among rural households. Design/Methodology: primary data were utilized. A total of 160 respondents were chosen at random for the study. Descriptive statistics, binary logit regression, and mean scores were used to analyse the data collected. Findings: According to the findings, the majority of respondents were married men and had secondary education. The most common fruits and vegetables that respondents could find and eat were bananas, onions, and oranges. Most of the respondents get fruits and vegetables from their own gardens. Practical Implications: This study shows that Fruits and vegetables consumption were negatively affected by seasonality, income, unavailability, poor market access, storage facilities, infrastructure facilities, quality, pest and disease and post-harvest losses. Originality/value: The thrust of this work is premised on the fact that there is a current need to evaluate attitudes of farmers toward consumption of fruits and vegetables that are readily available in the study area. It makes immense contribution to the existing literature on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The research exposes the fact that fruits and vegetables can be transformed into forms that may be conserved, extending their shelf life and, as a result, making it possible to access them year-round and reducing post-harvest losses in the rural consumers. Keywords: Attitudes, Consumption, Fruits and Vegetables, Rural households Paper Type: Research paper

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GOAT AND SHEEP MARKETING IN WUDIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State to comparatively analyze the marketing of goats and sheep in the area, with Wudil Livestock Market being purposively chosen for the study. A total of 85 marketers (50 goat and 35 sheep marketers) were proportionally and randomly selected for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, marketing margin and Gini Coefficient. Findings revealed that all the marketers were males with 84% goat marketers and 66% sheep marketers being married. Profitability analysis revealed that sheep marketing had a higher profit of N2,028.5 than goat marketing with N1,307.5 profit. Conversely, goat marketing had a higher marketing efficiency of 115.8% while sheep marketing had 111.5%. The study therefore, revealed that though both goat and sheep marketing are profitable and efficient in the study area, sheep marketing requires higher initial capital outlay of N16,900 than goat marketing with N7,650. Similarly, with Gini Coefficients of 0.72 and 0.64 for goat and sheep markets respectively, both markets exhibit perfect inequality with an indication of unequal distribution of market share among the marketers. Common constraints faced by the two sets of marketers include high cost of transportation, inadequate capital, poor market infrastructure, as well as multiple market charges. It is therefore, recommended that since the two ventures are profitable and efficient, youths should be encouraged to go into them by the government by empowering them with initial start-up capital and provide good infrastructure in the market.

CONSTRAINTS TO INTERMEDIARIES’ ROLE IN P R O V I S I O N O F M A R K E T A N D M A R K E T I N G S E R V I C E S F O R U R B A N F R E S H F R U I T

Despite the critical role played by intermediaries in marketing services and trade, along with various initiatives undertaken to enhance this role, fresh fruits and vegetables traders in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania are still discontented with the intermediaries’ inability to undertake marketing services roles. This paper examined the constraints to intermediaries’ role in provision of market and marketing services for urban fresh fruits and vegetables supply chain and recommended strategies for improving the same. Qualitative approach was adopted and data were drawn from a purposive sample of 48 respondents through in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Thematic data analysis strategy was adopted in which researchers transcribed data, read and familiarized themselves with data, coded them, searched and reviewed themes, named and finalized the analysis process. It was revealed in this study that, intermediaries’ role in marketing services for urban fruits and vegetables supply chain was confronted by poor coordination and information, inadequate knowledge and awareness, poor market infrastructure and geography and poor transportation services. The authors recommend to the government through ministries in charge of agriculture and trade to take serious measures to improve market and marketing services of fresh fruits and vegetable services through building storage centres, educating intermediaries and farmers on best marketing practices and furnishing farmer and intermediaries with information on international available market opportunities for fresh fruits and vegetables

A REVIEW OF INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SMALLHOLDER POTATO FARMERS’ VALUE ADDITION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR UGANDA

The review analyses the Institutional factors that influence potato value addition in Uganda. The review sought to; identify the key critical institutional factors that contribute to supporting the potato value chain, and discuss how these factors can be used to support the development of the value chain in Uganda. The review based on secondary review to come up with findings. It applied a quantitative approach that involved data extraction from sources like online books, journals, reports articles and media. Potato production and value addition in Uganda is primarily performed by numerous players including; farmers/producers, marketers (agents and traders), and processors. These actors determine the volume and quality of traded potato, per capita value added product and price outcomes in the Irish Potato subsector. Though there is a remarkable progress in boosting per capita potato value added product, major players are still restrained by institutional setbacks such as; un-reliable supply of quality seed inputs, fertilizer and pesticide, limited access to credit services, transport infrastructure and transport costs, limited access to market information, services, and technology, lack of storage infrastructure, limited market access, poor market infrastructure, poor organization of the sector, poor legal environment and lack of proper policies related to smallholder farmers. The constraints must be addressed for Uganda to optimally exploit its full potato production potential and upgrade its entire value chain. It is recommended that government together with private sector channel credit facilities through existing farmer groups to increase access to credit through either capitalizing farmer group-level VSLAs or lending to farmer groups instead of individuals. This can enable farmers acquire the necessary equipment needed for value addition. There is also need to upgrade infrastructure and more importantly, community and market stores that support the functionality of the traders who are the key actors throughout the Irish Potato value chain.

