Agribusiness Sector Research Articles

Youth Participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

The study focused on youth participation in agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The county being a bread basket of Kenya, the youth are a sign of progress in the agribusiness sector in the county and country at large. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess effect of youth attitude on participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, and to establish the effect of perceived benefits on youth participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The research theories in the study included; the pull- push theory, and unity maximization theory. A descriptive research design was adopted by the study. A target population of 10,080 respondents from which, a sample of 385 respondents was used for data collection and eventual analysis. Research questionnaires were used in collecting data. Both inferential and descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis and presentation. This enabled the establishment of the strength and nature of relationship among the variables. The findings were expected to benefit county governments, national governments, youth, and various development agencies and to enrich the existing literature on youth programs and empowerment. The study employed the F-test in predicting the dependent variable which indicated that the model significantly predicted how the independent variables affected the dependent variable (youth participation in Agripreneurship in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya). The study further made recommendations on each of the variables for management consideration in future decision making processes. Keywords: Youth Participation, Youth Attitude, Perceived Benefits

IMPLEMENTATION OF CORPORATE ESG PRACTICES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The article discusses the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the global agribusiness sector. The aim of the research is to analyze, systematize, and generalize international experience in the implementation of corporate environmental, social, and governance practices and the formation of ESG strategies. The study presents examples of companies successfully applying ESG strategies to enhance their competitiveness and improve long-term business sustainability. It substantiates the importance of integrating ESG principles to reduce environmental impact, improve social working conditions, and ensure transparent governance at all levels. Specific examples are provided of international companies such as Unilever, Nestlé, Cargill, and Danone, which implement sustainable initiatives in reducing emissions, restoring soils, and supporting local communities. The research identifies that the demand for sustainable investments is a key factor driving the development of ESG practices at a global level. It is revealed that international organizations, such as the UN and the European Union, play a crucial role in the dissemination of ESG standards. They develop regulations and recommendations aimed at increasing reporting transparency and consistency of ESG practices globally. The EU, for example, adopted the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which significantly strengthened the requirements for companies regarding their environmental and social impact data disclosure. The study shows that investors increasingly prefer companies that demonstrate a high level of responsibility regarding ESG issues, as they are perceived as less risky and have more stable financial performance. Regional differences in the implementation of ESG practices were also identified: European companies more frequently adopt environmentally sustainable approaches compared to North American ones. The research on corporate ESG practices has revealed that the active integration of such principles into business strategy positively impacts companies' reputations, their ability to attract investments, and increase public trust. However, challenges, require enhanced reporting transparency and adherence to international standards, which help build trust among investors and the public.

Covid-19 Pandemic: Is there any impact on the Agribusiness Index?

This study aims to determine if there was an increase in financial performance among companies in the Agri sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative descriptive approach was used, analyzing secondary data from financial reports of Agri index companies for 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic). The research variables include the liquidity ratio (current ratio), leverage (debt-to-equity ratio), profitability (return on assets), and activity ratio (receivable turnover). The study found both increases and decreases in the financial performance of the sample companies across these variables. The findings provide insights for investors and stakeholders regarding the opportunities and risks in Indonesia's Agribusiness sector during the pandemic.

Bioeconomics in Agribusiness: Trends and Opportunities of Business Through the Use of Biotechnologies

Objective: Its main objective is to identify trends and business opportunities in the agribusiness sector through the use of biotechnologies, from the perspective of the bioeconomy. In addition, it has as its specific objective to show the bioproducts already existing on the market and what are the main obstacles for the adoption of the use of biotechnology by agribusiness. Theoretical Reference: In this topic, the main concepts and authors on bioeconomy, bieconomy in Brazil and bioeconomy of agribusiness are presented. Method: 11 interviews were conducted with researchers, businessmen and public servants from institutions such as Embrapa (Ceará and Amazônia poles), Renorbio, Ceará's Secretariat for Science and Technology and the State of Ceará's Secretariat for Agrarian Development. Results and Discussion: The results of the research show that there are various products and practices of agribusiness that involve biotechnology, such as the use of organic waste for the emergence of other products, what the interviewees called added value, innovative products such as cashew burgers, probiotic and prebiotic juices, bioadhesives and bioplastics, water reuse, among others. However, for the emergence of these products and practices, there are several obstacles such as prejudice with the use of technologies, lack of a regulatory framework, lack of public and private incentives, lack of public policies, lack of investments in research, among others. Originality/Value: the importance of the agribusiness sector for the country's economy, the business opportunities presented, sustainable practices, consumer behavior, among others, is highlighted.

