Rice Value Chain Research Articles

Postharvest Rice Value Chain in Arequipa, Peru: Insights into Farmers’ Storage Decisions

We examined the postharvest rice value chain among farmers in the Arequipa region of Peru, focusing on the stages of value creation after harvest. Our study is complemented by an economic analysis that provides insights into farmers’ decisions on whether or not to store rice after harvest. We found that farmers produced, on average, 65 tons of paddy rice on a 5 ha farm. Most farmers (over 85%) milled their paddy rice immediately after harvest, usually by paying a fee to a private mill. Milled rice was then sold to intermediaries (wholesalers and retailers). Approximately 13% and less than 1% of farmers stored their paddy rice before and after milling, respectively. Storage provided minimal financial benefits once grain preservation costs and price arbitrage were considered. Our findings offer guidance for policymakers and investment partners to enhance the efficiency of the postharvest rice value chain and to improve outcomes for farmers in Peru and other developing countries.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF RICE MILLING AND MARKETING IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study analysed the profitability of rice milling and marketing in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of respondents. The respondents comprised rice processors (millers) and marketers. Data were collected using questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that majority (87.5%) of the millers and all (100%) of marketers were male and married with a mean age of 39 and 44 years respectively. However, 43.8% of the millers and 40% of the marketers had a family size of between 6-10 people per household with majority (62.5%) of the millers having tertiary education. The analysis also shows that half (50%) and more than half (53%) of the millers and marketers had a marketing and milling experience of between 11-20 years. The result of the budgeting model revealed that millers had a net income of N714 per bag with a return per naira of N1.46 and marketers had a net income of N1, 672 per bag with a return per naira of N 0.12. The results of the regression analysis revealed that years of milling experience and education level were the factors influencing rice milling while household size and membership of association were significant factors influencing rice marketers’ income. However, high cost of diesel (96.7%) and transportation cost (95%) were the major constraints faced by the millers and marketers in the study area. The study concluded that, milling and marketing of rice is a profitable ventures in the study area. It is therefore, recommended that government together with stakeholders should provide adequate infrastructure and introduce favorable policies to strengthen the rice value chain in the study area.

Understanding communication and stakeholder learning process affecting sustainability in multi-stakeholder platforms: The case of a Learning Alliance in Vietnam

A Learning Alliance (LA) is a multi-stakeholder approach widely used by research organizations to provide a platform for technology or innovation adoption. It heavily relies on communication among varied and interacting stakeholders with shared interests. Thus, it is important to understand how these interactions play a role in forming and sustaining the network. Using the case of a LA in Can Tho province, Vietnam, we analyzed the communication processes generated in the interactions through document analysis of project materials, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with the LA facilitators, and observation notes from eight LA events. Findings reveal that communication underlies network development and maintenance. It facilitated the alignment of stakeholders’ interest and reorganization of roles, particularly when stakeholders played an intermediary role in facilitating the LA. The network also explored inclusive strategies to upgrade the rice value chain. However, challenges arose due to communication breakdown related to the strategic positioning of the LA in the broader innovation system. Furthermore, with the network's reliance on the lifespan of bilateral projects led by research institutions, hindered its long-term success. While LA foster negotiated change and inclusivity, more reflections are needed on mechanisms for local uptake, deliberate planning, and enhancement of communication roles to support the learning processes of a LA so that the network can be intentional in pursuing desired change addressing emergent challenges.

Empirical Analysis of Paddy Value Chains in Nepal: Evidence from Logistic Regression Modeling

Background: In the South Asian region, rice is one of the most significant staple food crops. The value chain provides a lot of support for a seamless operation from growth to reaching clients' hands. It not only aids farmers, but it also creates opportunities at every stage. As a result, the goal of this research is to determine the value chain analysis of paddy products in Nepal. Objective: The objectives of the study were to analyse value chain analysis of paddy product, and to identify the constraints and opportunities of rice value chain in Parsa, Siraha and Saptari districts of Nepal. Method: The thesis followed the design of explanatory research and collected data using structured questionnaires. Binary logistic Model was used for inferential analysis. Siraha, Saptari and Birgunj (Parsa) districts are chosen purposely. 260 respondents were conveniently sampled from farmers and traders. Result: The study shows the cooperatives play role in accessing credit, accessing inputs, and training with the help of government and non-government organization. The study tells us the fact that paddy value chain functions in a traditional way, there is no innovative way of integrating the chain actors. The cooperatives are involved in both input supply and credit service. Ages, off-farm income, access to information, access to input are the factors that add value in paddy value chain. Conclusion: This research is based on value chain analysis of paddy product in Parsa, Siraha and Saptari districts. Generally, the price of rice/paddy goes down in the post-harvest period due to heavy arrivals in the market and later shoots up, which results in unstable price. Providing better access to credit to farmers to reduce dependence on money lenders can solve the existing problem. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Value Chain Analysis, Framers, Traders, Value addition, Logistic Model, Kobo toolbox. JEL Classification: N55, C8, Q18, Q24, Q25

