Fact or artefact : the impact of measurement errors on the farm size - productivity relationship

This paper revisits the role of land measurement error in the inverse farm size and productivity relationship. By making use of data from a nationally representative household survey from Uganda, in which self-reported land size information is complemented by plot measurements collected using Global Position System devices, the authors reject the hypothesis that the inverse relationship may just be a statistical artifact linked to problems with land measurement error. In particular, the paper explores: (i) the determinants of the bias in land measurement, (ii) how this bias varies systematically with plot size and landholding, and (iii) the extent to which land measurement error affects the relative advantage of smallholders implied by the inverse relationship. The findings indicate that using an improved measure of land size strengthens the evidence in support of the existence of the inverse relationship.Rural Development Knowledge&Information Systems,Regional Economic Development,Land Use and Policies,Rural Land Policies for Poverty Reduction,E-Business

Land Market Development and Agricultural Production Efficiency in Albania

We make use of data from the 2005 Albania Living Standard Measurement Survey to investigate the factors affecting household agriculture efficiency and land market development. To assess the functioning of land rental markets and explore efficiency- and equity impacts of land rental, we use a model of producers who differ in endowments and skills and who face imperfect labor markets and transaction costs. The empirical evidence, of a stochastic frontier estimate, shows that productivity is low and most farms are inefficiently utilized. The average level of agriculture efficiency among rural household is very less than 30% but household that rent in land are more efficient. However, results from a probit regression on rental market participation shows that rental market helps to transfer land to more efficient producers. However, several constraints in credit market, input, labor, and the lack of irrigation are outweighing the productivity advantage of the tenants. In addition to that, land market development is delayed by remaining restrictions and high transaction cost. To overcome these limitations as well as inadequate system of land title registration, household are using informal land transactions, such as inheritance, in order to increase farming efficiency.Farm Management, Land Economics/Use,

Can diaries help improve agricultural production statistics ? Evidence from Uganda

Although good and timely information on agricultural production is critical for policy-decisions, the quality of underlying data is often low and improving data quality could have a high payoff. This paper uses data from a production diary, administered concurrently with a standard household survey in Uganda to analyze the nature and incidence of responses, the magnitude of differences in reported outcomes, and factors that systematically affect these. Despite limited central supervision, diaries elicited a strong response, complemented standard surveys in a number of respects, and were less affected by problems of respondent fatigue than expected. The diary-based estimates of output value consistently exceeded that from the recall-based production survey, in line with reported disposition. Implications for policy and practical administration of surveys are drawn out.Rural Development Knowledge&Information Systems,Crops&Crop Management Systems,Food&Beverage Industry,Scientific Research&Science Parks,Science Education

The Impact of Vulvar Cancer on Psychosocial and Sexual Functioning: A Literature Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of vulvar cancer impacts severely on the psychosocial and psychosexual equilibrium of women affected by it. The current literature shows the presence of depressive and anxious symptoms in association with physical, psychological and behavioural alterations in sexuality as well as deterioration of partner relationship. The aim of this article is to highlight the difficulties and challenges faced by women diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer to provide early recognition and appropriate assistance. By implementing an integrated care model, it should be possible to detect unmet needs and improve the quality of life of these women. ABSTRACT: Women who are diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer are at higher risk of psychological distress, sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction with partner relationships. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the psychological, relational and sexual issues experienced by women with vulvar cancer in order to highlight the importance of this issue and improve the quality of care offered to these patients. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The results are presented as a narrative synthesis and highlight the massive impact of vulvar cancer: depressive and anxiety symptoms were more frequent in these women, and vulvar cancer may have a negative effect on sexuality from a physical, psychological and behavioural point of view. Factors that may negatively affect these women’s lives are shame, insecurity or difficulties in self-care and daily activities. This review highlights the psychosocial and psychosexual issues faced by women diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer, although more studies are needed to better investigate this field of interest and to identify strategies to relieve their psychological distress. Care providers should implement an integrated care model to help women with vulvar cancer recognise and address their unmet needs

Gender Differences in Anxiety and Depression before and after Alcohol Detoxification: Anxiety and Depression as Gender-Related Predictors of Relapse

The aim of this prospective study was to estimate gender differences in anxiety, depression, and alcohol use severity among patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) before and after detoxification program and within 12 months after discharge