The Fishery Potential of Freshwater Gobies in Mandulog River, Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Author

Sonnie A. Vedra (sonnievedra@yahoo.com) and Pablo P. Ocampo
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 95-103

Abstract: Freshwater gobies, particularly fry and some adult species, have been used as an alternative fishery resource. Mandulog River in Iligan City, northern Mindanao, Philippines, is one of the areas known for goby-fry fishery. This study described the potentials of the goby population in Mandulog River in terms of its fishery aspects. Households along the Mandulog River were the respondents of the survey. Results show that most of the freshwater gobies were caught as alternative food while goby-fry were sold in the market. Goby fishing was done five times a year using nets and traps. The maximum catch per fishing session was one to three kilograms and sold at more or less PHP 10 (Philippine Peso) (USD 0.23) per kilogram. Monthly income from goby fishing was from PHP 100 to PHP 200 (USD 2.35 to USD 4.71) only. Goby species such as Sicyopterus lagocephalus, Oxyeleotris lineolata, Awaous melanocephalus, A. ocellaris, Giuris margaritacea, and Rhyacichthys aspro were the preferred prey species. Findings suggest that goby fishing was not a major source of livelihood as fishers were not earning much from it. However, as a bycatch, the goby population is under threat, with their economic and ecological benefits not utilized. Destructive fishing methods such as cyanide fishing, electric fishing, and use of fine mesh nets might also adversely affect the goby population, despite being non-target species. Therefore, protection of target species from overexploitation would also benefit the goby species.

Keywords: freshwater gobies; fishery; abundance; Mandulog River (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L13 C72 F21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Technical Efficiency of Fruit and Vegetable Producers in Tamil Nadu, India: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Author

Srinivasulu Rajendran (r.srinivasulu@gmail.com)

Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 77-93

Abstract: In India, fruits and vegetables (F&V) significantly contribute to food and nutritional security; they also enhance the livelihoods of smallholders. In recent years, demand has been increasing for these important crops, yet their productivity has been decelerating. Technical innovations can reduce yield gaps and increase the productivity of F&V crops. This paper measures technical efficiency (TE) of F&V production and its determinants based on Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. TE is defined as the maximum output that can be produced from a specified set of inputs, given the existing technology available to the farmer. The study surveyed a sample of 240 households who mostly cultivate F&V in Salem, Trichy, and Theni districts, Tamil Nadu. Mean TE level was estimated to be 0.60. The farmers in Trichy had higher TEs than those in the other districts. This means Trichy farmers use inputs more efficiently. If the average farmer in the sample could achieve the TE level of his/her most efficient counterpart, then he/she could increase output by about 34 percent with the same level of inputs. There is considerable room for increasing F&V output without additional inputs. Accessibility of irrigation facilities significantly contributed to the higher TE in Trichy. While the test for equality showed that TE did not vary significantly across farm sizes, the larger landholdings had higher TE than smaller landholdings, indicating that farm size and TE are directly related. The results showed that accessibility of infrastructure facilities (e.g., road) contributed positively to TE. Other variables such as level of education and access to credit also had positive relationship with TE.

Keywords: stochastic frontier; technical efficiency; production efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q12 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Journal Article: Technical Efficiency of Fruit and Vegetable Producers in Tamil Nadu, India: A Stochastic Frontier Approach (2014) 
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Organic Farming as an Innovative Farming System Development Model toward Sustainable Agriculture in Bali

Author

I Wayan Budiasa (wba.agr@unud.ac.id)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 65-75

Abstract: Organic farming has been promoted and developed in Bali since 2006 by the government in collaboration with private businesses and certification bodies. This research aimed to synthesize the development of Balinese organic production as an effort toward sustainable agriculture. Data from the in-depth interview and critical review were analyzed. As of 2012, the following have been certified as organic farms: 22 groups of food crop and horticulture farms such as rice/red rice, vegetables, flowers, salak, grape, mangosteen, papaya, banana, ginger, red onion, and mushroom; 8 groups of cashew farms; and 7 groups of coffee farms. The Balinese organic production systems are potentially sustainable since the sustainability criteria were fulfilled. Many constraint factors affect organic production in Bali, including limited organic fertilizer sources, limited fresh irrigation water resource, certification budget availability, and buyers who are willing to pay a premium for organic products. Success in removing the constraint factors would pave the way for sustainable organic agriculture in Bali.

