Does the environment in which ICT-based market information services (MIS) projects operate affect their performance? Experiences from Kenya

The need to provide agricultural information to farmers has led to emergence of numerous ICTbased MIS projects in developing country. These projects aim at promoting commercialization of smallholder agriculture and subsequently their welfare. This study examines the how the environment in which such ICT-based MIS affect their performance. It specifically uses the DrumNet project, an ICT-based MIS, to assess how the socio-economic, physical, political and physical environment in the project areas affected its performance. The study finds that those transaction-related problems, especially strategic default, deriving from these environmental factors greatly undermined the performance of DrumNet forcing it to relocate severally. It discusses policy implications of these findings.ICT-based MIS projects, the DrumNet model, operational environment, performance, Kenya, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Precision Feeding in Dairy Ration Cost Minimization Under Producer's Risk Management

The biophysical simulation data from Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System were used in non-linear programming model for least cost ration incorporating ingredient nutrient and price variations. Precision feeding practice indicated to have lower mean cost ration than whole herd feeding in terms of ration cost.Non-linear programming, nutrient variation, price variation, precision feeding, environmental pollution, phosphorus, nitrogen, mean cost ration, whole herd feeding, Livestock Production/Industries, Risk and Uncertainty,

Risk management on application of minimum-cost feed ration for nitrogen and phosphorus reduction on dairy farm

The traditional mathematical programming model with the objective function of feed ration cost minimization is used to accommodate risk management responses to price variability associated with feeding a particular feed ration over time. The model incorporated biophysical simulation data using Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) software in addressing nutrient requirements and excretions. In addition, it used historic feedstuff prices in a mean-variance (E-V) framework analysis. The optimized seasonal feeding indicated to have a lower mean ration cost and lowest nutrient loading followed by optimized uniform feeding program. The feed cost optimization proved to be a better strategy in minimizing ration cost and reducing excretions both manure and nutrients. The results in this study can be used as guidelines for making nutrient. The information in this study can be used by a producer facing feed price risk to select optimal ration while reducing environmental pollution.Risk and Uncertainty,

Awareness and use of m-banking services in agriculture: The case of smallholder farmers in Kenya

Smallholder farmer access to agricultural finance has been a major constraint to agricultural commercialization in developing countries. The ICT revolution in Africa has however brought an opportunity to ease this constraint. The mobile phone-based banking services that started in Kenya urban centers have spread to rural areas and even other countries. Using these services farmers could receive funds invest in agriculture finance transactions. This study examines the awareness and use of m-banking services among rural farmers in Kenya. It also assesses the factors conditioning the use of such services. The study finds high awareness of m-banking services among the smallholder farmers. It also finds that education, distance to a commercial bank, membership to farmer organizations, distance to the m-banking agents, and endowment with physical and financial assets affect the use of m-banking services. It discusses the implications of these findings for policy and practice.Mobile phones, m-banking services, awareness and use, smallholder farmers, Kenya, Financial Economics,

An Integrated Precision Production and Environmental Management Analysis of a Kentucky Dairy Farm

This study compares and contrasts the profitability of different dairy management practices through precision livestock farming. Feed analysis and crop yields were simulated. The proposed alternative feeding program demonstrated less manure and nutrient excretions. When mathematical programming model was employed, uniform rate application manifested the highest selected economic values.Management practices, environmental, Environmental Economics and Policy,

Comparison of Decision Rules for Subsurface Drip Irrigation Practices Using a Nonlinear Mathematical Programming Model

A comparison of decision rules has been made for case studies of corn production using subsurface drip irrigation under three agricultural management practices (no irrigation, uniform irrigation, and variable rate irrigation). The uniform irrigation strategy appeared to perform the best than the other two management practices under different risk scenarios.corn production, mathematical programming, profitability, risk management, subsurface drip irrigation, variable rate irrigation, Farm Management,

PREVALENCE OF LICE SPECIES ON COWS AND BUFFALOES OF QUETTA, PAKISTAN

The prevalence of lice with species identification was studied during April to November 2006 in cows and buffaloes. During this period, various farm houses of Quetta city were randomly visited for the collection of lice. A total 909 cows and 671 buffaloes were examined for the presence of lice. Out of these, 38.3% cows and 41.2% buffaloes gave positive results for different lice species. Only one lice species i. e Bovicola bovis (38.3%) was recorded from cows and two species belonging to genus Haematopinus i. e. H. quadrpertusis (23.5%) and H. eurysternus (17.7%) were encountered in buffaloes. Lice seem to be host specific with B. bovis occur in cows, while both H. quadripertusus and H. eurysternus usually infest buffaloes