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Tshuma, Mengezi Chancellor. "A socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) of the best management practices (BMP) project of the Zanyokwe irrigation scheme at farm level." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/139.
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The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Best Management Practices (BMP) project on social and economic wellbeing at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) in central Eastern Cape Province. The BMP project is a knowledge-based initiative aimed at introducing management practices (mainly soft skills) in order to improve production and livelihoods in the study area. The study employed a survey to collect socio-economic data amongst farming households. The 2005 situation analysis, which was conducted amongst the same respondents before the introduction of the new practices allowed for comparisons in order to track changes or impacts after the implementation of the project. Also, the social and economic impact assessment (SEIA) framework was used to assess the impacts. The results of the impact assessment showed the BMP project to have an impact on social and economic well being of households. The skills introduced were in the areas of water management, agronomic practices, marketing and institutional arrangements. More than 90% indicated that there was improvement in agronomic practices and water management and 68% in marketing. More than half of farmers worked in their farms on a daily basis, which is a big change as none of the farmers worked during weekends in 2005. The average time spent on the farms also increased from four (in 2005) to seven hours (this investigation) on average per day. The BMP project also had a positive impact on social relationships and networks between farmers and the BMP project team as well as well as farmers and non-farmers. Land use intensity improved due to increases in acreage of main crops as well as cultivating at both seasons. More than 40% of farmers cropped their land at both seasons (winter and summer). In 2005, most of the land was fallow in winter. While some of the new practices introduced had a negative impact on input expenditures, the returns were positive. These extra efforts and expenditures resulted in improvement in incomes. Agricultural contribution to household income increased from 71% in 2005 to 81% in 2007. The increase in household incomes had a positive effect on poverty and food security status of households. The proportion of households earning incomes that are below poverty line dropped from 61% in 2005 to 38% in 2007. Changes in the diet of the households were noticed. In addition to the consumption of staples such as samp, maize meal and rice, people added a variety of vegetables. Own production was the main source of these vegetables as was indicated by 66% of respondents compared to only 25% in 2005. Food remained the main expenditure category though, as was the case in 2005. Improvements in marketing such as performing extra marketing functions and adopting a marketing strategy (collective action) also led to improvements in economic wellbeing.
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Bronkhorst, N. J. "Developing an integrated marketing communication strategy for the MGK Group." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/80495.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2010.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Marketing of Agricultural Products Act 47 (No 47 if 1996) led to the dilution of single-channel marketing in the agricultural sector. Hence, marketing boards such as the Maize Board were dismantled. New legislation forced agricultural businesses to adapt to the changing environment and turn co-operatives into companies. The new developments also implied that these companies had to reposition themselves to be more competitive in a deregulated market. MGK Group Operating Company Pty (Ltd) is a prominent role player in the agricultural sector in the North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces in South Africa. Unexpected growth in the company as well as the deregulation of the industry necessitated a bona fide marketing communication department to manage and coordinate all advertising, promotional and communication efforts. After establishing this department all marketing communication efforts were still fragmented. Consequently, the cost-effectiveness of this department was questioned by the company’s board of directors. The MGK Group’s the board of directors received a mandate to follow a holistic approach and formulate a strategy to enhance the impact of its marketing communication efforts while cutting costs. This study sets out to establish whether the implementation of an integrated marketing communication programme can ultimately satisfy the board of directors’ requirements for marketing communication that is more accountable, effective and efficient. This study starts with a literature review of the practices and theories underpinning integrated marketing communication. This is followed by testing the applicability of the various approaches and methodologies in the MGK Group environment. The study is concluded with the formulation of a marketing communication strategy and recommendations based on the needs of the MGK Group.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Wet op die Bemarking van Landbouprodukte (Nr 47 van 1996) het eenkanaal-bemarking in die sektor verwater. Dit het daartoe gelei dat bemarkingsrade soos die Mielieraad afgeskaf is. Nuwe wetgewing het landbou-ondernemings genoop om in 'n veranderende sake-omgewing aan te pas en koöperasies in maatskappye te omskep. Die aanpassing het ook beteken dat maatskappye hulself in 'n meer mededingende en gedereguleerde mark moes herposisioneer. Die MGK Groep Bedryfsmaatskappy Edms Bpk is 'n vooraanstaande rolspeler in die landbousektor in die volgende provinsies in Suid-Afrika: Noordwes, Limpopo, Mpumalanga en Gauteng. Onverwagse groei asook die deregulering van die bedryf het meegebring dat dié maatskappy 'n bona fide bemarkingskommunikasie-afdeling nodig gehad het om alle reklame-, promosie- en kommunikasie-aktiwiteite te bestuur en te koördineer. Nadat die afdeling op die been gebring is, het bemarkingskommunikasie-aktiwiteite steeds los van mekaar gestaan. Dit het daartoe gelei dat die kostedoeltreffendheid van die funksie op divisievlak bevraagteken is. Die direksie van die MGK Groep het 'n mandaat gehad om 'n holistiese benadering te volg en 'n strategie te formuleer om die impak sowel as die kostedoeltreffendheid van die maatskappy se bemarkingskommunikasie te verbeter. Hierdie studie poog om vas te stel of die implementering van 'n geïntegreerde bemarkingskommunikasieplan uiteindelik in die direksie van die MGK Groep se behoefte aan verantwoordbare, doeltreffende en doelmatige bemarkingskommunikasie kan voorsien. Die studie begin met 'n literatuuroorsig van die praktyk en teorie van geïntegreerde bemarkingskommunikasie. Daarna word die toepaslikheid van die onderskeie benaderings en metodologieë ten opsigte van die MGK Groep getoets. Die studie word afgesluit met 'n bemarkingskommunikasiestrategie en aanbevelings wat op die behoeftes van die MGK Groep gegrond is.
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Kebede, Yohannes. "Household decision-making : the adoption of agricultural technologies in Ethiopia." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=41250.
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Technology adoption has been seen as key to the development of more productive agriculture in lesser developed countries. But the adoption and adaptation of new agricultural technology occurs at the level of farm families where decisions are made based on perceived risks and benefits of the new technology, and its fit within the knowledge and practices of existing agricultural system.The processes and consequences of household decision-making are investigated using unidisciplinary methods of decision analysis involving statistical, mathematical, psychological, anthropological and econometric techniques brought together in a holistic manner. The study is focused in the Ada and Selale regions of the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The technologies studied are fertilizer, improved crop varieties, pesticides and cross-bred cows.
Differences in goals and strategies of households are caused by inequalities in ownership of physical resources, and access to local institutions and indigenous knowledge. Village and regional institutions greatly influence access to physical (e.g. land) and non-physical (knowledge and information) resources. Successful intervention strategies are those that recognize region- and experience-specific potentials.
When compared with physical resources, non-physical resources exert greater influence on decisions to adopt technologies and on the efficiency with which inputs are used in the production of grain and milk outputs. Producers are willing to take risks in enterprises in which they have the advantages of favourable location or experience. The degree of risk-averse behaviour of households reduces the probability of adopting technologies in both study sites. Natural factors (e.g. rainfall) and policy variables (e.g., land tenure and market) increase production risk. Indigenous production knowledge and schooling consistently reduce variability in production.
