Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research

ISSN 2736-1756

Table of Contents 2015

Research Article

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

 Full Length Research Paper

Measuring agricultural productivity growth in Developing Eight

V. Shahabinejad* and A. Akbari

Department of Economics, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan-Iran.

Accepted 23 August, 2014

Abstract

In this paper the agricultural productivity growth in Developing Eight (D-8) from 1993 - 2007 is examined using the data envelopment analysis (DEA). The study focuses on growth in total factor productivity and its decomposition in to technical and efficiency change components. It was found that, during that period, total factor productivity has experienced a positive evolution in D-8. Decomposition of TFP shows that technical change is the main source of this growth. The study also describes that technical efficiency change has been the main constraint of achievement of high levels of total factor productivity. Also, findings in pure and scale efficiency change show that, the cause of the low efficiency is that, these countries have not succeeded well in expanding of agriculture sector of their economy. Finally it was found that, all D-8 countries improved technology more than efficiency in the reference period.

Key words: Total factor productivity (TFP), data envelopment analysis (DEA), developing Eight (D-8).

A. Akbari, V. Shahabinejad*

Page: 1 - 10

Research Article

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of fertilizer liberalization on maize production in Nigeria

A. A. Ammani1*, J. F. Alamu2 and T. M. Kudi2

1Agricultural Extension and Economics Programme, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria- Nigeria.

2Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria.

Accepted 4 October, 2014

Abstract

The paper studies the effects of the liberalization of the Nigerian fertilizer sector, vis-à-vis the sustenance of the present dual fertilizer distribution arrangement, on maize production in Nigeria. Time series data was collected for the period 1990- 2006. A multiple regression model was specified with aggregate fertilizer use, maize hectarage and a dummy variable designed to capture the effects of the changes induced by fertilizer liberalization measure, as explanatory variables. Aggregate maize output was the dependent variable. Results of this study indicate that a significant decrease in aggregate maize production followed the Federal Government’s liberalization of the fertilizer sector in 1997. The statistically significant decrease in Maize production is attributable to the statistically significant decrease in fertilizer use during the fertilizer liberalization period. The paper concluded that the sustenance of the present dual fertilizer distribution arrangement has a negative effect on maize production in Nigeria.

Key words: Effects, fertilizer liberalization, maize production, Nigeria.

A. A. Ammani*, J. F. Alamu and T. M. Kudi

Page: 1 - 10

Research Article

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2015

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2015 International Scholars Journals

Review

The real exchange rate and growth in Malawi: Exploring the transmission route

Thomas Munthali1, Kisu Simwaka2* and MacDonald Mwale3

1Economics Association of Malawi, Malawi.

2University of KwaZulu-Natal, Marianhill Rd, Pinetown 3610, South Africa 031 260 3414, South Africa.

3Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi.

Accepted 4 August, 2011

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of real exchange rate on savings rate and economic growth. It further explores the savings transmission mechanism through which such a link can take place in the country. The results show that real effective exchange rate (REER) volatility has adverse effects on economic performance. Contextually, an appreciated REER is significantly and positively correlated with economic growth, reflecting Malawi’s net-importer position. On the other hand, REER volatility is significantly and negatively correlated with growth, reflecting investors’ preference for a stable exchange rate. With regard to savings, the study finds that appreciation of the REER (or nominal exchange rate) would encourage savings. The study also finds that devaluation of the REER has an insignificant effect on economic growth in the long-run. The negative impact of real exchange rate volatility on economic growth suggests that eliminating real exchange rate volatility can have strong growth-enhancing effects. Government has a variety of instruments at their disposal to influence the level, and reduce the volatility of the real exchange rate. The options include currency intervention (building up foreign exchange reserves) and eliminating institutional and market failures.

Key words: Malawi, real exchange rate, economic growth, transmission route.

Kisu Simwaka* and MacDonald Mwale, Thomas Munthali

Page: 1 - 10

Table of Contents 2014

Research Article

Bai Shen Sun, Zhe Ming Fang, Li Juan Gu, Dong Liang Zhang and Chang Keun Sung*, Chun Yan Wang, Zhen Wang

Page: 1 - 10

Research Article

S. Melki Ben Fredj*, S. Chebil and A. Mliki

Page: 1 - 10

Research Article

Ashish K. Asthana, Molly Madan, Anupam Das, Anita Pandey*, Ritu Kansal

Page: 1 - 10