International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Public willingness to pay for ecosystem service functions of a peri-urban forest near Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Adekunle, M. F.* and Agbaje, B. M.

Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources, Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 December, 2024

Abstract

The willingness to pay (WTP) format contingent valuation method (CVM) was adopted to elicit monetary values from some respondents in Arakanga forest reserve (AFR) (a peri- urban forest) near Abeokuta. This was to provide monetary estimates of the ecosystem service functions of the reserve. The respondents were randomly selected from both the neighbors and non-neighbors to the reserve. Data were collected with the aid of structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered interpersonally to the respondents. The questionnaire were 200 in number that is, 100 administered to each category of respondents. A total of 92 respondents (46%) were willing to pay amounts of money ranging from N100 to N1000 monthly. The modal value was N100 with the highest percentage of response (56.5%). An individual mean monthly WTP of N165.22 (N150 = 1USD) was recorded in the entire study area. This resulted into an aggregate of N15, 301,245.59 and N33, 263,577.38 minimum and maximum values respectively. These amounts although indicative, represented the monthly monetary values of the ecosystem service functions of AFR .Income and household sizes are some of the socio-economic factors by which the monetary values of ecosystem service functions of AFR can be predicted as revealed by the multiple regression analysis. It can be concluded from this study that the respondents valued the reserve so highly to the extent that they are willing to contribute a part of their income to ensure the continued existence of the reserve.

Key words: Ecosystem service functions, willingness to pay, peri-urban forest.
 

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The Global Landscape of Kenyan Cut-Flower and Foliage Exports: An Analytical Overview

Nancy Laibuni*, Nicholas Waiyaki, Lydia Ndirangu and John Omiti

Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), P. O. Box 56445–00200, Nairobi, Kenya.

Accepted 7 December, 2024

Abstract

In terms of volume and value, cut-flowers and foliage are the single most important horticultural exports, followed by vegetables and fruits. There are three main consumption centres where the market value for cut-flowers is high these are; the European union (EU), United States of America (USA) and Japan. Competitions for these markets are stringent, suggesting that countries may be easily substituted, making it critical to explore ways to improve Kenya’s market share and strategy. In the European Union market cluster, the country should focus on market penetration and product development. The Japanese market is a prime candidate for diversification and development of new, special and differentiated products. While in the USA market the country should pursue new products and market development, this is because the South American countries already have a comparative advantage. These initiatives should go hand in hand with promotion and lobbying to increase market share. The market infrastructure needs to be strengthened so as to facilitate the development of new strategies for marketing Kenyan products such as the use of geographical indications. Finally, domestic support needs to be increased and safeguards for cut-flower exports by enhancing financing to the sector as envisioned in the Cotonou partnership agreement.

Key words: Cut-flowers, competitiveness, market share.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-014, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Collective Efforts in Soil and Water Conservation: Insights from the Gununo Watershed in Southern Ethiopia

Waga Mazengia¹* and Jermias Mowo²

¹Hawassa Agricultural Research Centre, P. O. Box, 6, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
²African Highlands Initiative, World Agroforestry Center, P. O. Box 26416, Kampala, Uganda.

Accepted 2 December, 2024

Abstract

Collective action was initiated to manage soil and water conservation in Gununo watershed in southern Ethiopia. General problem exploration was conducted initially and issues requiring collective action were identified through group discussion and community meeting. Similarly local institution that could effectively lead the collective action was selected and collective action was run for two seasons (2005 and 2006). The conservation measures implemented were soil bund and fanya juu on which elephant grass and banana were planted as bund-stabilizer. Group and individual interviews were used to assess farmers’ perceptions on the benefits of the measures taken. Participatory monitoring and evaluation was conducted at different stages of the implementations. Descriptive analysis was used to interpret the results. Close to ten kilometer length of structures were constructed in the two seasons. Farmers also adopted and constructed additional length of soil conservation structures individually and also planted additional bund-stabilizer. The soil condition was improved and crop productivity increased within short period. In general, farmers’ participation in decision making and integration of feed and food crops with soil conservation structures as soil bund stabilizer increased adoption of soil conservation exercise. However, the achievements were associated with challenges mainly attached to dependency of farmers to food-for-work.