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Jordaan, Emile. "'n Kritiese evaluasie van die gebruik van informasie tegnologie ten einde produksierisiko van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52359.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the use of information technology as a method to reduce production risk for irrigated potatoes. Risk in agriculture is discussed under climatic, market or price and production related risk. Production related risk covers the disciplines of planting, irrigation, fertilisation, disease and pest control as well as harvesting. It is in the above mentioned disciplines that information technology could possible be applied to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. The nature of this study can therefor be described as the investigation of the economic justification of information technology as a method to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. A brief introduction to put potato production in world and South African context into perspective, is provided. In South African context the importance and position of potato production relative to other crops is discussed. To better understand the economic conditions, under which potatoes are produced in South Africa, a financial breakdown of production cost for irrigated potatoes over regions is given. It is important to understand the economics of potato production before a proper assessment of thepossible benefits of information technology can be made. Various principles and instruments involved with information technology, as it applies to potato production under irrigation are also discussed. Irrigation scheduling as a discipline in which information technology can be applied, is also discussed. It is important to understand that irrigation scheduling can be based on two underlying principles, i.e. atmospheric modelling and soil moisture measurement. Various examples of measurement instruments are discussed. Climatic based disease modelling and petiole sampling as a method to determine nutritional status in the potato plant, was also discussed. A brief discussion of computerised agriculture management software was included to conclude the discussion on the principles and instruments available for information technology in irrigated potato production. The use of fertiliser scheduling, irrigation scheduling and climatic modelling to reduce fungal diseases in potatoes, as information technology methods, are explained in greater detail. It is shown that recommended levels for various nutrients do exist and that petiole analysis as a method to determine these levels at various growth stages, can be applied successfully. It is further argued that with various methods of irrigation scheduling, proper decision making about the amount and timing of irrigation needed, can be possible. The Plant-Plus system as a method to better control Late Blight on potatoes, is discussed. The results obtained through a commercial trial proves the validity of climatic modelling as a method of information technology to reduce production risk on potatoes, specifically the risk associated with Late Blight. The existence of and results obtained through the equipment and methods previuosly mentioned, raises the question of the economic viability of information technology at farm level. To investigate the perception of growers with regard to the applicability of information technology to reduce production risk and their readiness to adopt such . -- technology, a questionnaire was sent to 40 commercial potato growers throughout South Africa. Growers were tested on their perception with regard to the use of information technology on aspects such as financial management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation, climatic measurement for fungal modelling as well as a profile analysis of the grower. The results of the survey are tabulated and analysed. Growers were on average positive about the value of information technology and indicated that under certain conditions, they were prepared to implement such technology. Margins in commercial potato production are under severe pressure and are in fact shrinking. Case studies presented in this investigation and results from the pilot survey indicate that the use of information technology is not only important for the reduction of risk in potato production but also imperative for sustainable and profitable potato production. It can therefore be concluded that, based on the results obtained in the pilot questionnaire, a statistical valid sample would probably support the findings in the pilot study. The pilot study indicated that reliable, affordable and practical information technology, as it has been presented in this investigation, does have a place in modern day irrigated potato production.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie evalueer die gebruik van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksie risiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Risiko in landbou word onder klimatologiese, mark of prys en produksie verwante risiko bespreek. Produksie verwante risiko kan weer onderverdeel word in risiko wat verband hou met plant of vestiging, besproeiing, bemesting, plaag en pes beheer asook oes. Dit is dan in die bogenoemde dissiplines waar informasie tegnologie moontlik aangewend kan word om produksie verwante risiko te verminder. Die kern van hierdie ondersoek kan gevolglik saamgevat word as 'n ondersoek na die ekonomiese regverdigbaarheid van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksierisiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Daar word kortliks verwys na aartappel verbouing in wêreld en Suid Afrikaanse konteks. In Suid Afrikaanse konteks is die relatiewe belangrikheid van aartappelverbouing in vergelyking met ander gewasse uitgelig. Ten einde 'n beter begrip vir die ekonomiese omstandighede waaronder aartappels in Suid Afrika verbou word, word 'n afbraak van produksiekoste oor streke verskaf Dit is belangrik om die ekonomie van aartappelproduksie te verstaan voordat 'n deeglike evaluering van die moontlike voordele wat informasie tegnologie kan inhou, onderneem kan word. Verskeie beginsels en instrumente in die aanwending van informasie tegnologie, soos van toepassing in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, word ook toegelig. Hieronder word besproeiingskedulering as 'n metode bespreek. Dit is verder belangrik om te besef dat besproeiingskedulering op hoofsaaklik twee beginsels berus naamlik atmosferiese modellering en fisiese grondvog meting. Verskeie voorbeelde van meetinstrumente word bespreek. Klimatologiese siektemodellering en petioolontledings as 'n metode om die voedingstatus van aartappelplante te bepaal, word ook bespreek. Die gebruik van bemestingskedulering, besproeiingskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes op aartappels, as metodes van informasie tegnologie, word in groter besonderhede toegelig. Daar is aangetoon dat aanbevole peile vir verskeie nutriënte bestaan. Deur die neem van gereelde petiool ontledings kan hierdie peile suksesvol gedurende die opeenvolgende fenologiese stadia van die aartappelplant, gehandhaaf word. Daar is verder aangevoer dat deur die gebruik van verskeie metodes van besproeiingskedulering, deeglike besluitneming rakende die hoeveelheid en tydsberekening van 'n besproeiing, moontlik is. Die Plant-Plus sisteem as 'n metode om laatroes op aartappels te beheer, is toegelig. Resultate behaal in 'n kommersiële aanplanting het die geldigheid van klimatologiese modellering as 'n metode om produksierisiko - veral die risiko geassosieer met laatroes - te verminder, onderskryf. Die bestaan van resultate en instrumente soos voorgehou in Hoofstukke 3 en 4, onderskryf of bevestig die vermoede dat informasie tegnologie wel aangewend kan word om produksierisiko in aartappelverbouing te verminder. Die vraag is egter of dit ekonomies op plaasvlak aangewend kan word. Ten einde die persepsie met betrekking tot - die toepaslikheid en gereedheid van produsente in dié verband te evalueer, is 'n loodsvraelys na 40 respondente, wat die kommersiële aartappelprodusente regdeur Suid Afrika verteenwoordig, gestuur. Respondente is ge-evalueer met betrekking tot hul persepsie rakende die gebruik van informasie tegnologie in die dissiplines van finansiële bestuur, besproeiingskedulering, nutriëntskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes. Respondente was oor die algemeen positief met betrekking tot die nut van informasie tegnologie en dat onder seker voorwaardes, hulle dit sal gebruik. Marges in kommersiële aartappelverbouing is onder ernstige druk en is inderdaad besig om te krimp. Gevallestudies wat in hierdie ondersoek voorgehou is, asook resultate verkry uit die vraelys, dui aan dat informasie tegnologie nie alleen belangrik is vir die vermindering van risiko in aartappelverbouing me, maar ook noodsaaklik IS vir volhoubare en winsgewende aartappelproduksie. Dit kan gevolglik gestel word dat resultate verkry uit die loodsvraelys, daarop mag dui dat 'n statisties verifieerbare steekproef moontlik kan uitwys dat betroubare, bekostigbare en praktiese informasie tegnologie, soos voorgehou in hierdie ondersoek, wel 'n bestaansreg in die moderne verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing het.
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Ntshangase, Muziwandile Gift. "Analysis of marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers in Vryheid (Abaqulusi) Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019823.
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A total of 120 structured questionnaires were administered to analyse marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers, at Abaqulusi Municipality, Vryheid and KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. Research methodology consisted of research design, sample frame, sampling procedure, data collection and data analysis which were used in the study. Descriptive statistics analysis was used, where frequencies and percentages of the variables were indicated. Variables which were measured included demographic socio-economic profile of survey household heads where age, marital status, educational level, occupation other than farming, land ownership, household size and gender of the household heads.The results show that the statistically significant variables (gender, household size) at 5% level positively affect smallholder crop farmers’ access to market information, expertise on grades and standards, availability of contractual agreements, existence of extensive social capital, availability of good market infrastructure, group participation and reliance on tradition. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in either formal or informal marketing, and hence their marketing channels. In the light of the foregoing research findings, several policy options were suggested. These include encouraging collective action, promotion of contract farming, ensuring the availability of market information to all farmers, encouraging value addition and investment in rural infrastructure.
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Sibindi, Angels. "An analysis of the impact of contract farming on smallholding farming as a mechanism for value chain efficiency enhancement : the case of Mashonaland central province (Zimbabwe) smallholder tobacco farmers." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95661.
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Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study has examined the impact of contract farming on enhancing efficiencies with the agricultural value chain for smallholder tobacco farmers in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The major challenges facing smallholder farmers in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular relate to financial constraints, technical expertise and market access. Contract farming as a transactions-cost-focussed-model is considered more effectively responsive to those challenges than the pure market approach which insufficiently addresses the impact of information asymmetries, bounded rationality, uncertainty, governance challenges and infrastructure challenges, among others. It allows for closely monitored smallholder financing by agribusiness entities which reduces or eliminates the probability of loan default. Contract farming is seen as an important mechanism in transforming the fragmented, subsistence agriculture in rural Africa into high commercialised and viable business undertakings. In this study, extensive reference is made to literature on agriculture financing; empirical research data on smallholder productivity and loan recoverability is drawn and analysed using the quantitative research methodology. The analysis sought to test for relationships among a set of variables and in the process examined the impact of contract farming. A comparative analysis of national data on the contract and auction system of tobacco marketing was done with emphasis on production and sales volumes, crop quality, price stability and market access. The results from the quantitative analysis of farmer-level and country-level data indicated a strong correlation between smallholder farmer production, productivity and loan recoverability and contract farming value chain intervention mechanisms.
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Bell, Paul Kevin Thomas. "The estimation of economic depreciation for Canadian farm machinery." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/24475.