Fruit and Vegetable Seed Production and Marketing: Existing Practice and Perception of Vegetbale Seed Farmers and Sellers in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has the largest river delta in the world and is known as the basin of South Asia. Accordingly, Bangladesh is naturally fertile, which is the main factor that provides the country with a huge opportunity to produce fruit and vegetable seeds. However, the lack of quality seed production, insufficient seed supply, and lack of seed preservation systems make the seed sector unstable. This research attempts to determine the cause of these problems and identify ways to mitigate them and make a sustainable marketing system. A descriptive research method was applied, based on a survey conducted in Bangladesh in three major seed producing divisions, namely: Dhaka, Chittagong, and Mymensingh. The data were gathered from 40 farmers and 40 retailers & wholesalers who were chosen at random, and the data was analysed in Microsoft Excel. The objective of the study is to analyze marketing practices of vegetable and fruit seeds, the problems of vegetable and fruit seed distribution, and to propose a method for the sustainable distribution of vegetable and fruit seeds. The results showed a lack of genuine and timely market information, poor institutions and arrangements, and poor marketing infrastructure. These findings are indicative of poor marketing efficiency and thereby suboptimal operation of the seed marketing system. Hence, the results found in this study should help to institute appropriate measures for production, market infrastructure, arrangements, and institutions to improve the inefficient functioning of the seed marketing system.

Production Trend, Constraints, and Strategies for Millet Cultivation in Nepal: A Study from Review Perspective

Millet cultivation is making a quick comeback in the Nepalese agrarian landscape after years of institutional neglect. Agricultural agencies and farmers ignored these cereals while giving precedence over rice, wheat, and other crops such as oilseeds and pulses. Millets can foster well in poor soil conditions with less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. The main objectives of the study were to assess prospects and potentiality of millet, constraints during farming, and the possible strategies to overcome problems by analyzing the data and secondary literature. Districts in the eastern part of Nepal show dominance in millet production. Millet contains a comparative advantage over other cereals in terms of soil climatic adaptability, drought resistance, insect pest tolerance, and management factors. Further, the health-promoting factors play an important role in tackling food security and malnutrition problems, particularly in mid and high hills. The preference of tourists towards "dhido" has further increased its demand at present. However, lack of domain-specific high-yielding varieties, high preference towards major cereals, and poor marketing infrastructure particularly in marginal areas are the constraints mainly considered for unexpected production of millet. Millet features a high possibility of improving the production which can be supported with subsidy, improving tourism, promoting the millet products with agro-based industries, and motivating the growing farmers. Proper local and national strategies to cope with the limitation will help to uplift millet farming from minor cereals to exportable standards.

Assessment of Rice Producers Cooperative in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State Nigeria

The study assessed rice producers’ cooperative in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. A total of 120 respondents were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Data for the study were collected by the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages mean statistics and Likert scale. The result of the findings revealed that majority (82%) of the respondent were males and 74.2% married. The Major roles performed by rice producers’ cooperatives are facilitating members’ access to land (M = 4.49), Communal manual weeding (M=4.43) and Assists members with farm implements (M=4.30). Poor market infrastructure (M=2.93) and Poor access to extension services (M=2.88) were the major problems affecting respondents. Furthermore, improved market infrastructure (M=3.53) and improved extension contact (M=3.49) were factors revealed that enhance the performance of rice producers. The study therefore recommend that government should provide storage facilities to rice producers in order to store their grains. Good processing facilities should be made available to rice producers cooperative in order to encourage value chain transformation and value addition, government should provide quality extension service delivery that is capable of diffusing technological innovations, as this will improve output of rice producers in the study area.

