Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons^™

Agricultural Information Needs And Food Access In The Stann Creek District Of Belize, Sam Harris

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe agricultural information sources available to farmers and to describe food access and availability for the people of Dangriga, Stann Creek, Belize. This study used descriptive survey research methods with convenience sampling of the general public (n=22) and of farmers (n = 38) in the summer of 2017. Farmers use a variety of agricultural information sources with the extension service cited most often, followed by friends and fellow farmers. Weather, lack of information, pests, and inadequate access to capital were of primary concern for farmers. Face to face meetings were …

Enhancing Quality Of Life Through Foreign Direct Investment In Northern Mozambique, Sarah-Beth Delay

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has the potential to increase economic activity and improve GDP growth in low-income countries, but can hinder economic development (quality of life improvements) if not sustainable and holistic in manner. Africa serves as a host to many cases of FDI focused on economic growth, but not necessarily improving the quality of life for its citizens. FDI has spread throughout the African continent, where many countries are well endowed with natural resources, like minerals and coal. These economies have experienced rapid GDP growth with few benefits reaching citizens of the host country. Mozambique is a low-income country …

Effects On Producers Of The Transition To Revenue-Based Federal Crop Insurance Programs, Evan Wiese

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Prior to the passage of each farm bill, there is much debate regarding the programs contained within it. One of these programs is federal crop insurance, which underwent a major shift in the mid-1990’s with the introduction of revenue-based crop insurance rather than yield-based. Revenue-based programs provide insurance of a certain revenue level, rather than a certain yield level, which contributed to their popularity among producers. These revenue-based programs have become a key component of federal crop insurance. From 2014 to 2018, the costs of federal crop insurance were approximately $41 billion, much of this a result of subsidized insurance …

The Effects Of Food Security On Socioeconomic Mobility In The United States: A Case Study In Allendale County, South Carolina, Taylor St Clarke

Senior Theses

This thesis examines the relationship between food security – defined as accessibility to an affordable, nutritious, and sustainable source of food – and socioeconomic mobility in the continental United States. This thesis is primarily focused on the effects of food insecurity on both individuals and communities, examining the chronic long-term effects of such insecurity on areas known as “food deserts,” which are often given status as areas of persistent poverty. This research further examines the effects of a sustained poor diet, brought about by food insecurity, on the individual and overarching community in a food desert and how such a …

Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies And Entrepreneurial Intention Of Non-Business Students Enrolled In An Introductory Entrepreneurship Course, Gemma U. Reyes, Rachelle A. Mariano, Maria Noriza Q. Herrera, Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol, Jewel Joanna S. Cabardo

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

The objectives of the study are two-fold. The first is to find out the relationship between the personal entrepreneurial competencies (PEC), as identified by Management Systems International, and the entrepreneurial intention of non-business students who are taking up an introductory entrepreneurship course. The second is to determine whether the entrepreneurial competencies of the students improved after taking the course. Using Spearman rank-order correlation, the study reveals that eight of the ten entrepreneurial competencies have a significant correlation with entrepreneurial intention although the relationship ranges only from moderate to weak. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to test whether the post …

Value Of Arrival Metaphylaxis In U.S. Cattle Industry, Elliott James Dennis, Ted C. Schroeder, David G. Renter, Dustin L. Pendell

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

Although several studies have estimated economic impacts of antimicrobials for growth promotion, little is known about economic impacts of the common animal health management strategy known as metaphylaxis: administering antimicrobials to groups of animals to prevent disease. This article develops a new framework to map animal disease to producer profitability and determine societal economic impacts surrounding metaphylactic use of antimicrobials in beef cattle production. Results indicate the direct net return value of metaphylaxis to the U.S. fed cattle industry is at least $532 million. Beef producer surplus losses of $1.8 billion would be associated with eliminating metaphylaxis.

Preferences For Local And Organic Food: A Comparison Of New Hampshire And Vermont, Victoria Smith Lorvig

Honors Theses and Capstones

Annies bunnies or Kraft elbows? Supermarket or farmers market? Organic and local foods have been on the rise in the global market since the new millennium began (Darnhofer, 2010: 68, Schupp, 2016: 319). The growth in organic is attributed to consumers wanting their food to be healthier and more environmentally friendly (Aschemann-Witzel et. Al, 2017: 211, Van Doorn et. A, 2011: 167). The appeals of local foods are similar, plus the added component of boosting the local economy and building community (Hempel & Hamm, 2016: 732). Income is not the only factor affecting preferences and willingness to pay (WTP). Actors …

Three Essays On The Application Of Machine Learning Methods In Economics, Abdelaziz Lawani

