Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Christopher Bryant
University of Guleph, Canada
Keynote: Food security for major urban and metropolitan centers: the convergence of different forms of urban agricultural production in the face of multiple stressors and constraints
Biography:
Abstract:
For food security in cities and their spheres of influence, a new conceptual framework is developed, building on the FAO’s pillars of food security and the authors’ research. This framework includes: the availability of adequate food supplies for citizens; the affordability of such food for populations in need in both developing and developed countries; the production of ‘healthy’ foodstuffs, reflecting the growing market and need for such produce. The framework also includes details on the variety of conditions supportive of these dimensions. “Urban” agriculture initially focused on food production in urban agglomerations, but it has been increasingly expanded to include what used to be called ‘peri-urban’ agriculture. This reflects the reality that many examples of the former ‘urban agriculture’ have also been developed in peri-urban areas while some larger scale agricultures can also be found in an urban agglomeration which can include substantial areas of agricultural land and activities. In many urban and metropolitan centers, food is frequently produced on very small parcels of land using innovative technologies and also on roof-top food operations. Such ‘urban’ foodstuff can be sold ‘locally’ to populations in need and to well-off citizens. Developing ‘urban’ food production must contend with many stressors, e.g. climate change and variability, continued urban expansion and competition from producers elsewhere with lower production costs. Within the broad definition of ‘urban agriculture’, food production relies both on soil techniques (conventional and organic horticulture, SPIN, permaculture) as well as ‘soilless’ systems (hydroponics, aquaponics, rooftop gardens). All these issues are developed with examples from different countries’, cities and their spheres of influence. Included are some very innovative forms of food production, in which land per se is not used as the basis to grow food but where, very small spaces and new technologies can produce large quantities of food.
Keynote Forum
Barry S. Michaels
B. Michaels Group Inc, USA
Keynote: Disposable Gloves & Flexible Packaging in the Food Industry: An Under-Appreciated WMD Risk
Biography:
Barry Michaels has over 50 years of experience in the field of infectious disease investigation, control and prevention. His research work has involved a wide variety of viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoan pathogens in which he has focused a variety of technical intervention strategies. After initial research on viral / cancer inhibitory substances and marine microbiology, he went to work for industry. This brought him into contact with issues of product safety, regulatory affairs and product development in the fields of food and healthcare infection control where safety, efficacy and regulatory issues are simultaneously interwoven. He has been active in various scientific organizations and founded the B. Michaels Group Inc. a consultant group active in the areas of personal hygiene, glove use, food contact surfaces and cross-contamination. Considered the "Guru of Hand Hygiene" he has published or participated in hundreds of articles, abstracts, book chapters & presentations on infection control.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: With HACCP regulations, food packaging and disposable gloves are accepted for food contact when compliance to mandated safety standards. Safety assured via “Letters of Guarantee” that while protecting the supplier is a Pandora’s black box. Given low incidence of physical, chemical and microbiological contamination, the capacity for bioterrorism has not been fully recognized as a $ 447 billion risk. Food worker gloves and packaging meant to deliver protection, longer shelf life, convenience & portion control is often faulty. Food contamination that occurs within food facilities has for the most part been unintentional. WMD coordinators are aware that a big concern is disgruntled employees intentionally contaminating food or tools of production, but the risk of bioterrorism at glove or food packaging point of origin is vastly under-appreciated. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: HACCP provides the systematic methods for analyzing glove and food packaging manufacture, possible hazards, critical control points (CCPs) and testing necessary to protect the food chain. Findings: Impact costs and variables in surface types with respect to surface free energy and microbial physico-chemical characteristics were investigated. Results explain why and how microbial species attach to plastic surfaces and potential impact magnitude. Hazard analysis shows weak points, steps needed to disrupt microbe and intent, identifying CCPs that are required for target hardening to enable enhanced global food security w/ prevention of negative endpoints. Conclusion & Significance: Currently the food industry utilizes over 22 billion pairs of disposable gloves & $16 billion in flexible food packaging per year. Much of this production is outsourced to factories where labor conditions are poor, bioterrorism risks extensive and life sciences governance lacking. Performing a hazard analysis of the glove or food packaging manufacturing process revealed critical control points and mitigation strategies important in normal production and highly significant in preventing intentional events.
Keynote Forum
Eihab Fathelrahman
United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Keynote: Food security indicators, strategies and policies for the Middle East and North Africa Region
Time : 10:40 - 11:20
Biography:
Dr. Eihab Fathelrahman is the chair of the department of agribusiness and consumer sciences, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). He is an assistant professor teaching undergraduate and Ph.D. courses in global food supply chain management, food sustainability and health, agricultural and natural resource economics among other courses. Currently, Dr. Eihab research focuses on the economics of food security in UAE considering the fisheries sector and precision agriculture for forage production. Before joining UAEU, Dr. Fathelrahman worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado, Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Energy Laboratory, and the National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. He was actively involved at the World Bank on the economics of climate change adaptations in West Africa initiative and the World Bank for climate Change global track project. He published over thirty articles and books chapters on applied risk management for agriculture, agricultural sustainability, food trade.
Abstract:
Due to severe political instability and food insecurity challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, this research addresses food strategies and policies targeting reduction of such instability ramifications in the region. Countries included in this research are Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Israel, Sudan, Turkey, Malta, Djibouti, and Yemen are countries in the region but they are not included in this study due to the presence of a different economic system in some of these countries compared to the other countries in the region or due to lack of information on the country’s food policy data and information. The countries included in this study share several similar socio-cultural characteristics such as language and religion. However, these countries also have variable levels of access to natural resource endowments such as fertile soil, water resource and seafood stocks. The region includes countries that suffer from severe food insecurity and uncertainty due to either underutilization of existing natural resource endowments, political instability, or high levels of the scarcity of natural resource in the ï¬rst place. Food policies are widely discussed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study considered a number of food security indicators to cover food availability, access to food, food diversity and quality, food productivity and density, food utilization, and food price stability in the region. These indicators datasets were retrieved from several international databases published by institutions such as the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The most recent indicators were classified into three groups to focus the analysis on food availability, access, and stability. Selected indicators were tabulated by county and analyzed. Strategies such as resource mobilization through foreign direct investment in regional countries agricultural sectors, considering outward-looking food trade strategies and infrastructure rehabilitation was discussed in this research and results indicated that adoption of such strategies addresses the food availability and access to food gaps in the region. The Policies which target support of technological innovation in agriculture, public-private partnership to enhance food import and export capacities, as well as policies that target disasters management (i.e. preparedness awareness and rapid response). Study finding also indicated targeting special in need groups such as low-income households with children, and region recovering from political instability are urgently needed to address the food insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa region.
- ###Food Security, Poverty and Sustainibility ### Sustainable Food System and Agro-Ecological Food Production ###Food Waste ###Coomunity Devlopment for Food Security ###Climate Impacts on Food Security
Location: New_York, USA
Chair
Rudra Bahadur Shrestha
Thai Nguyen University
Co-Chair
Jonas Osei-Adu
CSIR-Crops Research Institute
Session Introduction
Evelina S Knodel
Columbia University, USA
Title: Glean Hudson valley: aligning abundance and scarcity for a just and equitable food system
Biography:
Evelina Knodel is an Architect and Urban Designer currently working at the Hudson Valley Design Lab in Poughkeepsie, NY, a satellite office of the architecture firm, MASS Design Group. She has received her bachelor’s degree in Architecture from University of Minnesota and her master’s in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. Her passion lies in just and equitable food systems, understanding that food is a primary cultural and social integrator that takes place at many different scales and in varying contexts. Though it is a necessity, equitable access to food is confounded by large and complex systems that are difficult, though not impossible, to change. Her career in design has led her to appreciate the power of visualization and community engagement to prompt unique perspectives and catalyze change on many levels. She has been conducting research in the Hudson Valley into the concept of gleaning networks and is excited about the dialogues and opportunities it unleashes.
Abstract:
A thorough analysis of the history of “gleaning” exposes underlying discussions about moral obligations to the poor and hungry, the role of government in land management and agricultural production, the drastic separation between food production and consumption, leading causes behind food insecurity, and market pressures that drive overproduction and cosmetic standards that lead to food waste. These issues are well illustrated the Hudson Valley where an incredible bounty of fresh, local produce and dairy is juxtaposed with rising impoverished, unemployed, and food insecure populations. A growing network of gleaning programs has already taken shape in Orange, Ulster, and Columbia Counties gathering leftover food from farms and distributing it to various emergency food aid agencies. It used to be that poor or unemployed would go directly into the fields to glean. Nowadays, disenfranchised hardly have access to grocery stores, let alone agricultural fields. Government policies provide food stamps and WIC (women infants and children) benefits, but these provisions, like the entire food system, are disjointed. The logical matching of food abundance and food scarcity is going to require the integration of farmers and urban residents, policy and community initiatives, job creation and food recovery, institution and city, youth and elderly, men and women. This project attempts to establish the foundation for a gleaning network in the Hudson Valley by beginning a “gleaning database” that provides information not only about available excess food, but also about food scarcity and inequitable access. By visualizing the disconnections between food production and food consumption and the many steps in between, the injustices of food access take on new meaning; they demand changes in the current food system, but they also acknowledge that reassessing, reconfiguring, and reconnecting existing regional assets-from farmers to food outlets to institutions to local community members-could catalyze those changes.
Biography:
Precious M. Tshabalala’s areas of interest are agricultural policy analysis and, more broadly, rural development. She is currently in the second year of her PhD studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia, under the supervision of Associate Professor Shaufique F. Sidique. Her thesis focuses on the effect of non-farm enterprises on the economic wellbeing of rural households. Previously, her research efforts have focused mainly on investigating the impact of governmental interventions (policy and investments in agricultural research) on agricultural productivity as well as farmer welfare. She is an Organization for Women in Science for the Developing world (OWSD) Fellow.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Ethiopia has widespread food insecurity perpetuated by persisting poverty, recurrent droughts and heavy reliance on nature. More than 35 million people in Ethiopia live in extreme poverty, while 12 million are chronically food insecure. This represents 92% of rural inhabitants (OPHI, 2017). Households which depend on agriculture have been found to be highly poverty elastic. An estimated 10.1 million people in the 2015 agricultural season were found in a state of need for emergency food assistance following the el Niño induced drought (EHRD, 2016). Evidence from a wealth of research suggests that rural non-farm enterprises (NFE) increase and stabilize household income, thereby providing financial security and economic wellbeing. However, some households still face constraints in establishing NFEs. The aim of this study is to contextualize the factors that affect participation. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This study used the Living Standards Measurement Study panel data, that is, Ethiopia Rural Socioeconomic Survey (ERSS1) and Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey (ESS2 and ESS3) from the periods 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2015/16 respectively. A social systems approach to development framework was used to analyze the context within which these constraints are faced. Findings: Initial endowments, skills set and aspirations have a bearing on the potential of NFEs in ensuring food security. Conclusion & Significance: Many households want to participate in NFE activities; however, they are limited by the public resources at their disposal. It is recommended that instead of investing in projects that lack longevity, improvements in infrastructure be made. The infrastructure includes credit markets, output markets, transportation systems and electricity.
Oni Eniola Oluyemisi
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Title: Organoleptic assessment of edible vegetable oils with Imarsil ® and Activated charcoal
Biography:
Oni Eniola is a doctoral student of Food and industrial Microbiology Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria.. She is 36years and her area of interest is Food Safety.
Abstract:
Edible oils play vital role in a well-balanced diet. However, aflatoxin is a major mycotoxin known to frequently contaminate poorly stored foods and consequently affect the health of animals. This study was carried out to investigate the aflatoxin status of the oils sold in Nigeria and detoxification using local and inexpensive adsorbents “Imarsil® and activated charcoal” and also carry out sensory evaluation of the adsorbed oils .Ten samples of edible vegetable oils from different plant sources such as canola, palm-kernel, sunflower, olive, groundnut, soya-beans, coconut, cotton seed, palm and corn oils were purchased from Nigeria markets and assessed for fungi and aflatoxins using standard microbiological procedures and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Corn oil, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Soya oil, Palm kernel oil, Palm oil and Groundnut oil had the following aflatoxin concentrations respectively; 157ng/kg, 49ng/kg, 33ng/kg, 28ng/kg, 9ng/kg, 5ng/kg and 4ng/kg while Cotton oil, Sun-flower oil and Canola oil had no detectable aflatoxins . Adsorption of aflatoxins in contaminated samples using Imarsil® and activated charcoal gave100% and 85% reduction respectively. Sensory evaluation carried out using Imarsil® treated vegetable oils had good organoleptic properties (colour and flavour) while activated charcoal-treated vegetable oils were dull-coloured & off-flavour.
Jonas Osei-Adu
Jonas Osei-Adu, CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI), Ghana.
