Supporting Agricultural Extension: Could Farmers Contribute?

Is extension an effective tool for increasing social welfare? The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of farmer financial participation in extension as an alternative to increase its efficiency. While extension costs have been high, the impact at farmers' welfare has not yielded the expected results. Rice production in Nigeria and Benin is used as a study case. Rice is an important food crop and cash crops and both countries have conditions to produce it locally. Two concepts are used to evaluate private participation: farmers' capability to pay (CTP) and requirement to pay (RTP) for extension. Farmers' capability to pay is evaluated from the expected increase benefit due to extension work. Requirement to pay is deducted from extension costs. Results show that rice farmers could initially contribute with 25% of the extension costs in Nigeria and 10% in Benin. While financial participation from farmers is a possibility, the role of the government is still needed to guarantee social welfare.Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, Q16, O3,

How does agricultural biodiversity contribute to food security?

The contribution of agricultural biodiversity to agricultural production and food security is widely accepted. In the economic research this contribution has been evaluated from the production and from the consumption side. On the production side, agricultural diversity provides services that support the productivity of the system. These services include pest control, soil fertility, or in general system resilience to extreme climate events. On the consumption side, agricultural biodiversity enhances the diet diversity thereby enabling small farmers to consume a variety of foods. To our knowledge, however, the long term economics contribution of agricultural biodiversity to agricultural production and food security has not been evaluated in depth. On the production side some economic research has been done on quantifying the effect of crop diversity on output, output variability and probability of crop failure (Birol et al. 2006; Birol et al. 2009; Di Falco and Chavas, 2006, Di Falco, et al., 2006, Edmeades et al. 2006; Kwikiriza et al 2010; Smale, et al., 1998, Smale et al., 2003, Smale 2006; Van Dusen and Taylor 2006). These studies using different methodological approaches have shown some lights on the interaction of biodiversity and its contribution to food security. To evaluate a system requires a system approach The results however also shed light on the conditions need for agricultural biodiversity to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation. Most of these studies use a narrow definition of agricultural biodiversity referring mainly to crop diversity and in several cases to intra-specific diversity. The main reason behind is simplicity. To evaluate a system requires a system approach and there are on one hand limited tools and methods that can be used to evaluate the system. On the other hand modeling an agroecosystem over time and at the same time translating ecological processes into economic terms it is a rather complicated exercise. The global consequences of climate instability and economic crisis however are making more and more evident the need to invest in long term approaches and data collection. High correlation between dietary diversity and nutrition adequacy On the consumption a growing body of research shows that there is a high correlation between dietary diversity and nutrition adequacy (Mouille and Ruel, 2003, Ekesa et. al 2008, Johns and Eyzaguirre 2007; Frison 2006). Not only number of species available is important, the greater the intra-species plant genetic diversity, the greater the variety of nutrients available to the population, hence better health outcomes (Kennedy et al. 2010). This relationship has been found especially significant in developing countries. Emphasizing dietary diversity in the context of poverty alleviation stems from the concerns of nutritional deficiency among the poor in developing countries and the importance of increasing food group variety to ensure adequate nutrient intakes. The pathway of poverty impact will not be complete unless we consider the effect of crop species diversity on dietary diversity and nutrition, because persistent malnutrition of the population could potentially contribute to persistent poverty. As in the case of production, this research effort requires long term investment and the implementation of sound methodological approaches. There is therefore an evident need for more understanding of the role of agricultural diversity towards ecosystem productivity (food production as an ecosystem service) and thus to poverty alleviation. Taking an objective view at agricultural diversity and its effects on yield, yield stability and dietary diversity can help identifying where, what and how agricultural biodiversity can contribute to poverty alleviation

PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN NIGERIA AND BENIN: DETERMINING THE WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR INFORMATION