Theses and Dissertations--Agricultural Economics

Over the last decades, economics as a field has experienced a profound transformation from theoretical work toward an emphasis on empirical research (Hamermesh, 2013). One common constraint of empirical studies is the access to data, the quality of the data and the time span it covers. In general, applied studies rely on surveys, administrative or private sector data. These data are limited and rarely have universal or near universal population coverage. The growth of the internet has made available a vast amount of digital information. These big digital data are generated through social networks, sensors, and online platforms. These data …

Impact Of Socioeconomic Factors On Florida Consumers' Perceptions On Use Of Chemical In Locally Or Regionally Produced Livestock Products, David Nii O. Tackie, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Janette R. Bartlett, Bridget J. Perry

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The use of chemicals in livestock production has been an issue for consumers for several decades. This study, therefore, assessed the impact of socioeconomic factors on Florida consumers’ perceptions on the use of chemicals in locally or regionally produced livestock products. Data were collected from a sample of 404 participants from several Florida counties and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic analysis. Most of the respondents were of the opinion that using chemicals in locally or regionally produced and sold beef or goat meat was a serious or somewhat serious hazard. The ordinal logistic regression results showed …

Measurement Of Commodity Price Risk: An Overview Of Brazilian Agricultural Markets, Daniel Henrique Dario Capitani, Fabio Mattos

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

This study explores different procedures to estimate price risk in commodity markets. Focusing on Brazilian agricultural markets, the paper proposes to assess both dispersion and downside risk measures using five different approaches (volatility, coefficient of variation, lower partial moments, value at risk and conditional value at risk). Results suggest that some commodities have large price variability but small downside risk, while other commodities show small price variability and large downside risk. Thus, there is no single answer to the question of which commodity exhibits more price risk, but rather distinct answers depending on how risk is perceived by different individuals. …

The Importance Of Branding In Small Businesses, Amber J. Rabie

Senior Honors Theses

The Land of Milk & Honey Farm exists to provide quality food produced in facilities that practice good stewardship to the Earth. It is a small business devoted to loving, careful stewardship and the production of quality goods. The mission of The Land of Milk & Honey is to combine traditional farming practices with a sustainable and environment-friendly approach to agriculture. It aims to provide customer satisfaction by being respectful and responsible over animals and the earth, and by producing quality products. To reach this objective, the farm intends to educate consumers and provide an alternative source for truly farm-fresh …

Do Farm Subsidies Affect Crop Diversification?, Chadwick O'Neal

Georgia College Student Research Events

The United States spends $20 billion each year on farm subsidies. Farmers face increased risk and income variation when their crop portfolio is less diversified. It’s possible for farm subsidies to decrease diversification if they are focused on specific crops. Utilizing state level subsidy and agricultural data from the Environmental Working Group, I used econometric analysis to estimate the effect of farm subsidies on crop diversification. I used the number of acres planted from the 15 top most subsidized and grown crops in the United States to derive my dependent variable, the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI). The HHI is a market …

Household Food Vulnerability Under An Extreme Weather Event In Sta. Cruz Subwatershed, Laguna, Philippines, Karen P. Quilloy, Agnes C. Rola

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

This study is an assessment of the vulnerability of households to food insecurity under an extreme weather event. A subjective-qualitative technique primarily based on the perceived food security status of the households and their food insecurity coping strategies was used to examine household food vulnerability. Key findings reveal that households living in the vulnerable areas of Sta. Cruz subwatershed were generally resilient to extreme weather events and only suffered from slight to moderate form of food security problems. Impacts of extreme weather events on them were generally moderate but the highest impact was observed in their income sources, logistics, and …

Seasonal Integration And Co-Integration In The Prices Of Key Aquaculture Species In The Philippines, Primo E. Rodriguez, Marjorie-Anne D. Sumaya

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

This paper investigates the relationship between retail and wholesale prices of milkfish (Chanoschanos), tilapia (Tilapianilotica), and tiger prawn (Peneaus monodon) using techniques that recognize the role of seasonal factors for testing orders of integration of and the existence of cointegration between these prices. This paper finds that seasonality plays an important role in explaining movements in the prices of these farmed species. This is so because, with the exception of the wholesale price of tiger prawn, unit roots occur at all frequencies for all of the prices that were examined. None of the pairs of prices were found to be …

Social Vulnerability To Climate Variability And Extremes Of Farming Households In Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines, Joan U. Ureta, Leonardo M. Florece, Juan M. Pulhin, Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

Climate-sensitive livelihoods are in the frontline of sectors which will be affected most by climate change. Without proper intervention, smallholder farmers would suffer from declining crop production, yield, and on-farm income, among others. Hence, this study aims to assess the social vulnerability of farming households residing in northern part of Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) was used in developing separate social vulnerability indices for drought, typhoon, and early onset of rains. Unbalanced weighted approach through principal component analysis (PCA) was employed in assigning weights to the variables. Findings showed that financial capital has the highest contribution to …