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The objective of this thesis was to estimate the rate at which four types of farm machinery lose value in Canada. Specifically, Canadian data on used machinery prices was utilized to produce estimates of economic depreciation for two-wheel-drive tractors, combines, square balers and large round balers.
The data used in this thesis to make these estimates are special for two reasons. First of all, they represent the only extensive record of Canadian used farm equipment prices available. Most previous studies have based their estimates on American data, assuming that they apply equally well to the Canadian situation.
Secondly, these data record actual transactions in the used market and these transactions have been reported in an unaveraged format. This is valuable because information on options, horsepower, condition, and, most importantly, hours of use was retained for each machine. The availability of this information permitted richer and more specific estimates of depreciation. In particular, the inclusion of hours of use in the models enabled a distinction to be made in this thesis between the component of depreciation which is directly attributable to age and that component which is directly attributable to accumulated hours of use. It is felt that this distinction provides a beginning point for the study of depreciation due to simple "wear and tear", and that depreciation which is due to obsolescence and technological change.
As well, this thesis extensively reviewed the literature on depreciation in an effort to determine the best approach to follow. The method finally adopted was the "remaining value approach"; however, the thesis went further than the typical remaining value approach because an attempt was made to estimate the pattern as well as the rate of depreciation. This was done by initially adopting a functional form which was flexible enough to let the data "choose for themselves" between the commonly used depreciation rules of thumb (declining balance, straight-line and one-hoss-shay patterns). This was possible by using the Box-Tidwell procedure. This Box-Tidwell procedure when applied to the extensive tractor data indicated that tractors in Canada follow a declining balance (geometric) pattern of depreciation. This was taken as support for the adoption of semi-log models to estimate depreciation. The main findings of this thesis are, first, that depreciation rates vary among assets (from approximately 9% for tractors to nearly 16% for large round balers), and, secondly, that these rates are less than those allowed by the government for tax purposes. It was concluded that this generosity on the part of the government would be acceptable if it applied equally to all depreciable assets, but the divergence in depreciation rates found in this thesis indicate that generous blanket depreciation charges give more advantage to some than to others.Land and Food Systems, Faculty of
Graduate
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O'Brien, Patricia Ann, and patricia o'brien@rmit edu au. "COncepts and costs for the maintenance of productive capacity: a study of the measurement and reporting of soil quality." RMIT University. Accounting and Law, 1999. http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt-VIT20040930.170346.
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This thesis studies the role accounting plays in the monitoring and reporting of soil quality in one sector of the agricultural industry, broadacre farming. A survey was conducted with broadacre farmers in the Loddon Catchment, Victoria, Australia. The primary aim was to determine the effectiveness accounting plays in providing information to decision makers relative to the productive capacity in soil quality and not just on profits. The capital asset in this study was defined as soil quality. Soils and soil quality in particular, are major elements in determining land value. The concern is decisions are being made by potential buyers and other decision makers, particularly policy makers, with regards to soil quality on the basis of incomplete and often misleading information. It is proposed that a major reason is due to the fact that different participants in the agricultural and accounting industries require and use different information. The accounting systems used by farmers are those that have been developed for the manufacturing sector which may not be appropriate for managing long-term, complex resources such as soil. The farmers themselves did not find formal accounting reports useful for decision making because these reports are based on uniform standards and market prices. The topic of soil quality and land degradation is viewed from two perspectives. In one perspective, the proprietary view; the accounting emphasis is on the ownership of assets and the change, both in income and capital, in these assets over time. In this case the accounting equation is seen as assets - liabilities = equities. The proprietor takes all the risk. A more recent perspective in accounting, the entity view, emphasises the assets whether financed from equity or debt and where the accounting equation is seen as assets = equities. The emphasis changes to the income flow from these assets and more interest is shown in current market prices as a reflection of the future value of these assets Profit is not necessarily a good indicator of what farmers are doing for their capital asset. There needs to be greater emphasis on costs undertaken for the conservation of soil. Those costs should be considered an investment and put into the balance sheet and not the profit and loss statement. The major finding of study demonstrates that decision making groups have different
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Mbwika, James M. "Kenya smallholder farmer education and farm productivity." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29578.
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This research was undertaken to study the effect of education on small farm revenues and profits in Kenya. Schooling (defined as the number of school standards completed by the farm operator) was used as the most important source of education. It was hypothesized that schooling has a positive effect on farm revenues and profits. The effect of other sources of information viz; extension contact, demonstration attendance and baraza attendance on farm revenues and profits were also investigated.
The research was done using regression analysis where these variables and other farm activity relevant variables were fitted in regression equations. The choice of these variables
were based on economic theory, Kenya small farm characteristics and the objective of the study. Several factors would qualify as supporting evidence for the argument that educated farmers are more productive. We expect educated farmers to be more informed in terms of use of new production technologies. Education as a source of human capital also enhances the productive abilities of human beings and also enables those who have invested in education to use their resources more efficiently as well as adjusting to new "ways of producing more efficiently".
In the current study we find that schooling of the farm operator is positively related to level of expenditure on farm purchased variable inputs. This indicates that education enhances adoption of new technologies and innovativeness. Further it was shown that farmers with more education earned more value added per acre from their farm business compared to their less educated counterparts. On the overall farm activity, farmers with eight or more standards of schooling earned upto 80.2% in value added per acre compared to those who had no schooling.
The regression estimates were done on a stepwise procedure where farm specific enterprises
were estimated separately and then aggregated and estimated as one farm sector. Thus a crop equation, a livestock equation and a total farm output equation were estimated.
This model was then developed into a variable profit function. A simple linear function procedure was used in the regression analysis.
In all the estimated value added equations the schooling coefficient was positive and significant at 5% level two tail t-test. As we move from farm specific activities to a farm aggregate output model and lastly to value added model the schooling coefficient increased in size confirming the positive role of education in allocative effect. These results show that schooling plays an important role in allocation of other purchased inputs and also choice of crop mix and input selection. The estimated marginal return to schooling of farm operator in the profit function was Kshs.281. In an earlier function where schooling of the farm operator was fitted into a total farm income equation the estimated marginal return to schooling was Kshs.778.89.
When schooling of the farm operator is allowed to interact with extension service the estimated interaction variable coefficient is negative showing the two act as substitute sources of knowledge, and the schooling coefficient increased in size showing that those who had both schooling and extension service earned comparatively more farm revenues.
The role of other educative factors like extension service, demonstration attendance, and baraza attendance in influencing agricultural production was investigated. Regression
results showed that extension contact had a negative and significant effect on farm revenues and profits. Demonstration and baraza attendance had similar effects on farm revenues and profits.
In the value added function hired labour variable was fitted as the cost of hired labour per day. The estimated coefficient for this variable was positive and significant at 5%. The estimated coefficient for this variable shows hired labour is not optimally used, and farmers can increase their farm profits by hiring more labour. When this variable was fitted as the wage rate paid to hired labour per day the estimated coefficient was positive and significant. These results indicate that cost of hired labour depends on its quality. In the sales function hired labour was specified as mandays of hired labour per year and the estimated coefficient which reflects the shadow price of labour was higher than average hired labour wage rate implying that this factor is underemployed.
In the sales function the estimated coefficient for the value of purchased inputs variable indicates that there is an element of underutilization of these inputs. This variable is fitted in value terms and in profit maximizing conditions the estimated coefficient is expected to be no different from unit. However, the estimated coefficient for this variable is approximately 2.5 showing a shilling spent on purchased inputs will bring forth 2.5 shillings. Thus an increase in the use of purchased inputs will increase farm revenues.
Results show evidence of regional differences in farmer productivity and utilization of purchased inputs in favour of Central province.
The study is based on the 1982 CBS-IDS-World Bank Household Survey of Rural Kenya data set.Land and Food Systems, Faculty of
Graduate
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Neudert, Regina [Verfasser]. "Pasture use of mobile pastoralists in Azerbaijan under institutional economic, farm economic and ecological aspects / Regina Neudert." Greifswald : Universitätsbibliothek Greifswald, 2015. http://d-nb.info/1079532250/34.
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Kennedy, Daniel Richard 1962. "The impacts of rental-market legislation on agriculture in northwest Portugal." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/277140.
