Analysis of optimal control problem formulations in skeletal movement predictions

Postprint (published version

Linking Farmers to Markets: The Case of Grain Marketing Information in Western Kenya

Market liberalization created a situation where there are no guaranteed grain prices, no central information source and the need for marketing information increased. Unfortunately, most farmers have little or no access to marketing information. This study evaluates farmers’ perceptions of importance of marketing information; identifies farmers’ sources of grain marketing information; determine farmers’ confidence in and use of marketing information; and assesses determinants farmers’ willingness (WTP) to pay for marketing information. Data used in this study were generated using a structured questionnaire in a survey that covered a random sample of 120 households in traditionally grain surplus-and deficit zones of Kenya. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and logit model. Results show that 68% and 55% of the households in grain surplus and deficit zones, respectively, recognized that marketing information was very important. Farmers received marketing information from multiple sources, mainly from traders and other farmers. Most of the farmers who received the information were not utilizing the information due to perceived unreliability of the information and poor access to complementary infrastructure. Education level of the household was the most significant factor that positively affected farmers’ WTP for marketing information. In view of farmers’ perception that information provided by the private sources is unreliable, the public sector ought to provide marketing information as a public service. Smallholder farmers should be catalyzed to form strong associations so as to enjoy economies of scale in accessing marketing information and markets.Farmer, Grains, Logit, Markets., Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Newman Tamburino solutions with an aligned Maxwell field

We prove that there exists no aligned Einstein Maxwell generalization of the spherical class of Newman Tamburino solutions. The presence of an aligned Maxwell field automatically leads to the cylindrical class.Comment: 5 page

HEALTH COSTS AND EXTERNALITIES OF PESTICIDE USE IN LOCUST AND GRASSHOPPER CONTROL IN THE SAHEL

To evaluate the economic cost of classical chemical control of locusts, externalities of chemical pesticides in the Sahel are estimated through a farmer survey. The costs of human health, losses in domestic animals and of destroying obsolete pesticides are estimated at $4 per treated ha for chemical control.Environmental Economics and Policy, Health Economics and Policy,