Value Chain Actors Research Articles

VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN KAVREPALACHOWK DISTRICT, NEPAL: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Vegetable seeds, in Nepal’s context, are regarded as a high-value and low-volume commodity that, despite having a great scope for lucrative production, still proves to be elusive for farmers. In this regard, a study was carried out in Kavrepalanchowk district of Nepal to assess the economics of vegetable seed production and determine the economic viability of seed production enterprises in increasing farm income and improving socio-economic status. Face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured survey questionnaire were used to collect the primary data. For the interview, a sampling frame of all seed producers in the district was prepared, out of which sixty seed producers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Further, ten traders were also surveyed with a semi-structured questionnaire. The highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded in tomato (3.36), followed by kidney bean (1.55) and cress (1.34). Only one marketing channel was reported at the study site, with farmers selling their produce to a cooperative, which eventually sells the seeds to a seed company. According to the study, kidney bean seed producers had the highest share of consumer rupees (72%), followed by tomato seed producers (50%) and cress seed producers (16.67%). Limited irrigation facilities, the incidence of disease and pests, and limited market information have been reported as the major hindrances in the study area. Thus, the findings show the potential of vegetable seed production to be a financially lucrative enterprise. The enhancement of market linkage and better collaboration between various value chain actors and concerned stakeholders can help overcome existing problems and create a better foundation to improve the seed production enterprise.

An Investigation on Level of Utilization of Local and Improved Practices by Rice Value Chain Actors in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria

The study was carried out to investigate the level of utilization of local and improved rice practices by value chain actors in Benue and Nasarawa states, Nigeria. The population for the study comprised all the rice value chain actors in Benue and Nasarawa States. The specific objectives of the study were to: investigate the local practices of rice value chain actors; and investigate the level of use of improved practices by rice value chain actors in the study area. It was evident from the study that the pooled percentage for the two states (Benue and Nasarawa) was 22.5% for those who utilized traditional hoes while those who utilized cutlasses in the two states have pooled value of 21.2% and those who utilized winnowing baskets with a pooled value of 19.3% for the two states respectively. The level of utilization of improved practices by rice value chain actors in the two states for marketers, producers and processors have mean pooled value of 2.36, 2.21 and 2.14 respectively. Based on the study, it was concluded that the major local practices of rice value chain actors in the two states are still at crude level and the level of awareness of the rice value chain actors on improved practices is high. It was therefore recommended that, government should make available improved practices which are more less labour intensive but rather with higher performance at affordable price to the rice value chain actors; enough capacity building should be enforced to train intensively more rice value chain actors, and more awareness should be created by government capacity building agents among rice value chain actors on their operation to maximize their performance.

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihood and activities of postharvest value chain actors in Nigeria

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihood and activities of postharvest value chain actors in Nigeria

Consumer concern about food safety hazards along the vegetables value chain in Bangladesh

The study analyzes consumer concerns regarding food safety hazards along Bangladesh's major vegetable value chain. By collecting data from a consumer survey of 140 samples, the study investigated the worries about chemical, biological, and lifestyle hazards of major vegetables. The findings reveal that consumers' concerns about chemical, biological, and lifestyle hazards varied significantly depending on their education level, marital status, occupation, and income. Consumers are most concerned about chemical hazards, while they are least concerned about lifestyle hazards. More precisely, consumer concerns about chemical hazards are significantly and positively associated with education, income, marital status, and sources of information; biological hazards are significantly and positively affected by education, marital status, family size, sources of information, and presence of a child in the family; and lifestyle hazards are significantly and positively affected by education, income, marital status, and sources of information. We found that consumer trust in vegetable value chain actors about safe food practices is significantly and negatively related to food safety concerns. The government should provide customers with additional data to assist them in identifying the inherent food safety and quality attributes.

