Production Inputs Research Articles

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Livestock Production: A Review

For centuries, disease outbreak has posed a threat to livestock production. Corona virus disease, also known as COVID-19 is a novel disease that brought with it economic havoc and affected the livestock industry adversely. Animal Production and processing plants were heavily affected as a result of difficulty buying production inputs such as feed for animals, transportation of live animals including inter border crossing restrictions, assess to professional care, reduced workforce and decrease in supply of meat and meat products to the market. With the pandemic, importation and exportation of animals and livestock products were affected. There was reduction in the number of animals slaughtered daily and also a reduction in processing plant capacity across all species. Majority of workers in the livestock industry were infected with corona virus, which resulted to financial instability, loss of jobs as well as loss of animals. Better policies to reduce the economic loss through partial or full opening of both intra and interstate borders, providing funds to farmers, opening up processing plants and slaughtering houses will aid in cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livestock industry.

Trade, productivity, and services input intensity

AbstractUsing rich administrative microdata on Ugandan firms, we investigate the response of productivity to trade participation for firms in all sectors of the economy, and the moderating role of services input intensity. We find that companies that participate in trade, especially through importing, display a productivity premium. Firms that export are more productive only for a sub-sample spanning the manufacturing sector. We do not find evidence that using service inputs more intensively enhances the relationship between trade participation and firm productivity. Rather, we find some evidence that a higher share of spending on services inputs attenuates the positive relationship between trade status and productivity. This suggests that the quality of available services may not be up to the standard required to be internationally competitive.

Recent Innovation in Precision Agriculture and their Impact on Crop and Soil Health: A Compressive Review

The maintenance of soil fertility and on-farm research or demonstrations might be enhanced by precision agricultural technologies. Using state-of-the-art technology, precision agriculture boosts agricultural output without negatively affecting the environment. Utilising cutting-edge technology and data analysis, precision agriculture aims to boost production, minimise waste, and maximise crop yields. This might be a viable approach to addressing some of the main problems facing modern agriculture, such feeding an expanding global population while lessening its impact on the environment. The application of precision agriculture starts with the collection of real-time data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, global positioning systems, geographic information systems, drones, soil sensors, and weather stations. Precision agriculture has become essential in addressing the challenges posed by a growing global population, climate change, and resource constraints. Recognising within-field variability and providing chances for differentiating treatment of sections within a field or industrial unit are what fuel demand for precision agriculture. Precision agriculture technology plays an important part in sustainable soil and crop management in modern agriculture by lowering crop production inputs and managing lands in an ecologically responsible way.

Estimation of technical efficiency of maize farmers in Wa East District in Ghana: translog stochastic frontier approach

ABSTRACT Efficiency analysis among maize farmers is crucial, especially when maize output continues to decline, even under improved technology. The aim of this study was to estimate the level of technical efficiency among maize farmers in Wa East District in Ghana and to assess the determinants of their technical efficiency. Data were collected from 273 household heads using the multistage sampling method. The study applied the stochastic translog production function to do the estimation and assessment. The results revealed a variation of 60.2%–89.5% efficiency levels among maize farmers. In addition, maize farmers achieved about 71.5% of the required technical competences. Factors contributing significantly were labour, land, age, farming experience, household size, hired labour and seed quality. The results showed an increasing returns-to-scale parameter being significantly different from unit. Recommendations are improvement in the capacity of farmers by agriculture extension service and accessibility of farmers to affordable production inputs in real time.

Regional variations in the chemical composition of fresh and composted beach wrack on the island of Gotland, Sweden – Considering future treatments

Harvesting beach wrack biomass (stranded seaweed) from coastal zones to use in agriculture could mitigate eutrophication while contributing to resource substitution of fossil-based inputs in food production. As such, beach wrack holds great resource potential in a bio-based circular economy, but its chemical properties prove challenging, and more research is required to develop treatment techniques that will allow the realization of such a system. We compiled results from chemical analyses of fresh beach wrack conducted 2012–2023 from a database within the marine policy scheme LOVA in Gotland, Sweden, to study spatial and seasonal variations in macronutrients and cadmium (Cd) content since cadmium is a highlighted risk metal for beach wrack use. This data was complemented by sampling composted beach wrack from compost sites (passive pile treatment), including analysis of ammonium and nitrate.There was considerable variation in the chemical composition of the beach wrack depending on location and season. Fresh beach wrack from the LOVA-sampling exhibited an average C content of 17.32 %, N content of 1.24 %, P content of 0.17 %, and K content of 1.3 %, which is in line with earlier studies. Composted material also showed significant differences between locations in C, N, C/N, ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P, K and Cd.The C/N and ammonium-N/nitrate-N ratios in composted beach wrack differed significantly between different composts, indicating differences in mineralization processes and maturity.Average cadmium levels were below the EU cd-limit for biofertilisers 1,5 mg/kg DW, cd-level in fresh beach wrack (LOVA − 1,24 mg/kg), and in composted beach wrack (1,09 mg/kg DW). However, single values exceed the EU limit, and long-term effects of cadmium soil accumulation could not be ruled out.The results confirm that regional variations in beach wrack quality require investments in treatment techniques and strategies to make beach wrack usable.