Do existing competitiveness models comprehensively assess the competitiveness context of the contemporary agribusiness sector? A systematic review

Do existing competitiveness models comprehensively assess the competitiveness context of the contemporary agribusiness sector? A systematic review

Forecasting livestock feed sales using machine learning techniques: an analysis of the Moroccan market

Agriculture, especially cereals, is important in sustaining economies and food security globally. This study delves into the Moroccan agricultural landscape, specifically focusing on predicting livestock feed sales to assist cereal company producers in optimizing production, streamlining supply chain operations, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Data collected from various markets across Morocco, including sales dates and locations, was combined with climate data and analyzed using advanced machine learning techniques, particularly the gradient boosting regression (GBR) algorithm, which achieved high accuracy with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0203 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0281. The evaluation of multiple regression models revealed promising results, demonstrating the effectiveness of predictive models in accurately forecasting sales. These findings contribute valuable insights to sales forecasting in the cereal industry by considering weather conditions, production methods, and livestock-related variables, highlighting the importance of leveraging advanced machine learning techniques for optimizing production processes and meeting market demands efficiently in the agribusiness sector.

An Analysis of The Agribusiness Communication Structure of Dairy Cattle Farmers: The Case Study of The Tegal Mandiri Farmer Group

Problems in dairy cattle agribusiness require attention not only from the farmers themselves but also from farmer organizations. To understand the communication patterns among group members in the agribusiness sector, including the exchange of information related to cattle production, animal health, and wholesale prices, it is essential to analyze the communication network of the dairy cattle farmer group. This network is significant because it serves as the hub of organizational communication, both internally and externally. This research seeks to analyze the communication structure of the dairy cattle farmer group and investigate the relationship between the respondent characteristics and the communication networks within the Tegal Mandiri farmer group in Bogor Regency. The Social Network Analysis (SNA) method and a quantitative approach were used to conduct the research, with the Tegal Mandiri farmer group members in Bogor Regency as the unit of analysis. The group communication structure was analyzed using degree and closeness centrality, and the relationship between respondent characteristics and the communication network was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. IBM SPSS Statistics 26 and UCINET 6 were the tools used for analysis. The study revealed that 1) the average degree centrality of the group was between 1.00 and 2.20, and the average closeness centrality was between 400.00 and 558.10. 2) The respondents' characteristics of farmers were significantly related to the communication networks within the group. The study found that the communication structure of the Tegal Mandiri farmer group exhibited low connectivity and an ineffective coordination forum

Base of the chain (BoC) sourcing challenges: The role of institutional voids and social agency problems

Due to various factors, including the institutional context of suppliers, the successful implementation of sustainability initiatives remains a persistent challenge for purchasing and supply management (PSM) professionals. Sourcing from the Base of the Chain (BoC) requires buyers to be cognizant of and assess challenges inherent in engaging with the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) institutional context. Designing governance structures that facilitate the simultaneous pursuit of economic and social goals demands a thorough understanding of these challenges and their contextual antecedents. The literature has addressed institutional voids and incompatibilities between buyer-BoC supplier institutional contexts as critical factors informing interventions aimed at overcoming sourcing challenges. Drawing upon social agency theory, our study advances these debates. We argue that the broader institutional and social context serves as the contextual antecedents to principal-agent (P-A) relationships established between buyers and their BoC suppliers. This perspective provides a more enriched explanation for the antecedents of BoC sourcing challenges. We draw on a multiple case study incorporating 31 interviews and archival data of five BoC sourcing programs within the Australian agribusiness sector. Our findings shed light on how BoC institutional voids cause BoC sourcing challenges across supplier and product domains by inducing hidden information, hidden action, and hidden logic as social agency problems. Hidden logic, a new type of social agency problem identified in our study, refers to the agents' socially constructed sets of assumptions, values, beliefs, and traditions that are invisible to the principals. Consequently, we present insights into why governance structures addressing BoC sourcing challenges may vary across institutional contexts, providing practical guidance for buyers in developed economies concerning the subsequent design and execution of effective BoC sourcing strategies.

Marketing Management in Agri-Business Organization

Strategic planning and execution are key components of marketing management in agri-business organisations, with the goal of maximising the reach and profitability of agricultural products. Traditional marketing concepts are blended with the specific difficulties and possibilities of the agriculture industry in this area. Important components include agriculturally specific advertising efforts, distribution methods, price strategies, product creation, consumer behaviour study, and market research. Supply chain knowledge, product seasonality, and familiarity with regulatory frameworks are all essential for successful marketing management in the agribusiness sector. Modern agri-business marketing techniques are greatly influenced by technological advancements and environmental initiatives. Businesses in the agricultural sector may get an edge in the market, strengthen relationships with customers, and expand their reach via the use of data analytics and digital technologies. Sustainable practices are becoming more important as stakeholders and customers want goods that are both ecologically and socially responsible. To keep up with the ever-changing nature of the agribusiness industry, this abstract focuses on the most important parts of marketing management and how new strategies are needed.