Factors Influencing the Price of Honey; A Case of Mvomero District

Tanzania is Africa's second largest honey producer, trailing only Ethiopia. It helps to increase both foreign earnings and employment in the country. Despite the positive effects of honey on society, there is still a lack of focus on the factors influencing the market price of honey. The current study intends to look into related factors affecting the price determination of honey in Mvomero district. Specifically, the study aims to assess how the cost, quality and demand of honey affect the market price of honey. The study adopted a cross sectional research design whereby data were collected once from 100 respondents who are honey value chain actors (harvesters, traders and processors) in Mvomero district. Quantitative data retrieved from the questionnaires were analyzed by using SPSS version 20 in which descriptive and binary logistic regression were determined. Results showed that factors such as cost and demand were statistically significant associated with market price of honey in the study area. Furthermore, the quality positively influenced the honey price but not statistically significant in the study area. The study concluded that some explanatory variables include; demand and cost of honey significantly influence the market price of honey along the value chain (p < 0.05). But the quality of honey was not statistically different (p>0.05). The study recommends that majority of beekeepers are capable, but due to a lack of funding and equipment, they are forced to use outdated technology for producing, harvesting, and marketing their products. It is important to encourage both governmental and non-governmental institutions to support the actors.

Threats and Challenges for Sustainable Cotton Production in Sindh, Pakistan: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation to Combat Climate Change

Current cotton production systems are most vulnerable to climate extremes in the world but particularly in Sindh, Pakistan. There is a drier need to assess the climate vulnerability and develop climate-resilient production technologies and adaptation plan to combat the climate extremes. A study was conducted in three districts of Sindh province (Ghotki, Sukkur, and Khairpur). Both primary and secondary data of cotton growers (small, medium and large land holding) and different relevant departments of cotton was collected. Three data collection tools were used in this study. Primary data was collected directly from farmers by conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) by engaging local cotton growers. Key informant interviews (KIIs) guide was used for the consultation with officials in government and other cotton related departments. Survey of cotton growers/farmers were conducted in these three districts by selecting farmers randomly. HCPL has conducted 13 FGDs with the beneficiary’s farmers (men and women). Out of the total, seven FGDs were conducted with male farmers and six FGDs were held with female farmers in three studied districts. In each FGDs 10 to 12 farmers participated actively in the discussion and data collection. In total 130 farmers consulted through FGDs in the studied region. Results showed that, the current cotton production system is vulnerable to climate change and climate resilient site-specific production technologies are required by adopting good management practices. Due to competing crops and unavailability of resources, cotton crop area has been shifted to other crops like sugarcane, so climate adaptation plan is required to reduce the cost of production. Increasing area under sugarcane crop also has negative effect on cotton crop due to high humid climatic conditions and leads to more insect pest infestation. Currently, cotton is being sown after wheat during the month of May, while sub optimum and substandard input like seed, fertilizer, and management practices being used. Farmers are also lacking in climate knowledge, and while there is no weather agro-advisory system available for farmers related to climate extremes conditions (drought, heat, and floods). Financial incentive system is also required for cotton crop just like other crops in the region. Good quality seed and input at lower rates are unavailable in this region. There is knowledge gap existed and farmer’s field school are required to develop the capacity building of the farmers to adopt climate resilient production technology. Cotton crop is sensitive to weather while climate forecast is also missing at gross root level, there is need to strength the system to deliver the information to the cotton growers to manage the cotton accordingly. There also need to strength the coordination and productive linkages with research institutes and academia that are working for the production enhancement of cotton crop. Climate resilient production technology transfer is also required to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. There is need to strengthen the marketing system of cotton for effective functioning of the key cotton value chain actors.