Keywords: organic farming system; constraint factor; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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A Qualitative Review of Vietnam's Five-year Economic Plan (2006–2010) for the Agricultural Sector and Its Prospects for Sustainability

Author

Phan Sy Hieu (hieu_ps@yahoo.com)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 39-63

Abstract: Vietnam's economy faced difficulties in the 2006–2010 period due to the global financial crisis. The average inflation rate (greater than 20%) was higher than the expected level (less than 10%) for the period. The average GDP growth rate (6.3%) was lower than the target (7.5%). In the global context, however, Vietnam's economic growth and inflation rate were still seen as successful due to the government's strong policy and administration interventions. Nevertheless, similar to the outcomes of the country's other economic plans since 1986, the key "relative targets" of the plan for 2006–2010 were not successfully achieved, including that for reduced income inequality, thus restraining Vietnam's long-term growth. The main reason is that policies implemented to achieve these goals are not at "equilibrium" quantitative points. Therefore, more investment in research that applies large-scale mathematical economics models is urgently needed, similar to the ones used widely by many other governments in the world. In addition, the government's role in managing and developing domestic markets should be improved to protect farmers who always sell their products at prices lower than the shadow prices.

Keywords: economic growth; agricultural growth; economic structure; rural development; macro-economic policy; large-scale economics-mathematics modelling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Transaction Costs of Exchange in Agriculture: A Survey

Author

Agham C. Cuevas (aghamc@gmail.com)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 21-38

Abstract: The concept of transaction cost has been around for more than 75 years. It has been used to explain every economic phenomenon that does not fit with standard neoclassical predictions. It has been applied to so many fields, its definition varying with every application. This paper surveys the literature on transaction costs in general, as well as those that apply transaction costs to agriculture. It focuses on the role of transaction costs in exchange in agriculture, particularly in the context of the household's decision to engage in market exchange, in both input and output sides. The survey literature finds a confluence of definitions of transaction cost as applied to theoretical and empirical models. Coasian and Williamsonian definitions are used in interpreting fixed transaction costs while neoclassical and trade definitions (i.e., the concept of price band) characterize proportional transaction costs. The prominence of transport cost and the effect of distance and isolation in many of the analyses points to the influence of the new economic geography research stream. Measurement of transaction cost as an ad valorem tax also references the trade concept of transaction cost.

Keywords: transaction costs; agriculture; agricultural exchange (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D23 Q13 B52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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A Participatory Framework to Identify Gross National Happiness Issues for the Development of Smallholder Mixed Farming Systems in Bhutan

Author

Henk M.J. Udo (henk.udo@wur.nl), Tashi Samdup (tashi_samdup2001@yahoo.com) and Akke J. van der Zijpp (akke.vanderzijpp@wur.nl)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 1, pages 1-19

Abstract: This paper presents a participatory methodological framework to identify Gross National Happiness (GNH) issues at the smallholder level in Bhutan. GNH is a development paradigm of Bhutan that has increasingly drawn international attention. Its four pillars are sustainable and equitable socioeconomic development, preservation of the environment, preservation and promotion of culture, and promotion of good governance. Since GNH is usually discussed at the national level, its domains and indicators have been defined through a top-down intellectual exercise, with possibly limited relevance of the major issues for most rural Bhutanese, which represent 69 percent of the country's population. The methodology applied in this study was useful in identifying key GNH issues from a systems perspective at the smallholder level. Socioeconomic development and the environmental aspects were found to be the pertinent issues. The study also revealed trade-offs and dependencies among the four GNH pillars and their indicators. Inclusive policies are needed to address the concerns of smallholder farmers. If GNH is to work for the present and future generations, then it is essential to embrace the GNH issues of smallholder farmers who compose the backbone of the Bhutanese population. Further, the GNH concept is currently a mix of issues and indicators. Translating the issues identified by the study into indicators is required to properly evaluate the progress at the farm level and to support GNH policy development.

Keywords: Gross National Happiness; Bhutan; smallholder farming (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O2 D70 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Role of Participatory Development Communication in Natural Resource Management: A Case in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand

Author

Cherdpong Kheerajit (agrcpk@ku.ac.th) and Alexander G. Flor (aflor@upou.edu.ph)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 2, pages 87-102