A typical private good is defined by its excludability and rivalry characteristics. Information might not generate rivalry among its users. By contrast, excludability is certainly a characteristic of information and its delivery can generate incentives for private participation. This study examines farmers' preferences for seed of new rice varieties and their willingness to pay for related information in villages of Nigeria and Benin. Conjoint analysis is used to estimate the structure of farmers' preferences for rice seed given a set of alternatives. Farmers are considered to be maximizers of utility rather than profit, preferring one variety over another based on the utility they obtain from its attributes, which depends on their own social and economic characteristics. Contingent methods are used to elicit preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for rice seed. The marginal values of attributes, with and without information about the seed, are estimated with an ordered probit regression. WTP for information is derived from the analysis of WTP for rice seed. The results have implications for the best way to finance research and extension services in the areas of intervention, particularly for new rice varieties.WTP for information, conjoint analysis, rice attributes, farmers' preferences, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, O3, O33, C35,

Farmer willingness to pay for seed-related information: rice varieties in Nigeria and Benin

"A typical private good is defined by its excludability and rivalry characteristics. Information embodied in a technology might not generate rivalry among its users. By contrast, excludability is certainly a characteristic of this kind of information and its delivery can generate incentives for private participation. This study examines farmers' preferences for seed of new rice varieties and their willingness to pay for seed-related information in villages of Nigeria and Benin. Conjoint analysis is used to estimate the structure of farmers' preferences for rice seed given a set of alternatives. Farmers are considered to be consumers of seed as a production input, preferring one variety over another based on the utility they obtain from its attributes, which depends on their own social and economic characteristics, including whether or not they sell rice. Contingent methods are used to elicit preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for rice seed. The marginal values of attributes, with and without information about the seed, are estimated with an ordered probit regression. WTP for information is derived from the analysis of WTP for rice seed. The results have implications for the best way to finance research and extension services in the areas of intervention, particularly for new rice varieties. " Authors' AbstractWillingnes to pay (WTP), seed-related information, conjoint analysis, rice attributes, farmers' preferences, technology,

Insecticide use on vegetables in Ghana: Would GM seed benefit farmers?

"Tomato, cabbage, and garden egg (African eggplant, or Solanum aethiopicum) are important crops for small-scale farmers and migrants in the rural and peri-urban areas of Ghana. Genetic modification has the potential to alleviate poverty through combating yield losses from pests and diseases in these crops, while reducing health risks from application of hazardous chemicals. This ex ante study uses farm survey data to gauge the potential for adoption of genetically modified (GM) varieties, estimate the potential impact of adoption on farm profits, and highlight economic differences among the three crops. Farmers' expenditures on insecticides are below the economic optimum in all three crops, and the estimated function for damage abatement shows that insecticide amounts are significant determinants of cabbage yields only. Nonetheless, yield losses from pests and disease affect insecticide use. A stochastic budget analysis also indicates a higher rate of return to vegetable production with the use of resistant seeds relative to the status quo, even considering the technology transfer fee for GM seed. Non–insecticide users could accrue higher marginal benefits than current insecticide users. Comparing among vegetable crops with distinct economic characteristics provides a wider perspective on the potential impact of GM technology. Until now, GM eggplant is the only vegetable crop that has been analyzed in the peer-reviewed, applied economics literature. This is the first analysis that includes African eggplant." from authors' abstractBiotechnology Developing countries, Genetically modified crops, pesticides, Pests Management, eggplant, damage abatement, stochastic budget analysis,

Vegetable Production and Pesticide Use in Ghana: Would GM Varieties Have an Impact at the Farm Level?

The objective of this study is to evaluate pesticide use as an important factor affecting potential adoption and farm level impact of genetically modified (GM) vegetable varieties in Ghana. Tomato is the most consumed vegetable and a food security crop. Cabbage is a vegetable of growing importance but limited cultivation and is produced in urban areas. Garden egg is a native African crop of wide consumption and importance for rural economies. Farm level information was collected in randomly selected sites in southern and central regions of Ghana. Partial budget analysis shows that investments in pesticides are rather low, especially for tomato and garden egg. Analysis of production using an abatement framework shows that insecticide amounts are significant in determining cabbage output levels only. Rate of returns of GM seeds however can still be high. GM varieties would need to show not only a high abatement rate and a high yield potential but mainly an affordable price, to reduce total costs and induce adoption.Farm, Genetically Modified, Ghana, Tomato, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Health Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Insecticide Use on Vegetables in Ghana: Would GM Seed Benefit Farmers?