Socio-ecological value chain resilience and cleaning workers

ABSTRACT Examining the ways that industries survived the COVID-19 pandemic can teach us a great deal about the resilience of value chains, the ways value chain dynamics shape worker resilience, and the measures states can adopt to support both. In this paper we critically examine the thriving body of theory known broadly as supply chain resilience and explore a branch that embraces socio-ecological perspectives. We first develop a theoretical model that takes what we perceive to be the most fruitful elements of these literatures for industrial relations scholarship and bring it together with approaches tangential to industrial relations concerned with value chain actor and worker agency and resilience. We then apply this model in an analysis of the Australian commercial cleaning sector during the pandemic. Finally, we assess federal and state measures to assist and “buffer” employment and the economy in Australia, including JobKeeper and JobSeeker. We find that these government measures, combined with earlier restructuring of the labour market and restrictive immigration policies, provided the institutional scaffolding for the failure of the cleaning industry during the pandemic, exactly when cleaning became an essential service for the resilience of the whole of society.

Covid-19 restrictions counterfactuals: an overview of postharvest value chain actors in Nigeria

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal covering a wide range of subject areas in tropical and subtropical agriculture published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The journal is also available on the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna website https://www.agri.ruh.ac.lk/tare/index.htm .

Influence of geographic provenance on phenotypic variation in seed and kernel traits of the African oil tree from southern Benin and implications for species breeding

Knowledge of oilseeds plants’ traits and features is fundamental to understanding the natural selection process and improving conservation programs through species selection. As a forest oilseed, Ricinodendron heudelotii is the object of growing interest among value chain actors, who are increasingly interested in its intrinsic characteristics. To date, there is a lack of information on plant morphological traits for the selection of the best genotype, especially as far as seed and kernel traits are concerned. The aim of this study was to make a typology and establish the relationship between seed and kernel traits of Ricinodendron heudelotii, depending on provenances represented by wild populations of trees in southern Benin. We sampled the provenances constituted equally and per tree, ten random samples each of fruits, seeds, kernels, and shells were collected for measurement. Hierarchical classification, common component analysis, Pearson’s, and Chi-square association tests were performed for statistical analysis. Substantial variation between seed and kernel traits was observed between and within provenances. High coefficients of variation for the quantitative descriptors (length, width, and mass) of seeds and kernels appear to be the essential traits that discriminate the plant into two morphotypes. Furthermore, seed and kernel characteristics show a significant positive correlation with these discrimination criteria. The upper morphotype contains accessions from three provenances with huge seeds and kernels but few seeds per fruit, while the lower morphotype includes the other provenances with tiny seeds and kernels. The results of the study provided essential information that could be an avenue for improvement with further biochemical and molecular characterization studies.

Sustainable and inclusive development of finfish mariculture in Cambodia: Perceived barriers to engagement and expansion

Finfish mariculture, dominated by production of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), is of high economic importance in Cambodia and is providing substantial benefits to engaged communities in coastal areas. Using semi-structured face-to-face interviews, we explore perceived barriers to engagement in the industry in three coastal districts of Cambodia where such farming is undertaken. We explore obstacles faced by current finfish mariculture value chain actors, eliciting perceptions of 56 female and male current participants. We also elicit perceptions of the industry entry restrictions by interviewing 62 men and women in the same communities, but who are currently not engaged in finfish mariculture. Specifically including men, women, youths and religion in the study sample, we also tested for potential differences in perceptions of the barriers based on demographic characteristics. The most pertinent areas for strengthening the value chain were identified by participants as: Strengthening training and technical support services; Improving availability of good quality fingerlings; Promoting compounded feeds to replace ‘trash’ fish; and Supporting value chain inclusivity, development and diversification. The most common obstacles to entry into the industry were reported as lack of: Finance and financial support; Security of access to land and water; Technical support services and experience; and Time and available labour. Barriers and participant needs identified in this study indicate a set of emerging priorities for both the Cambodian Fisheries Administration and the international donor community.