Challenges of Indonesian Industrialization and Trade Problems in the Industrial Era 4.0 for the Indonesian Economy and Government Policy Breakthrough

Industry 4.0 was born in 2011, for Indonesia it has brought benefits to industrialization and trade starting from 24-hour production automation, time efficiency because the process is fast and connected to the internet for unlimited distances with the help of internet signals, saving minds because AI-based technology is able to think to answer our questions and the ability to store and provide big data, production and trading costs are clearly more efficient because paperless, sending data without couriers, calculating the use of production inputs is more accurate so it is more economical. However, besides the advantages, there are also many challenging problems in Indonesia, starting from misuse of online media platforms, cyber crime (illegal taking of company data/hacking, misuse of other people's personal data for online fraud and illegal investment) which causes state losses of more than Rp. 232, 646 trillion until 2023. Therefore, the government has issued a policy breakthrough in the form of policies that have a broad impact and legal regulations that provide strict limits and sanctions.

CONSUMPTION OF FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDES IN TELANGANA: SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS’ CHALLENGES

The industrialization of agriculture has favoured the use of plenty of agrochemicals including fertilizers, pesticides, micronutrients. Consumption of pesticides has become an integral part of modern agriculture and is an effective and economical way to enhance the yield quality and quantity. Approximately, 2 million metric tons (MT) of pesticides are utilized annually worldwide. India stands 12th in pesticide use globally and 3rd in Asia after China. India shares only 1% of the global pesticide use. After the green revolution, there is increased use of chemical pesticides which resulted in contaminating the environment and the long-term implications on the society. Indiscriminate and excessive application of pesticides not only have damaged the environment but also have entered the food chain thereby affecting health and development. However, the role of pesticides in augmenting agricultural output has been well perceived and these have been considered as essential inputs in agricultural production. The present paper aimed to study the consumption pattern of pesticides and fertilizers among the small and marginal farmers. This study also aimed to know the farmers’ knowledge about the safe handling and application of pesticides and their practices on pesticide usage. While doing so, it highlights some issues like change in the cropping pattern among small and marginal farmers and also emphasizes on soil degradation and environmental issues.

Contribution of Banana Production on Household Income Generation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District

The study was about contribution of banana production on house hold income generation among Smallholder farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema District. The specific objectives included to; examine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder banana farmers, establish innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers and identify the factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey that applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 302 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that there were socio-economic characteristics of farmers which also affected banana production. Such characteristics included; age, marital status, level of education land size and gender. The study also concluded that there were innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema district. These included; Integrated Pest Management, use of hybrid varieties, Irrigation, mulching, climate-Smart Agriculture through use of drought resistant varieties, agro-forestry, use of fertilizer application and organic manure to replenish soil fertility. The study finally concluded that there were factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. Such as; access to extension and advisory services which had a significant effect on production and smallholder farmer’s income at (p=.004), access to financial services was a strong predictor of production improvement and farmer’s income at (p=.002), a positive and a significant relationship were observed between availability of quality farm inputs and banana production (at p=.023), The study further discovered that ready market was a strong predictor of production and small holder farmer’s income at (p=.003) and Lastly, a positive and a significant relationship were observed between banana varieties grown and banana production as well as income at (p=.005). The study recommends that the government, NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries in collaboration be established with the aim of implementing innovative agricultural strategies geared towards banana productivity increments, there is also a need for the government to provide enough facilities to extension agents that will help them facilitate enhanced training to farmers and inform them of new techniques in farming, there is a need for the government to provide some production inputs at subsidized cost.