Title: Effectiveness of Participatory Research to Sustainable Seed Yam Production; The Case of The Cay Seed Project
Biography:
Jonas Osei-Adu is an Agricultural Economist at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Ghana. With 10years experience in agricultural research, he has published 14 journal papers, 10 conference papers and 2 handbooks. As an experience monitoring and evaluation expert, he has worked on several international projects namely; BMGF funded CAY SEED project, World Bank funded WAAPP, AfDB funded DONATA and SARD-SC projects, DFAT funded Crop small ruminant project, etc. Due to his hard work, he was awarded Best worker of the year on two occasions as a Technical officer and Research Scientist. For its contribution in attracting funding to his Institute, he recently won the Directors special award for 2017. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana with a research topic “estimation of productivity and cost effectiveness in seed yam production; the case of Ghana and Nigeria”
Abstract:
To response to the scarcity of quality seed yams for increased productivity, the Community Action in improving Farmer Saved Seed yam (CAYS SEED) project was launched in 2014. The objective was to promote the positive selection technology as a means to reduce virus incidence and severity in yam production. This technology was promoted in association with other improved technologies such as; the use of neem leaf power for soil treatment, minisetting, seed treatment and planting on ridges as a full package. Using participatory research, 30 farmers per community were selected within 16 communities in Ghana and Nigeria. To assess the effectiveness of the participatory approach, perception studies based on informal research methodology was used to elicit information from participating farmers. Results indicate that the approach was effective in disseminating improved seed yam technologies to farmers. Farmers are able to vividly describe the positive selection and other technologies disseminated to them. Effect of the minisett technology on increasing the quantity of quality seed yam was established. Despite the great change in perceptions of farmers as a result of the participatory approach, some constraints were identified. The positive selection technology was labour intensive and time consuming. Preparation and application of the neem leaf powder becomes a challenge when large farm sizes are involved.
Ability to identify the right time to plant to avoid producing ware instead of seed yams was also a challenge. It can be concluded that the participatory approach adopted was successful. Sustaining this approach, will require adequate funding of national research systems to mainstream it into the technology dissemination system.
Zaheer Ahmad Nazar
Zaheer Ahmad Nazar, University of the Punjab
Title: GENETIC VARIABILITY AMONG SUGARCANE LINES/VARIETIES AND THEIR RESPONSE AGAINST WHIP SMUT
Biography:
Abstract:
Whip Smut caused by Ustilago scitaminae is an economically important disease of sugarcane. In total, 103 promising sugarcane lines/varieties were screened to evaluate their performance against whip smut. All sugarcane lines were genotyped using SSR markers to find genetic diversity among them. Three hundred and fourteen (314) alleles were scored with an average of 10.46 alleles per marker. Ninety nine (99%) of the alleles were found polymorphic. High Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranging 0.67 to 0.93 calculated for each marker determines the high potential of using these markers for genetic diversity studies. Similarly the Resolving Power (RP) values which depends upon the distribution of alleles within the genotypes, were also found high ranging from 3.68 (SCC-89) to 16.54 (SMC 545 MS) with an average of 9.12 per marker. DNAMAN generated homology tree was constructed based upon the genotyping files of 103 sugarcane lines/varieties. The genetic similarity of 66% to 88% was found among all the sugarcane lines. Based upon the homology tree, the sugarcane lines were grouped into eighteen (18) clusters. Sugarcane lines under some clusters showed complete resistance to whip smut where as in others differential response to whip smut was observed. This indicated that whip smut resistance is neither restricted to particular sub-population nor governed by genes with widespread effect but is indeed a genuine quantitative trait. The markers mSSCIR-19 and mSSCIR-43 can be used to distinguish between whip smut resistant and susceptible sugarcane lines/ varieties. These results may help cane breeders in designing crosses between more diverse whip smut resistant sugarcane line for the development of whip smut resistant sugarcane cultivars.
Keywords: Sugarcane, genetic diversity, SSR markers, whip smut, homology tree.
Dr. Gamuchirai Chakona
Dr. Gamuchirai Chakona, Department of Environmental Science Rhodes University P O Box 94 Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa
Title: Household food insecurity along an agro-ecological gradient influences children’s nutritional status in South Africa
Biography:
Abstract:
Abstract
The burden of food insecurity and malnutrition is a severe problem experienced by many poor households and children under the age of five are at high risk. The objective of the study was to examine household food insecurity, dietary diversity and child nutritional status in relation to local context which influences access to and ability to grow food in South Africa and explore the links and associations between these and household socio-economic status. Using a 48-hour dietary recall method, we interviewed 554 women from randomly selected households along a rural-urban continuum in three towns situated along an agro-ecological gradient. The Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS) and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) tools were used to measure household dietary diversity and food insecurity respectively. Anthropometric measurements with 216 children (2-5 years) from the sampled households were conducted using height-for-age (HAZ) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as indicators of stunting and wasting respectively. The key findings were that mean HDDS declined with decreasing agro-ecological potential from the wettest site (8.44±1.72) to the other two drier sites (7.83±1.59 and 7.76±1.63). The mean HFIAS followed the opposite trend. Stunted growth was the dominant form of malnutrition detected in 35% of children and 18% of children were wasted. Child wasting was greatest at the site with lowest agro-ecological potential. Children from households with low HDDS had large MUAC which showed an inverse association among HDDS and obesity. Areas with agro-ecological potential had lower prevalence of food insecurity and wasting in children. Agro-ecological potential has significant influence on children’s nutritional status, which is also related to household food security and socioeconomic status. Dependence on food purchasing and any limitations in households’ income, access to land and food, can result in different forms of malnutrition in children. Responses to address malnutrition in South Africa need to be prioritized and move beyond relying on food security and nutritional specific interventions, but rather on nutrition specific and sensitive programs and approaches; and building an enabling environment. Land availability, agriculture (including climate-smart agriculture especially in drier areas) and wild foods usage should be promoted.
Peter Kofitsas
Peter Kofitsas, 792 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ 07675
Title: The First Sustainable Greek Restaurant in NYC; A Case Study
Biography:
Peter Kofitsas MS, PT is an International Health Coach, Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, Speaker, Author, and Food/Restaurant Consultant. As an expert for the media, he has appeared on ABC, FOX, MSN, TLC, Blogtalkradio and in Fitness magazine. He’s the author of 3 books, including, Shop, Cook, Eat. He’s also the creator of the 5 Minutes to Fitness+ Program & Online Club, a revolutionary lifestyle program for achieving optimal health, which has been featured on QVC and FOX, and designed to motivate & guide those wanting to lose weight and be healthy. His clients include: celebrities, “Fortune 100″ companies, restaurants, non-profit organizations and individuals.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: 90% of the world’s fisheries are now fully exploited, or have collapsed according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, according to WorldWatch. And people are unhealthier than ever, largely because of what they eat. The food service industry, particularly the restaurant sector, can have a big impact on the environment regarding sourcing sustainably grown or caught food. We can also source foods that directly impact our health, while still creating delicious food. 70% of people who dine out say they are trying to eat healthier. Those in food service can help them, and the planet. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Kellari Taverna, a Greek restaurant located in midtown Manhattan in New York City decided to source ingredients that were defined as sustainable. The definitions of sustainability included foods that met at least one of the following criteria: organic, local, fresh, non-gmo, no antibiotics, no hormones, no preservatives, from small independent farmers or fisherman who implemented sustainable measures. Findings: It is possible to source sustainable ingredients for a NYC restaurant from food purveyors, farmers, farmers markets, and specialty wholesalers. Conclusion & Significance: The restaurant was able to source the ingredients for every single ingredient on the menu except for several, including pita bread. There was an increase in food costs but it was offset by the kitchen’s practices of either recycling food, or using typically discarded ingredients to create other dishes from. The menu was well received by the staff and guests.
Sara Sintayehu
Sara Sintayehu, Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management P. O. Box: 3434, National Herbarium (ETH)
Title: The Study of Growth and Physiological Characters in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Introgression Lines Under Post flowering Drought Stress
Biography:
Sara Sintayehu are expertise in plant biology and biodiversity management. She has Master of Science in plant physiology. At the time being she is a lecturer in Hararmaya University, College of Agriculture, Ethiopia. Her thesis has focused on drought tolerance mechanism of drought tolerant genotypes which were backcrossed with stay green parent. Currently she is working on project of wild edible plants in Eastern Ethiopia for increasing the food demand of the community.
Abstract:
Abstract
Drought is serious problem in rainfed areas due to rapid change in climatic conditions. Among prevailing abiotic stresses, it is the most significant and severe factor inhibiting plant growth and production through impairing normal growth, disturbance of water relations, reduction of water use efficiency and yield performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, physiological and yield performance of sorghum introgression lines under postflowering stress. The field experiment was conducted on seven stay-green QTLs introgression lines (marker assisted backcrossing derivatives), two stay-green donor parents and three recurrent parents obtained from Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. The experimental materials were tested in split plot design under well watered (WW) and drought stress (DS) growing conditions at Melka Werer field sites during the post-rainy cropping season of 2014. The combined ANOVA revealed that effect due to moisture regimes (MR) was highly significant (P < 0.05) for all traits. Differences among the genotypes were also highly significant (P < 0.05) for all traits considered. Post-flowering drought stress reduced growth, physiological and yield related traits relative to the well watered condition. Drought induction reduced average leaf area, green leaf number, chlorophyll content, relative water content, CO2 assimilation, transpiration, water use efficiency, root length, root dry weight, grain yield, hundred kernel weight and panicle weight. B35, E36-1, Meko x B35-120, Meko x B35-116, Teshale x B35-2011 and Teshale x E36-1 showed better drought stress tolerance and stay green property. Meko x B35-120, Meko x B35-116, Teshale x B35-2011 and Teshale x E36-1 was selected for maximum grain yield under post-flowering drought condition. Correlation,analysis revealed that chlorophyll content, green leaf area, assimilation rate, water use efficiency, lower rate of leaf senescence, root length, root dry weight and grain yield have been found to be growth and physiological traits for drought tolerance and for stay-green property during post-flowering stage.
Rudra Bahadur Shrestha,
Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam
Title: Profit efficiency of Nepalese vegetable farms: Policy implications for reducing poverty and improving food and nutrition security
Biography:
Rudra Bahadur Shrestha, PhD in Agricultural Economics has long experiences of 20 years in many organizations with different capacities. Currently, he serves as a Senior Agricultural Economist for the Government of Nepal and responsible to formulate policies; develop projects, cooperation and coordination with international donor communities (WB, ADB, EU, FAO, UNDP, IFPRI, USAID, JICA, SDC, Danida, etc.). He is a Visiting Professor in agricultural and development economics, business management in different universities. He has published dozens of papers related to agriculture production, marketing, food security and poverty in impact factor journals. He is engaged in different professional organizations as Secretary General for Nepalese Agricultural Economics Society; Advisor for Global Food Security Strategy-USAID and Peace Corps Volunteer Program-Nepal; and Member for National Project Steering Committees of different donor funded projects, etc. His research interest include productivity growth, technology change, efficiency analysis, commercialization and competitiveness, food and nutrition security, and poverty reduction.
Abstract:
Improving the profit efficiency in vegetable farm is a strategic pathway for increasing household income, improving livelihoods and nutrition security, and eventually reducing poverty for the smallholders, particularly in developing countries. This study measures the profit efficiency and explores factors affecting inefficiency in smallholder vegetable farms adopting Stochastic Tran slog Profit Function (STPF) with cross-section data collected in 2013. The results reveal that the higher level of inefficiency exist in vegetable farms resulting of the combined effects of technical, allocative and scale inefficiency. The profit efficiency differentials in vegetable farms is significantly explained by input variables accounted for labor, land, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and capital. We identified some major sources of profit inefficiency including types of seed varieties, farmers’ information and extension services, agricultural credit to the farmers, distance of farms to the markets, and gender of farm manager in vegetable farming. The profitability and the profit efficiency can be improved by adopting improved high yielding and stress tolerance seed varieties, providing effective information dissemination and extension programs, increasing accessibility of credit facilities to the farmers, developing market infrastructures and marketing linkages between farms to markets, and empowering women farmers in vegetable farming. Enhancing the profit efficiency would encourage farmers for further expanding towards commercialization in vegetable farming, improve food and nutrition security, enhance household income and eventually reduce poverty.
Elise Forward
Forward Food Solutions, LLC, USA
Title: Tips for Managing Your International Supply Chain
Biography:
Elise Forward is the President and Principal Consultant of Forward Food Solutions. Forward Food Solutions is dedicated to helping food manufacturers, distributors, and importers update and strengthen their food safety and quality systems. Elise’s uses her production, distribution, and supply chain experiences to help companies in both the international and domestic markets. She is a member of IAFP, ASQ, IFT, and MWFPA.
Abstract:
The Preventive Controls and Foreign Supplier Verification Program rules place heavy emphasis on supplier verification. The requirements will mean that many companies will need to strengthen their supplier verification programs. Regardless of the rules that a company falls under, many food safety issues are inherited from a manufacturer’s supplier. Whether domestic or international, there are many parameters to consider when performing a supplier evaluation. We will talk about many of these as well as what to consider when looking at some of these parameters.
Additional discussion will include challenges that can be unique to working with international suppliers and how these challenges can turn into food safety potential hazards if not addressed. This presentation will help people understand some of the additional food safety risk factors and can assist people as they build their supplier verification programs. Discussion will cover topics relating to culture, hygiene, documentation, testing, and more.
Salah BOUCHEMAL
University of Oum Ei Bouagchi, Algeria
Title: The implementation of the DIVERCROP project in Algeria
Biography:
Salah BOUCHEMAL was Head of RNAMS Laboratory and currently leads the research team ADDYME and that of the DIVERCROP for Algeria. His major concern is life in the countryside and their upheavals and thorough investigations into the peasantry. It was followed by several publications on these aspects, as well as his involvement in group work particularly in the context ANR kind of international projects as such ANR DAUME 2011-2015, by focusing on the peri-urban agriculture in Africa, to share their responses to the socio-economic vulnerabilities and their integration into markets. On aspects related to human relations to his environment, he led several national projects, CNEPRU type, like the one that focused on the development of the Algerian steppe, and the asset management of the environment.
