An Examination of Poverty: Dimensions, Causes, and Solutions

This article, based on the 2021 Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Presidential Address, assesses the dimensions, causes of, and solutions to poverty. It finds that the definition of poverty varies based on the criteria used, and even by which agency or institution is defining it. It also finds that poverty indices vary by state and by county. For instance, in selected SRSA states, Virginia has the lowest poverty rate and Mississippi has the highest poverty rate. There are several causes of poverty, some of which are lower levels of education, lower levels of health, unemployment, lack of livable wages, and the influence of other socioeconomic factors. Suggested solutions to minimizing poverty include government assistance programs, effective minimum wage policies, job creation, responsible behavior, and responsible policies. Overall, efforts to encourage education, improve access to healthcare, and improve shelter, among others, to boost income levels and standard of living are necessary to make ample progress. However, individual responsibility is also important

Impact of Selected Factors on Farm Income for the Alabama Black Belt Counties and Non-Alabama Black Belt Counties

The study examined the impact of selected factors on farm income in the Alabama Black Belt Counties (ABBCs) and Non-Alabama Black Belt Counties (NABBCs). Data were obtained from the 2017 Census of Agriculture and analyzed using ordinary least square regression analysis. The results revealed that for the ABBCs, average size of farms, government payments, and average farm production expenses significantly affected average cash farm income (ACFI); for the NABBCs, median size of farms, government payments, and average farm production expenses significantly affected ACFI. Furthermore, for the ABBCs, average size of farms, government payments, and total farm production expenses significantly impacted net cash farm income (NCFI); for the NABBCs, median size of farms and total farm production expenses significantly impacted NCFI. The findings suggest that the average size of farms, government payments, and expenses matter in the ABBCs; and median size of farms, government payments, and expenses matter in the NABBCs

Analysis of Consumer Perceptions on Payday Loan Services, Asset Ownership, and Financial Management Education

Payday loan services, asset ownership, and financial management have been issues of interest to many consumers and scholars. Using a cross-sectional survey, we analyzed perceptions on payday loan services, asset ownership, and financial management education. The results showed that, only a small number of respondents used payday loan services. A majority had savings and checking accounts, and owned a vehicle; however, a majority did not own an IDA or a home. Furthermore, many were willing to participate in a financial management workshop. We also found that selected socioeconomic factors had statistically significant effects on selected indicators. For instance, gender had a statistically significant effect on using payday loan services. Age and household income had statistically significant effects on owning a home. The number of children under 18 years, gender, age, and household income had statistically significant effects on the willingness to participate in a financial management workshop. The findings show that socioeconomic factors may be important, and should be considered in policies regarding payday loan services, asset ownership, and financial management. Keywords: Payday Loan Services, Asset Ownership, Financial Education, Financial Management, Socioeconomic Factor

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Florida Consumers\u27 Perceptions on Use of Chemical in Locally or Regionally Produced Livestock Products

Abstract The use of chemicals in livestock production has been an issue for consumers for several decades. This study, therefore, assessed the impact of socioeconomic factors on Florida consumers’ perceptions on the use of chemicals in locally or regionally produced livestock products. Data were collected from a sample of 404 participants from several Florida counties and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic analysis. Most of the respondents were of the opinion that using chemicals in locally or regionally produced and sold beef or goat meat was a serious or somewhat serious hazard. The ordinal logistic regression results showed that several socioeconomic factors, such as household size, gender, age, and education had significant effects on pesticide residues; antibiotics; artificial fertilizers; additives and preservatives, and artificial coloring. It was recommended that producers and processors should minimize the use of chemicals in livestock products as this has both short- and long-term benefits. Keywords: Socioeconomic Factors, Chemicals, Consumer Perceptions, Locally or Regionally Produced, Livestock Product

An Examination of Selected Small Livestock Producers’ Implementation of Identified Best Practices in Alabama

