13 research outputs found
An Ordered Probit Model Analysis of Transaction costs and Market Participation by Sweet Potato Farmers in South Eastern Nigeria.
This study determined the factors (related to fixed and variable transaction costs) influencing the decision to participate in sweet potato markets by a random sample of 320 small holder farmers in south eastern Nigeria. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire, and analyzed using the ordered probit analysis procedure. Participation decisions revealed that marketing experience, farm size, membership of cooperatives/social organizations, extension contact, farming experience and road conditions to the nearest town had positive relationship with decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic, and were significant at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of age, household size, and output were also positive and significantly related to decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic at 5% level of probability. The coefficients for access to credit, and access to communication facilities were positive and significantly relate to decision to remain autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. The coefficients for level of education, distance to the nearest town, distance from the farm to the market and cost of transportation were negative and significantly related with the decision to remain autarkic other than a seller and to be buyer other autarkic at 1% level of probability. The coefficient for sex was positive and significantly related to decision by female farmers to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. These decisions to participate as a buyer, seller or 2 remain autarkic were as a result of fixed and proportional transaction costs associated with participating in the market.Ordered probit, Transaction costs, Market participation, potato, autarkic, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries,
AGRICULTURAL FINANCING POLICIES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
The study examined the agricultural financing policies of the government of Nigeria and effects on rural development .The study found that though the government has made serious efforts at making good agricultural policies through schemes, programmes and institutions, it has not been able to back them up with adequate budgetary allocation and financing coupled with corruption in the execution of the policies. It is recommended that for the government agricultural financing policies to achieve its target of rural development, Nigeria will need an adequate level of strategically targeted investment in agriculture, upgrade rural infrastructure, boost productivity, and increase competitiveness of the farm output, in addition to fighting corruption.Agricultural financing, policies, institutions, rural, development, International Development,
Population Dynamics, Labour and Small-Holder Farmers’ Productivity in Southeast Nigeria
The study analyzed the population dynamics, labour use and food productivity of small holder farmers in Southeastern Nigeria. A total of 120 farmer respondents involved in Cassava-based mixed cropping randomly selected (40 each), from three out of the six States that made up the Southeast geo-political zones, was used for the study. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Simple statistical tools, gross and net margins as well as regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The result of the analysis revealed that farming though profitable is still at subsistence level with a net margin of N28,360 ($US180.64) per hectare, about 46% of the farmers could not afford or access the use of fertilizers and modern inputs required for agricultural intensification prevalent in the area.. The tenure arrangement was by inheritance (64%), which caused much land fragmentations and pressure on limited arable land. Labour had the highest average factor cost (40.86%), due to high cost of hired labour. The regression result showed that farm size (X2) and fertilizer application (X4), are significant (P=0.01), and positively correlated with crop production. Conversely, population density (X1) and cropping density (X3) and labour X7) were significant (P=0.01), but negatively correlated with crop output. To ensure higher productivity and net profit, the study recommends that farmers should be provided with required farm inputs at affordable prices by government and land use act decree of 1978 should be reviewed to make land available to genuine farmers for commercial and mechanized farming. Birth control should be encouraged. Key words: Population, Labour, Productivity, Small-holder farmer
The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance
INTRODUCTION
Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.
RATIONALE
We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs).
RESULTS
Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants.
CONCLUSION
Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century
Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study
Summary
Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally.
Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies
have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of
the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income
countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality.
Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to
hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis,
exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a
minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical
status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary
intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause,
in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status.
We did a complete case analysis.
Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital
diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal
malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome
countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male.
Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3).
Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income
countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups).
Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome
countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries;
p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients
combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11],
p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20
[1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention
(ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety
checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed
(ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of
parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65
[0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality.
Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome,
middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will
be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger
than 5 years by 2030
Intensification of Rice Production Systems in Southeastern Nigeria: A Policy Analysis Matrix Approach
The Nigerian rice sector has made remarkable improvement
in the last decade as production has increased significantly
thereby reducing the gap between domestic supply and demand.
In the last three decades, rice imports make up greater proportion
of Nigerian imports as rice forms a structural component of
the Nigerian diet. Past government inconsistent policies were
not successful in securing good market share for domestic rice
producers, hence producers suffered great losses. The recent
resurgence of interest by the present administration to intensify
domestic rice production has yielded positive results. The objective
of this study is to analyze and assess the costs and
benefits of intensification of rice production systems in southeastern
Nigeria using a policy analysis matrix approach. Multi
Stage sampling technique was employed in selecting 75 upland
and 75 lowland rice farmers who were interviewed with
structured and validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed
using Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The result shows that
upland; lowland and double rice cropping systems in southeastern
Nigeria are profitable based on the policy analysis matrix
(PAM) model, and rice production under various systems and
technologies is socially profitable and financially competitive.