Abstract:
The DIVERCROP project is concerned with the Mediterranean land use and the joint effects of spatial dynamics on food and biodiversity. It seeks to evaluate, on the one hand, the expected effects of the main ongoing changes on the environment and, on the other hand, to analyze and model at several scales of the Mediterranean basin the spatial interactions between the current dynamics of agricultural practices and natural environments, with the objective next of feeding cities. It will also have another interest, that of creating a comprehensive and homogeneous database on the western part of the Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe and Maghreb). Then, it will aim at characterizing the main landscape formations and to specify their determinants to better answer to the food needs of the cities. The DIVERCROP project will also have the socio-economic impact of allowing the development of a method which would take into account the spatial trends at the scale of the Mediterranean Basin, to allow a regulation of land uses at different scales, and to discuss some contrasting socio-economic scenarios, and to integrate new knowledge about land-use dynamics into environmental planning and agricultural policies. As for its environmental impacts, the DIVERCROP project will be an opportunity to highlight the consequences of the spatial trends at work on the environment, in the Mediterranean Basin and on agriculture, in order to allow the protection of the most threatened spaces. Regarding our topic, in the framework of the 3rd World Congress on Food Security, we would like to announce the implementation of the DIVERCROP project in Algeria, through some Eastern sectors, places that are sufficiently representative of the North-South ecological degradation and with regard to the diversity of situations, yet situations that have two points in common: farming activities taking different forms and rural
Ali M Nizamuddin
Columbia University, USA
Title: The patenting of life, limiting liberty, and the corporate pursuit of seeds
Biography:
Ali M Nizamuddin is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Springfield. He received his PhD from Columbia University in International Relations. His dissertation examined the impact of market risks on investment patterns and the bargaining interaction between Multinational Corporations and Host Governments over the life cycle of an investment project. His research has been published in numerous academic journals including the Journal of Pacific Affairs, Asian Journal of Social Science, the International Social Science Review and the Encyclopedia of International Political Economy.
Abstract:
Throughout world history, what human beings ate was determined by what local producers cultivated, and what they planted was determined by seasonal cycles. Some seeds that could withstand harsh weather were planted in the fall while most seeds were planted in the spring. After the harvest, farmers reclaimed the seeds so that they could replant them the following season. Today, however, these age-old practices that guided countless generations are becoming extinct. What we eat, the quality of our food, and even the tastes that we develop are dictated by powerful corporations who are driven by the profit motive. My book entitled The Patenting of Life, Limiting Liberty and the Corporate Pursuit of Seeds investigates the corporate dominance of the world’s seed supply. The seed is nature’s gift and the first link in the food chain. This life form is becoming the exclusive intellectual property of the corporation. The advent of genetically modified seeds and strict patent protection accorded to them enable companies to own the seed even after the farmer has bought, planted, and harvested the seed. Multinational corporations have a monopoly control over seeds and the accompanying pesticides which is leading to monocultures in the food system and the disappearance of traditional methods of farming. Local producers are forced to buy seeds each year, thereby fostering a feudalistic relationship of perpetual dependence. An imbalance of power has emerged and farmers are transformed from producers to consumers by these new arrangements. The leap to embrace biotechnology and genetically modified foods has been quite swift and conducted without the public’s knowledge. The food that our stomachs ingest may be increasingly bad for us. Case studies from four developing countries are presented for consideration.
HARAGOBINDA BAIDYA
HARAGOBINDA BAIDYA ,Minority Self Empowerment Foundation
Title: Nutrition of Children and Women in Bangladesh: Trends and Directions for the Future
Biography:
Abstract:
Although child and maternal malnutrition has been reduced in
Derek Watson,
University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
Title: Can a Panamanian Food Chain cut the mustard concerning food safety cultural compliance: A Case Study of the Suvlas Restaurant Chain
Biography:
Dr. Derek Watson is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has extensive experience of innovation and technology transfer and mapping skills requirements in emerging sectors. He has an international portfolio of clients and contacts, such as the British Cabinet Office, Indian Government, Dubai Police, and Canon International. His research focuses on academic-industry collaboration, investigating the impact of knowledge exchange on practice. He is also actively documenting his research and consultancy experience via international academic journals and symposiums on a global scale. Dr. Watson has been appointed on the editorial board for various International Journal’s. He is also an academic reviewer of several international journals and is currently employed as ‘External Examiner’ for Staffordshire University DBA programmes, a Visiting Professor at Sias Business School Academy for Open Innovation International University in China and a Senior Research Fellow at Cyprus Centre for Business Research.
Abstract:
The food sector is well aware of the importance of food safety in terms of business growth, legislative compliance and its brand image. To add testimony, many organizations have invested in costly food quality and safety assurance systems to ensure their commitment to embedding food safety within their operations. However, despite their efforts there are repeated examples of organizational failures, resulting in serious illnesses and fatalities.
This paper addresses food safety cultural compliance in the food service sector and identifies cores and symptomatic issues that corrupt the strategic health and safety value systems through unplanned and evolving non-compliance behaviors. The research adopts a mixed methods approach via a semi-structured questionnaire, one to one interviews and focus groups. The research further focuses on a Panamanian restaurant chain in South America and measures their cultural commitment to food safety standards and assesses the importance attributed to a proactive positive food safety culture. The paper concludes with a series of commercially viable recommendations via a cultural compliance model and provides a clear contribution to the practice of good hygiene standards
Sophia Pandi
University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
Title: Can a Panamanian Food Chain cut the mustard concerning food safety cultural compliance: A Case Study of the Suvlas Restaurant Chain
Biography:
Abstract:
The food sector is well aware of the importance of food safety in terms of business growth, legislative compliance and its brand image. To add testimony, many organizations have invested in costly food quality and safety assurance systems to ensure their commitment to embedding food safety within their operations. However, despite their efforts there are repeated examples of organizational failures, resulting in serious illnesses and fatalities.
This paper addresses food safety cultural compliance in the food service sector and identifies cores and symptomatic issues that corrupt the strategic health and safety value systems through unplanned and evolving non-compliance behaviors. The research adopts a mixed methods approach via a semi-structured questionnaire, one to one interviews and focus groups. The research further focuses on a Panamanian restaurant chain in South America and measures their cultural commitment to food safety standards and assesses the importance attributed to a proactive positive food safety culture. The paper concludes with a series of commercially viable recommendations via a cultural compliance model and provides a clear contribution to the practice of good hygiene standards.
Ganapathi
University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India
Title: Effect of organic farming on soil fertility, microbial diversity, growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under rainfed red sandy loam soils of Karnataka, India
Biography:
Ganapathi is currently associated with University of Agriculture and Horticulture sciences Shivamogga, Karnataka, India as an Associate Professor. His arrears of specialization include Nutrient Management, Organic Farming, Soil Fertility, Land Resource Characterization and Grey Water Management.
Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted at Organic Farming Research Centre, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Navile, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India to study the effect of organic farming on soil fertility, microbial diversity, growth and yield of tomato under rainfed regions of red sandy loam soils during Kharif season from 2012-13 to 2015-16. The treatment receiving 100% N through FYM (spot application) + 50% N through vermicomposting as top dressing + mulching with glyricidia green lopping @ 1 kg/m2 recorded significantly higher plant height, branches per plant, fruit weight per plant, fruit yield as well as net return and benefit to cost ratio. Significant variation in soil available nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Organic carbon, population of bacteria, phosphorous solubilising bacteria (PSB), N fixers, actinomycetes and fungal populations were recorded in treatment receiving 100% N through FYM (spot application) + 50% additional N through vermicomposting as top dressing + mulching with glyricidia green lopping @ 1 kg/m2 as compared to other treatments studied.
Deepika Senevirathne
Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka
Title: Commonly used food adulterants in Sri Lanka
Biography:
Ms.Deepika Senevirathne is having twenty five years of experience in food chemical analysis specially adulterants and contaminants. She is holding a degree in Chemistry and Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology. She has been working in the Government Analysts’ Department of Sri Lanka from 1993.Presently she is holding a position of Deputy Government Analyst and she is a member of Food Advisory Committee of Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka.Ministry of Health is the main governing body of Food Safety. Government Analyst is the Approved Analyst under Food Act. Of Sri Lanka for food chemical analysis.
Abstract:
The primary purpose of food laws is to ensure that consumers receive food which is of satisfactory composition, free from harmful additives and contaminants, and correctly and informatively labeled and advertised. Food legislation not only protects the consumers but also the honest manufacturer from unfair competition. Watering of milk and alcoholic drinks has been known from the earliest days and occur still. Adulteration includes not only addition of foreign matter but also includes abstraction of essential constituents of food i.e., abstracting milk fat from milk and adds another type of fat. Use of exhausted tea leaves or other foreign leaves in adulteration process of tea. Adulterants are intentionally added substances that affect the character, value, composition, merit, or safety of food. Physical, chemical and microscopic examination can detect the food adulteration. The spices are adulterated with flour, paddy husk, poonac, sawdust, salt and added colors. Honey is adulterated with sugar syrup. Butter oil (ghee) is adulterated with vegetable fat and sometimes to get the characteristic color addition of non-permitted colors like metanil yellow. Metanil yellow is a casino genic synthetic dye. Coconut oil is adulterated with cheaper oil like palm oil. Coconut vinegar is adulterated with acetic acid. Adulteration of spices can be measured by the deviation of the total ash value and also microscopic examination. Spices have characteristic microscopic features. The adulteration of honey can be determined by the dextrose: fructose ratio and the presence of non-reducing sugars. Adulteration of coconut oil can be determined by the deviation of iodine value and saponification value. Adulteration of butter oil (ghee) can be measured by the deviation in Reichert Meissl, Polensky and Kershner values. Adulteration of coconut vinegar can determine by the deviation of alkaline oxidation value and permanganate oxidation value. Addition of artificial colors to rice, spices can be determine by paper chromatography.
Joyce Afua Sarpong Haleegoah
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana
Title: Changing gender roles in seed yam production among smallholder farmers in Ghana: implications for food security
Biography:
Joyce Afua Sarpong Haleegoah has her expertise in Social Research in Agriculture and a Gender Specialist with CSIR Crops Research Institute in Ghana. Her interest is in women in Agriculture and the Gender and Social Dynamics is Seed Yam Production. She has worked with Inter Disciplinary Teams of Economists and Biological and Physical Scientists in Agricultural Research. Her recent works looked at changes in Local Foods, Actor’s Perceptions of Local Foods Safety in Urban Ghana and Gender Roles and Dynamics in Seed Yam Production Demystifying the Myth of Male Dominance in Yam Production.
Abstract:
Yam production in West Africa has been dominated by of men despite the different roles played by the various gender groups such as men, women and youth in its production. This male dominance creates gender gaps in terms of access to and control over yam production resources especially where agricultural interventions are not gender responsive. A gender responsive CAY-Seed project sought to improve seed yam production through community action of training yam farmers (men, women and youth) in positive selection and good agronomic practices in seed yam to ensure quality seeds for increased yam productivity, food security and wealth creation. The project allocated a separate component to gender and social dynamics in seed yam production through which gender responsiveness, are identified and documented. Through capacity building interventions and transfer of improved seed yam technologies, women and youth have acquired necessary skills in both seed and ware yam production. Participatory approaches through gender sensitization workshops, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; this paper examines the changing gender roles and social dynamics in seed yam production and discusses its implications to enhancing food security. The results reveal that all genders in the selected intervention communities are aware of changing gender roles. These changes are mostly due to training and sensitizations by the CAY-Seed project and the availability of technologies that enable men, women and youth to perform relevant roles. Roles such as seed cutting and planting, which were formally regarded as activities for men are currently performed by women and the youth. Traditionally, female spouses did not own yam farms but currently, male spouses now allocate portions of their field to the females for seed yam production though efforts are still needed to increase the size. Yam is a traditional crop and considered a household asset, decisions on production resources employed was solely by the male household head but women now also have a stake in the decision making process. There is the social acceptance by men on the need to empower women and youth in seed yam production to complement their efforts in providing for the household. These dynamics confirm that gender roles are not fixed but change with time. It also depicts the importance of gender responsiveness in the development and implementation of agricultural development projects for enhancing food security.
Beatrice Aighewi
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Title: Improved agronomic package for seed yam production by smallholder farmers in Nigeria and Ghana
Biography:
Dr. Beatrice Aighewi is an Agronomist. She is the Yam Seed System Specialist of the ‘Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in Wes t Africa (YIIFSWA)’ project of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). She coordinates the seed production activities of project partners in Nigeria and Ghana. She obtained a PhD (Agronomy) at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, and an M. Sc. (Agronomy) and a B. Sc. (Agriculture) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Before joining IITA she taught Agronomy courses at the University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon, and University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria. Her research activities are on the propagation of tropical root and tuber crops with a focus on rapid multiplication techniques of yam.