Getting small farmers to adopt “best practices” has been a key challenge in general, but particularly, in the Southeastern U.S. This study focused on selected small livestock producers’ implementation identified best practices in Alabama. Data were obtained through interviews from twelve producers in, primarily, selected South Central Alabama counties emphasizing best practices as well as other production indicators. The subjects were mainly beef cattle and meat goat producers. The identified best practices were: rotational grazing, soil testing, quarantining, deworming, veterinary services, and record keeping. The data were analyzed using descriptive narrative and simple statistics. The demographics showed more male than female producers, and more meat goat producers than beef cattle producers. Also, the results revealed that the commonest best practice was deworming; followed by quarantining, soil testing and record keeping, and rotational grazing. Using veterinary services was the least practiced best practice; most producers chose to provide their own animal health services. The results provide an opportunity for assistance providers to educate producers on the importance of adopting the best practices. Keywords: Small Producers, Livestock Producers, Best Practices, Case Study

Economies of Scale in Integrated Pest Management in Vegetable and Fruit Production

Abstract Pest management is achieved directly using a variety of tools, including pesticides, and indirectly through a number of agronomic/cultural practices such as irrigation and fertilizer application; collectively these practices function to positively effect general plant health. Healthier plants are more resistant to or tolerant of pests. This study explores the scale differences that impact the pest management significance and suitability of certain agronomic practices. Scale differences were discussed using literature-based information, direct field observations, and anecdotal information on the relative advantages of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems; organic and conventional cultivation of crops; crop rotation versus mono-cropping systems; precision agriculture, and land tenure effects on the suitability of agronomic practices. It was concluded that, sometimes, scale differences are critical enough to warrant completely different approaches to the achievement of goals of small- and large-scale producers. Keywords: Economies of Scale, Integrated Pest Management, Agronomic Practices, Vegetable and Fruit Production, Small-Scale Farmer

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Florida Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Production and Processing

The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of seventy small producers from selected counties in Florida, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics showed that part-time producers, White producers, middle-aged producers, fairly educated producers, and moderate-income producers dominated the group. A majority of the producers practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage and concentrate, and less than half conducted soil tests regularly. Moreover, over half had parasite problems and treated them primarily with anthelmintics. Nearly all producers sold animals live, implying very little processing. Therefore, some processing could be encouraged as value-added products fetch more than raw products. The chi-square tests also revealed that household income, race, farming status, and gender had statistically significant relationships with selected production characteristics. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Production and Processin

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Florida Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Economics and Marketing

Issues regarding economics and marketing are of importance to small livestock producers, who produce and sell locally or regionally. This study, thus, assessed the characteristics and practices of selected Florida small livestock producers, emphasizing economics and marketing. Data were collected from a convenience sample of seventy small producers from several Florida counties, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The findings showed that there were many more: full-time producers; producers with at least a two-year/technical degree, and producers with at, least, a $40,000 annual household income. Most had been farming more than fifteen years, on at least 50 acres, and had small herds. Furthermore, very few of them made profits; they mainly sold animals live on-farm or at the auction/stockyard, and many of them kept records. Chi-square tests showed that gender, age, education, and household income had statistically significant effects on selected marketing characteristics. The findings suggest that educational programs that emphasize economic and marketing issues should be taken into consideration when designing programs for small producers in the study area. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Economics and Marketin

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Selected Practices by Small Livestock Producers in Alabama

Socioeconomic factors are generally believed to affect practices of small livestock producers. Yet, there has been limited research on the issue, especially in Alabama. This study, therefore, focused on the impact of socioeconomic factors on practices of small livestock producers in Alabama. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 121 producers from South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit analysis. The socioeconomic factors reflected a higher proportion of part-time farmers; many more middle-aged persons, with at most a two-year/technical degree or some college education; and a higher proportion with $40,000 or less annual household income. A majority practiced rotational grazing; had parasite problems; used veterinary services; kept records, and nearly half conducted soil tests regularly. In addition, several socioeconomic factors had significant effects on selected practices; farming status had a significant effect on rotational grazing; education and income had significant effects on parasite problems; age had a significant effect on veterinary services; and race/ethnicity and education had significant effects on record keeping. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factors are important and must be considered in program implementation. Keywords: Socioeconomic Factors, Practices, Small Livestock Producer