Cross border trade analysis of the rice value chain between Uganda and South Sudan: an insight from Elegu and Nimule border posts

Cross border trade analysis of the rice value chain between Uganda and South Sudan: an insight from Elegu and Nimule border posts

Prospects of Small-Scale Rice Processing Enterprise among Beneficiaries of Microfinance Loan in Nigeria’s Jigawa State

The present study empirically determined the prospects of the rice value chain of paddy processors in Jigawa State of Nigeria. Despite the role of small-scale paddy rice processors as the main engine of growth of upstream rice value chain, and the growth and development of the rural economy in the study area, literature is undaunted with paucity of empirical information on the prospects of rice processing value chain in the study area. The study utilised cross-sectional data elicited through a well-structured questionnaire from a total of 200 processors (133 parboilers and 67 millers) selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. An easy cost-route approach was used for data collection during the 2022 processing period and the collected data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the empirical evidence, it is established that the rice processing potential has not been fully exploited in the study areas. In addition, it is evident that the rice processing enterprise is not only viable and profitable; it features good prospects in the supply value chain of rice in the study areas. However, to maintain the prospects in the supply value chain, the target actors must adopt a defensive mechanism, as inferred by the SPACE matrix.

PROSPECTS OF SMALL-SCALE RICE PROCESSING ENTERPRISE AMONG BENEFICIARY OF MICROFINANCE LOAN IN NIGERIA’S JIGAWA STATE

The present study empirically determined the prospects of rice value chain of paddy processors in Jigawa State of Nigeria. In spite of the role of small-scale paddy rice processors as the main engine of growth of upstream rice value chain; growth and development of rural economy in the study area, literature is undaunted with paucity of empirical information on the prospects of rice processing value chain in the study area. The study utilized cross-sectional data elicited through a well-structured questionnaire from a total of 200 processors (133 par-boilers and 67 millers) selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. An easy cost-route approach was used for data collection during the 2022 processing period and the collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the empirical evidence, it is established that rice processing potential has not been fully exploited in the study area. In addition, it is evident that rice processing enterprise not only being viable and profitable; it holds a good prospect in the supply value chain of rice in the study area. However, for the prospects in the supply value chain to hold well, the target actors must adopt a defensive mechanism as inferred by the space matrix.

Perception and Knowledge of Rice Value Chain Actors on the Effect of Improved Practices on Yield and Milling Characteristics of Rice in the Sagnarigu and Kumbungu Districts of Ghana

This study presents findings from a comprehensive survey conducted between January and March 2021, aimed at elucidating the agricultural practices and perceptions of rice farmers, processors, and marketers in the Sagnarigu and Kumbungu districts of the Northern Region in Ghana. The research sought to gather essential data on improved techniques employed in rice cultivation, milling, and marketing, as well as understand the perceptions surrounding these practices within the local farming communities. Employing a multi-stage sampling methodology, primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 134 rice farmers, 82 processors, and 22 marketers. Key findings revealed that a significant proportion (54.7%) of farmers preferred cultivating local rice varieties such as Moses, Bumbass, Mandii, Bazolgu, Salimasaa, and Assemblyman. Moreover, the survey indicated that 54.5% of farmers adopted the broadcasting method for planting seeds, while only 18% practiced line transplanting with well-defined spacing. Additionally, a majority of transplanting activities occurred when seedlings were at least 4 weeks old, highlighting potential inefficiencies in timing. The study identified several constraints hindering rice production in both lowland and irrigated rice ecosystems across the surveyed districts. These constraints include the prevalence of poor-quality seed varieties, inadequate spacing, suboptimal timing of transplanting, and low soil fertility. Addressing these challenges is imperative for enhancing rice productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Digitilization in agricultural cooperatives: A perspective from members in rice value chain of Anambra State, Nigeria

Digitilization in agricultural cooperatives: A perspective from members in rice value chain of Anambra State, Nigeria

Assessment of Ngoketunjia rice value chain actors’ performance in Cameroon

Assessment of Ngoketunjia rice value chain actors’ performance in Cameroon

A Fuzzy-AHP Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for a Sustainable Supply Chain of Rice Farming Stakeholders in Edu-Patigi LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria

The adoption of sustainable practices in decision making in supply chain operations among rice farmers and other stakeholders in Nigeria could be an effective tool to drive food security. The triple bottom line identifies the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. These could be harnessed to improve the supply chain of locally produced rice, ultimately improving food security in the region. This paper adopts a quantitative method that uses 21 criteria from the three sustainability dimensions to measure rice stakeholders’ decision-making activities against sustainable rice practices (SRPs) using a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process multi-criteria decision-making approach. The findings reveal that decisions with regard to water usage, supplier diversity, and a safe working environment were ranked high, while government intervention, quality assurance, transparency, and power usage ranked low. This implies that improved performance of other stakeholders across the rice value chain such as the government and extension officers would enhance productivity and drive food security in the region.

Rural Households’ Youth Participation in Rice Agribusiness Value Chain Activities: Implications for Employment Opportunities

Purpose: Rice is a food security and multi-value chain crop in Nigeria having the potential to provide employment and income for the teeming population of unemployed youth. The study identified the various rice value chain activities youth participated in, investigated their levels of participation, how they perceived participation in rice agribusiness value chain activities and the constraints affecting their participation.Research Method: A four-stage sampling procedure was used to sample youth from 144 rural households engaging in rice agribusiness activities. Well-validated interview schedule was used to collect quantitative data which was summarised using appropriate descriptive statistics with the hypotheses also adequately tested.Findings: Results show that more males were participating in rice agribusiness value chain activities with a mean age of 29 years. Respondents participated in multiple rice agribusiness activities and majority (77.8%) had favourable perception towards participation. Constraints limiting youth participation include poor land tenure system and bird invasion; majority (89.6%) participated in rice agribusiness value chain activities at high level. Income (r = 0.250) and length of experience (r = 0.211) were significantly related to youth participation. Difference existed in youth participation in rice value chain activities across the three agro-ecological zones. Originality/value: The study revealed that youth actively participated in almost all the activities along rice agribusiness value chain.

Vulnerability and adaptation of rice value chains in Benue State, Nigeria

Vulnerability and adaptation of rice value chains in Benue State, Nigeria

Transformation of civil servant management towards sustainable rice value chain and resilience of rural development in Indonesia

Transformation of civil servant management towards sustainable rice value chain and resilience of rural development in Indonesia

Consumer Preference for Rice Grain Quality in the South Kivu and Tanganyika Provinces, Eastern DR Congo.

In Africa, rice has always been a staple food in some countries and the fastest growing food source there. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in terms of cereal production, rice is ranked second after maize and is an important source of income for the rice farmer. The objective of this study was to analyze and understand consumers' preferences and behaviors towards local and imported rice in the South Kivu and Tanganyika provinces, DRC. Data collected on 1565 rice-consuming households in eastern DRC showed that there is a great opportunity for the rice value chain and food policy development, and the promotion of local rice consumption. Consumers focus on local rice because it is cheaper, but it does not always meet their desired needs. Indeed, only urban consumers were more willing to pay for higher-quality rice. The development of the demand for local rice calls for strong investment in improving production, post-harvest practices, and market aspects. It was found that over 90% of rice consumers know about local rice production and over 84% have consumed it. In rural areas, there is typically lower consumption of imported rice. However, as households require more rice, they tend to rely more on imported varieties due to their availability in the market. The most preferred rice attributes were flavor, aroma, purity, swelling capacity, breakage rate, and whiteness. Therefore, rice producers should consider the habits and needs of consumers to improve market demand. In addition, good packaging, labeling, and marketing can also enhance local rice preference and competitiveness in South Kivu and Tanganyika provinces in eastern DRC. The findings of this study indicated that research aimed at improving local rice varieties with regard to yield, disease resistance, and organoleptic qualities could enable the population to consume more locally produced rice, which is often more affordable than imported rice. This could in turn significantly reduce the need for rice imports. These results suggest that research carried out to improve the yield and organoleptic qualities of local rice in this area can allow it to be more competitive on the market and can reduce the importation of rice.

Chinese and Thai consumers’ willingness to pay for quality rice attributes: a discrete choice experiment method

Food safety scandals have heightened the general public concern about food quality, safety, and environmental friendliness in food markets globally. Several studies have ascertained that consumers are willing to pay a premium price for food products with quality and safety information labels. However, most of these studies are country-specific, while few studies have investigated consumer preferences in a comparative context. In this study, we employed the Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) to examine 1,900 Chinese and 2,986 Thai consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for brand, traceability, and green and organic certification labels on rice. A mixed logit model (MXL) was used to compute consumers’ WTP. The results demonstrate that consumers from both countries preferred green and organic certified labels. However, Chinese consumers’ preference for green and organic certified rice outweighs that of Thai consumers. For brand labels and green and organic certifications, Thai consumers are willing to pay more than the Chinese due to awareness and trust. However, Chinese consumers are willing to pay more for information with traceability labels than Thai consumers because of the increase in household income and health consciousness. The MXL also shows that trust, income, and age are factors associated with consumers’ preferences for certified rice in both countries. To boost consumers’ preferences for certified rice, relevant stakeholders need to implement the use of brand labels, traceability, and certification labels in the rice value chain.