Abstract:
Poor quality seed yam is prevalent in the yam zone of West Africa despite the importance of yam in the livelihood of millions of people in the region. The absence of dedicated seed production practices, coupled with poor management of planting materials and yam crop field contribute to low productivity. The major source of planting material is farmer-saved minitubers obtained from the previous harvest of a ware yam crop. This study was conducted to enhance the productivity of farmer-saved seed yam using an agronomic package that include the following tested practices: application of neem leaf powder (Azadirachta indica) to control nematodes, treatment of minisetts with fungicide and insecticide to prevent rots, planting on ridges to optimize plant population, and selection of good ‘mother tubers. This package was demonstrated in farmers’ fields in four major yam growing communities each in Ghana and Nigeria. Results showed that in Nigeria and Ghana respectively, neem-treated minisetts (NTM) had mean yields of 6.7 t/ha and 7.1 t/ha, which were significantly better than the controls, which yielded 6.4 t/ha and 5.6 t/ha. The yield of seed yams was amazing to farmers who, before the project could not imagine that elements of the package could be used successfully in seed yam production. The NTM had better field establishment and plant vigor, resulting in healthier seed tubers than what farmers normally produce in systems where 250 – 500 g setts were planted to obtain yields of 11 t/ha, out of which about 3.3 tons was reserved to plant the next crop and the rest used for food. It was obvious that purposeful production of seed yam, will improve quality and make more of the ware yam harvest to be available for food and income.
Abel B Otieno
Humboldt-Universität of Berlin, Germany
Title: Value chain governance of African indigenous vegetables: smallholders participation in Kenya
Biography:
Abel B Otienio is currently associated with Humboldt University of Berin, Germany
Abstract:
Food security remains the greatest challenge for the developing economies. Embedding smallholders into high value chains presents the best prospects for addressing hunger and development in such budding economies. Production and marketing of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) offers opportunities for smallholders to participate in higher value chains in Kenya. There is growing demand for AIVs among the middle and upper class urban consumers due to promotional campaigns by research organizations and public agencies. The vegetables are rich in macro and micro-nutrients and possess bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential making them very suitable for food and nutritional security. Productions of AIVs are predominantly by smallholders in rural and peri-urban areas in Kenya. These vegetables are now sold in big supermarkets signaling prospects for smallholder to participate in coordinated higher value chains. Access and participation in these higher value chains depends on the embeddedness in the coordination and governance structures. Based on an exploratory multiple case study, this paper comprehensively maps out chain actors and their activities, assesses the coordination and governance structures that influences participation in the AIV value chains in Kenya. It further identifies constraints and opportunities for integration and finally explores upgrading strategies for sustainable smallholders’ participation. A comparison has been made between governance coordination in the traditional and coordinated value chains for rural and peri-urban smallholders. A stratified multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 288 respondents and data was collected through semi-structured interviews using different instruments for different nodal actors. Majority of farmers (98%) participate in traditional value chains as compared to only 2% that supply supermarkets which represent coordinated value chains. The study did not find collective actions for marketing indigenous vegetables among rural farmers. There were no direct transaction relationships between rural farmers with the more remunerative urban traders and supermarket outlets. Farmers in the peri-urban areas made use of farmer groups to participate in urban wholesale markets as well as supply supermarket outlets. The wholesalers and supermarkets set compliance parameters such as price, quality and quantities in the traditional and coordinated value chains respectively. Vertical linkages between value chain actors in both coordinated and traditional value chains are weak; mostly characterized by “arms-length” market transactions, except for the modular governance arrangements exhibited between supermarkets and their suppliers.
Sheraz Lone
Sheraz Lone,Regional Development University
Title: Assessment of the impact of land use Land cover change on Food Security of District Anantnag of Kashmir Valley, J&K-India
Biography:
Abstract:
Land use changes are vital to the food security challenge. Food security has determined the history of mankind. The global population will increase to about 9 billion during the next four decades. Food and feed demands have been projected to double in the 21st century, which will further increase the pressure on the use of land, water and nutrients. The interactions between food security and land use, both now and over the next few decades, are of paramount interest to policy, science and society at large. During the past one decade the study area has undergone many LULC changes due to rapid urban growth, poorly planned infrastructural development and attitude towards horticulture that have adversely affected the food security. For LULC change detection analysis temporal Landsat satellite data captured by Thematic Mapper (TM) were employed. Maximum Likelihood (MLH) supervised classification algorithm was applied to classify the study area, whereas, Post Classification Comparison (PCC) approach was adopted to analyze the LULC changes. Results revealed that over a period of 10 years, a decrease has taken place in agriculture and forest at a change rate of - 3.7 % and -2.26 % respectively. On the other hand, horticulture, built up have increased at a rate of 2.17 % and 1.13 % respectively.
Alexandra Kvapil
Alexandra Kvapil, St. John’s University
Title: Obtaining Food Security Through Economically and Ecologically Sustainable Methods Can Lead to Positive Psychological Attitudes and a More Productive Society
Biography:
Abstract:
Soup kitchens, better defined as meal centers, or, other facilities with the means of providing free food to people who otherwise cannot afford to feed themselves are often underfunded or neglected in a systematic and societal manner. Society tends to hold the belief that people should always possess their own means to feed themselves and their families and if they do not it is a reflection of their own invalidity, rather than a systematic poverty trap. The aim of this research is to present practical reasoning in support of creating a societal push for members of society to volunteer at meal centers and for more government funded multi-serviced meal centers to develop. Feeding those who cannot feed themselves presents its moral values but also can present a possibility for an increase in overall productivity in our global society. This research and consequential conclusions are applicable to the United States government funding allocation following the 2016 presidential election are provides suggestions for meal centers with sustainable, locally grown, nutritious, and chemical-free foods.
Nurshahirah Saleh
Nurshahirah Saleh
Title: Assessing Food Safety and Halalan-Toyyiban in Handling Food Truck Business at Selangor
Biography:
Abstract:
Abstract— Purchasing and consuming foods sold by the food truck vendors is becoming a popular trend due to the hectic lifestyle of Malaysian people nowadays.Street-vended foods are usually produced in small mobile units (e.g., vans, trailers or carts) from which food is sold, mostly with inadequate layout and equipment, frequently associated with poor environmental sanitation, improper food handling and storage practices, as well as low quality of raw materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of halalan-toyyiban practices among food truck vendors in Selangor. The research was focused on the hygiene practices by the food handlers operating food truck service. Presence of foodborne pathogen of the high risks foods during preparation and storage to the point of consumer purchase were assessed at a certain period of times. 10 sample of the meals from ten different food-truck vendors were collected at three different gap of hours for microbiological analysis using 3M petrifilm, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus., aerobic bacteria and coliform present. The data obtained from this study showed that the present of microbe effect by the practices of food handling in increasing of time where the food exposed. Five vendors were audit and interviewed on the halal supply chain accordance to the MS 1500:2009 Standard showed poor implement on halal product in order to get cheap prices. It was concluded that the food analyzed in this study were unhygienic.
Otienob Abel
Otienob Abel, Humboldt Universität
Title: Value Chain Governance of African Indigenous Vegetables: Smallholders Participation in Kenya.
Biography:
Abstract:
Abstract
Food security remains the greatest challenge for the developing economies. Embedding smallholders into high value chains presents the best prospects for addressing hunger and development in such budding economies. Production and marketing of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) offers opportunities for smallholders to participate in higher value chains in Kenya. There is growing demand for AIVs among the middle and upper class urban consumers due to promotional campaigns by research organizations and public agencies. The vegetables are rich in macro and micro-nutrients and possess bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential making them very suitable for food and nutritional security. Production of AIVs are predominantly by smallholders in rural and peri-urban areas in Kenya. These vegetables are now sold in big supermarkets signaling prospects for smallholder to participate in coordinated higher value chains. Access and participation in these higher value chains depends on the embeddedness in the coordination and governance structures. Based on an exploratory multiple case study, this paper comprehensively maps out chain actors and their activities, assesses the coordination and governance structures that influences participation in the AIV value chains in Kenya. It further identifies constraints and opportunities for integration and finally explores upgrading strategies for sustainable smallholders’ participation. A comparison has been made between governance coordination in the traditional and coordinated value chains for rural and peri-urban smallholders. A stratified multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 288 respondents and data was collected through semi-structured interviews using different instruments for different nodal actors. Majority of farmers (98%) participate in traditional value chains as compared to only 2% that supply supermarkets which represent coordinated value chains. The study did not find collective actions for marketing indigenous vegetables among rural farmers. There were no direct transaction relationships between rural farmers with the more remunerative urban traders and supermarket outlets. Farmers in the peri-urban areas made use of farmer groups to participate in urban wholesale markets as well as supply supermarket outlets. The wholesalers and supermarkets set compliance parameters such as price, quality and quantities in the traditional and coordinated value chains respectively. Vertical linkages between value chain actors in both coordinated and traditional value chains are weak; mostly characterized by “arms-length” market transactions, except for the modular governance arrangements exhibited between supermarkets and their suppliers.
Anthony Scavone
B.A from Boston University in International Relations
Title: Food Secure Baltimore: Mapping Alternative Futures for the Food Systems of Baltimore City
Biography:
Abstract:
With the resurgence of interest in urban agriculture and urban food systems, policy makers across the United States have been working to try and find the best ways possible to build, grow and maintain more sustainable, effective and equitable food systems. Although progress has been encouraging, recent interventions to improve food systems have met a number of obstacles, chief among them being the struggle to provide true equality within the system, a concept more commonly referred to as “food sovereignty.” In order to provide truly equitable food systems, food needs to be thought of not just as a commodity, but also as an integral part of the social life of members within specific communities. In order to do that, a more nuanced contextual understanding of current urban community food systems and what food systems those communities ideally envision must be taken into account. Geonarratives, a mixed-methods analysis approach that combines geographic information systems (GIS) with more traditional survey methods, stands uniquely qualified to tackle this problem. This study seeks to create geonarratives for members of select communities within Baltimore city showing their current interaction with their food system from a geospatial perspective, and then use these geonarratives during a follow-up interview to assist participants in envisioning their ideal food system and how they would interact with it. Providing a geospatial context to how someone interacts with their food system will provide them with the knowledge necessary to envision a more equitable and supportive system tailored to their specific needs.
Fikralem Alemu
Fikralem Alemu,Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Title: Home gardening, promising practice to improve food security in urban settings of Ethiopia
Biography:
Ms. Fikralem Alemu is a PhD fellow at Addis Ababa University, Institute of Water Resources. Ms Alemu has been working with FHI360 Ethiopia as a health and nutrition specialist (includes WASH). Ms Alemu has a particular interest in WASH and Nutrition.
Abstract:
Household food insecurity are major challenges of low and middle-income countries, nutrition and health interventions routinely overlook integrating home gardening as a sustainable strategy to create access to fruit and vegetables for vulnerable groups. This study was conducted to explore the role of permagarden training and support in improving knowledge, attitude, skills and vegetable gardening practices of recipients. Cross sectional community based mixed method design was employed. In the quantitative survey 435 trained caregivers were interviewed face-to-face using semi-structured questionnaire. Data were computerized using Epi-data Version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 11. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with good level of permagarden practice. Overall, 62% have good level of knowledge of permagarden skills, and 58% demonstrated good level of practice. More than two-third (68%) harvested vegetables at least twice in the year and for 90% of respondents household consumption is the primary purpose of growing vegetables although 66% reported selling vegetables from their garden. The extent of good level of permagarden practice is significantly associated with having good level of knowledge on basic permagarden skills (AOR: 3.54, 95%CI: 2.0-6.3), being a participant from Tigray region (AOR: 2.74, 95%CI:1.33-5.64), being male (AOR:4.62 (1.51-14.12), getting support of agricultural tool (AOR: 1.94, 95%CI (1.00-3.85), and getting follow-up support (AOR: 2 .00; 95%CI 1.04-3.77). Consistent with quantitative findings, results from qualitative study also indicate that permagardening training introduced modern vegetable gardening techniques, skills and inputs resulting in more yields. Unavailability of adequate garden space, shortage of water supply and shortage of agriculture tools were identified as challenges. The finding showed that introduction of permagarden has motivated households to practice home gardening implying that health and nutrition programs are likely to benefit from integrating permagarden to create access to nutrition for vulnerable groups.
Anthony Scavone
Anthony Scavone -Penn State University
Title: Food Secure Baltimore: Mapping Alternative Futures for the Food Systems of Baltimore City
Biography:
Abstract:
Abstract
With the resurgence of interest in urban agriculture and urban food systems, policy makers across the United States have been working to try and find the best ways possible to build, grow and maintain more sustainable, effective and equitable food systems. Although progress has been encouraging, recent interventions to improve food systems have met a number of obstacles, chief among them being the struggle to provide true equality within the system, a concept more commonly referred to as “food sovereignty.” In order to provide truly equitable food systems, food needs to be thought of not just as a commodity, but also as an integral part of the social life of members within specific communities. In order to do that, a more nuanced contextual understanding of current urban community food systems and what food systems those communities ideally envision must be taken into account. Geonarratives, a mixed-methods analysis approach that combines geographic information systems (GIS) with more traditional survey methods, stands uniquely qualified to tackle this problem. This study seeks to create geonarratives for members of select communities within Baltimore city showing their current interaction with their food system from a geospatial perspective, and then use these geonarratives during a follow-up interview to assist participants in envisioning their ideal food system and how they would interact with it. Providing a geospatial context to how someone interacts with their food system will provide them with the knowledge necessary to envision a more equitable and supportive system tailored to their specific needs.
Yusuf Iliyasu
Yusuf Iliyasu, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Title: MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCES THE CHOICE OF AGRICULTURE AS A COURSE OF STUDY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES.
Biography:
I am a trained and certified teacher by profession. A BS degree holder in Agribusiness Management, MS in Agricultural Education and PhD in Agricultural Extension from Utah State University USA and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria respectively. Currently an Associate Professor of Agricultural Rxtension with the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. My present job description involves teaching, research and extension sercice delivery.