While there exist comparative advantage in the various
production systems, with lowland and double cropping being
highest, substantial tax was imposed on rice imports in Nigeria
and government investment in intensifying rice production
had a positive impact on the output of local rice production.
The study concludes with strategies for the development of
rice sub sector in Nigeria
Consumer Welfare of Country-of-Origin Labelling and Traceability Policies
Traceability regulations are a way to protect consumers by forcing firms to identify and track products step-by-step through all stages of production, processing, and distribution. Traceability is often used in conjunction with country-of-origin labelling where products explicitly identify where production takes place. However, such country-of-origin regulations can conflict with WTO provisions. This paper analyzes the impact on consumer welfare of traceability and country-of-origin in an international trading regime to assess whether such regulations actually improve consumer welfare. The paper constructs a theoretical model that highlights the potential market failure that arises from traceability. The paper then introduces a simple international trade regime to identify impacts on consumer surplus. The paper compares outcomes with, and without, traceability and country-of-origin regulations. Given the inherent free-rider problem, the paper shows that, as long as costs associated with traceability are low enough, mandatory regulations are welfare improving. Free trade, in the absence of foreign traceability, can lower consumer welfare so provides a rationale for country-of-origin rules. However, mandatory country-of-origin rules need not be welfare enhancing. We show that country-of-origin rules are similar to import barriers and so are third-best solutions. The better solution is international adoption and recognition of traceability rules which would make country-of-origin rules moot
An Ordered Probit Model Analysis of Transaction costs and Market Participation by Sweet Potato Farmers in South Eastern Nigeria.
This study determined the factors (related to fixed and variable transaction costs) influencing the decision to participate in sweet potato markets by a random sample of 320 small holder farmers in south eastern Nigeria. Data were collected with structured and validated questionnaire, and analyzed using the ordered probit analysis procedure. Participation decisions revealed that marketing experience, farm size, membership of cooperatives/social organizations, extension contact, farming experience and road conditions to the nearest town had positive relationship with decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic, and were significant at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of age, household size, and output were also positive and significantly related to decision to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic at 5% level of probability. The coefficients for access to credit, and access to communication facilities were positive and significantly relate to decision to remain autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. The coefficients for level of education, distance to the nearest town, distance from the farm to the market and cost of transportation were negative and significantly related with the decision to remain autarkic other than a seller and to be buyer other autarkic at 1% level of probability. The coefficient for sex was positive and significantly related to decision by female farmers to be autarkic other than buyer and to be seller other than autarkic. These decisions to participate as a buyer, seller or
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remain autarkic were as a result of fixed and proportional transaction costs associated with participating in the market
Data sharing in plant phenotyping research: Perceptions, practices, enablers, barriers and implications for science policy on data management
Abstract The application of new technologies in scientific research, particularly automated sensing of plant phenotypic performance, has resulted in a deluge of data and raised the question of how these data can be efficiently managed and shared. Many studies have examined the benefits and constraints of data sharing in different disciplines. We focus on plant phenotyping due to the increasing volume of digital data generated in multi‐disciplinary plant phenotyping research. Data sharing and reuse practices in plant phenotyping research have not been widely explored. Study results show that data sharing in plant phenotyping research occurs mostly through direct personal requests based on trust relationships and technical supplements (appendices) to publications, and researchers are willing to share data if incentives and policies are aligned to overcome the barriers. This paper provides empirical evidence to guide the establishment of incentive systems and policy frameworks that support FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) data, promote behavioral change, and enhance data sharing for the advancement of science and innovation by research communities, institutions, policymakers, and funders
Canadian beef and dairy farmers’ attitudes towards animal vaccines
The willingness to pay (WTP) approach is increasingly being used in different disciplines to assess peoples’ readiness to accept change. This paper assesses the potential for two subunit vaccines for the prevention and control of bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in cattle. A survey of beef and dairy farmers was conducted across Canada to identify factors that influence their WTP for subunit vaccines. Estimated results of the interval-data model indicate that the size of a farmer’s cattle herd, neighbourhood effect, and buyer recommendations for vaccination significantly influence farmers’ WTP while veterinarians appear to be the most critical pathway for farmers to source information on new vaccine options. The mean willingness to pay amounts for both vaccines reveals that farmers are likely to use the vaccines if the costs are kept at reasonable level