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In January, 1986, Portugal became a part of the European Community. Although this will have many beneficial effects on Portugal's industrial sector, the agricultural sector will be negatively impacted by the regulations under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) due to take affect in 1996. The Entre Douro e Minho (EDM) region, in particular, will be hard hit by the CAP regulations. Modeling of the EDM suggests that farm operators can offset many of the negative impacts through increases in farm investment and farm size. However, legislation in both the credit and land markets hinder this process. This study analyzes the rental-market legislation in light of tenancy theory. The analysis suggests that changes in the method of calculating maximum rent along with changes in the security of tenure provisions will stimulate the rental markets and lead to the desired increases in farm investment and farm size.
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Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum. "Three essays on Ethiopian farm households." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.670231.
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文玉蘭 and Yuk-lan Catherine Man. "Cyanide waste management: technologies, economic aspects, and constraints." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1996. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31253507.
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Man, Yuk-lan Catherine. "Cyanide waste management : technologies, economic aspects, and constraints /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1996. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B17665346.
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Menzies, Greig Hamilton. "An economic evaluation of a wind power electricity generating farm in South Africa." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/18156.
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Thesis (MComm (Economics)--Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Renewable energy technology has received much attention over recent years. The depletion of known fossil fuel reserves and the volatility of international fuel prices require that society looks beyond the current coal-dominated electricity generation methods. Wind energy is an internationally well-established technology with large markets in major countries around the world, such as the USA and Germany. South Africa has the potential to generate large amounts of electricity from the wind because of the strength of the country’s wind resource. The long coast line and open areas are ideal for the exploitation of wind energy.
Sponsored by the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies
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Silveira, Gilberto Borges da. "Pagamento por serviços ambientais para conservação de áreas protegidas particulares." Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 2015. http://repositorio.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/1170.
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O interesse sobre Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) deve-se à possibilidade de conciliar os interesses econômicos da propriedade rural com a conservação ambiental, conforme previsto em recentes legislações. Desde a instituição do Código Florestal pela Lei n.º 4.771/1965, o Brasil adota a Reserva Legal e a Área de Preservação Permanente (APP) como mecanismos de manutenção de áreas protegidas particulares. Pela Constituição Brasileira de 1988, a exploração de propriedades rurais está condicionada à responsabilidade socioambiental, que visa garantir a preservação dos recursos naturais para a manutenção das condições ambientais de interesse de toda a sociedade. Buscando conciliar o interesse particular dos produtores aos interesses sociais da qualidade ambiental, o Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA), contemplado nas recentes legislações federais e estaduais, visa integrar interesses econômicos e ambientais. A Lei n.º 12.651/2012, que alterou o Código Florestal, previu instrumentos econômicos para gerar incentivos e ampliar a atratividade em manter áreas protegidas em propriedades particulares, mediante valoração dos recursos naturais. No Paraná, foi sancionada a Lei n.º 17.134/2012, que instituiu o Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais. Essas leis ainda carecem de regulamentos e mecanismos operacionais para sua efetiva implementação, sendo propósito deste trabalho verificar as possibilidades e limitações do PSA na conservação de áreas protegidas particulares, mediante revisão bibliográfica sobre PSA e análise de políticas ambientais de proteção de áreas adotadas no Paraná, complementadas por entrevistas com técnicos que trabalharam com essas políticas. O objetivo do trabalho é sugerir mecanismos para que esses instrumentos de política pública efetivamente incentivem os produtores a manterem áreas protegidas e sejam capazes de despertar o interesse de agentes usuários nos serviços ambientais, mediante estabelecimento de condutas e regulamentos legais.Environmental Service Payment (Pagamento por Serviço Ambiental - PSA) is addressed to meet the need of conciliating rural property economic interests and environment conservation, according to the new environment laws. Since Law n. 4771/1965 established the Forestry Code, Brazil uses the natural resources’ Legal Reserves and Permanent Preservation Areas (Área de Preservação Permanente- APP) as mechanisms to help maintaining private protected areas preserved. As provided in the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, rural property exploration is subjected to socio-environmental liabilities in order to assure the preservation of natural resources and maintain ideal environmental conditions in behalf of the society interests. The Environmental Service Payment, in force both at Federal and State levels, seeks the conciliation between the producer private interest and the environment quality social interests. Law n. 12651/2012, which changed the Forestry Code, provides economic tools addressed to encourage rural property owners to maintain protected areas within their private properties through increasing the natural resources value. In the State of Paraná, Law n. 17134/2012 established the Environmental Service Payment. The aforementioned laws need rules, regulations and operation tools to be effectively implemented. The present work aims at checking the Environmental Service Payment possibilities and limitations concerning private protected area conservation in the State of Paraná through carrying out a bibliographic review and analyzing the environment protection policies, besides interviewing technicians who work with such policies. Our work objective is also to suggest mechanisms able to effectively encourage rural producers to maintain and protect natural areas, as well as to arouse the environmental user interest by establishing legal behaviors and rules.
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Mathenge, Mary W. Kiiru. "Essays on off-farm labor market participation, farm production decisions and household economic wellbeing empirical evidence from rural Kenya /." Diss., Connect to online resource - MSU authorized users, 2008.
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Pari, Anees Ahmed Abdul. "Health economic aspects in the management of bipolar disorder." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2016. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:f8ea6eae-9111-4efe-87d1-52276d97e827.
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Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and personal and social functioning. Despite this, there is insufficient knowledge of the costs, HRQoL implications relevant to BD, and the cost-effectiveness of current treatments for BD in the UK. This thesis aims to inform decisions about local and national service provision by applying a variety of health economic tools to build an economic case for BD. First, economic evaluations of BD management strategies are systematically reviewed. A cost-of-illness study is then conducted to estimate the societal burden of BD in the UK and explore the factors that drive variations in these costs. The appropriateness of applying the EQ-5D-3L outcome measure in BD is assessed, and the feasibility of mapping disease-specific measures to the EQ-5D-3L is explored. Finally, a cost-utility analysis (CUA) is conducted to bring together evidence on the costs and outcomes associated with alternative psychological interventions in BD management. This thesis makes critical contributions to multiple research domains, informing the allocation of scarce healthcare resources in this context. There is a sheer dearth of evidence on cost-effectiveness strategies for the long-term management of BD in the UK, especially the evidence for psychological therapies is limited. The annual societal costs associated with BD in the UK are estimated to be £5.14 billion, demonstrating the significant economic burden associated with this disease. The EQ-5D-3L instrument is found to be useful in measuring HRQoL in BD patients who predominantly experience depressive symptoms but is not sensitive enough to detect changes in individuals with mania. More psychometric evidence is therefore required before this instrument can be widely applied in economic evaluations of BD-related interventions. Finally, the CUA indicates that a novel structured psychoeducation intervention in individuals on remote mood monitoring in the UK is not cost-effective.
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Rawlins, Amy. "Socio-economic aspects of peatland management : an ecosystems approach." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2008. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/3804.
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Peatland areas comprise half of the world’s wetlands and play important ecological roles. Peatlands offer a diversity of social, economic and environmental benefits, and in so doing serve a wide range of human interests. Despite this peatlands are fast disappearing. Some uses, particularly those associated with agriculture, result in degradation of the peat stock itself. In this context, the research aims to increase the understanding of the socio-economic dimensions of lowland peatland systems in Northern Europe. Focussing on two sites in England, namely Somerset and the Fens, it uses the ecosystem services framework to explore the flow of multiple goods and services from peatlands, while simultaneously linking these to stakeholder interests and influences. Stakeholder and multi-criteria analysis were used in combination to identify the ecosystem services delivered in the case study areas and explain how these services were distributed amongst stakeholders. Using open stakeholder interviews, workshops and formal multi-criteria techniques (AHP and MAUT), it was possible to elucidate the factors that shape land use preferences. Livelihood provisions, maintenance of wildlife interest and floodwater storage were found to be the most important peatland services to stakeholders. The high livelihood associated with consumptive use of peatlands, along with the high degree of private land ownership and the continued relative freedom this affords were found to be the two largest barriers to wise use of peatlands. The findings suggest that new policy mechanisms may be required to designate property rights to secure particular ecosystem services for the public good. This might involve new institutional arrangements, possibly involving multi dimensional entitlement systems, to secure the future of peatlands. The ecosystem services framework, combined with stakeholder and multi-criteria analyses, were shown to be effective in providing an understanding of the synergies and conflicts in peatland management.
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Hitayezu, Felix. "Farm income effects of regional crop specilization in Rwanda." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=69532.
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In consideration of the chronic poverty of farmers in Rwanda as well as in other developing countries where self-sufficient agriculture is practiced, this study examines what the well studied theory of specialization and trade, if implemented, could bring to Rwandan farmers in terms of production and profits.To attain this objective, a spatial optimization model with linear programming was built and used to maximize the potential production and net returns which were compared to those from the traditional system. The model was built in a way that it also shows the pattern of trade and quantities traded.