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the factors that influence choice of courses among undergraduate students of agriculture in Nigerian universities. A total of 480 final year students of agriculture from twelve federal universities were randomly selected. Structured questionnaires were administered to sample the opinions of respondents in each of the universities. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, chi-square, regression and correlation analyses, as well as analysis of variance and the Likert attitude scale. Results obtained revealed that undergraduate students of agriculture in Nigerian universities were mostly single (86.9%), males (65.9%) and between the ages of 21 – 30 years. The choice of agriculture as a course of study was mostly (70.3%) out of their interest. There was no relationship (p < 0.05) between parents’ type of occupation and students course of study. Furthermore, parents of the students are found to be literate (62.1%) with varying levels of tertiary education. There is a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between types of agricultural education and sex, while university type, age and marital status show no significant relationship. However, there is no significant relationship with university type, age sex and marital status. It is therefore recommended that government should encourage the study of agriculture by providing the enabling environment such as capital and land to enable fresh graduate take to agriculture as a business and a career.
Sajid Hussain
Bahadur Sub Campus Layyah, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Title: Ecological effects of changing climate on the yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) through integrated nutrient management approaches under rainfed conditions
Biography:
Since joining the Bahauddin Zakariya University, of Pakistan, I have been involved with studies related to Modern Agriculture related challengers and strategies in Changing climate to ensure the world food security and to safeguard the environment with sustainable crop production. Before joining University, I had visited the Ohio State University USA and worked with world famous scientist Professor Dr. Rattan Lal. Than after coming back to my home land I have been worked at a Fertilizer company as a senior researcher.
Abstract:
Changing climate creates world food security threat being a serious concern for future crop production. Maize (Zea mays L.) among the cereal crop after wheat and rice is mainly utilized as staple food in many developed countries of the world. The dire need of modern agriculture is improvement in soil fertility status, enhanced agriculture production, and to protect the environment. The production of maize is highly hampered by low fertility status of the soil. Therefore, some alternative but sustainable, environment friendly and cost effective approaches of nutrient management can be a possible solution for these problems. So, the present study was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during spring season 2013-14 to check the effect of various fertilizer levels and seed inoculants on the yield and quality of maize. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement by using three replications. Treatments were control, 100% recommended dose of NPK, 75% recommended dose of NPK + 1.5 t ha-1 PM, 75% recommended dose of NPK + 3 t ha-1 FYM and 75% recommended dose of NPK + 4.5 t ha-1 press mud along with seed inoculants (Azospirillum and Azotobacter) separately for each plot. Data regarding growth, yield, and quality parameters were collected and analyzed. Interactive effect of both the factors was non-significant for all the observed parameters except 1000-grain weight (g), and grain yield. While considering the individual effect of fertilizer levels, maximum number of grains cob-1 (512), 1000-grain weight (342 g), grain yield (8530 kg ha-1 ), and grain zinc contents (33.80 mg kg-1 ) were obtained with treatment N2 (100% recommended dose of NPK). Regarding seed inoculants maximum values of yield and yield contributing parameters were obtained in I1 (Inoculation with Azospirillum). Regardless of superior performance of N2, economic analysis showed that maximum net income and benefit cost ratio were obtained where 75% recommended dose of NPK + 1.5 t ha-1 poultry manure was applied (N3). Consequently, it was recommended for the farmers that 75% recommended dose of NPK + 1.5 t ha-1 PM along with Azospirillum gave maximum output and net return
Evelina S. Knodel
Columbia University, USA
Title: Glean Hudson Valley: Aligning Abundance and Scarcity for a Just and Equitable Food System
Biography:
Evelina Knodel is an architect and urban designer currently working at the Hudson Valley Design Lab in Poughkeepsie, NY, a satellite office of the architecture firm, MASS Design Group. She has received her Bachelor’s Degree in architecture from University of Minnesota and her Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. Her passion lies in just and equitable food systems, understanding that food is a primary cultural and social integrator that takes place at many different scales and in varying contexts. Though it is a necessity, equitable access to food is confounded by large and complex systems that are difficult, though not impossible, to change. Evelina’s career in design has led her to appreciate the power of visualization and community engagement to prompt unique perspectives and catalyze change on many levels. She has been conducting research in the Hudson Valley into the concept of gleaning networks and is excited about the dialogues and opportunities it unleashes.
Abstract:
Abstract
A thorough analysis of the history of “gleaning” exposes underlying discussions about moral obligations to the poor and hungry, the role of government in land management and agricultural production, the drastic separation between food production and consumption, leading causes behind food insecurity, and market pressures that drive overproduction and cosmetic standards that lead to food waste. These issues are well illustrated the Hudson Valley where an incredible bounty of fresh, local produce and dairy is juxtaposed with rising impoverished, unemployed, and food insecure populations. A growing network of gleaning programs has already taken shape in Orange, Ulster, and Columbia Counties gathering leftover food from farms and distributing it to various emergency food aid agencies. It used to be that poor or unemployed would go directly into the fields to glean. Nowadays, disenfranchised hardly have access to grocery stores, let alone agricultural fields. Government policies provide Food Stamps and WIC (Women Infants and Children) benefits, but these provisions, like the entire food system, are disjointed. The logical matching of food abundance and food scarcity is going to require the integration of farmers and urban residents, policy and community initiatives, job creation and food recovery, institution and city, youth and elderly, men and women. This project attempts to establish the foundation for a gleaning network in the Hudson Valley by beginning a “gleaning database” that provides information not only about available excess food, but also about food scarcity and inequitable access. By visualizing the disconnections between food production and food consumption and the many steps in between, the injustices of food access take on new meaning; they demand changes in the current food system, but they also acknowledge that reassessing, reconfiguring, and reconnecting existing regional assets—from farmers to food outlets to institutions to local community members—could catalyze those changes.
Image
Figure 01: Seasonality of Available Food in the Hudson Valley
Nurshahirah saleh
Maryam Hassanpour Moghadam, MD, Iran Aramsadat Meraji, MD, Iran
Title: Intraperitoneally administration of Nasturtium officinale extract restores Spatial Learning Dysfunction and Hippocampal Injury in a rat Model of Vascular Dementia
Biography:
Aramsadat Meraji has her expertise in evaluation in improving the health and wellbeing. Her novelty and creation based on natural product creates new pathways for improving healthcare. She has 3 years of experience in this research field including evaluation and administration natural product both in hospital and education institutions. These traditional medicine approach are so useful and have a different way of focusing.
Abstract:
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion produces brain ischemia and is associated with related memory impairment. In this study, we investigated the effect of methanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) on deteriorated cognitive function using morris water maze test after permanent occlusion of common carotid leading to hypoperfusion and spatial memory impairment. We also determined the amount of myristicin (active constitute of watercress) in the three different extracts (hexanic, aqueous-ethanolic and methanolic) of watercress using HPLC analysis.
Finally, the animals were euthanatized in CO2 chamber and histopathological changes in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were investigated. The results indicated that the escape latency time significantly decreased in watercress hexanic extract treated rats, in comparison with control animals. Also, the percentage of time spent and traveled distance in target quadrant on final test trial day increased in hexanic watercress extract 250 mg/kg group, compared to control group, while no difference was observed between groups in swimming speed. All behavioral results were confirmed by histopathological analysis. According to our data, watercress hexanic extract (250 mg/kg) could properly protect cerebrocortical and hippocampus neurons against ischemia. In conclusion, treatment with watercress hexanic extract could effectively prevent neuropathological alterations in hippocampus thereby resulting in improvement of spatial learning memory in rats after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
Nurshahirah saleh
Nurshahirah saleh, 26,taman desa serdang,lorong 15,43400 sri kembangan,selangor,malaysia
Title: Assessing Food Safety and Halalan-Toyyiban in Handling Food Truck Business at Selangor
Biography:
Abstract:
Farangis Khurshedzod
Farangis Khurshedzod, Tajikistan Khujand 735700
Title: Agriculture Land as a factor of production and its use in Republic of Tajikistan
Biography:
Abstract:
Abstract (brief summary): This article is devoted to the analysis of land as a factor of production. The empirical method of analysis gave us possibility to reveal the tendency of reduction of ​​arable land spots, which is the most valuable source of land for the agricultural sector, and significantly important than other categories of agricultural sector. This trend indicates that users of arable land, hayfield and pastures, and especially small scale farmers, do not have the right capacity to fully cultivate arable lands and hayfields, and this is creating a ground for their transfer into a lode land (abandoned) or into other lower categories of land. In this connection, we can conclude that on the basis of cause-effect reasons, the problem in Tajikistan is not a lack of this factor, but its inefficient and irrational use practices. Through effective use of existing land and natural resources, we may expand and increase the production capacities of Tajikistan.
Key words: land, factors of production, natural resources, arable land, and lode lands (abandoned).
One of the foundations for the living of a civilized society is material production, which is the process of interaction of a person with objects of labor through various means and possibilities. Jointly, all these factors and elements including labor, the means of labor and humanity formulate the production forces of society. In modern interpretation, they can be mentioned as resources or factors of production.
Undoubtedly, the main criterion for the progress of human being is the level and nature of the development of the productive forces, which in their turn they determine the degree of production efficiency. From the point of view of political economy and economic theory it is known that the productive forces impact on nature, changing the form and properties of natural resources. As a result of this influence, the productive forces are able to produce material goods to meet the different needs of people. In this connection, the productive forces of society express and shape the people's relationship to the nature.
In the current time, the value of land as a core factor of production of agricultural products is mainly estimated with cadastral price. Taking into account such pricing method, it is necessary to consider the various properties of the land, such as location, productivity, etc.
The main distinguishing feature of the land, as a factor of production, is that it is impossible to replace it with other factors. Thinking logically, we can say that if human labor can be replaced by machines, or by some means of fixed or circulating assets, but land resource is an irreplaceable production resource (especially in agriculture). The society can regulate the size of the labor factor or the amount of productive capitals, but the possibility of expansion of ​​agricultural land, is severely restricted.
According to economic theory, all factors of production are characterized by a fixed supply in a particular period of time. This condition is even more actualized with regard to the natural factor of production. D. Ricardo and T. Malthus firstly touched the topic of the quantitative reduction of natural resources and their use. The rule that they raised on “diminishing soil fertility” is says that best plots are first involved in the production turnover, then the medium level land and, lastly, the worst parts of the land [2, 386]. For our study and interest, the population law of T. Malthus, which is based on the assumption that the number of consumption of goods by humanity grows with arithmetical progression, and the population grows geometric scale [2, 396]. In other words, gradually society will face a situation in which the production will not be enough for growing mass of people. According to FAO experts and data, the world's reserves of the main types of land resources have their limits as well. For example, the size of land for food production on the earth is 3.2 million hectares, more than half of which is already cultivated or used.
According to official statistics, there has been a tendency of reduction of agricultural land in the recent years in Tajikistan. So, if in 1991 year the size of the agricultural land was 4,434.1 thousand hectares, then in 2015 it was reduced to 3,612 thousand hectares (see Table 1). Comparing these numbers, we can see that the decrease level is about 19%.
Table 1. Total land area and area of agricultural land (thousand hectares)
Indicators |
1991 |
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
Total land area
|
14254,5 |
14254,5 |
14255,5 |
14255,5 |
14255,5 |
14137,7 |
All agricultural land |
4434,1 |
4577,1 |
4126,5 |
3864,6 |
3746,0 |
3612,0 |
Arable land |
811,2 |
801,8 |
730,1 |
709,0 |
673,1 |
653,2 |
Perennial plantations |
103,4 |
111,2 |
98,1 |
97,4 |
115,7 |
140,4 |
Hayfields |
26,4 |
23,7 |
18,9 |
17,0 |
17,7 |
17,6 |
Pastures |
3473,4 |
3621,2 |
3258,4 |
3012,5 |
2909,8 |
2771,5 |
Abandoned land areas |
19,7 |
19,2 |
21,0 |
28,7 |
29,7 |
29,3 |
Information Source: Tajikistan: 25 years of State Independence. Annual Statistical Paper. Published in Dushanbe 2016. Page.-310
The analysis shows that the reduction of arable land, which is the most valuable category of land for the agricultural sector, is significantly reducing compared to other categories of agricultural land. This trend indicates that users of arable land, hayfield and pastures, and especially small scale farmers, do not have the capacity to fully cultivate arable lands and hayfields, and these are creating ground for their transfer into a lode land (abandoned) or into other lower categories of land. According to the experts estimates, more than half of the country's territory - 9563.4 thousand hectares, or 67.1%, are low-productive or unsuitable lands for agriculture use. The possibilities of developing farming and agriculture on them are limited either by geomorphological soil conditions [1, 32-38].
As we see in the presented Table 1, the rate of reduction in these three categories of land is high and critical. Especially it concerns the reduction of arable land. Currently, the average world value of the size of arable land and its current productivity level per person is 0.4 hectares. Our calculations show that Tajikistan is in quite low level on this indicator. If in 1991 year the arable land area per capita was about 0.15 hectares, in 2015 year, this figure reached 0.08 hectares per capita [4, 310]. Such developments and use of land is a direct threat to the country's food and economic security.