Impact Of Trade Liberalization On Research And Development (R&D) Expenditures In The Philippines, Mary Joyce N. Vadanes

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

This paper examines the effects of tariff reductions endorsed under GATT-WTO and AFTA-CEPT on R&D expenditures of Philippine manufacturing firms. It also considers firm characteristics like exports, capital intensity, and size as explanatory factors. Using pooled firm-level data that are harmonized with the international nomenclatures for traded products, the results uphold that intensified competition from foreign players drive domestic firms to develop their production processes and products. Accordingly, the main findings of the paper reveal that reductions in MFN and ASEAN tariffs increase the growth rate of R&D within manufacturing firms. Likewise, a rising export share is associated with higher …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Exposure To Extreme Weather And Economic Inequality In The Philippines, Rosalina Palanca Tan

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

This paper looks into the relationship between typhoon exposure and inequality in per capita income and per capita expenditure of households in the Philippines by comparing the change in the Theil L and Theil T inequality indexes between 2009 and 2012 across different exposure groups. A decomposition analysis of the Theil index was also undertaken to establish the relative contributions of within-exposure group inequality and between-exposure groups inequality to total inequality. Conforming to the paper’s hypothesis, the group that has the highest exposure to typhoons was found to experience a worsening of both income and expenditure inequality while the group …

Betting On The Big: State-Brokered Land Transfers, Large-Scale Agricultural Producers, And Rural Policy Implementation, Weigang Gong, Qian Forrest Zhang

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

As rural governments have become hollowed out and detached from rural society, can they still effectively implement policies that lack popular support? This article examines a county in Hunan Province, where local governments had strong incentives to implement a national policy of increasing double cropping in rice farming. Small farmers rejected double cropping as unprofitable. Local governments’ limited capacity prevented them from either reshaping small farmers’ economic calculus or coercing compliance. They strategically selected a policy tool acceptable to most small farmers (paid land transfers) and gave new private large-scale producers incentives to double crop by providing subsidies and access …

The Economic Impact Of Vegetable Production In Northeast Arkansas, Angelia D. Smith

Student Theses and Dissertations

Across the region of Northeastern Arkansas row crop production has become the staple of agricultural production. This study evaluates potential economic impacts on the NEA region that may result from diversifying into vegetable crop production. Five vegetables, Okra, Southern Peas, Snap Beans, Summer Squash, and Sweet Potatoes are evaluated. The evaluations entail analyses of potential regional economic impacts, using IMPLAN 3.0. The results exhibit strong multiplier effects and economic contributions in the region to output, employment, value-added, and income generation. The results also show that vegetable production can be an important source of indirect and induced economic activities in the …

Broadband And Mobile Internet Services In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Nebraska Rural Poll

Most rural Nebraskans use their cell phone to access the Internet. Certain groups are more likely than others to use mobile/cellular Internet service: rural Nebraskans with the highest household incomes, who are younger, married, with higher education levels and with management or professional occupations.

Overall, most rural Nebraskans using mobile/cellular Internet service are satisfied with their service. Furthermore, most rural Nebraskans are satisfied with the reliability, speed, customer service, and coverage of their mobile Internet service. However, most rural Nebraskans using mobile Internet service are dissatisfied with the price of their service.

Certain groups have issues with various aspects of …

Determining The Most Efficient Type Of Growth Light For An Aquaponics System Using Yellow Lantern Chilies (Capsicum Chinense), Travis Mceachern

Undergraduate Theses

Abstract

Aquaponics, a type of urban agriculture, shows potential to produce large amounts of food with little water and land requirements. Thus, aquaponics could help address the issue of feeding the growing worldwide population. However, multiple challenges, both technical and economical, are associated with aquaponics, making large-scale implementation of these systems difficult – these systems can require tremendous amounts of energy. This study sought to determine the most efficient types grow lights in aquaponics systems by comparing the growth rates of yellow lantern chilies (Capsicum chinense) when grown under four different types of growth lights: light-emitting diode (LED), …

Then And Now: Ten Years Of Arkansas Women In Agriculture, Paige Morgan Acklie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

The United States Agricultural Census show that between 2002 and 2012, the number of farm women operators in Arkansas grew 14 percent (from 19,856 to 22,637). These women operators have made up an increasingly larger percent of all farm operators in the state (from almost 29% to nearly 33%). There is little published information regarding how women’s roles, challenges and factors important to their success may have changed over time. While some surveys of farm women have been conducted, these surveys are generally insufficient because data exist only for one point in time.

This research uses the first, middle and …

Review Of Land Capability Assessment For The Swan Valley, Peter Tille, Angela Stuart-Street

Resource management technical reports

Land capability review for the Swan Valley.