Value Chain Upgrading Strategies for Sustainable Coffee Industry:- A Visionary SWOT Approach

The government of India believes boosting exports of agricultural commodities is a sure-shot way to enhance the farmer’s income in the country [1]. Indian coffee is primarily an export-oriented commodity with over 75 per cent of the annual production being exported to various destinations around the world [2]. Small coffee growers dominate coffee production in the country. The study comprised both qualitative and quantitative data collected for coffee value chain actors in Kodagu districts of Karnataka during the study period. The main objective of the study is to develop strategies to upgrade the value chain for the sustainable coffee industry. The results of the study indicate that value chains for coffee are largely diffuse, with limited coordination in terms of quality and specifications in the conventional chain. For up gradation in the value chain in the study area farmers has to adopt Branding and Labeling, value chain through bio-dynamic farming, Sale through direct auction, Collectivization, Direct Sale of ripe cherries to a Corporate, Internet Marketing, organic certification etc [1]. This study suggests that upgrading strategies could be difficult at the level of the chain without any institutional support. Hence, the government needs to develop policies for effortless adoption by the coffee planters of identified upgrading strategies.

Mobilizing the Midstream for Supporting Smallholder Intensification

Most policies and incentives that aim to enable smallholder farmers towards the intensification of their agri-food production systems focus on supply-side strategies, such as training, technical assistance or credit services. Far less attention is usually given to demand-side drivers, such as the role of midstream value chain actors supporting smallholder’s investments in primary production. This explorative paper provides new insights on the value addition in the production vs. the midstream segments of agri-food value chains. It focusses attention on the influence of value chain integration on smallholders’ production and investment opportunities, and the implications for the structure of primary production. We use data from several value chains in sub-Saharan Africa to illustrate how farmers link to commercial midstream actors are able to enhance resource productivity, efficiency and profitability. In addition, we show that a larger role of the midstream in value added creation is associated with a more equal farm size distribution.

Agroecology research in Europe: current status and perspectives

Background: Agroecology is increasingly seen as an important contribution for the development of more sustainable agriculture and food systems. Research can have a main role to support this path. Although it seems that there is a gradual increasing body of agroecology research, it clearly lacks good knowledge about this. The main objective of this study was therefore to map research projects related to agroecology in Europe with the aim to characterize European research in terms of implementation of agroecology elements, identify needs for the future cross collaboration between countries and networks, and support the setting up of appropriate research agendas fostering agroecology research in Europe. Methods: A desktop research with different databases related to European and transnational funding programmes was carried out to identify funded research projects involved in agroecology. The obtained projects were used to perform a social network analysis. Furthermore, two surveys were conducted, one with coordinators of identified projects and a second one for researchers engaged in agroecology. Results: Our study highlighted a predominant trajectory of agroecology research prone to the transformation of the agri-food system. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and United Kingdom were the most active countries engaged in agroecology research. In all surveys, issues related to efficiency improvement, synergies strengthening, local economy development, and co-creation and sharing of knowledge were the most implemented to support agri-food transformation. Transdisciplinary approaches were mainly addressed by European projects. Surveys reported a limited participation of value chain actors, while researchers, farmers, and their associations were the most involved. Survey respondents suggested to increase project duration and to introduce flexibility methods to modulate research actions according to the dynamic of the contexts. Conclusion: On the basis of the results, some policy recommendations were provided to fostering agroecology research in Europe and its contribution for transformation of agri-foods systems.

Selecting technologies to engage in sustainability transitions—A multi‐stakeholder perspective

AbstractGiven the need for systemic changes to reach a sustainability transition from a fossil‐based toward a bio‐based economy, it is crucial to align different actors' expectations along the value chain when developing and commercializing sustainability‐oriented technologies (SOTs). To analyze what different actors along the value chain look for when selecting SOTs, this study draws upon a group concept mapping approach based on a group discussion and a subsequent sorting and rating process of selection criteria. Applied to the case of the bio‐based economy, this study seeks to aggregate the perceptions of four different stakeholder groups along the value chain, that is, (1) agricultural and feedstock, (2) (bio)chemical, (3) consumer industries, and (4) consultancies and networks. We derive 11 different categories subsuming 59 criteria that have been perceived as relevant when selecting SOTs. Results show that selection criteria related to the future competitiveness, the public acceptance, and the sustainability aspects of the technology are perceived as highly relevant for most actors when selecting SOTs. Further, we summarize the 11 categories into four dimensions involving (1) market environment and viability, (2) corporate strategy and technology integration, (3) capabilities and knowledge exchange, and (4) institutional and regulatory frames related criteria. We contribute to sustainability transition literature by providing, first, a conceptual framework for relevant selection criteria of SOTs from a value chain spanning perspective; and second, areas of coherence versus noncoherence in technology evaluation across different value chain actors allowing targeted support initiatives to facilitate the technology transfer in the context of sustainability transitions.