Understanding the role of social media and dynamic capabilities in innovation performance in AgTech: a serial mediation model

PurposeWe developed and tested a theoretical model that measures the importance of social media and dynamic capabilities with regard to improving innovation performance in startups from the agribusiness sector (AgTech), that is, technology-based companies with scalability potential that operate in the agribusiness sector.Design/methodology/approachThis model analyzed three dynamic capabilities: internal collaboration capacity, absorptive capacity, and organizational agility. To test this theoretical model, we employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation (PLS-SEM) analyzing 237 AgTech in Brazil.FindingsOur results show that the use of social media positively affects innovation performance and contributes to internal collaboration capability (a second-order construct that encompasses commitment, communication, and trust). Internal collaboration is an antecedent of absorptive capacity and organizational agility. These two dynamic capabilities positively impact innovation performance. Our results also indicate that these dynamic capabilities serially mediate the relationship between social media and innovation performance.Practical implicationsWhile some literature describes the dark side of social media, our study sheds light on the importance of these platforms to improve internal collaboration in AgTech, a pivotal capability that is necessary to develop other relevant capabilities.Originality/valueThis study presents results from one of most large AgTech survey found in literature. Furthermore, this study also shows that there are dynamic capabilities essential to develop others relevant dynamic capabilities, indicating that innovation performance involves a sequential integration of capabilities.

Enhancing sustainability: Leveraging ESG indicators to evaluate corporate social responsibility policies in Brazil's agribusiness sector

Objective: To analyze the social responsibility actions of large agribusiness companies in Brazil to understand how they deal with sustainability issues. Method: This research is classified as documentary and exploratory with a qualitative approach, using the content analysis technique for data treatment. Main results: The results analyze and compare policies focused on environmental management, animal welfare, social management and corporate governance of JBS, Raízen Energia, Cosan, Ambev, and Marfrig Global Foods. Relevance/originality: The study has an unprecedented character and analyzes sustainability policies in one of the most relevant segments of the Brazilian economy. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study contributes to discussions on the sustainable policies developed by large agribusiness companies in Brazil, interpreting how they are implemented and how companies benefit from them.

Theorethical Review: Financial Management in The Agribusiness Sector and That Implications for Economic Growth

Theorethical Review: Financial Management in The Agribusiness Sector and That Implications for Economic Growth

Designing waqf-based financing model for livestock project: empirical evidence from Indonesia

PurposeThis study aims to propose a productive waqf-based financing model for the livestock sector by optimizing idle waqf land owned by Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) for livestock breeding and fattening projects. Most pesantrens are established on waqf land and are located in rural areas with great potential for implementing waqf-based livestock projects.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a critical review on the models of waqf-based empowerment and financing for the livestock, agriculture or agribusiness sectors. Then, a proposed model was designed focused on livestock sector by using waqf land owned by pesantren. To strengthen the proposed model, the authors held a focus group discussion (FGD) by inviting regulators, academics, practitioners/consultants in animal husbandry, waqf, pesantren and economic empowerment.FindingsPesantren as nazhir of waqf land can cooperate with baitul maal wat tamwil (BMT) acting as nazhir of cash waqf to form a breeders’ cooperative as the vehicle to carry out the process of producing and fattening cattle. The project is performed under a mudharaba, musharakah or ijara contract, which is supervised by pesantren and BMT.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on the Indonesian context due to it is influenced by country-specific conditions. Even so, some of the findings in this study can still be adopted by waqf asset managers in other Muslim countries, which also have potential in terms of the number of pesantren and waqf assets.Social implicationsThe proposed model can improve the quality of life of the poor in remote areas by fulfilling the demand for beef consumption accompanied by sustainable economic empowerment.Originality/valueThis research focuses on solving the problem of meeting basic needs for beef by optimizing productive waqf in the livestock sector by involving the role of pesantren, which still needs to be discovered in the literature on the use of waqf land.

