Effects of Cash Crop Production on Food Crop Productivity in Zimbabwe: Synergies or Trade-offs?

This paper studies the dynamics between cash cropping and food crop productivity in Gokwe North District in Zimbabwe, a major cotton producing area. The main research issues were: (1) to identify the determinants of commercialized crop production at the household level; and (2) to determine the effect of increasing crop commercialization on household food productivity. The paper derives a household crop commercialization index, defined as the ratio of crop sales to total crop production. Econometric models were developed for identifying the determinants of household-level commercialization and for measuring its effects on food crop productivity.food security, food policy, cash crop production, food crop productivity, Zimbabwe, Crop Production/Industries, Productivity Analysis, Downloads June 2008 - July 2009: 62, Q18,

Input Subsidy Programs and Commercial Market Development: Modeling Fertilizer Use Decisions in a Two-Channel Marketing System

Replaced with revised version of paper 07/18/06.crowding out effect, input marketing channels, fertilizer, sub-Saharan Africa, survey data, Marketing,

An evaluation of the MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care

In February 2006 we commenced delivery of the new interprofessional MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care pathway and we are now seeing our first students graduate from the programme. We therefore undertook a retrospective, summative evaluation of the experience of these graduates on the pathway, specifically to identify ways in which it has impacted on their practice and professional career. A qualitative approach was used in order to gain rich data about the students’ experiences on the pathway. A focus group was conducted and written evaluations invited. The resulting data was analysed using thematic content analysis

Staple food prices in Zambia

Prepared for the COMESA policy seminar on “Variation in staple food prices: Causes, consequence, and policy options”, Maputo, Mozambique, 25-26 January 2010 under the Comesa-MSU-IFPRI African Agricultural Marketing Project (AAMP)Zambia, food security, food prices, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, International Relations/Trade, q11, q13, q18,

Maize Yield Response to Fertilizer and Profitability of Fertilizer Use Among Small-Scale Maize Producers in Zambia

Multi-year nationwide survey data is used to estimate maize yield response functions and determine profitability of fertilizer use by small-scale farmers in Zambia. There has been a dearth of empirical studies on economics of fertilization in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper we identify major methodological issues arising from using survey data and estimate maize yield response functions for small-scale rural households that have various management practices and soil conditions in two major agro-climatic zones. Profitability of fertilizer use is determined for each group of households. Our findings provide the following key messages. First, households that obtained fertilizer on time and used animal draught power or mechanical power for land preparation are more likely to find fertilizer use profitable than other households with similar agro-ecological and market access conditions. Second, farmers' proximity to the provincial centers has a significant impact on the profitability of fertilizer use. Greater distances and transport costs from provincial centers erode the profitability of fertilizer use. Third, high interest rates also reduce the profitability of fertilizer use. Small farmers may find fertilizer use unprofitable until efforts are made to reduce transportation costs and interest rates as well as to ensure more timely delivery of fertilizer.Maize, Yield, Fertilizer, Profitability, Survey data, Crop Production/Industries,

PROFITABILITY OF FERTILIZER USE ON MAIZE BY SMALL-SCALE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN ZAMBIA

Multi-year nationwide survey data is used to estimate maize yield response functions and determine profitability of fertilizer use by small-scale farmers in Zambia. Most previous research on economics of fertilization used estimates of yield response to nutrients based on experimental or simulation data and seldom investigated region-specific and management-specific effects. In this paper we address the main issues arising from using large survey data and estimate maize yield response functions for different groups of households that have various management practices and soil conditions in two major agro-climatic zones. Profitability of fertilizer use is determined for each group in each zone and the results provide the following messages. First, households that obtained fertilizer on time and used animal draught power or mechanical power for land preparation are more likely to find fertilizer use profitable than other groups of households located in the same district. Second, farmers' proximity to the provincial centers has a significant impact on the profitability of fertilizer use. Greater distances and transport costs from provincial centers erode the profitability of fertilizer use. Third, high time preferences for money also reduce the profitability of fertilizer use. Thus, despite achieving relatively high physical crop response rates to fertilizer use in some areas, small farmers may find fertilizer use unprofitable until efforts are made to reduce transportation costs and implicit interest rates as well as to ensure more timely delivery of fertilizer.Farm Management,

PREPARE manual for nurses : Building trust, promoting health and changing communities

One in every five people in the world is an adolescent and 85% live in low and middle-income countries. Nearly two thirds of premature death and one third of the total disease burden in adults are associated with conditions or behaviour that begin in youth. Among 15-19 year olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death, followed by violence in the community and family. Promoting nurturing relationships between parents and children early in life, good relationships between young people, training in life skills, and reducing access to alcohol and lethal items such as firearms and knives can help prevent violence. More effective and sensitive care for adolescents experiencing violence is needed. Many adolescent health challenges are closely interrelated and successful interventions in one area can lead to positive outcomes in other areas. The World Health Organization reports that among women aged 15-45 years, gender-based violence accounts for more deaths and disability than cancer, malaria and traffic injuries put together. This has become an important factor, which negatively affects girls and women’s reproductive health and wellbeing. This manual was written for the PREPARE school clinics to promote positive relationships through mentoring, role modelling, education, research and empathic service provision so that young people feel valued, respected and can enjoy positive self and peer relationships free from harm

Female genital mutilation/cutting: a systematic review and meta-ethnography exploring women’s views of why it exists and persists

Objectives: Despite well-documented negative consequences, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) continues to be widely practised. In this systematic review, we investigated women's views of why FGM/C exists and persists. Methods: A meta-ethnographic approach was used in this systematic review of qualitative research. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review and they represented the views and experiences of 823 women. FGM/C was considered a ‘rite of passage’ which was enforced to curb the expression of their sexuality and maintain social and gender norms within its communities. Nevertheless, attitudes towards FGM/C were changing among migrant populations. Conclusions: Creating community awareness projects, enforcing strict laws coupled with increasing health professional involvement may reduce the incidence of FGM/C

Child Sexual Exploitation. : An analysis of Serious Case Reviews in England: Poor communication, incorrect assumptions and adolescent neglect

Background Child sexual exploitation (CSE) has evolved from being a largely concealed and unrecognised form of child abuse to being the subject of substantial political and public attention. The purpose of this research was to explore health professionals’ role in detection and prevention. Methods A systematic thematic analysis and synthesis of serious case review (SCR) reports of CSE in England using a socioecological theoretical framework was undertaken. Results Themes identified included health professionals’ lack of understanding of CSE, limited knowledge of the UK law, reluctance to apply relevant policies, and lack of appropriate action. Suboptimal communication with the child, between agencies and with families, lack of understanding of the young person’s context, their vulnerabilities and their continued needs for care and protection were also important. Conclusions This is the first time, to our knowledge, that an analysis and synthesis of all SCRs related to CSE in England has been conducted. The potential to recognise young people vulnerable to CSE is essential for public health prevention and intervention. Acknowledging that the SCRs represent the worst case scenario; nevertheless, this research highlighted the multi-factorial and complex nature of CSE and identified factors that require system-level awareness, training and intervention