Gendered Uptake of Sustainable Intensification Practices among Maize Commercializing Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Districts of Uganda

Commercialization of food crops, such as maize can dynamically shift control over productive resources or accrued income from women to men. This can restrict women’s ability to access or buy productive inputs. However, scanty information is available on how changing gender roles and relations can affect smallholder farmers’ use of sustainable intensification practices. This study described how gender inequalities in access to resources and appropriation of gains affect the uptake of sustainable intensification (SI) practices among maize commercializing farmers in eastern Uganda. Qualitative Survey data collected from a random sub-sample of 72 (36 women and 36 men) maize farmers from 584 maize commercializing smallholder farmers survey participants, was subjected to thematic content analysis. It was intended to follow up four unique profiles of farmers; those who did not use SI practices, the ones who used only intensification (improve maize varieties and fertilizers) or sustainable practices (organic manure and maize-legume intercrop), and those who used joint, one or more sustainable intensification practices. Findings revealed all four profiles to be highly gendered. Only women did not use any SI practice, and only men used intensification practices due to gender roles, responsibilities, and tasks shaped by traditions that give men terminal control over productive assets and gained resources. Both men and women used sustainable and sustainable intensification practices because of the negotiation process and opportunities that gave women more rights over resources. Thus, social-cultural histories and values constrain married women from implementing innovations such as SI practices because these values restrict women’s authority over productive resources. It is recommended that for inclusive transformative interventions to be introduced successfully in rigid patriarchal contexts, it is vital to enhance the negotiation skills of women.

Evaluating the nexus between farm size, fertilizer input and technical efficiency of rice production in north west, Nigeria: A parametric approach

Evaluating the nexus between farm size, fertilizer input and technical efficiency of rice production in north west, Nigeria: A parametric approach

Do outgrower schemes enhance technology adoption and productivity? Evidence from maize farmers in Northern Ghana

AbstractNucleus outgrower schemes are contractual arrangements where well‐resourced large‐scale farmers (nucleus farmers) are empowered by development support agencies to take charge of smallholder farmers, by providing them with market access and the necessary training on agronomic practices and farm inputs for production. In this study, we examine the impact of participation in outgrower scheme on technology adoption and farm productivity, using data from 634 smallholder maize farmers in Northern Ghana. We use the linear regression with endogenous treatment effects model to account for both observable and unobservable selection bias. The results reveal positive and significant marginal effects of outgrower scheme participation on technology adoption and maize yields. Outgrower scheme participants applied 6% and 82% more inorganic fertilizer and weedicides, respectively, than nonparticipants. Maize yield increased by about 3% for the participants more than nonparticipants. The findings also show that factors such as distance to market, distance to nucleus farmers' satellite office, nucleus outgrower scheme awareness, input price, and farmer‐based organization significantly influence outgrower scheme participation decisions, as well as technology adoption and maize yields.

Estimating Brazilian Amazon Canopy Height Using Landsat Reflectance Products in a Random Forest Model with Lidar as Reference Data

Landsat data have been used to derive forest canopy structure, height, and volume using machine learning models, i.e., giving computers the ability to learn from data and make decisions and predictions without being explicitly programmed, with training data provided by ground measurement or airborne lidar. This study explored the potential use of Landsat reflectance and airborne lidar data as training data to estimate canopy heights in the Brazilian Amazon forest and examined the impacts of Landsat reflectance products at different process levels and sample spatial autocorrelation on random forest modeling. Specifically, this study assessed the accuracy of canopy height predictions from random forest regression models impacted by three different Landsat 8 reflectance product inputs (i.e., USGS level 1 top of atmosphere reflectance, USGS level 2 surface reflectance, and NASA nadir bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) adjusted reflectance (NBAR)), sample sizes, training/test split strategies, and geographic coordinates. In the establishment of random forest regression models, the dependent variable (i.e., the response variable) was the dominant canopy heights at a 90 m resolution derived from airborne lidar data, while the independent variables (i.e., the predictor variables) were the temporal metrics extracted from each Landsat reflectance product. The results indicated that the choice of Landsat reflectance products had an impact on model accuracy, with NBAR data yielding more trustful results than the other products despite having higher RMSE values. Training and test split strategy also affected the derived model accuracy metrics, with the random sample split (randomly distributed training and test samples) showing inflated accuracy compared to the spatial split (training and test samples spatially set apart). Such inflation was induced by the spatial autocorrelation that existed between training and test data in the random split. The inclusion of geographic coordinates as independent variables improved model accuracy in the random split strategy but not in the spatial split, where training and test samples had different geographic coordinate ranges. The study highlighted the importance of data processing levels and the training and test split methods in random forest modeling of canopy height.

