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» Purpose Information technology (IT) has tremendous potential for fostering grassroots development and the Indian government has created various capital intensive computer networks to promote agricultural development. However, research studies have shown that information technology investments are not always translated into productivity gains due to poor computer use by employees. In this context, ...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 173 engagements |
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» Abstract The dynamics experienced in agricultural practice has put extension service delivery on a new platform that requires regular updating of the extension staff knowledge for new competences, to meet the changing needs of the clientele they serve. This study therefore sought to determine the training needs of extension personnel of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Ekiti State of Ni...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 186 engagements |
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» Abstract The study analyzed the determinants of fish marketing and profitability in four selected markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Primary data collected through a multi stage random sampling of eighty (80) fish traders were analyzed using descriptive statistics, profitability ratios, Gross and marketing margins as well as Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. Result showed the dominance of ...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 193 engagements |
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» Abstract and Figures This paper surveys the findings of 18 studies conducted in low income countries concerning the extent to which the educational level of small farmers affects their production efficiency. The 18 studies include analyses of 37 sets of farm data that allow statistical estimation of the effect of education, with other variables controlled. In 6 of these data sets, education was fo...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 195 engagements |
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» Abstract: The agriculture sector supports the livelihoods of the majority of the population in Rwanda. Currently, the sector is dominated by smallholder farmers most of whom are women. In order to modernize and transform agriculture to market orientation, the government has put in place agriculture sector development programs for instance the Crop Intensification Program. One of the targeted crops...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 207 engagements |
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» Abstract Corporate boards in New Zealand like their international counterparts, continue to fail even though a plethora of legislation and best practice have been put in place in an attempt to halt ineffective forms of governance. To consider regulation and legislation as the ultimate cure negates the ability of a board to effectively make decisions. By identifying characteristics of boardroom dec...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 214 engagements |
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» A simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 extension officers to examine the incidence of job burnout and coping strategies in North West Province, South Africa. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regression analysis. The results show that majority of the extension officers were male (52.5%) with the mean ...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 240 engagements |
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» Abstract This paper presents a framework for investigating the intersection of collective action and gender; i.e. how gender oriented analysis can foster more effective collective action in the context of agriculture and natural resource management and how collective action can be used as a vehicle for gender equity. We begin with definitions of the key concepts and then present three entry points...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 229 engagements |
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» IntroductionThere is a consensus among Nigerian policy makers, her development partners, and experts in Nigerian agriculture that the wealth of the country can substantially be derived from agricultural production. It is generally believed that the small scale farmer holds the key to the realization of this possibility. However, the average Nigerian small scale farmer is poor, non literate, and la...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 254 engagements |
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» Abstract: Farmer’ organisations are seen as key vehicles to achieve intensification and increased market orientation of the smallholder farm sector; however there are contradicting reports regarding the effectiveness of these farmer organisations to achieve these goals. In the study, the role of collective action on cocoa marketing among rural smallholder farmers in Kyela District was analyz...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 218 engagements |
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» The agricultural component of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) programme in Ghana, consistent with the country’s Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP) promotes the commercialization of smallholder farmers. This study analyzes the trends in maize and cassava production by farm households in Ghana and; estimates the levels of commercialization of these two crops. It als...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 265 engagements |
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» In order to increase the effectiveness of extension services, the government of Uganda adopted a farmer driven extension approach in 2001. In this approach, the government contracts out the extension services to the agribusiness enterprises that provide the services to the farmers at a fee. This study aimed at finding out whether farmers’ trust and perception on this arrangement influences t...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 187 engagements |
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» Abstract Energy technology adoption is a complex process, involving social, behavioral, and economic factors that impact individual decision making. This paper uses an empirical, geographic information system (GIS) integrated agent based model of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption to explore the importance of using empirical household level data and of incorporating economic as well as s...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 232 engagements |
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» Abstract Chinese investment in the African continent is rapidly spreading. Unlike the Maoist proselytism that defined past diplomatic relations between China and a few African countries, the current distribution of current Chinese Foreign Direct Investment has economic motivations. However, our study also found that Chinese investors are attracted to the political and institutional particularities...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 184 engagements |
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» ABSTRACT Ginger is an important rhizome in Nigeria, mostly cultivated by the rural smallholder farmers, who utilise low level production techniques. There, is, therefore, the need to enhance their farming activities. Hence determinants of small scale ginger production were examined in this study....Continue Reading »
50 pages | 201 engagements |
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» Abstract Agricultural practices combined with soil erosion resulted in extreme loss of soil fertility and reduced sustainability in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Alternative land uses include planting leguminous forage species for cut and carry feeding of livestock, and raising sheep in folds (RSFs). In this study, an econometric model was used to quantify the factors determining farmers&rs...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 189 engagements |
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» Abstract This study assessed determinants of farmers access and use of new ICTS in the study area. Data obtained from 270 respondents through multi stage sampling technique were subjected to descriptive and logit regression analysis. The results show that GSM is the only new ICT farmers have access to (mean= 2.66) and use regularly (mean =3.44) while they have little or no access to and use either...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 202 engagements |
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» INTRODUCTIONThe problems of unemployment, underemployment and disguised unemployment have swamped the rural areasof Nigeria thereby creating a wide gap between citizens (Narendran and Ranganathan, 2015; Shoji et al, 2014).In a bid to bridge the gap and ensure increased economic opportunities and food security for the rural householdshas necessitated the adoption of agripreneurship (Uneze, 2013). A...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 188 engagements |
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» Abstract and Figures The Chaobai watershed in northern China is the most important source of drinking water for Beijing. The level of fertilizer use, especially overuse, as well as farming practices in the region have a great impact on the water quality downstream and affect an enormous number of people. This study analyzes the factors influencing the farmers’ decisions on fertilizer use and...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 217 engagements |
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» Abstract Background Change management experts have emphasized the importance of establishing organizational readiness for change and recommended various strategies for creating it. Although the advice seems reasonable, the scientific basis for it is limited. Unlike individual readiness for change, organizational readiness for change has not been subject to extensive theoretical development or empi...Continue Reading »
50 pages | 196 engagements |