The results show that a regional specialization system would allow, on the national level, more production, higher net returns, and more trade than the traditional system (self-sufficient agriculture) as expected according to the theory of specialization and trade. Nevertheless, the net return in some regions decreases in the new system, which necessitates a compensation plan for those regions.
However, it has to be noted that despite these gains, the adoption of the new plans requires a consideration of many other factors that are not covered in this study. Of those factors, the most obvious are the need to improve the transportation and marketing infrastructure, changing farmers' attitudes and objectives towards commercial agriculture, and securing equity, security, and sustainability in the system.
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Petersen, Emelda. "A theoretical framework for the labour relations between the farmer and farm workers during industrial strike actions." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2671.
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Thesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The purpose of this study was to analyse the labour relations of the workers in the agricultural sector, with reference to the De Doors area in the Western Cape. Despite the political, social and economic changes to better the lives of the farm workers that have been implemented to rectify the inequalities of the past, the labour conditions on farms stayed unchanged. It is evident that there is a gap in the labour relations in the agricultural sector, due to the 2012/13 strike actions that took place. Qualitative research methodology was employed in the study; it provided the researcher with the opportunity to personally interact with the farm workers. It further allowed the researcher to gain a holistic understanding of the daily lives of the farm workers which would foster a better understanding of their daily struggles. Interviews were used as method of data collection. This methodology also enables the researcher to interpret and describe the actions of participants. Good labour relations play a vital role in any industry or organisation. Farm workers are generally classified as vulnerable and the most exploited group of the South African society. They often work irregular hours throughout the year in various weather settings. Regardless of the physical strain that their jobs entail, farm workers earn a low wage and are often deprived of the basic benefits that an employee should be entitled to. This was the reason the farm workers embarked on a strike in 2012/13. The researcher proposed recommendations to the Agricultural department on how to improve the labour relations on the farms in the De Doorns area by suggesting that more labour inspectors are being employed to oversee that legislation are implemented. Skills Development needs to be become compulsory for all farm workers as farming is becoming more technological. Skills Development unlocks talents and creative energy for the farm workers which have a positive impact on production.
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Sitholimela, Silas Ndwakhulu. "An evaluation of the performance of the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo Province in improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers during the period 1994-2004, with special reference to the Vhembe District." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21791.
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Thesis (MPA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research work focuses on the role that the Department of Agriculture has played in the improvement of the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, for the period 1994 to 2004. The research endeavours to determine what was done to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers, and the extent to which smallholder farmers were developed. It determines the stage of development smallholder farmers are in after a decade of democracy. The study considers various variables that could be responsible for the good or bad performance of the Department of Agriculture in the Vhembe District. The Vhembe District was chosen because it consists of varied ecological and climatic regions, making it possible for various farming enterprises to flourish in one area. The research links the role played by the Department of Agriculture with the level of development of smallholder farmers in the District. It investigates the support that the Department of Agriculture provided through various strategic programmes, such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, the Revitalisation of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes, training and development, and poverty-alleviation programmes, aimed at kick-starting micro-enterprises. The research identifies areas where the Department did not meet the expectations of the smallholder farmers regarding support. It outlines possible reasons for good and poor performance of the Department of Agriculture and its extension officers in the four local municipalities of the Vhembe District, namely Makhado, Musina, Mutale and Thulamela. This is based on data gathered through focus group discussions with various groups of farmers and extension officers. The research reveals that the budget allocation for agricultural development has never been enough to address the pressing and varied needs of smallholder farmers in the Vhembe District. The conclusion is reached that the support provided by the Department of Agriculture to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers was inadequate. Another conclusion is that smallholder farmers are heavily reliant on the Department for almost all their farming needs. This dependency has led to many smallholder farmers not being able to creatively initiate any action that would ultimately empower them to become selfreliant. However, the research shows that a small percentage of farmers have realised the need to become independent in order to avoid lifelong dependency on the Department of Agriculture. The researcher concludes that, after a decade of democracy, there is still a great need for the Department’s support in order to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers. There is also a need to conduct a skills audit, which will help the Department to place officials according to their areas of expertise, and to capacitate officials who may be lacking some skills through various capacity-building programmes. The research revealed that there may be officials who are morally corrupt in their behaviour and conduct. This has resulted in inefficiency and poor service delivery to farmers. On the other hand there are officials who perform exceptionally well and whose behaviour is beyond reproach. The researcher concludes that these exceptional performers should be recognised and rewarded for their good performance, while those with unsatisfactory performance should be dealt with according to the disciplinary code and procedures of the public service. The need is identified to channel resources to smallholder farmers who will utilise them effectively. This would promote self-sufficiency in the long term. In channelling these resources, the Department should also consider the promises made, with the view to fulfil them as far as possible. The researcher concludes that in order for smallholder farmers to realise their potential they have to change their lives through agriculture. They need to become more organised in order to speak with one voice. They also need to participate in secondary agriculture, where they are able to access more markets, not only as producers but as agro-processors as well. With appropriate and consistent support by the Department of Agriculture in the Vhembe District, smallholder farmers’ livelihood could be improved, which will lead to economic development of the local municipality, the district, the province and ultimately South Africa as a whole.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingstudie fokus op die rol wat die Departement Landbou gespeel het in die verbetering van die lewensbestaan van kleinboere in die Vhembe-distrik, Limpopo, vir die tydperk 1994 tot 2004. Die navorsing poog om te bepaal wat gedoen is om die lewensbestaan van kleinboere te verbeter, en in watter mate daar tot die ontwikkeling van kleinboere bygedra is. Daar word ook bepaal in watter ontwikkelingsfase kleinboere hulle ná ’n dekade van demokrasie bevind. Die studie ondersoek verskeie veranderlikes wat vir die goeie of swak prestasie van die Departement Landbou in die Vhembe-distrik verantwoordelik kan wees. Die Vhembe-distrik is gekies omdat dit uit verskillende ekologiese en klimaatstreke bestaan, wat verskeie boerdery-ondernemings in staat stel om in een gebied te gedy. Die navorsing veronderstel ’n verband tussen die rol van die Departement Landbou en die ontwikkelingsvlak van kleinboere in die distrik. Dit ondersoek die steun wat die Departement Landbou deur middel van verskeie strategiese programme gebied het, soos die Program vir Omvattende Landbou-ondersteuning, die Opknapping van Kleinboerbesproeiingskemas, opleiding en ontwikkeling, en programme vir die verligting van armoede, wat daarop gemik is om stukrag aan mikro-ondernemings te verleen. Die navorsing identifiseer gebiede waarop die Departement Landbou nie aan kleinboere se verwagtinge ten opsigte van steun voldoen het nie. Dit verskaf moontlike redes vir die goeie of swak prestasie van die Departement en sy voorligtingsbeamptes in die Vhembedistrik se vier plaaslike munisipaliteite, naamlik Makhado, Musina, Mutale en Thulamela. Dit is gegrond op data wat deur middel van fokusgroep-besprekings met verskeie groepe boere en voorligtingsbeamptes verkry is. Die navorsing toon dat die begrotingstoewysing vir landbou-ontwikkeling nog nooit genoeg was om aan die dringende en verskillende behoeftes van kleinboere in die Vhembe-distrik te voldoen nie. Die navorser maak die gevolgtrekking dat die steun van die Departement Landbou nie voldoende was om die lewensbestaan van kleinboere te verbeter nie. ’n Verdere gevolgtrekking is dat kleinboere vir byna al hulle boerderybehoeftes van die departement afhanklik is. Hierdie afhanklikheid lei daartoe dat menige kleinboere nie in staat is om enige kreatiewe optrede te inisieer wat hulle eindelik sal bemagtig om selfstandig te word nie. Die navorsing toon egter dat ’n klein persentasie boere besef het dat hulle onafhanklik moet word om lewenslange afhanklikheid van die Departement Landbou te vermy. Die navorser kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat, ná ’n dekade van demokrasie, daar steeds ’n groot behoefte aan steun van die departement ten opsigte van die verbetering van kleinboere se lewensbestaan is. Daar is ook ’n behoefte aan ’n vaardighede-oudit wat die departement sal help om amptenare na gelang van hulle kundigheidsgebied te plaas, en om deur verskeie kapasiteitsbou-programme daardie amptenare wat sekere vaardighede kortkom, op te bou. Die navorsing het onthul dat daar moontlik amptenare is wat moreel korrup in gedrag en optrede is. Dit het ondoeltreffendheid en swak dienslewering aan boere tot gevolg. Tog is daar amptenare wat besonder goed presteer en wie se gedrag bo verdenking is. Die navorser is van mening dat hierdie goeie presteerders erkenning moet ontvang en vir hulle goeie prestasie beloon moet word, en dat diegene wat ontoereikend presteer ingevolge die staatsdiens se dissiplinêre kode en prosedures hanteer moet word. Daar is ’n behoefte om hulpbronne te kanaliseer na kleinboere wat doeltreffend daarvan gebruik sal maak. Dit sal op die lang termyn selfvoorsiening bevorder. In hierdie opsig moet die departement poog om die beloftes wat hulle gemaak het, so ver moontlik na te kom. Die navorser kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat, vir kleinboere om hulle potensiaal te verwesenlik, hulle hul lewens deur landbou moet verander. Hulle moet beter georganiseer wees sodat hulle uit een mond kan praat. Hulle moet ook by sekondêre landbou betrokke raak waar hulle toegang tot Met die gepaste en konsekwente steun van die Departement Landbou in die Vhembedistrik kan die lewensbestaan van kleinboere verbeter word, wat ekonomiese ontwikkeling van die plaaslike munisipaliteit, die distrik, die provinsie en eindelik Suid- Afrika as geheel tot gevolg sal hê.