Review on Live animal and Meat Marketing and Production in Ethiopia

This paper reviews research works done on livestock and meat marketing opportunities and challenges in Ethiopia. Moreover, this paper has tried to assess secondary data collected from Ethiopian custom and revenue authority (ECRA) and central statistical agency (CSA) in order to analyze the export and to get a more insight on the livestock production system by smallholders. Live animal and meat export to Middle East and neighboring countries is increasing. The increasing number of live animal and meat exporter, geographic proximity to the Middle East countries, economic growth, government interest and support to the sub sector gives the country comparative advantages in livestock and livestock product trading. However, traditional production system, poor market infrastructure, lack of market information and extension service, trans-boundary disease outbreaks, long and complicated market chain, and illegal cross border trade are affecting the sub-sector performance to the economy and livelihood improvement. Keywords : Live animal, Meat, Marketing, Export, Production DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/77-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Economics of production and marketing of apple (Malus domestica) in Mustang, Nepal

A study was carried out to assess the production and marketing status of apple in the Mustang district of Nepal in 2019. A total of 100 households were sampled by using simple random sampling technique and interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and independent-sample t-test was used for data analysis using SPSS and MS-Excel. Farmers were categorized into small farmers (n=68) and large farmers (n=32) based on the number of apple trees grown by farmers. The average area under apple cultivation was 6.64 ropani (0.3378 hactares). The overall average apple production was 2848 kg (2.84 Mt) and the large farmers had more apple production (7035 kg) as compared to small farmers (877 kg). The average annual household income from apple was NRs. 29,868 (248.90 USD). Apple farming was found to be a profitable farm enterprise with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.84. Two marketing channel was identified in the study area and Channel II was found more profitable. Education status of household head, ethnicity, number of economically active family members, experience on apple farming and visit of extension worker to apple farms were the significant factors that positively affected the production and marketing of apple. The satisfaction level of farmers from production and marketing of apple was found very poor (79%). Unavailability of inputs, lack of storage facilities, insect pest damage, poor technical knowledge and infrastructure were major production problems. Similarly, price variation, poor marketing infrastructure and linkage, high postharvest loss, poor bargaining power and low volume of production were the major marketing problems.

Why Nepal’s main agricultural export product, large cardamom, does not reach the world market

While subsistence agriculture dominates in Nepal, certain high-value crops have shown great promise as export crops in recent years. Large cardamom is one such high-value crop, constituting about 5% of total exports from the country. Although development of agricultural value chains has connected smallholder farmers from developing countries to world markets, export of Nepali large cardamom is confined to India only. This paper has examined the factors that constrain the distribution of Nepali large cardamom to world markets beyond India. Primary data was collected from Ilam and Jhapa districts in eastern Nepal. Interviews and consultations were conducted with 54 purposively selected research participants including farmers, intermediaries, traders, and stakeholders. Data analysis was based on Trieneken’s agricultural value chain analysis framework for developing countries. Findings revealed that increased large cardamom distribution to world markets is constrained by Nepal’s landlocked geography, limited access to Indian transport infrastructure, strict food safety regulations, high tariffs, and complexities in customs clearance procedures. Nepal’s poor market infrastructure, characterised by a lack of accredited laboratories, platforms for auctions, and warehouse facilities, has further weakened the country’s export capacity. Moreover, that the same trade code is used for all types of cardamom in world markets has put Nepali traders at a disadvantage as they lack specific information regarding prospective markets and trade volumes outside India. This paper, therefore, calls for a large cardamom market study together with capacity-strengthening measures for institutions, the facilitation of export constraints, and a review of the existing export strategy.

Constraints of Honey Production and Marketing in Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia has huge potential for beekeeping production and 1st in honey production in Africa because of its endowment with diversity in climate and vegetation resources offering potentially favorable conditions for beekeeping. It is important for sources of food and beverages, medication, income generation, creating employment opportunities, environmental balance through pollination. Even though it has a higher contribution, the sector is yet not potentially utilized due to various constraints. Therefore the objectives of this paper are to review the production constraints of honey in Ethiopia and to review the marketing constraints of honey in Ethiopia. Pests, Disease and Predators; weather problem; Shortage of bee forage; Absconding; shortage of trained manpower; shortage of equipment; poor management practices; chemicals; weak research and extension; poor infrastructures and etc. are constraints of honey production in Ethiopia. While linkages problem; lack of market center; lack of market information; price fluctuation; low awareness of post-harvest handling; lack of technology; poor market infrastructure, lack basic business concepts; and etc. are constraints honey marketing in Ethiopia. To overcome such constraints:- Adopting effective honeybee pests, disease and predators controlling methods; Introducing and expanding of full package improved beekeeping technologies with adequate practical skill; strengthen full package extension services; Support farmers for beekeeping business through credit availability, improving the barging power of beekeepers, strengthen linkage among different concerned institutions, cooperative formation, input supply, market facilitation and infrastructures as a whole; Giving attention on research and human resources development ; Expanding coverage of flowering plants especially economically important ones like horticultural crops and reducing the impact of agrochemicals and others are suggested recommendations.