Abstract: Using selected agricultural communities in Ratchaburi Province in Thailand, this study mainly investigates the relationship between participatory development communication (PDC), on one hand, and knowledge, attitude, and practice of community-based natural resource mangement (CBNRM), on the other. Toward achieving this goal, data were collected to: (1) identify the status of CBNRM in Krabyai sub-district, Ratchaburi province; (2) determine the PDC levels of the various stakeholders; and (3) find out the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of CBNRM. The results of the statistical analysis and the conclusions drawn from a focus group discussion provide the basis for the steps recommended to enhance PDC as applied to CBNRM efforts in other municipalities in Thailand. The study follows a one-shot survey research design whereby primary information is elicited from 43 respondents consisting of 35 farmers and 8 government officers. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis. The findings highlight the need to improve and continuously find ways to properly involve and encourage participation from various stakeholders. In terms of PDC levels, data show that consultation is favored by most stakeholders. Most of the respondents have high knowledge of CBNRM. More than half of the respondents have a positive attitude toward CBNRM. As to the levels of practice of PDC in CBNRM, most stakeholders often participate in activities conducted on natural resource management. Most importantly, a significant relationship was found between the level of PDC and the knowledge, attitude and practice of stakeholders on CBNRM.

Keywords: participatory development communication; community-based natural resources management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Prospects and Dilemmas of Institutional Networking: Case of the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE)

Author

Jesus C. Fernandez (j.fernandez@biotrop.org) and Leila D Landicho (leila_landicho@yahoo.com)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 2, pages 71-86

Abstract: This article highlights SEANAFE’s experiences and lessons learned from its 15 years of operation as a regional agroforestry education network. It argues that while institutional networking offers opportunities in strengthening the quality of agroforestry education, there are also institutional mechanisms that constrain the sustainable achievement of the goals and objectives set by the network. To achieve an effective network, therefore, this article suggests the need for more focused nationwide and region-wide activities rather than purely institutional activities; clear and sustained commitments of member-institutions; dynamic relationships between and among country networks and their memberinstitutions; more tangible outputs that would enhance active participation of member-institutions; effective and efficient communication; and more aggressive fund sourcing and collaborations with donors.

Keywords: agroforestry education; networking; SEANAFE (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Sources of Growth and Instability in Agricultural Production in Western Odisha, India

Author

Mrutyunjay Dr Swain (mrutyunjay77@gmail.com)
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 2, pages 51-70

Abstract: This paper analyzes the nature and sources of agricultural instability in the Bolangir district of Western Odisha, India. The nature of instability in agricultural production is examined by determining the agricultural instability index (AII) of variables such as area, production and yield of food grains and paddy, irrigation coverage, and annual rainfall. The period covered by the study (1984–2009), which is characterized by greater technology dissemination, is categorized into two sub- periods: (1984–1993) and (1994–2009). The effects of a change in major inputs on the variability of crop productivity are assessed using a double-log model. The yield decomposition analysis is used to examine the role of drought risk factors and the amount and productivity of inputs in crop yield growth. The extent of instability in agricultural production and productivity in the region is found to be quite high on account of the high level of rainfall variability and the low irrigation coverage. The level of instability in food grain production is much larger during the second sub-period. The decomposition analysis reveals that about 84.4 percent of the total change in paddy yield growth is due to drought risk factors such as rainfall failure, rainfall variability, high temperature, and drought-induced pest attack, while the remaining change in paddy yield is due to the change in amount and productivity of major agricultural inputs such as labor, fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation.

Keywords: drought; agricultural instability; yield decomposition; Western Odisha (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q54 Q12 C51 C88 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Strengthening Social Capital for Agricultural Development: Lessons from Guama, Bali, Indonesia

Author

Gede Sedana (gedesedana@gmail.com), I Gusti Ayu Agung Ambarawati (annie.ambarawati@gmail.com) and Wayan Windia
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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2014, vol. 11, issue 2, pages 39-50

Abstract: Agriculture plays a significant role in the economic development of Indonesia. In Bali province, the government has been implementing agricultural development programs through subaks, which are customary communities that manage the traditional irrigation system. However, subaks now face some problems due to low farmers’ income from paddy farming. This paper describes the social capital performance of the subak system and attempts to identify ways to strengthen the social capital for agricultural development. The study selected the subak of Guama as its site because the government implemented a pilot project on agribusiness development in this subak in 2002. Key informants and samples were drawn during the survey and observation for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods. Results showed that social capital within the subak system consisted of mutual trust, social norms, and social networking. The three elements run simultaneously for the agricultural, irrigation, and agribusiness activities, including ritual ceremonies within the subak system. The social capital in the subak system for agricultural development, particularly rice farming, can be strengthened by: (1) conducting intensive extension and training activities using participatory approaches; (2) providing economic stimulants to encourage farmers to sustain their agribusiness activities; and (3) facilitating partnership activities between the subak and other agribusiness institutions.

Keywords: Social capital; agribusiness; cooperative; participatory; subak (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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