Current issue No 3/2024, September | Agris on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics

Effects of Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors on Meat Consumption Pattern in Iran: A Demand System Approach

Parisa Alizadeh Hosein Mohammadi Naser Shahnoushi Sayed Saghaian DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160301
No 3/2024, September
pp. 3 - 15

ABSTRACT

Meat as one of the most important resources of protein has a special role in human nutrition. Understanding the meat consumption structure of households is essential for planning and policymaking in this regard. In this research, we studied consumption patterns of meat products including chicken, veal, lamb, and fish for households in Iran (Mashhad city) using demand system estimation. The hypothesis of this study is that chicken is a necessary goods and other types of meat are luxury goods. Given the cross-sectional nature of the data and presence of zero expenditure for some households, we used the censored demand model based on a consistent two-step approach. For this purpose, at first, four Probit models were estimated to determine the factors affecting the probability of purchasing each selected meat product. After that, the probability density function (PDF) and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) were calculated for each selected meat product, and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) considering PDF and CDF was estimated for all types of meat using a non-linear seemingly unrelated regression. Also, the effect of demographic variables on meat consumption pattern was considered in demand system. The results of expenditure elasticities confirmed the hypothesis. The highest own-price elasticity was related to veal. Based on compensated price elasticities, all types of meat were net substitutes for chicken and chicken was also a net complement for all types of meat. On the other hand, the only substitute for lamb and chicken was veal, but with compensating income effect fish also became a substitute for them. So, in the event of an increase of the price of lamb and chicken, we recommend subsidizing the consumers with low purchasing power in order to increase the diversity of consumption of protein products. This can increase the consumption of fish.

KEYWORDS

Censored demand system, demographic variables, meat, Iran, Probit model.

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Impact of Agricultural Ontologies Evolution on the Alignment Preservative Adaptation

Yahia Atig Ahmed Zahaf Nadri Khiati DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160302
No 3/2024, September
pp. 17 - 32

ABSTRACT

Ontology matching techniques are a solution to surmount the problem of interoperability on the fly between ontologies. However, both alignments and ontologies are likely to be evolved throughout their life cycle, which frequently degrades their qualities. One of the main features of an alignment is its conservativity, so that it should never generate new knowledge compared to those generated by reasoning solely on ontologies. We focus in this paper on the issue of adapting the fresh alignment between evolved OWL-2 ontologies while respecting the conservativity principle. We also propose several patterns to deal with the problem of detection and repair of conservativity breaches during such evolution depending on the type of change in the related OWL-2 ontologies. We use famous ontologies from the field of agriculture to validate our experimentation. At the end we present a set of open research issues.

KEYWORDS

Agricultural ontologies, matching adaptation, breaches identifying, breaches remedying, OWL-2 ontologies evolution, ontology matching, semantic web.

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Rural Attractiveness Index and Its Visualization as Tools to Support Local and Regional Decision-Making

Otakar Čerba Sarah Velten DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160303
No 3/2024, September
pp. 33 - 43

ABSTRACT

Promoting rural regions is crucial for societies all over the world. Prosperous and vital rural regions can contribute to solving many pressing problems that threaten humanity, such as climate change, poverty, hunger, health or clean energy. The attractiveness of rural regions can be improved through targeted measures and support. For the design of such targeted interventions, high-quality assessments of rural attractiveness can provide a solid information basis. However, the attractiveness of rural regions is a complex construct and therefore difficult to assess. Thus, in this paper, we present tools for the assessment of rural attractiveness that address these complexities and support use and interpretation of the results of rural attractiveness assessments by stakeholders: First, we develop a Rural Attractiveness Index (RAI) which provides a general blueprint for assessing rural attractiveness, yet still is flexible and adaptable to each specific context. As integrated measure of rural attractiveness it also facilitates interpretation by stakeholders. Second, to further enhance interpretation and communication, we propose to visualize the RAI in map-based form. We demonstrate the application of these tools through an illustrative showcase in a European context. We discuss strengths, limitations and challenges of the presented tools and highlight directions for future research.

KEYWORDS

Rural regions, rural attractiveness, thematic map, spatial analysis, clustering, spatial data.