As a rule, in agriculture sector, the process of reproduction is intertwined with the natural process of reproduction of agricultural lands. At the same time in this industry, the efficiency of production directly depends on the natural and climate conditions. A significant role in the efficiency of the agricultural sector belongs to the qualitative parameters and characteristics of land that we use. In the field of agricultural crop production, one of the main tasks is to provide agricultural crops with the necessary mineral and organic fertilizers. This practice takes place not only for increasing productivity of crops, but also to maintain the fertility of land, its protection from erosion and other natural phenomena. With is way the main content of the human impact on agricultural lands is contained. Also we can conclude that the above-mentioned ways of influencing the land are implemented by humanity with the aim of influencing the products we receive from land (plants). The land can act as a means of labor, because through the land human being influences plants. The formation of land for agricultural use has been the result of a natural process for many centuries. As a result, the evolution of the attitude of man to the earth, and his influence on property of land evolved in order to improve its qualitative characteristics.
The quality of land as one of the key factor of production, their fertility is determined by the properties and attributes. The productivity of the land depends on the terrain and a number of other reasons. Also it is worth noting that natural and climate conditions affect productivity of land. These circumstances indicate the versatility and importance of land as a factor of production in general and its use in agricultural production process.
In addition to using the land factor in agricultural production, it is undeniable that land acts and is the main source of productive resources. In other words, the produced items mainly have natural origin (in fact synthetic compounds also have a natural origin).
The effectiveness land use as a factor of production largely depends on the degree of using/development of natural resources. The degree of development is determined by the measures and quality of exploration, extraction or piping out of the bowels of earth and preparation for production operation. According to the official statistics, Tajikistan in recent years, decreased the volume of geological exploration. For example, deep drilling geological searches were conducted only 2000s (Table 2). Such works have not been conducted in the recent years on territories of Tajikistan.
Table 2. The scope of geological exploration performed by types
Indicators |
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
Deep Exploration Drilling (by meters) |
|
1241 |
|
|
|
Mechanical core drilling (by meters) |
17330 |
5141 |
7349 |
5777 |
4294 |
Shock-mechanical drilling (by meters) |
4297 |
2565 |
1352 |
1531 |
1616 |
Information Source: Tajikistan: 25 years of State Independence. Annual Statistical Paper. Published in Dushanbe 2016. Page.-313
At the same time, activities on mechanical column drilling and shock mechanical drilling also tend to decrease. All scientists of the country note that Tajikistan is rich in many types and reserves of minerals, which relate to spheres of the economy.
Such resources as fuel and energy are represented by coal, oil and natural gas fields/spots. In the structure of fuel and energy mineral resources the main place belongs to coal reserves. The metallurgical complex of the country is with its black ores, colored, rare and noble metals.
The agrochemical complex is characterized by large amounts of phosphorites reserves, rock salt, numerous deposits of boron ore, limestone and dolomites.
Also there are deposits of glass and ceramic raw materials such as quartz sand, wollastonite, pottery clays, asbestos, talc, refractory clays, barite, fluorite, bentonite, and ores, they all relate to the mineral resources of the industrial complex of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan is a mountainous country and rich in various types of construction mineral raw materials. Deposits of building mineral resources are open and explored in all regions of the country. They are represented by deposits of cement raw materials, torn and facing stones, brick raw materials, sand-gravel mixture, lime, gypsum, various clays, buildings sand, mineral paints, raw materials for the production of expanded clay, agloparite and heat-keeping materials.
In Tajikistan according to the statistical data except coal, the production of other products of the mining industry has a clear tendency to decrease (Table 3).
Table 3. Data on production of main products of mining industry
Indicators |
1991 |
1995 |
2000 |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
Coal (thousand tones) |
313 |
33,9 |
22,2 |
98,5 |
199,7 |
1041,9 |
Oil (including gas condensate) (thousand tones) |
107,7 |
25,7 |
18,4 |
21,7 |
27,0 |
24,6 |
Natural gas million м3 |
92,5 |
38,8 |
40,0 |
29,4 |
22,8 |
4,1 |
Nonmetallic building materials (thousand м3) |
6118 |
824,8 |
97,7 |
283,1 |
467,0 |
1167,4 |
Salt (thousand tones) |
72,5 |
65,1 |
49,0 |
66,0 |
50,4 |
35,7 |
Data Source: Tajikistan: 25 years of State Independence. Annual Statistical Paper. Published in Dushanbe 2016. Page 297.
The current low level of development of available land resources allows concluding that the problem of target use of the land and intensity of natural resources use suggests modernization of technological processes.
The water resources that our country has can be another important component in the land structure and can serve as a factor of production in the conditions of Tajikistan. Tajikistan is considered as the second country in terms of hydro resources between CIS country after Russian Federation. The main water basins are glaciers. The largest glacial system is the Pamir mountains, the glaciation area of ​​is 8041 sq. Km. The number of recorded glaciers in the Pamirs is 1085 pieces [4;8].
Through the country's territory, on average, there goes more than 72km3 of river flow per year, which is 12 thousand m3 per inhabitant residing in our country. There are 947 rivers in the country with a length of more than 10 km each, and the total length of rivers exceeds 28500 km.
Involvement of water resources available on the territory of Tajikistan can not only ensure energy security, but also it can definitely increase the fertility of agricultural soil. This issue was emphasized several times in the Messages of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon to the Parliament of country.
An important component land use as a factor of production is the use of natural resources. If we propose that the land is the source of raw materials for production, then it can be assumed its efficiency can be determined by calculating the material consumption of the products. For determination of the material consumption of products at the level of macroeconomics, as noted by the specialists of Economics and Demography Institute of Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, an intermediate expenditure indicator can be used [3, 365-367].
Analysis shows that the share of intermediate expenditure (consumption) in relation to GDP in 2015 is 83% [4; 221]. This phenomenon of material consumption of GDP testifies the exceptional importance of implementing the policy of rational use of material (natural and raw materials) resources to increase country’s GDP. The fact is that reducing the material consumption of costs per unit means a decrease in the size of intermediate consumption, which ultimately leads to an increase of GDP.
Based on qualitative and quantative analysis of the of land characteristics as a factor of production, it can be concluded that the problem is not the lack of this factor (land), but its inefficient and non-rational use in Tajikistan. Through effective use of existing land and natural resources, there is a great potential to expand and increase production capacities in this country.
Awareness and Involvement of Cocoa farmers in Cocoa Certification Programme in enhancing Cocoa Productivity in Ogun State of Nigeria
0yediran Wasiu 0yeleke, Development Abeokuta Ogun State Nigeria
Title: 0yediran Wasiu 0yeleke
Biography:
Abstract:
Cocoa Production in Nigeria had witnessed a rapid decline in the past two and a half decades mainly as a result of focus shift due to the oil boom since the late 1970s (Idowu, 2007). Nevertheless, agriculture especially cash crops export and particularly cocoa remains a substantial foreign exchange earner for the country. Cocoa is sourced from several regions around the world; West Africa is the largest producer, making up 70 percent of the world cocoa. The West African nation of Cot de voire alone grows 40 percent of the global supply of cocoa, with Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria being the other major producers in the region (International Cocoa Organisation, 2007). Nigeria is one of the principal producers and is ranked among the five largest producers of cocoa in the world. Cocoa is a perennial tree crop produced mainly in the tropical countries. Currently, production is concentrated in the West African Countries like Nigeria, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon. These countries collectively produce 70% of the world cocoa. In 2010/2011 season Cote d’ Ivoire led the world in cocoa production with 35% followed by Ghana, Indonesia and Nigeria (International Cocoa Organisation, 2012).
Table 1: World Cocoa Production (2010/2011)
Country |
Amount Produced |
Percentage of world production |
Cote d’Ivoire |
1.30 million |
38.6% tones |
Ghana |
720 thousand tonnes |
21.4% |
Indonesia |
574 thousand tonnes |
17.0% |
Nigeria |
212 thousand tonnes |
6.3% |
Brazil |
180 thousand tonnes |
5.3% |
Cameroon |
175 thousand tonnes |
5.2% |
Ecuador |
118 thousand tonnes |
3.5% |
Dominican republic |
47 thousand tonnes |
1.4% |
Malaysia |
43 thousand tonnes |
1.3% |
Source: International Cocoa Organisation, (2012).
Cocoa is essential to the livelihood of 40-50 million people worldwide including over 5 million small holder cocoa farmers who grow the valuable crop (Adebile and Amusan, 2011). Cocoa plays an important role in most countries as a source of foreign exchange and creation of jobs for an estimated fourteen million people (International Cocoa Organisation, 2007). Cocoa is mostly produced in 14 of the 36 States in Nigeria. The main producing states aside from Cross River in the South South are located in the South West of the country with major producing areas located in Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti Oyo States. Nwachukwu et al. (2010) identified low yields, ageing cocoa producing trees, inconsistent production patterns, disease incidence, pest attack and limited agricultural mechanization as key factors leading to decreasing cocoa production in Nigeria. In terms of yield, compared to other cocoa producing countries, Nigeria’s present yield is among the lowest, together with Ghana and Cameroon, while Cote d’Ivoire is the best performing country in West Africa in terms of yield while Indonesia is the best performer at the global level in terms of yield (Cadoni, 2013). This poor trend in yield, quality and monetary returns calls for the introduction of certification in cocoa production. Certification is a procedure by which an independent body gives a certificate that a farm, farmer group, processing facility, trader, importer or exporter has been assessed and is adhering to specific standards. The certification is intended to guarantee that the cocoa sold under the seal of a standard organization such as Fair Trade International (FLO), UTZ Certified, or Rainforest Alliance (RA) actually originated from a farm or operation that produces according to the relevant standards. Certification thus guarantees the authenticity and the integrity of sustainably produced cocoa being purchased by consumers. Participation in markets for certified cocoa represents a good income generation opportunity for small farmers in developing countries. However, for famers to avail themselves of this opportunity they would have to comply with voluntary quality and safety standards and procedures. According to Vogel (2009) the main objective of certified cocoa production is to improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers through the production of sustainable certified cocoa. Increasing farmers’ awareness of the environmental consequences of food contamination through poor farm practices resulted in a growing demand for the involvement of cocoa farmers in environmentally-friendly practices through certification. Certified cocoa production systems are distinguished by their adherence to a set of production and social standards promulgated by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Cocoa output within this category is differentiated by a certificate issued by a recognized certification body that ensures standards have been met. Certified cocoa is differentiated on the basis of practices that are deemed environmentally sustainable and conserving of biodiversity. The broad objective of this study is therefore to assess cocoa farmers’ awareness and involvement in cocoa certification programme in enhancing cocoa productivity in Ogun State, Nigeria.
1.4 Specific Objectives are to;
i. ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers in the study area;
ii. examine respondents’ awareness of cocoa certification programme;
iii. identify respondents’ sources of information on cocoa certification;
iv. ascertain the level of farmers involvement in the cocoa certification programme;
v. identify the constraints associated with involvement in cocoa certification programme.
The hypotheses of the study were stated in null form:
H01: There is no significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics of the respondents and level of involvement in the cocoa certification programme in the study area.
H02: There is no significant relationship between the constraints affecting cocoa farmers and their involvement in the cocoa certification programme in the study area
METHODOLOGY
The study was carried out in Ogun state, Nigeria. The state is situated among the Southwestern states of Nigeria, with a landmass of 16,409.26 square kilometers. The study area has 20 Local Government Areas, with a total of 4,054,272 (National Population Commission (NPC), 2006). Purposive random sampling was used to select two Local Government Areas namely; Yewa North and Odeda based on the high concentration of cocoa farmers in the two locations. Yewa and Odeda people are predominantly farmers, common crops grown in the local governments include, arable crops like cassava, maize, yam among others and cash crops like cocoa, oil palm, coffee and kola nuts.
Sampling Procedure and Sample Size
Yewa North Local Government Area was purposively selected for this study based on the a prior information that the local government area is the second largest cocoa producer in Ogun State. There are eleven wards in Yewa north Local Government Area. Four wards namely: Imasayi, Ibese, Igbogila, Joga, were purposively selected based on the high population of cocoa farmers in these wards.
Measurement of Variables
Age, household size, farming experience were measured at ratio level while sex, educational status, membership of association, marital status, sources of capital, labour, and constraints were measured at nominal level. Similarly, awareness, was measured as Yes (2), No (1). Level of respondents’ involvement in cocoa certification programme were measured as High Involvement (3), Moderate Involvement (2), No Involvement (1) and measured at nominal level.
Data Collection and Analysis
The instrument used for the data collection was subjected to face and content validity by consulting experts in the field of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. Items found ambiguous were removed. Test re-test was carried out with twenty (20) cocoa farmers who were not part of this study to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. The reliability of r = 0.76 which was significant indicating high internal consistency of the instrument used for this study. Simple descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean and frequency counts were used to analyze the objectives while chi-square; t-test was used to test the hypotheses of the study.