The land capability review of the Swan Valley examined and updated previous soil and capability studies done in the area, which are still considered highly relevant for the planning requirements of the Swan Valley. As a result we have updated information on the potential for irrigated agriculture in the Swan Valley which will guide decision-making in the future.

This review uses a modified version of a new approach to presenting information for land use planning, developed by DAFWA in the Mid West region.

The main findings of the review include:

• The alluvial terraces …

Perceptions Of Well-Being In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Nebraska Rural Poll

Rural Nebraskans continue to feel positive about their current situation. Just over one-half (52%) of rural Nebraskans believe they are better off than they were five years ago (holding steady from 53% last year, the highest proportion in all 21 years of this study, tied in 2008). And, rural Nebraskans’ outlook on their future continues to be optimistic. Almost one-half of rural Nebraskans (46%) believe they will be better off ten years from now. In addition, most rural Nebraskans disagree that people are powerless to control their own lives. This year, 55 percent strongly disagree or disagree with that statement. …

The Effect Of Soil Erosion On Children’S Calorie Intake Among Corn-Producing Households, Davao Region, Philippines, Pedro A. Alviola Iv, Jon Marx P. Sarmiento, Nikko L. Laorden, Nilo B. Oponda

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

Soil erosion is a constant challenge to farm productivity and profitability. However, extending the effect to food expenditure and children’s nutrition is yet to be explored. In this research, an attempt was made to establish the path linking soil erosion to children’s calorie intake levels. Using the geo-coordinates of Mindanao soil erosion areas from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to identify the research sites for corn producing households in Davao region. A total of 125 samples were analyzed. A 24-hour food-frequency recall survey was conducted and conversion of food consumption to …

The Effect Of Soil Erosion On Children’S Calorie Intake Among Corn-Producing Households, Davao Region, Philippines, Jon Marx P. Sarmiento, Nikko L. Laorden, Nilo B. Oponda

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

Soil erosion is a constant challenge to farm productivity and profitability. However, extending the effect to food expenditure and children’s nutrition is yet to be explored. In this research, an attempt was made to establish the path linking soil erosion to children’s calorie intake levels. Using the geo-coordinates of Mindanao soil erosion areas from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to identify the research sites for corn producing households in Davao region. A total of 125 samples were analyzed. A 24-hour foodfrequency recall survey was conducted and conversion of food consumption to …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Service Delivery Of Potable Water Through Cooperatives: The Case Of Talaga Barangay Water Service Cooperative, Philippines, Arminga B. Oeria

Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development

This paper aims to demonstrate the important role of cooperatives in the provision and delivery of potable water to a community of households based on evidence from a case study of Talaga Barangay Water Service Cooperative (TBWSC) in Tanauan, Batangas. TBWSC is a water service type of cooperative that successfully provides its members with access to potable water. The case shows how social capital works in addressing a common need. Particularly, it presents the collaborative partnership between the government and the cooperative in implementing a waterworks project. The factors contributing to the success of water service delivery are the felt …

In The Race To Reach New Wine Drinkers Old World Taste Is Losing Out, Lillian Knoepp

Capstones

But this old world is losing its grip on the wine industry. French wine production and consumption are falling while the New World of wine is gaining ground in both areas. Experts say that new wine making techniques and higher consumption in New World markets like the United States have changed the French wine industry.

For the French, more than just their wine industry is at stake. For many, the loss of French wine is a loss of French identity.

“They can't choose between the two. Because French people - we are wine and cheese - we are everything,” said …

Climate And Energy: Opinions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans 2015 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Tonya Haigh

Nebraska Rural Poll

Many rural Nebraskans are concerned about more severe droughts or longer dry periods in their area, insect-borne diseases like West Nile Virus, and more extreme summer temperatures in their area. Fewer rural Nebraskans are concerned about the availability of water for their community or home or more frequent extreme rains or floods. Residents of the North Central region are more likely than residents of other regions of the state to be concerned about more severe droughts or longer dry periods in their area.

Few rural Nebraskans reported their household experiencing health problems during the drought of 2012. However, many persons …

Perspectives On Community Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2015 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Nebraska Rural Poll

By many different measures, rural Nebraskans are positive about their community. Many rural Nebraskans rate their community as friendly, trusting, and supportive. Most rural Nebraskans also say it would be difficult to leave their community. In addition, most rural Nebraskans disagree that their community is powerless to control its future.

However, the proportion of rural Nebraskans satisfied with many social services and entertainment services has decreased across all nineteen years of the study. Declines in satisfaction levels across all 19 years are seen with nursing home care, medical care services, senior centers, mental health services, entertainment, retail shopping and restaurants. …