Tomato, cabbage and garden egg (African eggplant, or Solanum Aethiopicum) are important crops for small-scale farmers and migrants in the rural and peri-urban areas of Ghana. Genetic modification (GM) has the potential to alleviate poverty through combating yield losses from pests and diseases in these crops, while reducing health risks from application of hazardous chemicals. This ex-ante study uses farm survey data to gauge the potential for adoption of genetically-engineered varieties, estimate the potential impact of adoption on farm profits, and highlight economic differences among the three crops. Farmer's expenditures on insecticides are below the economic optimum in all three crops, and the estimated function for damage abatement shows that insecticide amounts are significant determinants of cabbage yields only. Nonetheless, yield losses from the pests and diseases affect insecticide use. Stochastic budget analysis also indicates a higher rate of return to vegetable production with the use of resistant seeds relative to status quo, even considering the technology transfer fee for GM seeds. Non-insecticide users could accrue higher marginal benefits than current insecticide users. Comparing among vegetable crops with distinct economic characteristics provides a wider perspective on the potential impact of GM technology. Until now, GM eggplant is the only vegetable crop that has been analyzed in the peer-reviewed, applied economics literature. This is the first analysis that includes African eggplant.Crop Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

From "best practice" to "best fit": a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services worldwide

"The paper develops a framework for the design and analysis of pluralistic agricultural advisory services and reviews research methods from different disciplines that can be used when applying the framework. Agricultural advisory services are defined in the paper as the entire set of organizations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being... To classify pluralistic agricultural advisory services, the paper distinguishes between organizations from the public, the private and the third sector that can be involved in (a) providing and (b) financing of agricultural advisory services. The framework for analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services presented in the paper addresses the need for analytical approaches that help policy-makers to identify those reform options that best fit country-specific frame conditions. Thus, the paper supports a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” to a “best fit” approach in the reform of public services... Based on a review of the literature, the paper presents a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches derived from different disciplines that can be applied when using the framework in empirical research projects. The disciplines include agricultural and institutional economics, communication theory, adult education, and public administration and management. The paper intends to inform researchers as well as practitioners, policy-makers and development partners who are interested in supporting evidence-based reform of agricultural advisory services. from Authors' AbstractAgricultural extension work, Pro-poor growth, Capacity strengthening,

From "best practice" to "best fit": a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services

"Agricultural advisory services play an important role in supporting the use of the agricultural sector as an engine of pro-poor growth and enabling small farmers to meet new challenges, such as accessing export markets, adopting environmentally sustainable production techniques, and coping with HIV/AIDS and other health challenges that affect agriculture...There is now renewed interest in agricultural advisory services in many countries.... The questions under debate include: What should be the roles of the public sector, private sector, and civil society? How can we ensure that agricultural advisory services are demand-driven and meet the diverse information needs of farmers? How can advisory services be made efficient and financially sustainable? How can we ensure that female farmers, the poor, and other marginalized groups have access to agricultural advisory services?" from Authors' SummaryAgricultural extension work, Pro-poor growth, Capacity strengthening,

rice varieties in Nigeria and Benin

This study examines farmers’ preferences for seed of new rice varieties and their willingness to pay for seed-related information in villages of Nigeria and Benin. Conjoint analysis is used to estimate the structure of farmers’ preferences for rice seed given a set of alternatives. Farmers are considered to be consumers of seed as a production input, preferring one variety over another based on the utility they obtain from its attributes, which depends on their own social and economic characteristics, including whether or not they sell rice.Non-PRIFPRI1EPT