Influence of Work Discipline and Communication on Employee Performance

This study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of work discipline and communication on employee performance in the agricultural industry, specifically in the context of websites and applications used in marketplaces. The research methodology employed consists of descriptive and verification techniques. The researchers employed a questionnaire as the data-collecting method, which was sent to 43 individuals. The instrument underwent rigorous testing before its deployment to ensure its validity and reliability. The statistical technique employed was path analysis, conducted using SPSS version 25 software. According to the research findings, employees' motivation and work discipline in a marketplace operating as a website and application in the agribusiness sector were judged to be satisfactory. Work discipline and communication impact on employee performance account for 83.3%, while the remaining 16.6% is attributed to other variables. The results indicate that the combination of work discipline and communication substantially impacts employee performance in the agricultural industry, specifically in the marketplace of websites and applications.

Impact of regulatory, normative and cognitive institutional pressures on rural agribusiness entrepreneurial opportunities and performance: empirical evidence from Ghana

Abstract Entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector in Ghana encounter numerous challenges due to the weak institutional framework in the country. This often leads to business failure and poor performance of agribusiness ventures. In this paper, we aim to highlight the significance of institutional support for agribusiness entrepreneurs and its crucial role in creating more opportunities for farm entrepreneurs and ensuring the success of farm ventures. The study analyzes empirical data collected from 246 maize farm entrepreneurs in Ghana using the Structural Equation Modelling technique (PLS-SEM). The findings show that regulatory and cognitive institutions have a more positive significant influence on the opportunity recognition and exploitation strategies of maize farm entrepreneurs. Both opportunity recognition and exploitation partially mediate the effects of regulatory, normative and cognitive institutional pressures and farm business performance. The study suggests that maize farm entrepreneurs appear to benefit from regulatory and cognitive institutions. The findings, therefore, have strong policy relevance. The results of this study contribute significantly to food policy aimed at boosting maize supply chain business and food security.

Some of the possible influences and causes of deindustrialization in Brazil

The causes and influences of deindustrialization in Brazil are directly related to the context of the beginning of global industrialization. Thus, in this study we undertook a bibliographical and electronic review of a discussion on the factors of industrialization and the correlation of political, economic and social factors with the deindustrialization of Brazil in contemporary society. Thus, the problematization established in this work corresponds to the following question: What are some of the possible influences and causes of deindustrialization in Brazil? Faced with this question, we set ourselves the general objective of demonstrating some of the possible influences and causes of deindustrialization in Brazil. Furthermore, deindustrialization needs to be combated in its negative aspect, as it demonstrates a disparity in investments and low competitiveness in domestic sectors such as services and agribusiness. As a country of excellence in the agribusiness sector, systematic investment is essential to balance the national “surplus” with industrial interests. Managing the abundant natural supply of raw materials is of the utmost importance for achieving expansionary levels in the economy. In turn, industrialization can propel Brazil even further towards first-world development.

Sustainable Food Value Chains: Approaches to Transaction Costs in Agro-Alimentary Systems of Developing Countries—A Chile Case Study

This study delves into the dynamics of price linkages and transaction costs in agricultural markets, emphasizing the sustainability of food supply chains. By exploring vertical and horizontal price linkages in agro-farming value chains of a developing country, it addresses the efficiency of market information transmission and the capacity for arbitrage among chain participants. The methodological core of the research involves analyzing price linkages in Chilean horticultural wholesale markets, focusing on key vegetables such as, onions, lettuce, maize, and tomatoes. This analysis is underpinned by a novel approach that models and estimates time-dependent, conditional threshold bands, extending the traditional cointegration models. This method allows a more nuanced understanding of how agricultural market linkages evolve over time, enhancing our comprehension of price transmission behavior and market integration. The results reveal significant non-linear relationships between fuel prices and vegetable prices, particularly in central Chilean regions. This finding challenges the traditional linear perspective, suggesting that factors such as storage capacity and arbitrage behavior can influence price signal transmission. Such insights are crucial for stakeholders in the agribusiness value chain, offering a deeper understanding of market dynamics and aiding in the development of more sustainable and efficient market strategies. This research contributes significantly to the field of agricultural economics by providing a more robust framework for analyzing market behaviors and transaction costs in the context of sustainability and value chains. Its findings have profound implications for both theory and practice, informing policy-making and strategic decision-making in the agribusiness sector.