Special Issue: Opportunities and challenges of EU farm-to-fork strategy

In the context of the Farm-to-Fork strategy towards climate and natural resources neutralization, all players in agri-food value chain actors and stakeholders – citizens, consumers and business – cope with new challenges based on a better understanding of the complex interrelations between public health, ecosystems, value chains, consumption patterns, and planetary boundaries. From a managerial perspective, several dimensions appear crucial. The first one is circularity, i.e. the move from line to circular models which brings opportunities and threats in terms of quality management standards, procurements arrangements and skills for this circular turn. The second dimension is inclusiveness, with the renewed roles of farming systems as part of complete sustainable agri-food chains, with the core topic of social-environmental inclusivity within either existing agri-food companies or business models from scratch. The third dimension is path-dependency for conventional firms, with knowledge, technological and/or organizational lock-in, along with roles for newcomers and startups in this business model transformation, as well as the place and role of innovation ecosystems.The articles of this special issue offer constrasted view of these challenges.

Contemporary narratives about asymmetries in responsibility in global agri-food value chains: the case of the Ecuadorian stakeholders in the banana value chain

Global concerns over environmental and social issues in agrifood value chains have increased and are reflected in a number of voluntary sustainability standards and regulatory initiatives. However, these initiatives are often based on poor knowledge of production realities, creating a disconnect between producing and consuming countries. Through narrative analysis, this paper reveals asymmetries in the responsibilities of the various actors participating in Ecuadorian banana value chains, providing clear problem- and solution-framings. Despite the broad range of actors interviewed, our analysis reveals convergence in two main narratives that reflect asymmetries amongst local actors in terms of their ability to participate, ability to maintain participation, and adaptation strategies in view of changing external factors. One narrative relates to sustainability adaptations, the cost of which is not shared among all value chain actors. This is combined with a downward trend in the price of bananas and the lack of a differentiated price to account for losses and costs arising from increasing sustainability standards. Another narrative reflects a value chain structure that threatens small-farm survival. It highlights the urgency of protecting small-farm activity by enforcing national regulation and developing new market segments/models that understand small-scale producer reality. Study results show that the multitude of standards is not seen as beneficial and that downstream actors rather wish for common minimum standards to reduce business costs. Compatibility between standards and local realities should be a priority for global sustainability standards adoption. Building on the problems and solution-framings of local value chain links, we give voice to local actors, and link their perceptions to existing literature and discursive politics while contributing to social transparency and addressing the democratic deficit in agrifood value chains.

Mopane worm value chain in Zimbabwe: Evidence on knowledge, practices, and processes in Gwanda District.

Consumption of edible insects is a potential solution to the growing need for protein. However, the wild harvested edible insects' value chain faces several challenges including limited knowledge on indigenous practices in the harvesting and processing and lack of information on roles of the different actors in the chain. A case study of Gonimbrasia belina, colloquially referred to as the 'mopane worm', was conducted to understand and identify determinants of participation in the value chain of the edible caterpillar. A cross sectional study was conducted in Gwanda (a rural district in Zimbabwe) to (a) understand the indigenous knowledge on harvesting and processing methods, (b) explore value addition and the traditional beliefs surrounding the utilisation of the mopane worm. Results showed that consumers (81.7%), and harvesters (76.6%) were the main actors in the mopane worm value chain. Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, the following were shown to be determinants of participation in the mopane worm value chain: (a) gender (b) household size (c) marital status (d) religion and (e) household assets. Two primary processing methods of harvested mopane worm were distinguished i.e., boiling and roasting on ambers. Results showed lack of diversity in mopane worm-based products. Current culturally acceptable processing techniques need improvement and standardization to support sustainable mopane worm processing while optimising nutrient bio-accessibility.

