International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Vol. 1 (4), pp. 017-023, April, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Factors affecting performance of palm oil processors in the South-South Region of Nigeria

Ini-mfon V. Patrick^1, Sunday B. Akpan¹, Samuel J. Udoka¹ Daniel E. John² and Ubong E. Etokeren³

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Resources Management, Akwa Ibom State University Ikot Akpaden,  Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

²Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,  Nigeria.

³Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] 

Accepted 08 March, 2013

Abstract

This research assessed the socioeconomic characteristics of palm oil processors and determined factors affecting the performance of the business in Ikot Ekpene area of Akwa Ibom state, southern Nigeria. Thirty (30) oil palm processors were randomly sampled and used for data collection. The analysis of the socio-economic characteristics of processors reveals that respondents were all males who are approaching their old age. Majority of them have some levels of formal education and moderate family size. The OLS regression result showed that farmer’s education, experience, membership of a social group, income from other sources, labor cost and initial cost of mills are significant policy variables affecting both on-season and off- season  performances (gross margins) of palm oil processors in the study area. Based on the finding, it is recommended that policies which focus on education of farmers or processors will promote performance in the sub sector. Also, Capital intensive method of processing should be introduced as a way to curb the rising cost of labour. In addition, farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives or other social groups to enable them pool resources that will enhance acquisition of equipment with better efficiency. Organized market for palm oil mill products in Ikot Ekpene area is also strongly advocated.

Keyword: Palm oil, Ikot Ekpene, gross margin, Akwa Ibom, processor.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-009, February, 2013.  © International Scholars Journals

Full length Research Paper

Analysis of the rural farmer entrepreneurship in non-agricultural sector Semarang Regency (Central Java Province - Indonesia): Case study

Edy Dwi Kurniati 

Darul Ulum Islamic Centre Sudirman GUPPI University (UNDARIS) Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.

E-mail: [email protected].

Received 22 October, 2012.Accepted 03 February, 2013

Abstract

Entrepreneurship development of industrial sectors beside the agriculture in the rural area as a support of agriculture entrepreneurship has an important role in increasing the additional value of product, employment creation and undertaking the product orientation into market orientation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence farmers' decisions to work in the industrial sector beside the agricultural sector in Semarang Regency. This study was analyzed with logistic regression. Results of this research find the variables that influence the farmers' decisions to work in industrial sectors beside agriculture in Semarang Regency are the vast land tenure, land mastery, low income of agriculture sector, farmers experience and farmer’s parent job. Innovation variable has a negative effect; this means more innovation done by farmers in the agricultural sector compared to industrial sectors beside agriculture sector.

International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Vol. 1 (1), pp. 010-016, February 2013.  © International Scholars Journals

Full length Research Paper

Sheep market price determinants in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Aklilu Nigussie^1,2*, Dawit Alemu¹ and Ayalineh Bogale³

¹Ethiopian Institutes of Agricultural Research, P. O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

²Department of Agricultural Economics, Haremaya University, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dwa Ethiopia.

³School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg,

Scottsville 3209, South Africa.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] 

Received 06 November, 2012; Accepted 05 February, 2013

Abstract

This study has attempted to identify determinants of sheep price per kilogram live weight using a log-linear regression model. The estimated model explains about 48% of the variation in market prices of sheep. Price per kilogram live weight increases with animal characteristics such as age, live weight and grade. Type of sellers, buyers’ purposes, and buyer type are also important variables in affecting prices. Pastorals, agro-pastorals, and farmers tend to sell their animals at price discounts as compared to trader sellers. Sellers suffer from price discounts in selling to buyers with business purposes in comparison to selling to ultimate consumers. Price per kilogram live weight increases with the time of transaction suggesting that sellers tend to obtain higher prices by selling at later hours of a market day. The policy implications of these empirical results are that efforts to benefit producers and/or sellers need to pay attention to animal characteristics, seller types, and buyers’ purposes. It is vitally essential to train keepers on the above issues. Provision of reliable market (price) information to market participants, and investment in different sheep marketing facilities (like weighing scale), and services need to be given due attention in order to avoid unrewarding sheep-pricing practices.

Key words: Sheep, live weight, body condition, age, central rift valley.