Identifikasi Potensi Bahaya pada Stasiun Boiler Menggunakan Metode Hirarc di PT. Syaukath Agro

PT Syaukath Agro is a company operating in the Agribusiness Sector which is engaged in processing palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into crude palm oil (CPO), Palm Kernel (PK) and shells. The palm oil processing system consists of several stages starting from receiving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to becoming palm oil or Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The palm oil processing process can be used in several stages carried out at each station. Based on interviews conducted, each station has a different level of risk of accidents, one of the stations that has a large risk of work accidents is the boiler station which is the heart of a palm oil factory where the steam boiler is the source of power and the source of the steam that will used to process palm oil. Boilers have potential dangers or risks when operated. The risks that often occur are falls, slips, burns, scalds, heat, noise, so it is very important to supervise and provide guidance regarding work safety. The size of the accident caused will certainly have a detrimental impact on the company. The severity of the accident can be determined through identification of potential dangers and risk assessment of all boiler operating activities at PT. Syaukath Agro. Based on the results of research conducted using the hirarc method, potential hazards found in boiler stations include: Unergonomic Working Attitudes, Noise Levels >84 dB with 8 Hours/Day Exposure, Working climate temperature (hot) 31°C on exposure >8 working hours/day, and oil buildup. Types of risk of work accidents at boiler stations consist of: Falls, injuries (slipping, slippery floors) Burns (in contact with hot objects around), Heat exhausting (Heat), Work accidents (fatigue ), hearing loss (noise), blisters (burns), health problems (muscles, bones), contact dermatitis (exposed to dangerous toxic radiation). Based on the results of risk control, it was found that the most appropriate type of control recommendation is administrative control and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Administration (Administration Control) is carried out by creating or providing a work system that can reduce the possibility of someone being exposed to potential dangers. The hierarchy of control of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to provide a boundary between exposure to the body and the potential danger received by the body.

Stainless steels as a solution for corrosion and erosion problems involving grains in agribusiness sector applications

Agricultural activities such as grain processing play a crucial role in Brazil's economy, contributing significantly to its gross domestic product (27.4% in 2021). The use of carbon steel equipment leads to considerable environmental and economic losses in agribusiness due to corrosion. This study explores the erosion-corrosion behavior of a dual-phase 11Cr and an 18Cr8Ni stainless steel (SS), compared to a mild (ASTM A36) and a high-strength carbon (AHSS) steel under conditions close to the agribusiness reality. The impact of corn particles as erosive component associated to pure water and chloride-containing environments was studied using a fog chamber, a topic until now unexplored in the literature. The methodology adopted is novel and explores the erosion-corrosion synergy in cumulative steps, aiming to shed light on the mechanisms of corrosion and wear that affect the materials in the agribusiness industry. The findings reveal that corn particles, despite their soft nature, can easily remove non-adherent corrosion products from the steel surface. In the deionized water medium, the impact of the soft particles can also shift the corrosion pattern of advanced high-strength steels from general corrosion to localized pitting damage reduzing the corrosion rates. The carbon and 11Cr steels showed the highest corrosion rates under the pure corrosion condition in both media. The erosion-corrosion process considerably reduced the corrosion rate, mainly in the deionized water medium for the carbon steels. An exception to this behavior was 18Cr8Ni steel, whose corrosion rates, however, were the lowest among the materials. Low-chromium stainless steel emerges as a cost-effective solution to erosion-corrosion challenges in the agribusiness segment.

Investor value orientation and environmental and social implications: a case of New Zealand agribusinesses

PurposeThis study aims to examine the value orientations of New Zealand agribusiness investors and how these orientations influence their reactions to the environmental and social implications of agribusinesses.Design/methodology/approachIn the context of the New Zealand agricultural sector, the views of investors as published in print and broadcast media between 2018 and 2022 are gathered. The study uses qualitative content analysis to analyse the data. The study is based on the value-belief-norm theory.FindingsThe study reveals that New Zealand agribusiness investors express concern about the environmental (biospheric) and social (altruistic) impacts of the agribusiness sector, prompting calls for greater transparency, climate adaptation and ethical investment options. Additionally, they actively support local businesses to benefit their communities and preserve cultural heritage. Despite these biospheric and altruistic tendencies, investors also prioritise financial and non-financial interests (egoistic). This highlights a nuanced perspective guiding their investment choices – a balance between self-interest and contributing to the greater good. This signals a shift towards socially and environmentally responsible investment practices driven by multifaceted values.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study highlight the role of non-pecuniary motives, like values, in determining the relevance of environmental and social information.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings offer insight to agribusinesses on how investors’ value orientations shape their investment decisions. This understanding can guide businesses in framing a reporting strategy that enhances the likelihood of investors perceiving reporting as relevant and persuasive, thereby attracting more investments. In turn, this tailored reporting approach assists investors in making well-informed decisions in assessing the environmental and societal risks of agribusinesses.Originality/valueThe study offers a framework explaining how agribusinesses can increase the likelihood of investors finding firms reporting relevant and persuasive, leading to increased investments in environmentally and socially sustainable practices.