Results and discussion
The results in Table 1 revealed that majority (58.9%) of the respondents were above 40 years of age. About thirty percent (28.9%) of the respondents were between 31 – 40 years of age while only very few (12.20%) were less than 30 years of age. The average age of the respondents was 30.8 years. This indicates that the respondents are young and active. It corroborates the findings of Omoare and Oyediran, (2015) that people within this age bracket are economically active and possess the requisite energy for agricultural production. The results showed that most (92.2%) of the respondents were male while few (7.8%) were female in cocoa production. This is possible because cocoa farming is a tedious which makes more men to dominate in its production than compare to the women who carry out processing and marketing of cocoa bean. Majority (70%) of the respondents had secondary school education but 13.3% proceeded to tertiary education while 16.7% attended primary school. This implies that all the respondents have some level of formal education which could be advantage to adjust to new practices and got certification.the date assessed.rces.ll make available to Ngerians cost effective and envirinmentally ces. On the other hand government policy The result indicated that the household size of most (71.1%) of the respondents was 1 - 4 people while 28.9% had 5 – 8 people. Meanwhile, the average household size was 6 members. This shows that the household size of respondents was relatively large. Adegbite et al. (2007) cited in Omoare and Oyediran (2015) reported that large households’ size is an important factor in any rural areas because it provides the manpower for farm and other household activities. Also, the result showed that 31.1% of the respondents had spent less than 5 years in cocoa farming while many (63.3%) had been in cocoa farming for more than 11 years while. The mean year of experience in cocoa farming was 8.06 years. This shows that the respondents have been in cocoa farming for quite a long time. Above forty percent (44.1%) of the respondents cultivated more than 10 hectares of farm land, the implication of this is that cocoa farming is practiced on large scale in the study area. Only very few (12.2%) of the respondents cultivated less than 5 hectares for cocoa. The result disagrees to the findings of Kolawole, (2007) cited in Oyediran, (2013) which states that many rural farmers cultivate less than 3 hectares, Nigeria. The result on land acquisition revealed that 40.5% of the respondents inherited cocoa farms while 19.8% bought the farms. However, 14.4% and 6.3% respondents occupied the land as leaseholders and tenants respectively. This practice reflects the ageing cocoa farming with attendant low yield in Nigeria. Also, about fifty percent of the respondents were members of Cocoa Farmers Association (CFAN). Being a member of association exposes the farmers to many opportunities like credits, technology and certification. The result further showed that respondents got money through their personal savings (38.7%), cooperative (22.5%), and friends and family (19.8%) for the cocoa production in the study area. The finding agrees with Ajagbe et al. 2014 and Oyediran, 2013 that rural farmers do not have access to credit from financial institution but rather relied on cooperatives, friends and families and their personal savings which has inhibited their production capacity. Above fifty percent (52.2%) of the respondents were into full-time cocoa farming while others (28.8%) of the respondents were doing part-time farming. Most (65.6%) of the respondents generated ₦100,000 – 300,000/annum while 23.3% realized more than ₦300,000/ annum. The average income generated from cocoa was ₦223,000.
Table 2: Distribution of respondents according to their socio economic characteristics (n = 90)
Variables |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
Mean |
Age |
|
|
|
Below 30 |
11 |
12.20 |
|
31-40 |
26 |
28.90 |
|
41 and above |
53 |
58.90 |
30.80 |
Sex |
|
|
|
Male |
83 |
92.20 |
|
Female |
07 |
7.80 |
|
Educational status |
|
|
|
Primary education |
15 |
16.70 |
|
Secondary education |
63 |
70.00 |
|
Tertiary education |
12 |
13.30 |
|
Household size |
|
|
|
1-4 |
26 |
28.90 |
|
5-8 |
64 |
71.10 |
3 |
Farming experience (years) |
|
|
|
Below 5 |
28 |
31.10 |
8.06 |
6-10 |
5 |
5.60 |
|
11 and above |
57 |
63.30 |
|
Farm size (hectares) |
|
|
|
>5 |
11 |
12.20 |
|
5-10 |
30 |
27.00 |
|
Above 10 |
49 |
44.10 |
|
Land acquisition |
|
|
|
Tenant |
07 |
6.30 |
|
Inheritance |
45 |
40.5 |
|
Purchase |
22 |
19.8 |
|
Leasehold |
16 |
14.4 |
|
Membership of Association |
|
|
|
Yes |
54 |
48.6 |
|
No |
36 |
32.4 |
|
Source of Fund |
|
|
|
Friends and family |
22 |
19.8 |
|
Cooperative society |
25 |
22.5 |
|
Self savings |
43 |
38.7 |
|
Occupational status |
|
|
|
Full time |
58 |
52.2 |
|
Part time |
32 |
28.8 |
|
Income size (₦) |
|
|
|
Less than 100,000 |
10 |
11.1 |
|
100,000 - 300,000 |
59 |
65.6 |
223,000 |
Above 300,000 |
21 |
23.3 |
|
Source: Field survey, 2016
Awareness of cocoa certification programme
According to Chartrand (2005) consumer's awareness (either consciously or unconsciously) precedes the control, modification, elimination and change in human behaviours and decisions. Thus, effective consumer behaviuor can only be materialized through awareness. Therefore, to participate in cocoa certification or not will first depend on the awareness of the members of the cocoa farmers. Result showed that majority (66.7%) of the respondents was aware of the cocoa certification while 33.3% were not aware of the cocoa certification. This is possible because of their high level of literacy.
Table 2: Awareness of cocoa certification programme (n = 90)
Awareness of cocoa certification programme |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Yes |
60 |
66.7 |
No |
30 |
33.3 |
Source of information on cocoa certification programme
This study identified various sources of information available to cocoa farmers in the study area. Sources ranging from fellow farmers, extension agents, friends and neighbors, farmers union, health workers, radio/television, research institutes, internet and newspapers/magazines. The result showed that respondents accessed information through cocoa farmers association (33.3%), fellow farmers (24.4%), local buying agent (17.7%), and radio/television (15.6%) in the study area. Information is one of the most valuable resources for the development and progress of any enterprise. Abiona, (2010) opined that farmers sources of information have influence in the decision to accept or reject a technology.
Table 3: Respondents source of information on cocoa certification programme (n = 90)
Variable |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Fellow farmers |
22 |
24.4 |
Local Buying Agent |
16 |
17.7 |
Radio/Television |
14 |
15.6 |
Extension agents |
08 |
8.9 |
Exporters/Processors |
0 |
0.0 |
Cocoa farmers association |
30 |
33.3 |
Source: Field survey, 2016
Involvement
The four internationally accepted Standards Bodies are Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, Rainforest Alliance, Certified Organic, and UTZ Certified. These standards are defined after consultation and in close cooperation with various stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain, including farmers. Standards Bodies advise farmers on how to implement better farming practices, establish protocols on dealing with environmental and social issues, implement auditing and third party verification on these issues, and communicate to consumers at the end of the trade chains, thereby creating a necessary level of assurance.
More specifically, better market access for small holder farmers; increasing the income of farm households; improving the living and working conditions of cocoa farmers and their families and workers; raising the opportunities for cocoa farmers to participate in the decision making processes behind cocoa marketing; and improving the conditions of the cocoa farmers’ natural resources (Vogel, 2009).
Table 4:
Recommended practices |
High involvement |
Moderate Involvement |
No Involvement |
Preparation of land and spacing 10ft x 10ft or 3m x 3m |
|
|
|
Regular weeding of the cocoa farm |
|
|
|
Removal of choupons |
|
|
|
Wearing of protective clothing when handling or applying agro-chemicals |
|
|
|
Harvesting of cocoa pods immediately they are ripe |
|
|
|
Sun drying cocoa beans on raised platform (Taraga) |
|
|
|
Source: Field survey, 2016
Constraints to cocoa production
The result in Table 4 showed that birds’ disturbance (86.3%), climate change (84.2%) and inadequate rainfall (84.2%) were the most serious problem confronting rice farming in the study area. Also, inadequate finance (78.9%) constituted another major impediment to rice farming in the study area. This agrees with the findings of Oyediran, (2013) that poor financing of agriculture is a major bottleneck to the growth and development of agricultural sector in Nigeria. This was followed by poor market system (77.9%), pest and diseases incidence (71.6%) and poor soil fertility (57.8%). Similarly, rice farming activities were affected by land tenure system (36.8%), and incidence of fire outbreak (15.8%).
Similarly, the cocoa sector’s labour practices have received public attention, particularly since the international media began reporting on child labour in West Africa resulting in increased consumer demand for cocoa products originating from socially sustainable producers who respect international social standards (Certification Capacity Enhancement, 2012).
Table 4: Distribution based on constraints to cocoa production (n = 90)
s/n |
Constraints |
Yes |
No |
1. |
Inadequate finance |
75 (83.3) |
15 (16.7) |
2. |
Lack of information |
68 (75.6) |
22 (24.4) |
3. |
Lack of buyers of certified cocoa beans |
80 (88.9) |
10 (11.1) |
4. |
Nonpayment of premium |
35 (38.9) |
55 (61.1) |
5. |
High cost of labour |
15 (16.7) |
75 (83.3) |
6. |
Inadequate planting materials |
55 (61.1) |
35 (38.9) |
7. |
Poor market system |
74 (82.2) |
16 (17.8) |
8. |
Inadequate inputs such as chemical |
80 (88.9) |
10 (11.1) |
Figures in parenthesis are percentages
Biography:
Abstract:
Cocoa Production in Nigeria had witnessed a rapid decline in the past two and a half decades mainly as a result of focus shift due to the oil boom since the late 1970s (Idowu, 2007). Nevertheless, agriculture especially cash crops export and particularly cocoa remains a substantial foreign exchange earner for the country. Cocoa is sourced from several regions around the world; West Africa is the largest producer, making up 70 percent of the world cocoa. The West African nation of Cot de voire alone grows 40 percent of the global supply of cocoa, with Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria being the other major producers in the region (International Cocoa Organisation, 2007). Nigeria is one of the principal producers and is ranked among the five largest producers of cocoa in the world. Cocoa is a perennial tree crop produced mainly in the tropical countries. Currently, production is concentrated in the West African Countries like Nigeria, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon. These countries collectively produce 70% of the world cocoa. In 2010/2011 season Cote d’ Ivoire led the world in cocoa production with 35% followed by Ghana, Indonesia and Nigeria (International Cocoa Organisation, 2012).
Table 1: World Cocoa Production (2010/2011)
Country |
Amount Produced |
Percentage of world production |
Cote d’Ivoire |
1.30 million |
38.6% tones |
Ghana |
720 thousand tonnes |
21.4% |
Indonesia |
574 thousand tonnes |
17.0% |
Nigeria |
212 thousand tonnes |
6.3% |
Brazil |
180 thousand tonnes |
5.3% |
Cameroon |
175 thousand tonnes |
5.2% |
Ecuador |
118 thousand tonnes |
3.5% |
Dominican republic |
47 thousand tonnes |
1.4% |
Malaysia |
43 thousand tonnes |
1.3% |
Source: International Cocoa Organisation, (2012).
Cocoa is essential to the livelihood of 40-50 million people worldwide including over 5 million small holder cocoa farmers who grow the valuable crop (Adebile and Amusan, 2011). Cocoa plays an important role in most countries as a source of foreign exchange and creation of jobs for an estimated fourteen million people (International Cocoa Organisation, 2007). Cocoa is mostly produced in 14 of the 36 States in Nigeria. The main producing states aside from Cross River in the South South are located in the South West of the country with major producing areas located in Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti Oyo States. Nwachukwu et al. (2010) identified low yields, ageing cocoa producing trees, inconsistent production patterns, disease incidence, pest attack and limited agricultural mechanization as key factors leading to decreasing cocoa production in Nigeria. In terms of yield, compared to other cocoa producing countries, Nigeria’s present yield is among the lowest, together with Ghana and Cameroon, while Cote d’Ivoire is the best performing country in West Africa in terms of yield while Indonesia is the best performer at the global level in terms of yield (Cadoni, 2013). This poor trend in yield, quality and monetary returns calls for the introduction of certification in cocoa production. Certification is a procedure by which an independent body gives a certificate that a farm, farmer group, processing facility, trader, importer or exporter has been assessed and is adhering to specific standards. The certification is intended to guarantee that the cocoa sold under the seal of a standard organization such as Fair Trade International (FLO), UTZ Certified, or Rainforest Alliance (RA) actually originated from a farm or operation that produces according to the relevant standards. Certification thus guarantees the authenticity and the integrity of sustainably produced cocoa being purchased by consumers. Participation in markets for certified cocoa represents a good income generation opportunity for small farmers in developing countries. However, for famers to avail themselves of this opportunity they would have to comply with voluntary quality and safety standards and procedures. According to Vogel (2009) the main objective of certified cocoa production is to improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers through the production of sustainable certified cocoa. Increasing farmers’ awareness of the environmental consequences of food contamination through poor farm practices resulted in a growing demand for the involvement of cocoa farmers in environmentally-friendly practices through certification. Certified cocoa production systems are distinguished by their adherence to a set of production and social standards promulgated by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Cocoa output within this category is differentiated by a certificate issued by a recognized certification body that ensures standards have been met. Certified cocoa is differentiated on the basis of practices that are deemed environmentally sustainable and conserving of biodiversity. The broad objective of this study is therefore to assess cocoa farmers’ awareness and involvement in cocoa certification programme in enhancing cocoa productivity in Ogun State, Nigeria.
1.4 Specific Objectives are to;
i. ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers in the study area;
ii. examine respondents’ awareness of cocoa certification programme;
iii. identify respondents’ sources of information on cocoa certification;
iv. ascertain the level of farmers involvement in the cocoa certification programme;
v. identify the constraints associated with involvement in cocoa certification programme.
The hypotheses of the study were stated in null form:
H01: There is no significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics of the respondents and level of involvement in the cocoa certification programme in the study area.
