The influence of socio-demographic factors in adopting good aquaculture practices: Case of aquaculture farmers in Malaysia

This study examined the influence of socio demographic characteristics on the level of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) among aquaculture farmer in the Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.Primary data was obtained from survey that was conducted on 121 brackishwater and freshwater pond aquaculture farmer in the states of Kedah and Penang.Descriptive analysis was applied to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of aquaculture farmer and their level of GAqP.Multiple Linear Regression model was used to analyze the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the level of GAqP.The findings has revealed that the level of GAqP among brackishwater pond farmer is satisfactory where almost 84 per cent of farmer practicing GAqP at the level of 60 per cent and above with the mean value of 71.9 per cent.While the mean level of GAqP for freshwater pond farmer was at 50.3 per cent with only 18.6 percent of them practicing GAqP at the level of 60 per cent and above.Age and having technical knowledge related to aquaculture were the main factors that significantly influence to the level of GAqP among aquaculture farmer. Therefore measures related to the enhancement of technical knowledge among aquaculture farmer should be deliberated in the formulation of aquaculture development programs to ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture in Malaysia

The effects of country of origin (COO) on halal consumption: Evidence from China

In China, the demand for halal products is sizable. However, halal product adulteration is common, and product authenticity is doubtful due to the unknown origin of the products. To date, literature addressing China’s Muslims’ demand for halal products and the role of country of origin (COO) on China’s Muslims’ halal personal care product consumption have been limited. The purpose of this study was to explore if the COO influences China’s Muslims purchase decision on halal personal care products in China. The research used the Revealed Preference Theory to determine the effects of COO on China’s Muslims’ purchasing decisions for halal products. Using the cross-sectional survey method, data was collected from Muslims living in northwest China and processed-analysed using a logit model application. The results of the study revealed that the COO of halal products is an important concern for China’s Muslims, with other selection criteria that also influence the purchase decision. It is clear that COO is an important indication of the authenticity of halal products for China’s Muslims. As well, this paper provides the notion that COO is one of the important selection criteria for (consumers’ trust in the products) of halal consumption in a non-Muslim country

The sustainable livelihoods index: A tool to assess the ability and preparedness of the rural poor in receiving entrepreneurial project

This paper describes the Sustainable Livelihoods Index (SLI) as a useful tool in assessing the livelihood elements of the rural poor households. Income data alone may not fully reflect the suitability of the hardcore poor in receiving government assistance in the form of entrepreneurial projects.In this case rendered projects do not take into account the ability and preparedness of the poor in receiving the projects. The main objective of this study is to measure comprehensively all the livelihood elements of the rural poor households through developing a Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI). This index was based on Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) framework.A total of 22 livelihood assets and outcomes indicators were identified from the data set and broadly grouped into five groups of assets namely human, physical, natural, social, financial assets and 2 groups of livelihoods outcomes which are food security and health status. Then, an aggregate SLI for each household was constructed by averaging all the seven groups of livelihood assets and outcomes indices with an equal weight. Overall, about 73% of considered households were attained an SLI below than 0.5, with a mean of 0.47. With regard to household income that has been used as a poverty measurement, the study found that the Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI) was moved in tandem with the total of household income. There are 90.91% of the households in hardcore poor group were obtained SLI below 0.5 indicating that households with a low income will also have a low SLI.Although income and SLI were moved in the same direction, this paper suggests the use of SLI as a more analytically rigorous tool to assess the ability and preparedness of the rural poor than the regular use of household income level alone. Besides it may help the local authorities to broaden their scope in a manageable way as to ensure the sustainability of a given project

Determinants of corporate social responsibility on companies experience

This study is organized the nexus between social responsibility and financial performance both theoretical examination and empirical evidence. It aims to explicate the prior view of corporate social responsibility and the contribution of stakeholder theory on corporate social responsibility approach on business activities. It may provide a portrait the importance of social responsibility in business and society. The integration between corporate social responsibility and financial performance will emerge on business operations in developed countries particularly in developing countries. Consequently, corporate social responsibility is not perceived as diminished interest shareholders parties as well as reduction business profit. So that the corporate social responsibility concept will be continually developed to answer the development of dynamic businesses

An Evaluation of Socioeconomic Status and Handling Practices Used by Small-Scale Fishermen Along Coastal Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to examine the socio-economic status and handling practices used by small-scale fishermen along coastal areas of Ondo State, Nigeria with respect to reduction of post-harvest fish losses. The study was carried out in twenty (20) fishing communities along the coastal areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used through administration of 21 questionnaires to active fishermen from each fishing communities as instrument for data collection. Most (44%) of the fishermen spent 12 hours for their fishing cycle. Result shows that fishermen do not have access to ice for preservation of fish and as a result of this they ensure to come back on time to maintain good quality fish prior to checking. Despite limiting the duration of fishing cycle, losses do occur due to handling practices used. Fish are placed on the floor of the boat after hauling of the nets at the fishing ground and covering materials are not made available for the fishermen. Significant association exist between demographic factors and duration of fishing cycle while there is no significant relationship between demographic factors and where fresh fish are placed. It is suggested that provision of infrastructural facilities such as good road network, storage facilities, covering materials and constant supply of electricity will reduce post-harvest fish losses. This will help fishermen to make more income as a result of good quality fish, improve their livelihood, rural development and ensure food security in the state and country at large. Keywords: Handling practices, small-scale fishermen, rural development, post-harvest losses, food securit