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Xu, Qing Yun. "The competitiveness of Ontario dairy farms : a farm level analysis." Thesis, McGill University, 2009. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=116061.
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The Canadian supply managed dairy sector is likely to face more competitive pressure from challenges through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the changing global trade environment. Therefore, it is highly prudent for Canadian dairy producers to focus their concern on their level of competitiveness and how to improve it. This study investigated the competitiveness of Ontario dairy sector based on a sample of farm level data with a Box-Cox transformed econometric cost model. The data were gathered by the Ontario Dairy Farm Accounting Project, for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The impacts of output, yield per cow and several farm-specific characteristics on the average cost of milk production were examined. Results support the presence of significant size economies and yield economies within Ontario milk production. Minimum costs were achieved for farms with approximately 125 cows. The results also indicated that some farm-specific characteristics, breed and region, also had significant impacts on the cost of Ontario milk production. However, it appears that Ontario farms may find it difficult to survive if they are forced to face international competition. Even at their minimum, average costs were above an indicator international dairy price.
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Brammer, Jon. "An economic analysis of producing grain and biomass in Kansas." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/17676.
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Master of ScienceDepartment of Agricultural Economics
Jeff Williams
This study examines the net returns from grain and biomass production from seven annual crop rotations using six different management scenarios. This study also examines the profitability of producing biomass from three perennial crops using four management scenarios. Soybeans were rotated with grain sorghum, dual purpose sorghum, photoperiod sensitive sorghum, brown mid-rib (BMR) sorghum, and corn. Continuously cropped corn was also included. Perennial grasses including switchgrass and big bluestem were compared to a traditional crop, alfalfa. Yields and input data for the crops was from an experimental field study conducted at Kansas State University, Manhattan KS. Enterprise budgets were constructed for rotations of five sorghum varieties with soybeans, corn and soybeans, and continuous corn. Enterprise budgets were also constructed for three perennial crops; consisting of switchgrass, big bluestem grass, and alfalfa. Perennial crop costs and returns are estimated over an assumed 10 year production horizon. Costs and net returns for each of these budgets were compared to determine which crop rotation was the most economically feasible. Yield and input rates, excluding soybean yield and inputs, used were collected from an agronomic field experiment at Manhattan located in Riley County, Kansas (Propheter, 2009; Roozeboom et al., 2011). Costs of inputs were from USDA Agricultural Prices, Kansas State University farm management guides, and Sharpe Brothers Seed Company. Harvest costs are from Kansas State University farm management guides and a Northeastern Colorado and Northwestern Kansas producer survey. The corn- soybean rotation had the highest net returns per acre across all annual crop scenarios. The corn-soybean rotation did not have the highest net returns per acre when an alternative price was used for the photoperiod sensitive sorghum-soybean rotation. The dual purpose sorghum-soybean rotation had the second highest net returns per acre across all annual crop scenarios. The corn-soybean and dual purpose sorghum-soybean rotations had high grain net returns, and low to average biomass production costs. Alfalfa had the highest amortized net returns of the perennial crops, and had positive establishment year net returns. Alfalfa had higher amortized net returns and establishment year net returns than switchgrass and big bluestem.
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Catena, Rodolfo. "Essays on health care operations management." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2015. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:3c2035a6-b5d0-43b7-9b12-4883e5db4526.
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The aim of operations management in health care is to enhance the provision of services to patients and to decrease costs. Overall worldwide health care expenditures represent around 10.5% of the global GDP and are projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.3% from 2015 to 2017 [74]. In order to investigate how to curb health care costs, I study the English NHS, a health care system that provided universal care to around 54 million people in 2014 [243]. The NHS has launched many initiatives to improve the performance of hospital operations such as the "QIPP" program, which has the objective to save £20 billion of costs by 2015 [98]. Given this framework, this research aims to contribute to the theory that is guiding these operational changes, using data on all admissions to hospitals and focussing on the inguinal hernia, one of the most common surgical procedures [86]. In the next chapters, this research describes inguinal hernia care delivery in the English NHS, examines the impact of spillovers and complementarities on costs, and investigates the effects of length of stay reduction on risk of re-admission and risk of death. The findings of this thesis indicate that one of the possible problems in the delivery of inguinal hernia care in the NHS is the decrease in the number of elective operations performed and the increase in readmission rates. They also clarify how decisions on allocation of resources can affect hospital expenditures by showing that loss in focus can increase health care costs and by pointing out that there is little evidence to support the theory of spillovers and complementarities in the surgical context. Finally, the results of this research can be used to suggest the logic of a policy to decrease length of stay that can inform hospital decisions and can decrease hospital costs.
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Smith, Eric Campbell. "Farm Management Practices and Environmental Effluents in the Western Lake Erie Basin of Ohio: An Economic Optimization of Farm Systems." Connect to resource, 1997. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1216047614.
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Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 1997.Advisor: D. Lynn Forster, Dept. of Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-127). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center
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Blomé, Gunnar. "Organizational and economic aspects of housing management in deprived areas." Doctoral thesis, KTH, Bygg- och fastighetsekonomi, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-48616.
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This dissertation consists of five papers with different objectives. The overall objective is to improve knowledge of effective policies regarding socially deprived large housing estates. All studies deal with the real estate context from a housing company decision-making perspective. The first two papers focus on organisational issues and the following three papers deal with economic issues related to the development of a specific housing area. The research is based on case studies which involve specific methodologies such as interviews, direct observation and collecting data from company accounts. The main message of this thesis is that landlord policies and resources spent on operation and maintenance contribute to local area development. It is also underlined that there is a need for a paradigm shift in Swedish housing, since the regulatory framework appeared to be inadequate. The experience from this study shows that many problems can be solved within the existing laws and through efficient customised property management, but landlords need more effective incentives to improve their policies further. The first two papers address issues about how to organise local management resources in large housing estates. Three different functions were identified: customer service, (e.g. fault-reporting); the letting process; and caretaking (day-to-day management and control over indoor and outdoor areas). The models where more decisions are decentralised lead to better information about the local conditions, make it easier to coordinate work in an area, create more motivation for the staff and make it easier to involve the tenants. This was particularly valuable for socially deprived estates, but the decentralised model raised some moral hazard problems, e.g. the local team create their own agenda, are pressured by certain tenants to give them advantages and that the result is lack of control and consistent housing policy in the company. The third paper deals with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in housing management. Different types of costs are identified and related to the estates’ social condition. The results indicate that a CSR-based management policy leads to approximately 4.5 percent lower annual operation and maintenance costs which improved the company’s profitability, especially if the higher standard of maintenance, made higher rents possible. The study also identified three other benefits of CSR; improved tenant relationship, goodwill and business opportunities and the study is a first step towards a better understanding of the economic consequences of CSR in a real estate-context. The fourth paper analyses the return of the Swedish slumlords, with a focus on a specific area in Malmö. The tenants stayed even though the rent was higher and the quality was lower than in neighbouring areas because of a combination of three factors; rents were paid by different forms of welfare payment, lack of alternatives because of queues to other areas and because some tenants saw an advantage in the “no questions” asked policy that the slumlord followed. It is further argued that the property owners found this slum strategy as profitable either because they hoped to find a “bigger fool” to sell to or because the decision makers in the company had not invested their own money. The study concludes that both tenants and investors were in the end losers, but not the company managers.The fifth paper is an economic evaluation of renovation in socially deprived housing estates. The empirical data indicates that it is profitable to use a clear and active housing management strategy, especially if the rent levels are affected by the standard of management by the landlord. The results also show that the landlord’s policy had positive social effects, both in the form of tenant welfare and in the form of lower costs for Police and the Fire department. The study also indicates that it can be difficult to justify large scale investment purely from a business perspective.QC 20111122
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Powers, Laura A. "IMPROVING FARM MANAGEMENT DECISIONS BY ANALYZING SITE-SPECIFIC ECONOMIC DATA DEVELOPED FROM YIELD MAPS." UKnowledge, 2002. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/167.