Key words: Bund stabilizer, collective action, fanya juu, local institution, soil and water conservation.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring Funding Mechanisms and Growth Challenges Facing Microfinance Institutions in Kano State, Nigeria

A. M. Makarfi¹* and J. O. Olukosi²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. ²Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Accepted 25 October, 2024

Abstract

This study aims to address challenges posed to Microfinance institution (MFIs) as they work to improve access to credits by poor entrepreneurs among farmers and other low resource-based individuals. This prompted this research work. A field survey, using multiphase sampling technique, was conducted to select samples for detailed analysis. Two sets of questionnaires were administered on the eleven (11) MFI decision units in Kano State, to collect information on their characteristics, financial resources and mode of operations; sources and uses of funds, resource use efficiency as well as outreach. Levels of savings of members, microloans packaged and delivered, women participation, levels of profits generated as well as returns to investments and to assets were measured. The results showed that three categories of MFIs operate in the area namely: formal finance institutions (FFIs), semi-formal finance institutions (SMFIs), and informal finance institutions (IMFI) each with its unique features and mode of operations. They share many common problems from low level of member savings, low equity levels lower than the African average in all cases and high level of borrowed funds. Though the returns indicated that average returns on assets for IMFI and SMFI ranged from 4 to 6% over the period, higher than the African average of 2% and confirms efficient use of resources, high dependence on costly borrowed funds as against savings by members may delay achievement of sustainability going by their level of dependence on subsidy. As to the main activities engaged by MFIs, petty trading ranks first followed by farming, equipment financing, livestock rearing, food and restaurant services, artisans and household wares trading respectively. With regards to problems and constraints to their growth they ranked lack of qualified staff, inadequate working capital, board decision problems, fund recovery, government policy changes, and sourcing additional funds in the fore front. Suggested solutions were made. Overall, it is evident that MFIs in Kano are profitable, efficient and could be sustainable if the identified problems and constraints are addressed by stakeholders and suggested solutions are adhered to.

Key words: Microfinance, constraints to growth, sustainability.
 

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (2), pp. 001-016, February, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Outcomes of Agricultural Development Initiatives in Guinea-Bissau: Growth Prospects and Poverty Reduction Strategies

CABRAL François Joseph

Faculty of Economics and Management (FASEG), University Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Senegal.
E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 19 November, 2024

Abstract

Promoted under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the objective of the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) is to increase the pace of agricultural growth in order to reduce poverty by half under the first goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. In this paper, we assess the expected effects of the CAADP on growth and poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Simulations are performed based on a dynamic general equilibrium model. The results reveal that Guinea Bissau would not achieve the first MDG goal by 2015 even under the assumption of an implementation of CAADP. Only a sustained implementation of CAADP on a longer time framework and a deliberate policy of increased agricultural productivity would allow policy makers to set the economy on a path of growth that will allow the halving of poverty by 2020.

Key words: Agriculture, growth, poverty, public investment.
 

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 13 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Analyzing Retail and Wholesale Maize Price Dynamics in Ghana with Error Correction Models

Henry de-Graft Acquah* and Samuel Kwesi Ndzebah Dadzie

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.

Accepted 12 November, 2024

Abstract

Previous studies analyzing asymmetric price transmission have been based on an econometric specification that is shown to be inconsistent with cointegration. This study draws on the concept of cointegration to implement the von Cramon-Taubadel and Loy error correction approach in analyzing retail-wholesale maize price transmission in Ghana. Asymmetries are modeled to affect the direct impact of price increases and decreases as well as adjustments to the equilibrium level. The analysis demonstrates that transmission between retail and wholesale maize prices in Ghanaian maize market is asymmetric. In accordance with common belief, retailers react more quickly to increasing wholesale prices than decreasing wholesale prices.

Key words: Asymmetric adjustments, cointegration, error correction model.