H02: There is no significant relationship between the constraints affecting cocoa farmers and their involvement in the cocoa certification programme in the study area
METHODOLOGY
The study was carried out in Ogun state, Nigeria. The state is situated among the Southwestern states of Nigeria, with a landmass of 16,409.26 square kilometers. The study area has 20 Local Government Areas, with a total of 4,054,272 (National Population Commission (NPC), 2006). Purposive random sampling was used to select two Local Government Areas namely; Yewa North and Odeda based on the high concentration of cocoa farmers in the two locations. Yewa and Odeda people are predominantly farmers, common crops grown in the local governments include, arable crops like cassava, maize, yam among others and cash crops like cocoa, oil palm, coffee and kola nuts.
Sampling Procedure and Sample Size
Yewa North Local Government Area was purposively selected for this study based on the a prior information that the local government area is the second largest cocoa producer in Ogun State. There are eleven wards in Yewa north Local Government Area. Four wards namely: Imasayi, Ibese, Igbogila, Joga, were purposively selected based on the high population of cocoa farmers in these wards.
Measurement of Variables
Age, household size, farming experience were measured at ratio level while sex, educational status, membership of association, marital status, sources of capital, labour, and constraints were measured at nominal level. Similarly, awareness, was measured as Yes (2), No (1). Level of respondents’ involvement in cocoa certification programme were measured as High Involvement (3), Moderate Involvement (2), No Involvement (1) and measured at nominal level.
Data Collection and Analysis
The instrument used for the data collection was subjected to face and content validity by consulting experts in the field of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. Items found ambiguous were removed. Test re-test was carried out with twenty (20) cocoa farmers who were not part of this study to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. The reliability of r = 0.76 which was significant indicating high internal consistency of the instrument used for this study. Simple descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean and frequency counts were used to analyze the objectives while chi-square; t-test was used to test the hypotheses of the study.
Results and discussion
The results in Table 1 revealed that majority (58.9%) of the respondents were above 40 years of age. About thirty percent (28.9%) of the respondents were between 31 – 40 years of age while only very few (12.20%) were less than 30 years of age. The average age of the respondents was 30.8 years. This indicates that the respondents are young and active. It corroborates the findings of Omoare and Oyediran, (2015) that people within this age bracket are economically active and possess the requisite energy for agricultural production. The results showed that most (92.2%) of the respondents were male while few (7.8%) were female in cocoa production. This is possible because cocoa farming is a tedious which makes more men to dominate in its production than compare to the women who carry out processing and marketing of cocoa bean. Majority (70%) of the respondents had secondary school education but 13.3% proceeded to tertiary education while 16.7% attended primary school. This implies that all the respondents have some level of formal education which could be advantage to adjust to new practices and got certification.the date assessed.rces.ll make available to Ngerians cost effective and envirinmentally ces. On the other hand government policy The result indicated that the household size of most (71.1%) of the respondents was 1 - 4 people while 28.9% had 5 – 8 people. Meanwhile, the average household size was 6 members. This shows that the household size of respondents was relatively large. Adegbite et al. (2007) cited in Omoare and Oyediran (2015) reported that large households’ size is an important factor in any rural areas because it provides the manpower for farm and other household activities. Also, the result showed that 31.1% of the respondents had spent less than 5 years in cocoa farming while many (63.3%) had been in cocoa farming for more than 11 years while. The mean year of experience in cocoa farming was 8.06 years. This shows that the respondents have been in cocoa farming for quite a long time. Above forty percent (44.1%) of the respondents cultivated more than 10 hectares of farm land, the implication of this is that cocoa farming is practiced on large scale in the study area. Only very few (12.2%) of the respondents cultivated less than 5 hectares for cocoa. The result disagrees to the findings of Kolawole, (2007) cited in Oyediran, (2013) which states that many rural farmers cultivate less than 3 hectares, Nigeria. The result on land acquisition revealed that 40.5% of the respondents inherited cocoa farms while 19.8% bought the farms. However, 14.4% and 6.3% respondents occupied the land as leaseholders and tenants respectively. This practice reflects the ageing cocoa farming with attendant low yield in Nigeria. Also, about fifty percent of the respondents were members of Cocoa Farmers Association (CFAN). Being a member of association exposes the farmers to many opportunities like credits, technology and certification. The result further showed that respondents got money through their personal savings (38.7%), cooperative (22.5%), and friends and family (19.8%) for the cocoa production in the study area. The finding agrees with Ajagbe et al. 2014 and Oyediran, 2013 that rural farmers do not have access to credit from financial institution but rather relied on cooperatives, friends and families and their personal savings which has inhibited their production capacity. Above fifty percent (52.2%) of the respondents were into full-time cocoa farming while others (28.8%) of the respondents were doing part-time farming. Most (65.6%) of the respondents generated ₦100,000 – 300,000/annum while 23.3% realized more than ₦300,000/ annum. The average income generated from cocoa was ₦223,000.
Table 2: Distribution of respondents according to their socio economic characteristics (n = 90)
Variables |
Frequency |
Percentage (%) |
Mean |
Age |
|
|
|
Below 30 |
11 |
12.20 |
|
31-40 |
26 |
28.90 |
|
41 and above |
53 |
58.90 |
30.80 |
Sex |
|
|
|
Male |
83 |
92.20 |
|
Female |
07 |
7.80 |
|
Educational status |
|
|
|
Primary education |
15 |
16.70 |
|
Secondary education |
63 |
70.00 |
|
Tertiary education |
12 |
13.30 |
|
Household size |
|
|
|
1-4 |
26 |
28.90 |
|
5-8 |
64 |
71.10 |
3 |
Farming experience (years) |
|
|
|
Below 5 |
28 |
31.10 |
8.06 |
6-10 |
5 |
5.60 |
|
11 and above |
57 |
63.30 |
|
Farm size (hectares) |
|
|
|
>5 |
11 |
12.20 |
|
5-10 |
30 |
27.00 |
|
Above 10 |
49 |
44.10 |
|
Land acquisition |
|
|
|
Tenant |
07 |
6.30 |
|
Inheritance |
45 |
40.5 |
|
Purchase |
22 |
19.8 |
|
Leasehold |
16 |
14.4 |
|
Membership of Association |
|
|
|
Yes |
54 |
48.6 |
|
No |
36 |
32.4 |
|
Source of Fund |
|
|
|
Friends and family |
22 |
19.8 |
|
Cooperative society |
25 |
22.5 |
|
Self savings |
43 |
38.7 |
|
Occupational status |
|
|
|
Full time |
58 |
52.2 |
|
Part time |
32 |
28.8 |
|
Income size (₦) |
|
|
|
Less than 100,000 |
10 |
11.1 |
|
100,000 - 300,000 |
59 |
65.6 |
223,000 |
Above 300,000 |
21 |
23.3 |
|
Source: Field survey, 2016
Awareness of cocoa certification programme
According to Chartrand (2005) consumer's awareness (either consciously or unconsciously) precedes the control, modification, elimination and change in human behaviours and decisions. Thus, effective consumer behaviuor can only be materialized through awareness. Therefore, to participate in cocoa certification or not will first depend on the awareness of the members of the cocoa farmers. Result showed that majority (66.7%) of the respondents was aware of the cocoa certification while 33.3% were not aware of the cocoa certification. This is possible because of their high level of literacy.
Table 2: Awareness of cocoa certification programme (n = 90)
Awareness of cocoa certification programme |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Yes |
60 |
66.7 |
No |
30 |
33.3 |
Source of information on cocoa certification programme
This study identified various sources of information available to cocoa farmers in the study area. Sources ranging from fellow farmers, extension agents, friends and neighbors, farmers union, health workers, radio/television, research institutes, internet and newspapers/magazines. The result showed that respondents accessed information through cocoa farmers association (33.3%), fellow farmers (24.4%), local buying agent (17.7%), and radio/television (15.6%) in the study area. Information is one of the most valuable resources for the development and progress of any enterprise. Abiona, (2010) opined that farmers sources of information have influence in the decision to accept or reject a technology.
Table 3: Respondents source of information on cocoa certification programme (n = 90)
Variable |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Fellow farmers |
22 |
24.4 |
Local Buying Agent |
16 |
17.7 |
Radio/Television |
14 |
15.6 |
Extension agents |
08 |
8.9 |
Exporters/Processors |
0 |
0.0 |
Cocoa farmers association |
30 |
33.3 |
Source: Field survey, 2016
Involvement
The four internationally accepted Standards Bodies are Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, Rainforest Alliance, Certified Organic, and UTZ Certified. These standards are defined after consultation and in close cooperation with various stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain, including farmers. Standards Bodies advise farmers on how to implement better farming practices, establish protocols on dealing with environmental and social issues, implement auditing and third party verification on these issues, and communicate to consumers at the end of the trade chains, thereby creating a necessary level of assurance.
More specifically, better market access for small holder farmers; increasing the income of farm households; improving the living and working conditions of cocoa farmers and their families and workers; raising the opportunities for cocoa farmers to participate in the decision making processes behind cocoa marketing; and improving the conditions of the cocoa farmers’ natural resources (Vogel, 2009).
Table 4:
Recommended practices |
High involvement |
Moderate Involvement |
No Involvement |
Preparation of land and spacing 10ft x 10ft or 3m x 3m |
|
|
|
Regular weeding of the cocoa farm |
|
|
|
Removal of choupons |
|
|
|
Wearing of protective clothing when handling or applying agro-chemicals |
|
|
|
Harvesting of cocoa pods immediately they are ripe |
|
|
|
Sun drying cocoa beans on raised platform (Taraga) |
|
|
|
Source: Field survey, 2016
Constraints to cocoa production
The result in Table 4 showed that birds’ disturbance (86.3%), climate change (84.2%) and inadequate rainfall (84.2%) were the most serious problem confronting rice farming in the study area. Also, inadequate finance (78.9%) constituted another major impediment to rice farming in the study area. This agrees with the findings of Oyediran, (2013) that poor financing of agriculture is a major bottleneck to the growth and development of agricultural sector in Nigeria. This was followed by poor market system (77.9%), pest and diseases incidence (71.6%) and poor soil fertility (57.8%). Similarly, rice farming activities were affected by land tenure system (36.8%), and incidence of fire outbreak (15.8%).
Similarly, the cocoa sector’s labour practices have received public attention, particularly since the international media began reporting on child labour in West Africa resulting in increased consumer demand for cocoa products originating from socially sustainable producers who respect international social standards (Certification Capacity Enhancement, 2012).
Table 4: Distribution based on constraints to cocoa production (n = 90)
s/n |
Constraints |
Yes |
No |
1. |
Inadequate finance |
75 (83.3) |
15 (16.7) |
2. |
Lack of information |
68 (75.6) |
22 (24.4) |
3. |
Lack of buyers of certified cocoa beans |
80 (88.9) |
10 (11.1) |
4. |
Nonpayment of premium |
35 (38.9) |
55 (61.1) |
5. |
High cost of labour |
15 (16.7) |
75 (83.3) |
6. |
Inadequate planting materials |
55 (61.1) |
35 (38.9) |
7. |
Poor market system |
74 (82.2) |
16 (17.8) |
8. |
Inadequate inputs such as chemical |
80 (88.9) |
10 (11.1) |
Figures in parenthesis are percentages
Kwakun Antwi
Kwakun Antwi,P.O. Box 14 Tamale Northern Region-Ghana
Title: IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA BLOCK FARM PROGRAM ON RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTHERN GHANA
Biography:
Abstract:
This paper investigates the impact of the government of Ghana block farm program participation on rural households’ farm productivity, income, food security and nutritional status in Northern Ghana using cross-sectional data. Data analysis was done using the Instrumental Variable and the Heckman Selection Bias Model procedures. Our analysis indicates that participation in the block farm program significantly increased the productivity of maize, rice, and soybean by 21.3 percent, 15.8 percent, and 12.3 percent respectively. Also, the program participation was found to increase households’ farm income by 20 percent in northern Ghana. Furthermore, program participation was found to improve household food security and nutrition by 19 percent and 14 percent respectively through its income effect. Based on the benefit-cost ratio of 1.59 the results from the study recommends that the program is expanded to other communities in the northern region. Further analysis indicates that rural households’ decision to participate in food security intervention programs is significantly influenced by factors including the gender of the household head, the age of the household head, and household size. Results of the study further show that gender of household head, household size, household monthly income, household assets, women educational status, the age of women, marital status of women, are significant determinants of food security and nutrition status in Northern Ghana.
Jacques Fils Pierre,
Jacques Fils Pierre,rua olavo dos santos pereira,campo grande, rio de janeiro,Brazil CEP:23076410
Title: IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA BLOCK FARM PROGRAM ON RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTHERN GHANA
Biography:
Abstract:
This paper investigates the impact of the government of Ghana block farm program participation on rural households’ farm productivity, income, food security and nutritional status in Northern Ghana using cross-sectional data. Data analysis was done using the Instrumental Variable and the Heckman Selection Bias Model procedures. Our analysis indicates that participation in the block farm program significantly increased the productivity of maize, rice, and soybean by 21.3 percent, 15.8 percent, and 12.3 percent respectively. Also, the program participation was found to increase households’ farm income by 20 percent in northern Ghana. Furthermore, program participation was found to improve household food security and nutrition by 19 percent and 14 percent respectively through its income effect. Based on the benefit-cost ratio of 1.59 the results from the study recommends that the program is expanded to other communities in the northern region. Further analysis indicates that rural households’ decision to participate in food security intervention programs is significantly influenced by factors including the gender of the household head, the age of the household head, and household size. Results of the study further show that gender of household head, household size, household monthly income, household assets, women educational status, the age of women, marital status of women, are significant determinants of food security and nutrition status in Northern Ghana.