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A Multi-Method Approach to Assess the Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technology in Brazil

André Henrique Ivale Irenilza de Alencar Nããs Marcelo de Camargo Jani DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160304
No 3/2024, September
pp. 45 - 58

ABSTRACT

Precision Agriculture (PA) application aims to increase crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. We analyzed the topics most studied in the advancement of crop production in Brazil by applying the concepts of PA using the systematic literature review (SLR). A multi-method approach combined an SLR applying the PRISMA method and secondary data analysis. We found five clusters of technologies using the PA concept related to hardware development and four clusters related to applying technologies to software development in the PA concept. Most topics focused on using sensors to control water (soil and environment), soil electrical conductivity, and data communication. The focus on sustainability led researchers to reduce chemical products related to fertilizers and pesticides using Variable Rate Fertilizers (VRT) and reducing the environmental loading. According to the research results, it was evident that PA technology might help farmers make more accurate decisions about cultivation, production, harvest, and soil management. The availability of decision support systems powered by big data and artificial intelligence to select the best crop for a given season and soil might assist Brazil's sustainable growth of food production.

KEYWORDS

Agricultural production, crop production, food production, hardware, software, sustainability.

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Implementation of a Secret and Verifiable Personal Remote Electronic Election of an Agrarian Organization per the Recommendation of the Council of Europe

Tomáš Martínek Martin Pelikán Jan Tyrychtr Jakub Konopásek DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160305
No 3/2024, September
pp. 59 - 73

ABSTRACT

Lockdowns and social progress have increased hours of work from home, often requiring remote methods of communication. Agricultural organizations from associations to cooperatives to joint stock companies must prepare to carry out more activities online. This article proposes a procedure for the possible implementation of a remote electronic election in personnel matters of the organization using the Belenios system, based on an evaluation of expectations from a questionnaire survey of agricultural college students and graduates. The proposed procedure is subsequently verified based on an evaluation of compliance with the Council of Europe recommendation on standards for electronic voting.

KEYWORDS

Internet voting, E-voting, E-democracy, Open-Source, Belenios, E-elections.

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Regional Heterogeneity in Livelihood Strategies and Its Implications for Household Welfare: A Panel Data Analysis of Rural Vietnam

Kien Nguyen Duc Phan Nguyen Thai Cong Dinh Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh Dinh Thi Minh Phuong Nguyen Quang Dung Truong DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160306
No 3/2024, September
pp. 75 - 91

ABSTRACT

This study undertakes a meticulous examination of the Livelihood Strategy Diversity Index (LSDI) and its nuanced implications on household welfare in heterogeneous regions of rural Vietnam. Employing a unique panel dataset derived from the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) spanning from 2010 to 2018, the study employs both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and instrumental variable (IV) methods to investigate the intricate relationship between LSDI and household welfare, with a specific focus on income and dietary diversity. The empirical findings reveal compelling evidence of pronounced regional heterogeneity, highlighting the distinctive impacts of the LSDI on household welfare across diverse geographical areas. This study underscores the importance of region-specific strategies, advocating for a tailored and diversified approach to agricultural activities aligned with the unique context of each region. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the pivotal role of consolidating small plots as a strategic measure to alleviate agricultural land fragmentation, offering valuable insights into region-specific interventions for the enhancement of household well-being, encompassing both income and nutritional diversity.

KEYWORDS

Livelihood diversity, welfare impact, regional disparities, Vietnam.

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Comparing the Effects of Information Globalization on Agricultural Producer Prices in Developing and Developed Countries

Agus Dwi Nugroho DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160307
No 3/2024, September
pp. 93 - 107

ABSTRACT

Existing studies claim that the Internet of Things (IoTs) raises agricultural producer prices while others claim the contrary. Meanwhile, no studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of IoTs at the macro level, as represented by information globalization. The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of information globalization on agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries. This study used time series data from 1991 to 2020 and cross-section data from 66 developing and 26 developed countries. The data was analyzed using two-stage least squares. The first stage of analysis shows that pesticides and farm machinery increase agricultural production in developing and developed countries, while employment in agriculture, forestry, and fishing has the opposite effect. Meanwhile, nutrient nitrogen, manure, and irrigation have differing effects on agricultural production in the two areas. The second stage of analysis shows that agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries will rise when agricultural production, agricultural import, and human capital increase. Agricultural value-added, food consumer price inflation and population growth have varying impacts on agricultural producer prices. Meanwhile, the main variable investigated in this study, information globalization, has been proven to increase agricultural producer prices in both developing and developed countries.

KEYWORDS

Agricultural production, agricultural import, agricultural value added, food consumer price, population, human capital.