How do rice consumers trade off sustainability and health labels? Evidence from Vietnam

IntroductionStrategies for increasing rice production in the Asian Mega-Deltas have led to environmental degradation, resource overexploitation, and high greenhouse gas emissions. Certified sustainable production labels can support governments in their efforts to render rice value chains more sustainable by simultaneously fostering planetary and human health. Little is known, however, about how consumers trade off sustainability and health attributes in staple crops such as rice. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating Vietnamese consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for rice characterized by multi-attribute sustainability and health certification labels.MethodsWe collected empirical data from 410 supermarket consumers in Can Tho, Vietnam using a choice experiment survey. The results were analyzed using a mixed logit model to determine consumers' preferences for sustainability and health traits in rice. Four price levels were used to elicit willingness-to-pay for four certification labels: low-emission, eco-friendly, ethically produced, and low glycemic index rice. By separating the components that make up the concept of sustainability and by including a label related to personal health and diet preferences, we are able to gain an understanding of the value consumers place on attributes that benefit the common good vs. attributes that benefit the individual consumer.ResultsThe results showed that consumers were willing to pay a price premium for all certification labels, with the highest marginal utility assigned to low glycemic index rice.DiscussionCertification of eco-friendly and ethical production generated similar utility levels, while low-emission rice was valued lower, although it still fetched a significant price premium compared to the status-quo option of rice with no certifications. The results of this study can help policymakers and value chain actors develop rice value chains that integrate sustainable production practices as well as foster the nutrition and health of rice consumers.

Creating Conditions for Harnessing the Potential of Transitions to Agroecology in Europe and Requirements for Policy

SummaryFood systems require reorientation to take greater account of interactions with the environment, economy, health and society. Transitions to agroecological farming practices and systems can connect policy areas and realise environmental, economic and social aims. These transitions provide a lens for reviewing policy, practice and behaviours of actors in farming systems and value chains, identification of barriers to uptake, and policy areas to which they contribute or where there are gaps. Developing social and human capital, and governance structures that enable transitions to agroecology are key to their prospects of success. Education and life‐long learning are key to developing the knowledge and skills of younger generations of land managers and other actors in value chains, throughout their careers. The outcome sought is for a shared understanding of the benefits of agroecological practices and systems, creating opportunities to rebalance policies towards delivering climate neutrality, reversing biodiversity loss, and enhancing rights of citizens. To realise those opportunities policies and strategies should be coherent across territorial and systems levels, and tailored to place, system, people, and stages of transitions. Overall, they should be designed to ensure all citizens are beneficiaries of transitions to agroecological farming systems, over the long term, and that no‐one or place is disadvantaged by the processes of change or the outcome intended.

Scope of vegetable and root crops value chain in Ethiopia

The value chain refers to the entire set of activities carried out by different actors in the agriculture sector to move a product from conception to end use and beyond. Design, production, marketing, distribution, and consumption are all included in the value chain. Currently, different researches were conducted by using value chain concept as a current issue in Ethiopia. This paper critically reviewed that the existing gap in vegetable and root crop value chain studies regarding the scope and approach of the studies. It indicated that the value chain studies conducted in Ethiopia geographically focused on local value chains. It also lacks criteria for selection of specific commodity or entry point for value chain studies. Most of the vegetable and root crop value chain studies highly addressed identification of value chain actors and mapping of flow of commodities without incorporating the most important component of value chain which is value chain upgrading, Governance and gender issues. Therefore, for future researches it is recommended that value chain studies goes beyond simple depiction of value chain map by integrating value chain governance, upgrading, gender issues in a value chain and conducting global value chain analysis.