2011 - Volume 07 issue 1

SUBSTITUTES OR COMPLEMENTS: FORMAL AND INFOMRL CREDIT DEMAND BY MAIZE FARMERS IN ASHANTI AND BRONG AHAFO REGIONS OF GHANA

2021-01-08T05:52:31Z

SUBSTITUTES OR COMPLEMENTS: FORMAL AND INFOMRL CREDIT DEMAND BY MAIZE FARMERS IN ASHANTI AND BRONG AHAFO REGIONS OF GHANA Awunyo-Vitor, Dadson; Abankwah, Vincent This study examines credit demand by maize farmers and analysed factors influencing their use of informal and formal credit. The analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 590 maize farmers in seven districts of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana during May-July 2010. Descriptive statistics, probit and bivariate probit models were used to analyse the data. The study revealed informal credit sources for maize farmers as relatives and friends, traders and private money lenders. Maize traders are major players in the informal credit market followed by agricultural input sellers. Among the formal sources rural banks are the most prominent. Regional location, Gender, engagement in other economic activities and the level of agricultural commercialisation were observed to be factors that influence farmers’ demand for informal credit. In addition to these factors, farmer years of education and proximity to financial institution influence demand for formal credit. The result of the bivariate probit suggests that formal and informal credits are not necessarily perfect substitutes but they complement each other to provide credit needs of farmers in maize production.

ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POTATO VARIETIES IN NEPAL: A CASE OF BARA DISTRICT

2021-01-08T05:49:08Z

ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POTATO VARIETIES IN NEPAL: A CASE OF BARA DISTRICT Kafle, B; Shah, P The study examines the determinants of adoption of improved potato varieties in Bara district of Nepal. Data was obtained from 51 potato farmers through the use of structured questionnaires. The study employed descriptive statistics and regression analysis to assess adoption status and its determinants. The results of the regression analysis showed that household size has negative influence on adoption of improved potato varieties while land tenancy, cattle ownership, contact with extension agents, age and level of education have positive influences. It is recommended that adult education should be provided to the adult farmers and the number of extension agents should be increased who would help introduce new potato varieties and improve technical and managerial skills of farmers through improved extension services.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF HYBRID MAIZE IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

2021-01-08T05:25:42Z

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF HYBRID MAIZE IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA Ebojei, C.O; Ayinde, T.B; Akogwu, G.O Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Nigerian agriculture. The crop occupies a crucial place than other cereal crops since it is used as food, feed, fodder and other industrial raw material. The aim of this study is to identify the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers’ decision to adopt hybrid maize in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Nigeria using the farm household survey data collected from 160 maize farmers in October- December 2009 for the cropping year 2009-10. This paper presents the results of an empirical application of maximum likelihood estimate of Logit Model to determine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of hybrid maize. The results indicates that the mean predicted probability of technology adoption was Age (X1) (P<0.013), income (X5) (p<0.034), education (X6) (p<0.001) and extension visits (X7) (P<0.017). On the contrary, farming experience, family size, farm size had no significant influence on participation in hybrid maize. This study suggests the need to bring more area under hybrid maize cultivation. Furthermore, there is a need for special training, seminars, field demonstrations and technical support for the maize farmers. As most of the households had no formal education, the extension program should be intended to the less educated farmers. In addition, the credit facility particularly the procedure for loan should be made simple to improve the adoption rate of hybrid maize in the study area.

INFLUENCE OF THE CALCIUM ON MICROBIAL STABILITY AND TEXTURE OF OSMOTIC DEHYDRATED PINEAPPLE SLICES.

2021-01-08T05:22:05Z

INFLUENCE OF THE CALCIUM ON MICROBIAL STABILITY AND TEXTURE OF OSMOTIC DEHYDRATED PINEAPPLE SLICES. Karunarathna, E.J.C.N; Rathnayaka, R.M.U.S.K The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of calcium on microbial stability and texture of osmotic dehydrated pineapple slices in the preparation of minimally processed pineapple slices by osmotic dehydration in atmospheric conditions. Pineapple slices of 10 mm thickness were treated with osmotic agents consisting of glucose solutions of 50° brix incorporated with 0, 1, and 2 % calcium lactate, until they reached 30° and 40° brix at room temperature. The effect of osmotic dehydration on mechanical properties and microbial stability of pineapple slices were analyzed throughout storage at 10 °C for 28 days. Moisture content was determined using the standard method. Mechanical properties were analyzed using a penetrometer, and microbial analysis was done according to the standard microbial tests. Compared to fresh cuts and control samples, samples treated with osmotic agents containing 2 % calcium lactate showed a significantly lower growth of mesophilic bacteria , yeast and moulds. Furthermore, the samples treated with calcium lactate had a better firmness compared to those without treatment. Out of all sample tested, 30° brix sample with 2% calcium lactate and 40° brix sample with 1% calcium lactate were identified as the better samples with good firmness and low microbial growth. Treatment of pineapple using dehydration solutions with calcium lactate has been found useful in producing osmotic dehydrated pineapple slices characterized with good firmness, high microbial stability and high keeping quality.