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Economic Assessment of Small-Scale Mountain Dairy Farms by Using Accounting Data: Evidence from an Italian Case Study

Giacomo Staffolani Deborah Bentivoglio Adele Finco DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160308
No 3/2024, September
pp. 109 - 120

ABSTRACT

Dairy mountain farms are economically disadvantaged due to small farm sizes and high production costs. This situation was exacerbated firstly by the opening of the market linked to the abolition of milk quotas; secondly by the rising prices due to the energy crisis due to covid 19 and the war in Ukraine. However, these farms are important for the preservation of traditional landscapes, the economy of these areas and the offered ecosystem services, especially when they are managed extensively. The objective of this research is to understand if mountain dairy farms are economically sustainable and competitive through the analysis of a case study. The economic analysis takes into account the production cost of milk, profitability, and some economic indicators using accounting data. The results show that the farm profitability is decreasing, and the costs are unsustainable. As a consequence, more efficient policy support is needed to overcome this crisis.

KEYWORDS

Dairy farms, mountain areas, Appennines, economic analysis, sustainability, case study.

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Assessing Indonesian Nutmeg Commodity Trade Competitiveness and Developing Sustainable Strategies in the Global Market

Sujianto Sujianto Ekwasita Rini Pribadi Ratna Ayu Saptati I Gusti Ayu Putu Mahendri Agung Budi Santoso Joula Olvy Maya Sondakh Ronald Timbul Pardamean Hutapea Yulia Pujiharti Zamroni Salim Suci Wulandari Saptana Saptana Saktyanu Kristyantoadi Dermoredjo Budi Rahardjo Hélio Brites da Silva DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160309
No 3/2024, September
pp. 121 - 138

ABSTRACT

Nutmeg encounters challenges in productivity, quality, climate change, Covid-19 disruptions, and stagflation, requiring efforts to enhance competitiveness and meet global market demands. This study aims to analyze Indonesian nutmeg trade performance, assess competitive advantage, and formulate essential strategies to increase its competitiveness. Using comprehensive mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis, methods include export-import market share analysis, CAGR, import dependency ratio, import-to-export ratio, RCA, RSCA, RTA, and SWOT/QSPM analysis. The data obtained from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders was used for formulating strategies enhancing nutmeg’s competitiveness. The findings underscore Indonesia's significant dominance in the global nutmeg market, with a considerable 61.6% market share but its export growth rate for nutmeg was less than the import annual growth. The competitiveness indicators demonstrated a robust comparative advantage of Indonesian nutmeg trade in the global market, especially for products categorized as “nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground” and “nutmeg, crushed or ground”. Indonesian also has comparative advantage among other exporter countries. Crucial strategies of internal and external perspectives, such as expanding markets, improving nutmeg quality and productivity through improving farmer capacity, technological adoption, and good agricultural practices are necessary to take into account Indonesia’s nutmeg competitiveness in global markets.

KEYWORDS

Trade performance, competitiveness, comparative advantage, nutmeg

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Juxtaposing Gender Differentials in Credit Assessment of Farmers in Nigeria: A Hybridized Credit-Scoring Approach

Igwe Ikenna Ukoha Maryann Osuji Ifyenwa Josephine Uhuegbulem Chigozie Ibekwe Okwudili Ibeagwa DOI: 10.7160/aol.2024.160310
No 3/2024, September
pp. 139 - 153

ABSTRACT

Using data from 360 smallholder farmers in Southeast Nigeria, the study creates the architecture for a new farmer's hybrid credit rating system used in classifying farmers who applied for microfinance loans based on their creditworthiness. We discovered new evidence that the hybridized credit scoring algorithm demonstrated unprecedented concordance in assessing the financial viability of farmers along gender lines. The discriminant analysis, in particular, closely aligned with the credit score model, with 34.4% and 46.7% of male and female farmers grouped as creditworthy, reflecting the model's estimates of 33.3% and 45.5%, indicating gaps of 12.3% and 12.2%, respectively, to the advantage of the female farmers. Our findings further suggest that annual income, marital status, and farm size strongly influence the separation between creditworthy and non-creditworthy farmers. While age, loan term, and a history of defaults had a negative impact on discrimination, in light of the findings, we recommend a collaboration between authorities, financial institutions, and extension workers in offering tailored trainings to both male and female farmers, assisting them in meeting up-to-date credit prerequisites, adopting modified farming techniques, and improving their general preparedness to be accepted for loans in this changing credit evaluation landscape so as to bridge the disparity and promote financial inclusion for farmers irrespective of gender affiliations.

KEYWORDS

Agricultural finance, credits scoring, discriminant analysis, smallholder farmers, microfinance lending, gender.

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