Farmer challenge-derived indicators for assessing sustainability of low-input ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa

The process of consulting stakeholders, particularly farmers, in developing appropriate indicators for sustainability evaluation of low-input ruminant systems is often compromised by limited awareness and understanding of the sustainability concept by farmers in developing countries. Insights from farmers’ challenges present useful prospects for developing context-specific sustainability evaluation indicators for low-input ruminant systems. In the present review, a meta-analysis was used to develop farmer challenge-derived indicators for the sustainability evaluation of low-input ruminant farming system in sub-Saharan Africa. Key ecological challenges reported were low forage quality, poor soil quality, feed shortages and; economic challenges were low poor marketing structure, high cost of labour, and poor transport network, poor marketing infrastructure; and social challenges were rural to urban migration, lack of animal breeding management and inadequate access to information. The corresponding derived ecological indicators were biomass quality, soil quality, high winds; economic indicators were available marketing infrastructure, labour costs, transport networks; and social indicators were rural to urban migration, animal management training and access to information. The review shows that farmers’ challenges can be transformed to indicators for assessing the sustainability of the low-input ruminant farming system in sub-Saharan Africa.

Role of Milk Market Infrastructure for Sustainable Dairy Development

Poor market infrastructure leads to inefficient use of resources and inequitable welfare distribution hampering sustainable development. Increased productivity along with investments in market infrastructure is critical for dairy development. The main objective of the study was to develop a composite milk market infrastructure index (MMII) for 21 states of India. The indices were computed using 10 selected indicators, followed by classification into 3 categories viz., high, moderate and low for policy prescription. The findings indicated that Gujarat had the highest MMII (0.7156) and due to the highest number of dairy cooperative societies (2 per 1000 tonnes of milk production). On the contrary, Chhattisgarh had the lowest MMII (0.1194) due to lack of facilities in procurement, transportation, and communication apart from competitive markets. Surprisingly; Haryana, one of the major contributors to milk production in the country, was placed under low MMII (0.2445) due to an unorganized market structure, less procurement and limited access to extension activities. The analysis indicated that six states had high MMII, seven under moderate and the rest eight low MMII. In order to meet the growing demand, milk production should be increased followed by establishing well-organized and well-equipped markets that link production and consumption. To facilitate, the Government should implement necessary policy actions in order to strengthen the market infrastructure and disposal pattern of milk so as to ensure “zero hunger, improved nutrition and food security” for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

English

This study takes a value chain approach to identify the constraints, opportunities, interventions and possible impact for the milk business in Fafan Zone, Ethiopian Somali Region. A cross sectional survey design was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 5 kebeles and from each kebele simple random selection was further used to select 70 women. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were also held with women, administrative staff and milk producer and distributer. Though milk and milk product sale is the major source of income, the women have limited power in milk price willpower. Cow milk produced average of 1 to 2 L/day during dry and 3 to 5 L/day in rainy season. The major factors affecting the milk business are: low milk productivity, high temperature and poor milk handling containers, absence of improved forage, and poor market infrastructure. There is also poor linkage among development actors in the milk value chain. Thus, there is need for improved infrastructure, enhance input supply system, facilitate the access to credit services, and promote women leadership through trainings. Key words: Decision making, empowerment, milk market, sampling, value chain.

Vegetable Market Performance in Smallholders Production System: The Case of Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia

Lake Tana basin is one of the most potential vegetable production areas in Ethiopia. However, production in this region has been carried out at smallholders’ level with poor marketing infrastructure. Hence, this study was aimed to examine the structure and performance of vegetable marketing in the Lake Tana basin. Multistage random sampling mixed with non probability sampling techniques were employed to collect data from 385 smallholder vegetable producing farmers and 107 vegetable traders from three districts and two major town markets. Data were analyzed using market structure and performance indicators. The result of the analysis showed that market structure in the study area could be characterized by weak oligopolistic market with little chance of market participants to influence market price. Storage loss and transport cost were found the two largest cost components of vegetable marketing in the study area. Net marketing margin and producers’ share of the consumers’ price could be improved by shortening the distance between the producer and urban consumer or reducing the intermediaries involved. Establishing farmers’ group marketing with communication access together with least cost storage and transport technologies should be encouraged to improve vegetable marketing performance.