Analysis of Economic Efficiency: Case of Sweet Potato Seed Vine Production in Homabay County, Kenya

Sweet potatoes are not only a nutritious, high value food for the daily diet, but also an important source of income. In the selected survey areas in the Lake Region of Kenya, sweet potato is amongst the major commercially grown crops. Therefore, in order to understand the profitability and performance of sweet potato producers in the study area, this study was implemented. Sweet potato is one of the main commercially produced crops in the selected survey areas in the lake region of Kenya. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the profitability and performance of sweet potato producers in the study areas. The study employed Cost Function in the analyses of Economic Efficiency of Sweet Potato Seed Vine Production system in Kenya. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select sample size of 150 sweet potato vine producers for this study. By use of a structured questionnaire, data was collected on production input, output, input and output prices, characteristics of sampled farmer and plot. Using the maximum likelihood method, the variables of the cost function were estimated. Result revealed that the farm level cost- efficiency was about 56 percent. The research has shown that age and farm size were negative but significantly related to cost-efficiency at ten and one percent respectively. Gender, farming experience, Education, access extension to and credit were positive but significantly associated with cost-efficiency at one percent. The study advocates for policy decision that youthful farmers be inspired to venture into SP vine production and the government to enhance access to education, credit and extension services the ongoing farming.

Implementing Zonal Aquaculture Innovation Platforms in Uganda: Key Lessons Learned

Uganda’s aquaculture sub-sector is rapidly developing, contributing up to 22% of all fish produced in the country. However, the sub-sector still faces challenges related to limited access to extension services, production inputs, post-harvest handling facilities, disease incidences, value-addition skills and weak market linkages. Although there have been isolated interventions at different aquaculture value-chain nodes, the registered challenges continue to recur. To address prioritized issues in Uganda’s aquaculture sub-sector, nine zonal aquaculture innovation platforms were established based on the country’s nine agro-ecological zones. These platforms brought together different stakeholders to identify solutions to common problems in each aquaculture value-chain node. Each innovation platform consisted of fish farmers, hatchery operators, traders, extension workers, researchers, input dealers, local leaders, and financial institutions. During a series of zonal workshops, participants identified constraints to the aquaculture sub-sector in their respective zones. From the findings, there are technical knowledge gaps across the entire aquaculture value chain mainly affecting hatchery operators, input suppliers, and farmers. Therefore, there is need for coordinated interventions to enhance access to production technologies, innovations, knowledge, and skill transfer to promote gender-centered aquaculture development.

Analysis of Theil Comparative Decomposition Index to Measure Regional Inequality Due to Industrialization Residues

The Industrial sector in Kendal County, Indonesia, is one of the national strategic projects aimed at promoting investment accumulation and job creation. Unfortunately, the rapid development of this Industrial sector has resulted in income inequality compared to other sectors. This research aims to examine and measure the contribution of the Industrial sector in Kendal County to aggregate inequality. Methodologically, this research uses a quantitative descriptive approach, which involves indexing inequality to reveal economic phenomena. The inequality indices include the Gini ratio index, the Williamson index, and the Theil index. In Kendal County, inequality is at a moderate to high level, as evidenced by a Gini ratio index of 0.411 and a Williamson index of 0.775. On the other hand, the Theil index reaches 0.519, placing it in between the Gini ratio and the Williamson index. The high inequality in Kendal County is attributed to the Industrial sector, accounting for 41.19%. The Industrial sector significantly contributes to the widening of inequality in Kendal County. This is due to the Industrial sector attracting production input factors such as investments, resources, human capital, monetary conditions, and technological innovation. However, the trickle-down effect does not occur between the Industrial sector and other economic sectors such as agriculture, food and beverages, trade, services, and accommodation.

Input delays, Firm Dynamics, and Misallocation in Sub-Saharan Africa

We quantitatively analyze the macroeconomic consequences of border delays in Sub-Saharan Africa. Delays of imported intermediate inputs lower aggregate output because of factor misallocation and due to an inefficiently low number of firms that uses foreign inputs in production. Our model economy features heterogeneous firms that endogenously differ in the degree to which foreign inputs are used. The model is calibrated to micro-level data from Sub-Saharan Africa. Reducing border delays can increase aggregate output by up to 9.4%. The gains are mainly due to a reallocation of economic activity towards more productive firms.

RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY IN IMPROVE HYBRID TOMATO PRODUCTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE, SOUTHERN REGION OF NIGERIA

The study estimates the technical efficiency of tomato farmers in Akwa Ibom State in the Southern Region of Nigeria. One hundred and twenty tomato farmers were randomly selected using multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and maximum likelihood estimation of the stochastic Cobb- Douglas production function were used to analyze the collected data. The results of socioeconomic characteristics showed that male farmers dominated tomato cultivation in the region. The majority of farmers were relatively young, educated, and had moderate household size but low social capital accumulation. The empirical results identified seeds, manure, fertilizer, farm size, hired labour and family labour as significant inputs in tomato production. The study found decreasing return to scale in tomato production in the region. An average technical efficiency index of 0.797 was estimated, which corresponds to an efficiency gap of approximately 20.30%. Determinants of technical efficiency were: farming experience, socialization, education, training, farm income, household size and non-farm income. To increase the technical efficiency of tomato farmers, it is recommended that they should be encouraged to join existing cooperatives to obtain production information that would improve their technical efficiency; and providing formal education, especially in rural areas, would encourage tomato farmers to update their knowledge and acquire more skills necessary for efficient management of farm resources.

ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF CASSAVA FARMERS IN ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the technical efficiency of cassava farmers in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers; determine the technical efficiency of cassava farmers; estimate the determinants of technical efficiency among cassava farmers and examined the constraints militating against cassava production in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 120 respondents for the study. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaire and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function. The result showed that the average age, household size, farming experience, and farm size of the sampled respondents were 39 years, 4 persons, 6 years and 1.9 hectares, respectively. The mean, maximum and minimum technical efficiency were 0.73, 0.95 and 0.38. The findings on the estimated stochastic production function and the determinants of technical inefficiency showed that farm size (p<0.01), cuttings (p<0.01) and labour (p<0.01) were found to be significant inputs in cassava production while household size (p<0.1), education (p<0.01), monthly income (p<0.01), membership of cooperative (p<0.01), access to credit (p<0.01) and access to extension services (p<0.1) were the determinants of technical inefficiency of cassava production in the study area. Also, the major constraints to cassava production were, high cost of fertilizer (13.7%), theft (13.7%), lack of access to credit (13.7%), inadequate access to land (13.7%), and poor road network (13.7%). The study recommends that training and capacity-building programs should be targeted to improve farmers' knowledge and skills in efficient cassava production techniques, with a focus on optimizing inputs such as farm size, cuttings, labour and extension services. Also outreach programs should be strengthened to provide farmers with timely information, technical support, and best practices for cassava production, thereby reducing technical inefficiencies.

Productivity of labour and capital in gum gardens in Western Sudan

This study aimed to assess the labour and capital productivity of Gum Arabic Producers Associations (GAPAs) based on the performance of GAPAs in North and West Kordofan States, where 14 GAPAs were selected for a case study. More specifically, the study aimed to: i) estimate the productivity of gum gardens per hour worked (hrs/ha/yr) and per dollar invested ($/ha/yr), as well as their capital productivity ($/$), and ii) analyze the relationship between productivity and gum arabic revenue and gum production. To achieve these specific objectives, the following questions were highlighted: i) What is the productivity of gum gardens and how can it be estimated? ii) How can productivity influence gum arabic revenue and gum production? Primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data were collected to answer these questions. The primary data were collected using face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 338 household heads, group discussions, and 38 interviews with key informants. Data analysis relied on mathematical equations for labour and capital productivity, and regression analyses of the relationship between productivity and gum revenue were employed. The results revealed that capital productivity is low in Alkhowi (9.3) compared to Shiekan (18.5) and Umrawaba (24.1) Localities. Labour productivity per hour worked and labour productivity per dollar were low in Shiekan compared to the other localities. The regression findings show that labour productivity per working hour and per dollar significantly influenced gum revenue. The main conclusion is that labour and capital productivity play an essential role in assessing the performance of GAPAs and are influenced by many factors. The study recommends that government and NGOs provide production inputs and ease marketing services to enhance capital and labour productivity.

Reevaluating the linkage between trade openness and economic growth in Nigeria

This study reevaluated the linkage between trade openness and economic growth in Nigeria with data for the period of 1981 to 2022. The study employed Descriptive Statistics, Unit Root Test, Cointegration analysis, Regression Analysis (ARDL), Error Correction Model as the methods of analysis. The findings from the study showed that trade openness and external reserve impact positively and significantly on economic growth while exchange rate was found to be negative and significant. Also, findings from the error correction model showed that trade openness has a positive and insignificant impact on economic growth, external balance also has a positive significant impact on economic growth. Exchange rate on the other hand displays a negative insignificant impact on economic growth. The error correction term indicated that about 79 percent deviation in the previous year is corrected in the current year. The study therefore concluded that trade openness is a fundamental for economic growth in Nigeria and that external reserve crucial to funding of critical import necessary for domestic production. Furthermore, exchange rate of the naira showed that the economy will benefit more if the appropriate rate is prevalent in the market as this will make export to be attractive. A long run relationship was found among the variables used in the study. Based on the findings from the study we recommended that the government should engage more in international trade especially for key production inputs to boost domestic production. The government should also ensure that they maintain a healthy external reserve and ensure it is channel into the import of critical inputs. The true value of the exchange rate of the naira in relation to major currencies of the world should be targeted in order to make our exports attractive.