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This thesis examines the use of precision agriculture data, specifically yield maps, for makingsite-specific economic decisions for improved farm management. The adoption of precisionagriculture on farms has allowed producers to collect a greater quantity and more specificinformation about production than ever before. With such information, site-specific decisions canbe made. Incorporating economic data with yield map data, two primary decision examples aredeveloped: defining areas of production and nonproduction and managing temporal risk spatiallyacross a field. Included with the production/ nonproduction decision are the effects that landtenure arrangements and risk aversion levels have on the decision. The risk maps are developedusing break-even analysis, the coefficient of variation, and a mean-variance framework, all based ona twenty year average of temporal net returns, measured spatially. The risk maps are repeatedincorporating a crop insurance option, a commonly used risk management tool. Results show thatdeveloping these maps can be used by agricultural producers to help with their decision making. Byincorporating these maps into the decision-making process, decisions can be made to increase farmprofitability.
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Kirsch, Florian [Verfasser]. "Economic aspects of disease management programs in chronic diseases / Florian Kirsch." München : Verlag Dr. Hut, 2018. http://d-nb.info/1164293648/34.
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Starkie, Helen Jane. "Health economic aspects in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2010. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/2154/.
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The broad aim of this thesis on ‘Health Economic aspects in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease’ (COPD) was to study the natural history of the disease in order to inform the conceptualisation and development of a new economic model. Existing economic evaluations for COPD were critiqued and information on the natural history of the disease gathered though literature searches and analyses of two large datasets, a COPD randomised controlled trial called TORCH and a general population observational dataset called the Renfrew/Paisley (MIDSPAN) study. Particular attention was paid to identifying the COPD population using different diagnostic criteria. The elicitation of utility estimates under a number of circumstances was considered. A regression based prediction model was conceptualised and developed. Significant contributions of this thesis include, but are not limited to: a NICE COPD cohort were identified who were found to be at higher risk of all-cause and COPD mortality than a GOLD defined cohort; a mapping equation was successfully developed that predicts the EQ-5D from the SGRQ; and an entirely new concept for modelling COPD was developed that uses a series of regression equations to predict cost and effect based on lung function, symptoms and exacerbations and weighted by survival probability in order to generate a model with one arm representing current treatment and a second arm representing a comparator treatment. The thesis successfully combined information gathered throughout the period of research on the natural history of COPD with treatment effects in a novel way in order to conceptualise and develop a new economic model for COPD.
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Cassidy, Daniel L. "An economic and environmental analysis of farm-level windbreak agroforestry management systems in eastern Nebraska /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9924955.
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Shockley, Jordan Murphy. "WHOLE FARM MODELING OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES." UKnowledge, 2010. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/105.
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This dissertation investigated farm management concerns faced by grain producers due to the acquisition of various precision agriculture technologies. The technologies evaluated in the three manuscripts included 1) auto-steer navigation, 2) automatic section control, and 3) autonomous machinery. Each manuscript utilized a multifaceted economic model in a whole-farm decision-making framework to determine the impact of precision agriculture technology on machinery management, production management, and risk management. This approach allowed for a thorough investigation into various precision agriculture technologies which helped address the relative dearth of economic studies of precision agriculture and farm management. Moreover, the research conducted on the above technologies provided a wide array of economic insight and information for researchers and developers to aid in the advancement of precision agriculture technologies. Such information included the risk management potential of auto-steer navigation and automatic section control, and the impact the technologies had on optimal production strategies. This dissertation was also able to provided information to guide engineers in the development of autonomous machinery by identifying critical characteristics and isolating the most influential operating machine. The inferences from this dissertation intend to be employed in an extension setting with the purpose of educating grain producers on the impacts of implementing such technologies.
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Häring, Thomas W. "Optimizing loblolly pine management with stochastic dynamic programming." Diss., Virginia Tech, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/39478.
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This study examines effects of unpredictable price fluctuations and possible catastrophic losses on the optimal site preparation intensity of un thinned loblolly pine plantations under the assumption of lisk aversion. It concentrates exclusively on financial motives and does not take non-market values and portfolio considerations into account. The results should be interpreted with these limitations in mind.
Two approaches are taken to compare site preparation intensities: a quasideterministic approach, where expected cash flows are discounted with risk-adjusted discount rates, and a stochastic approach, where probability functions of cash flows are used to maximize expected utility from net present values. The stochastic approach is further divided into non-adaptive scenarios and adaptive scenarios, where the investor can gather additional price information during the life of a stand to optimize the harvest decision. The adaptive management problem is solved with stochastic dynamic programming. For each possible harvest age, an optimal reservation price below which the forest landowner should not sell the stumpage is calculated.
The study shows that the use of a single risk-adjusted discount rate is generally inadequate to compare different management intensities. The stochastic approaches reveal that the optimal management intensity depends on the degree of risk aversion, with increasing risk aversion leading to a lower intensity level. Given the possibility of catastrophic losses, the adoption of a feedback harvesting policy strengthens the already dominant influence of risk aversion and does not generally lead to an increase in management intensity.
The study's results suggest that even if the landowner is managing the forest solely for financial reasons, some of the reluctance to invest in intensive forestry may not indicate a lack of interest or information but simply an economic reaction to risk, especially in regions with a high potential danger of catastrophic losses.Ph. D.
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Wilgenbusch, Brian. "Developing an information management system for an environmental and economic monitoring system." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17331.
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Murithi, Festus Meme. "Economic evaluation of the role of livestock in mixed smallholder farms of the central highlands of Kenya." Thesis, University of Reading, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.266341.
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Balls, M. Reed. "Economic Simulation of Selected Management Strategies for a Typical Dairy Farm Faced with Declining Milk Prices." DigitalCommons@USU, 1989. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4207.
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The purpose of this thesis is to study the effect of lower milk support prices trigger ed by chronic surplus production problems and to offer alter native management strategies for dairymen caught in the cash flow squeeze precipitated by resulting cuts in the producer price of milk. Historical dairy policy is reviewed and recommendations are offered for consideration in developing dairy policy over the next decade.
FLIPSIM V, a powerful, firm-level computerized simulation model is employed to predict the probable outcome of employing alternative management strategies designed to improve profitability for individual dairymen. The study focuses on a typical farm devised from survey data to be representative of Utah's dairy industry. A five-year planning horizon is simulated.
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Chow-Coleman, Jane Amy. "Time-Varying Estimation of Crop Insurance Program in Altering North Dakota Farm Economic Structure." Thesis, North Dakota State University, 2008. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/29762.
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This study examines how federal farm policies, specifically crop Insurance, have affected the farm economic structure of North Dakota's agriculture sector. The system of derived input demand equations is estimated to quantify the changes in North Dakota farmers' input use when they purchase crop insurance. Further, the cumulative rolling regression technique is applied to capture the varying effects of the farm policies over time. Empirical results from the system of input demand functions indicate that there is no moral hazard since North Dakota farmers will increase fertilizer and pesticide use in the presence of crop insurance. Results also indicate that farmers in this state will not increase the use of land.
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Missopoulos, Fotios Stavros. "An analysis of cost influential factors for the development of a software product and a hypothetical method for estimating cost using the Cocomo and Putnam models." Virtual Press, 1988. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/539731.
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The inability to accurately estimate costs which are associated with software development is an increasing concern of the scientists and practitioners involved. Many factors influence the cost and many models have been offered to estimate the expenses for developing a software system of any size and type. Unfortunately, the problem remains the same. There is a significant need for further research in order to develop complete understanding in this area.This thesis examines the cost influential factors and reviews a number of existing cost estimation models. Then, a hypothetical method is shown for estimating cost, incorporating the PERT sizing technique, the Basic and Intermediate COCOMO models, and a blend of features from the Putnam's Resource Allocation model and the SLIM model. The implementation of this method is also included.Department of Computer Science
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Adam, Katherine. "The future of farm animal practice in a changing veterinary business landscape." Thesis, Royal Veterinary College (University of London), 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.669189.