The importance of good aquaculture practices in improving fish farmer’s income: A case of Malaysia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the level of good aquaculture practice (GAqP)among aquaculture farmers; and to analyse the factors influence the level of practice and the importance of GAqP in increasing farmer’s income. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data were obtained through a survey conducted on 216 aquaculture pond fish farmers. The descriptive study was employed to identify the profile of respondents and their level of GAqP practices. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was applied to analyse the factors influence the level of GAqP practice, and the influence of GAqP on the total income of aquaculture farmers. Findings – The results showed that the pond management by brackish water fish farmers is better than freshwater fish farmer, indicated by 77 per cent of them adopt GAqP at a level of 60 per cent and above, as compared to only 20 per cent by freshwater farmers. Physical and human assets were revealed to be most significant factors influence the practice of GAqP. The results also proved that GAqP was among the significant factor contributes to increasing in farmers’ household income; in addition to their other livelihood assets. Originality/value – To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the very first study that employs SEM method to analyse the relationship between GAqP with livelihood asset and farmer’s income simultaneously in Malaysia. Furthermore, since the empirical studies related to GAqP is very few, the study will contribute to development of knowledge in the field of aquaculture. Keywords: Sustainability, Income, Fish farmer, Good aquaculture practices, Level of practice, Livelihood asset

Technology Readiness Index of Paddy Farmers in MADA, KADA, And IADA BLS, Malaysia

This paper aims to determine the technology readiness level of paddy farmers in MADA, KADA, and IADA BLS, Malaysia. Primary data were obtained through a face-to-face survey with paddy farmers in MADA, KADA, and IADA BLS using a structured questionnaire. A total of 315 respondents of MADA, 295 respondents of KADA, and 178 respondents of IADA BLS actively involved in paddy cultivation were interviewed. The technology readiness level of paddy farmers from three main granary areas is evaluated objectively and subjectively. The technology readiness index of paddy farmers is calculated to analyse the readiness level of paddy farmers. Thirty indicators are used to measure four dimensions of technology readiness, i.e., optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity. The present study shows that 72.4%, 74.58%, and 74.16% of paddy farmers in MADA, KADA, and IADA BLS have a moderate readiness level to adopt the new technology in paddy cultivation. The four dimensions of the technology readiness index was evaluated to provide a better picture of the technology readiness level. All three granary areas have a score mean index (0.51-1.0) for technology readiness driver, optimism, and innovativeness, which indicate that the paddy farmers have a moderate and high level of optimism and innovativeness to adopt the new technology. However, the score means index for the negative factors of technology readiness for all three granary areas is in the quantile range (0.51-0.75), which means the paddy farmers have a moderate level of discomfort and insecurity. Thus, the result suggests that although the paddy farmers exhibit innovativeness and optimism, they also experience some discomfort and insecurity

Key Factors for the Sustainable Production of Swiftlet Birds’ Nest Industry in Malaysia: A Case Study in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Swiftlet bird’s nest plays significant role towards economic growth of the country and development of the industry becomes paramount. The objective of the study is to identify the key factors that contribute to the sustainable swiftlet nest production. A total of 223 swiftlet entrepreneurs were simple randomly selected from the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to identify the socio-economic characteristics of respondents and structural equation modelling was used to identify the factors that contribute to sustainable swiftlet production. Results revealed that most of the respondents were above 40 years old while almost half of the respondents have higher secondary school education. Livelihood assets, role of middlemen and role of institution were statistically significant in influencing sustainable production of swiftlet nest. These finding recommends for active monitoring and advisory services by relevant institutions and information dissemination about trainings to enhance producers’ technical knowledge on swiftlet rearing. Indirectly this will improve the physical facilities, financial management skill and social networking of swiftlet producer in order to sustain their production. Likewise, middlemen should be enlightened more about their role in the marketing of swiftlet bird’s nest and monitored by relevant authorities

Group farming and productivity in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority of Malaysia

The paddy sector is a strategic sector in Malaysia. This is due to its importance in the context of rice self-sufficiency, income generation and job opportunities especially for the rural population. The Malaysian government has set the goal of achieving self- sufficiency level in rice production at about 65-70% of local consumption. In order to achieve the objective, the government has implemented many strategies, the group farming project in Muda Agricultural Development Area (MADA) is one such strategy. The study was conducted on four MADA areas representing three schemes, namely the 10 tones Project, Estate Paddy Project, and Model Farm Project. The proportionate multistage stratified random sampling technique involving the area sampling method and the systematic method was employed to select 664 respondents. An econometric model and other statistical techniques were used to estimate the effects of group farming project on productivity and farmers’ income. The study shows that, in terms of economic return dimension, Model Farm Project is more successful in increasing the paddy production. The study makes a number of suggestions for improving the effectiveness of group farming projects. Recommendations are included in the project planning and implementation of group farming, and the importance of subsidy on paddy production for farmers in the study area

Lexical verbs in verb-noun collocations : empirical evidence from a Malay ESL learner corpus

Previous studies have shown that verbs are indeed one of the essential lexical items that seem to dominate a text. At tertiary levels, learners are often presented with a list of verbs that are essential for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses such as academic writing. However, it is believed that the learning and teaching of these verbs goes far beyond the lists of EAP verbs. This is because knowledge of lexical verbs entails not only the knowledge of grammatical structures, but also the knowledge of semantic and syntactic structures. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how commonly used lexical verbs are used in learner writing in the perspectives of grammatical, semantic and syntactic features of verb-noun collocations. To achieve this, a corpus-based study using WordSmith Tools was employed on a learner corpus of Malay ESL learners to identify most-commonly used lexical verbs. These verbs were further given a linguistic analysis using a phraseological-based approach. The findings revealed that the use of transitive verbs led to several occurrences of verb-noun collocations and that the phraseological patterns of these verbs are bound by both lexical and grammatical patterns. This leads to the conclusion that the teaching of lexical verbs, specifically Verb-Noun collocations in academic writing should not only include the semantic elements, but also the syntactical elements of the verbs. It is then recommended that a lesson on lexical verbs should incorporate the teaching and learning of both lexis and grammar