Estimating oligopsonistic market power in Uganda’s rice industry

ABSTRACT The study applies the conjectural variations approach to determine whether Ugandan rice traders exercise oligopsony power in the market for domestic rice. The trader margin for milled rice is found to be 10.20% on average. Using an econometric system of four equations, the null hypothesis of competitive behaviour holds at different price elasticities of farm supply, ranging from inelastic to elastic supply. This implies that there is no evidence that rice traders apply oligopsony power when procuring milled rice from farmers. However, since the study does not examine the existence of trader bargaining power, we cannot completely rule out the existence of market power at this node of the value chain. Therefore, future studies should examine trader bargaining power to be able to ultimately determine if there is need to intervene at this segment of rice value chains to ensure competitive behaviour.

Development of Prediction Models for the Pasting Parameters of Rice Based on Near-Infrared and Machine Learning Tools

Due to the importance of rice (Oryza sativa) in food products, developing strategies to evaluate its quality based on a fast and reliable methodology is fundamental. Herein, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms, such as interval partial least squares (iPLS), synergy interval PLS (siPLS), and artificial neural networks (ANNs), allowed for the development of prediction models of pasting parameters, such as the breakdown (BD), final viscosity (FV), pasting viscosity (PV), setback (ST), and trough (TR), from 166 rice samples. The models developed using iPLS and siPLS were characterized, respectively, by the following regression values: BD (R = 0.84; R = 0.88); FV (R = 0.57; R = 0.64); PV (R = 0.85; R = 0.90); ST (R = 0.85; R = 0.88); and TR (R = 0.85; R = 0.84). Meanwhile, ANN was also tested and allowed for a significant improvement in the models, characterized by the following values corresponding to the calibration and testing procedures: BD (Rcal = 0.99; Rtest = 0.70), FV (Rcal = 0.99; Rtest = 0.85), PV (Rcal = 0.99; Rtest = 0.80), ST (Rcal = 0.99; Rtest = 0.76), and TR (Rcal = 0.99; Rtest = 0.72). Each model was characterized by a specific spectral region that presented significative influence in terms of the pasting parameters. The machine learning models developed for these pasting parameters represent a significant tool for rice quality evaluation and will have an important influence on the rice value chain, since breeding programs focus on the evaluation of rice quality.

The Policy Environment for Climate Vulnerability on Trade Competitiveness and Export Diversification in Tanzania’s Rice Value Chain

The Policy Environment for Climate Vulnerability on Trade Competitiveness and Export Diversification in Tanzania’s Rice Value Chain

Promoting Inclusiveness for Organic Rice Value Chain in Bumdesa Mukti Saluyu

Organic agriculture promotion could be a potential approach for eliminating fertilizer subsidies in Indonesia. Indonesia is the world’s third-largest producer of rice, and rice is a staple meal for most of the population. The Kanem Farmers Group operates 12,5 hectares of organic land for growing organic rice in the Sumedang Regency. The operations of BUMDesa Mukti Saluyu are founded on the concept of social entrepreneurship to boost the potential of villages. The main concern of BUMDesa Mukti Saluyu is the insufficient potential of organic rice in Cikurubuk Village, which necessitates strategic planning to establish a competitive advantage and organizational capacities for participating in the organic rice value chain while maintaining its vision of improving the economic well-being in the farmer society. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In the investigation of the outcomes produced from the in-depth interview, the qualitative data analysis method will employ the Interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman. The quantitative analysis makes use of technical abilities and value-added evaluation. Based on the analysis, promoting inclusivity is key to developing a competitive advantage for BUMDesa Mukti Saluyu. Recognizing the significance of collaboration with multiple stakeholders, BUMDesa Mukti Saluyu must conduct an integration of stakeholders involved in the organic rice value chain. Farmers, agribusiness companies, processors, distributors, and consumers play vital roles. The enabling environment, encompassing policies, standards, and investments, influence sustainable production practices and market access. The current integrated model provides a comprehensive framework to increase smallholder farmers’ participation in the organic rice value chain through project delineation and policy interventions.