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Žičkienė, Skaidrė. "Socio-economic aspects of municipal waste management in the context of sustainable development." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2005. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2005~D_20050121_131714-40752.
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The idea of harmonizing economic growth with the laws of development of society and the environment is expressed in the concept of sustainable development. In the frame of sustainable development an exceptional importance is attached to studying material flows, therefore management of waste flows must not contradict the principles of sustainable development. In agreement with M. Jacobs, it is possible to affirm that waste management in the context of sustainable development means using materials in closed cycles.
Investigating socio-economic efficiency of municipal waste management means studying the organizational waste management process and factors disclosing characteristic features of this process, making deep comparative socio-economic analysis of waste management options and studying waste managements acts both on national and local level in order to reveal the ways of increasing socio-economic efficiency in municipal waste management. This study is induced by the necessity of changing the traditional waste management of depositing it in landfills, by recycling using not only national and international funds, but by mobilizing resources of local waste management systems as well.
It is natural, that the policy of waste management, in which neither the scale of economic damage nor future waste management expenditure were evaluated, was orientated towards disposal of waste in refuse dumps. This means transferring problems to future generations, and this cardinally... [to full text]Dėsninga, jog atliekų tvarkymo politika, kurioje nebuvo įvertinas ekonominės žalos aplinkai ir visuomenei dydis bei būsimos atliekų tvarkymo sąnaudos, buvo orientuota į atliekų deponavimą sąvartynuose. Tokia praktika įvardijama kaip problemų (pavojaus) aplinkai perkėlimas ateities kartoms, o tai kardinaliai prieštarauja darnios plėtros koncepcijai. Todėl keliamas klausimas, kokios atliekų tvarkymo sistemos laikytinos efektyviomis socialiniu-ekonominiu požiūriu. Tyrimai, atlikti Europos Sąjungos šalyse, rodo, jog tai sistemos, kurių ištekliai nukreipti antrinėms žaliavoms tvarkyti ir nuolatinei šio tvarkymo plėtrai organizuoti. Diegiant regionines atliekų tvarkymo sistemas, antrinių žaliavų surinkimo, rūšiavimo ir parengimo perdirbti išlaidoms padengti numatyti du šaltiniai – bendrasis tarifas (ar vietinė rinkliava) ir „Gaminių ar pakuotės atliekų tvarkymo programos“ lėšos. Bendrojo tarifo didinimas atsižvelgiant į atskirų atliekų srautų tvarkymo išlaidas arba tarifo neišrūšiuotai ir rūšiuotai atliekų daliai diferencijavimas priskiriamas prie neatidėliotinų priemonių, tačiau pirmiausia būtina identifikuoti lokalinių komunalinių atliekų tvarkymo sistemų vidinius rezervus, kurių dėka galima padidinti socialinį-ekonominį atliekų tvarkymo rezultatyvumą, kartu praktiškai realizuojant darnios plėtros principus.
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Amrouk, El Mamoun. "The economic implications of combining fibre flax contracting along with futures and options to control for farm revenue instability in Quebec /." Thesis, McGill University, 2001. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=31182.
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Due to a rising interest in natural fibres for textiles as well as environmental concerns, the demand for fibre flax has increased in recent decades. It was, therefore, with great enthusiasm that Canadian farmers welcomed, in 1997, the opening of a flaxprocessing unit in the region of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec. The purpose of this study was to investigate the economic viability of fibre flax contracting as an alternative activity for field-crop producers in Quebec. A risk-programming model called minimization of total absolute deviation (MOTAD) was developed to better approach this issue. The MOTAD takes into account the variability in income that stems from uncertainty in commodity-market prices and yields. In addition, five different marketing strategies for pricing grain corn and soybeans were included in the model. These pricing techniques combined the use of futures and options markets.In a global agricultural system, where international commitments force governments to cut subsidies, reducing income variability for risk-averse farmers becomes a critical challenge. This study offered to assess the contribution of both contracting and futures markets as alternative market instruments for risk management. Five portfolio farm plans were identified for 200- and 300-hectare farm sizes. The results showed that gains through fibre flax contracting, in terms of risk reduction, exist only for the farm plans with lower levels of income and risk. Moreover, simulations demonstrated that the use of futures and options markets can help maximize overall net farm return.
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Mathbor, Golam Mohammed. "Dynamics and prospects of non-farm employment in the coastal regions of Bangladesh." Thesis, McGill University, 1994. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=22711.
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The coast of Bangladesh, comprising the complex delta of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system has immense resources for development. In the concept of present development efforts, this zone is among the most neglected in Bangladesh. It is very often affected by natural calamities and the situation is further aggravated by some man-made hazards, which cause heavy casualties in human lives, cattle, in reducing the size of the coastal areas and in severe damage of properties worth billions of dollars. This thesis envisages looking into the particular issue of non-farm employment. This is more important in an economy in which the land-person ratio is continuously on the decrease and dissemination of intensive crop culture has limitations. This study is exploratory in nature and uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, employing survey interviews for 80 households, 20 key informant interviews and a case study on an organization in order to assess the dynamics and prospects of non-farm employment in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Findings of the study indicate that practically all of the non-farm field of the entire coastal belt is not yet a government priority. As such, there is need for some persuasive work in formulating some policies to develop sustainable harvests from the abundant maritime resources of the area. This will create provision for non-farm employment as well as producing a vast quantity of exportable commodities for the national well-being. It is expected that it will benefit the people of the area in particular and the entire country in general.
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Hansson, Helena. "Driving and restraining forces for economic and technical efficiency in dairy farms : what are the effects of technology and management? /." Uppsala : Dept. of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2007. http://epsilon.slu.se/2007108.pdf.
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Greenberg, Laura B. "AN EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE MECHANISMS FOR FINANCING NONGAME WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN ARIZONA." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276495.
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The aims of this study were to identify alternative mechanisms for financing nongame wildlife management in Arizona and to evaluate the mechanisms based on criteria drawn from the fields of public finance and political science. A public opinion survey was conducted to estimate support for the funding of nongame management and the employment of specific mechanisms. The results of the study indicate that a combination of state general fund appropriations and user charges would provide the best means for financing nongame wildlife management. In order to gain financial support from the public and the state legislature it is suggested that the Arizona Game and Fish Department focus its efforts on enhancing its image as an agency that serves a diverse constituency of nonconsumptive and consumptive wildlife enthusiasts.
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Saffert, Andrew Thomas. "An economic analysis of adjusted gross Revenue-Lite insurance on farm income variability for southeast Kansas farms." Thesis, Manhattan, Kan. : Kansas State University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/308.
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Barker, Joseph David. "The emergence of agrarian capitalism in early modern England : a reconsideration of farm sizes." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2013. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/283929.
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Low, Ming Kaan. "Design and financial aspects of the end-of-life management of telecommunications products." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.362670.
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Prosapio, Luci Katherine. "The impact of socio-economic development initiatives on the perceptions of wine farm labourers in the Cape Town wine region." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021013.
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The South African wine industry faces unique challenges in the socio-economic development of its farm labourers due to its historical context and development over the past three centuries. A long history of malpractice, a lasting paternalistic mentality, and only partial compliance to regulations to reduce inequality and improve livelihoods for farm labourers hinders the success of industry-wide transformation. Despite studies regarding the current state of living and working conditions in the wine industry and types of socio-economic development needed for successful transformation, little research has been done to address whether these initiatives are creating a lasting impact on the well-being of labourers. Research on current intervention strategies aimed at empowering labourers must take into account the origin of wine in the Cape region, the legacy of Apartheid, and the current state of socio-economic inequality amongst wine industry workers. The purpose of this research is to provide a better understanding of how and to what degree initiatives and programmes designed for socio-economic development are actually making an impact within the industry. The central research question asks: “to what extent has socio-economic development initiatives aimed at the transformation of wine farm labourers influenced perceptions of well-being?” This research combines both document analysis and qualitative comparative case study methods in assessing the impact these initiatives have had on labourers’ perceptions and attitudes towards personal development and a better standard of living. At the end of the study, the researcher wants to know how the labourers perceive socio-economic initiatives; do they actually believe themselves has having gained increased levels of respect, dignity, and equality, and have these perceptions been impacted by current socio-economic initiatives?.
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Lansford, Vernon D. "Economic and environmental implications of a phosphorus standard : 160-sow representative farm in Montgomery County, Missouri /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3036837.
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Li, Jiayan Emma, and 李嘉彦. "Economic evaluations of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for chronic disease management: asystematic review." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2010. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B45173072.
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