Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics'

New technology and new innovations have for long been considered as a spring for growth. Conservation farming (CF) is a new production method introduced in rural Zambia and previous research shows that it increases yields and improves soil fertility. Even though the method is proven more efficient than conventional agriculture, only approximately 10 % of Zambia’s farmers have adopted the method. The purpose of this study is to discuss the implications of the introduction of CF on the capabilities of farmers and on economic growth. Furthermore, the study aims to explore why CF, which is proven to be more economically efficient than the conventional method, is not adopted to a larger extent in Zambia.

A qualitative study of 25 farmers, farming with either CF or conventional methods, was performed in the region of Mumbwa, Zambia. The results were divided depending on whether the farmers were using the new method or not. To analyze the selected material theories were chosen that regard economic growth and technological change, the adoption process of new innovations, incentive creation and the expansion of capabilities.

The two groups showed differences in age, the size of their land, how many crops they grew and to what extent they were working for others or hiring labor. The conclusion from the small sample of farmers is that the farmers using CF had been able to expand their capabilities in different ways. They had food for all the year, the new method allowed them to plan their time better and it was more environmentally sustainable than the old method. The negative aspect of CF is that it is not compatible with the old method in terms of social norms. CF leads to a more efficient use of capital and labor and therefore it can increase the economic growth. In terms of a new innovation, CF seems to have a relative advantage over the old method but it must be spread to a larger group of farmers to reach a breakthrough. To create a higher adoption rate of the method the farmers’ perception must be taken into account.

Minor Field Study (Sida)

Master of Agribusiness
Department of Agricultural Economics
Arlo Biere
With a large portion of U.S. farm production expenditures related to the cost of fertilizer, seed, and chemicals, producers within the Corn Belt region are looking for new methods and/or planting processes that would deliver higher levels of production efficiencies and lower operating costs. Specifically within the planting operation, Corn Belt producers are faced with the challenge to better manage the higher cost of crop inputs in order to sustain profitability. The primary objective of this thesis is to examine new planting technologies that would better manage planting applications while directly lowering related input costs. Another objective is to understand through regression analysis how various planting variables affect yield potential. Results from the regression analysis illustrate how the various planting variables affect yield and show the importance of “realtime” planter management, advancements possible only with the new planter technology. Customer surveys and several on-site customer visits were conducted throughout the Corn Belt to better understand the actual needs of producers for new planting technologies. Throughout the customer visits, specific questions about the producers’ planting operation were asked to find new ways for precision technology to help increase overall productivity and ultimately profitability. Producer comments and feedback were analyzed through Quality Functional Deployment (QFD) practices and aligned into product development programs. The products developed from the customer research will help producers in the Corn Belt to reduce corn production inefficiencies and, potentially, increase profit margins, assuming profit levels remain steady and/or increase in lieu of reduced input costs.Farm level net present value (NPV) analyses of new planting technologies were performed. Corresponding yield data from efficiencies gained in seed corn placement and control during “real-time” planting applications were integrated into the NPV analyses along with the precision technology costs. The NPV results were positive.

This dissertation expands upon the definition of eco-visualization artwork. EV was originally defined in 2006 by Tiffany Holmes as a way to display the real time consumption statistics of key environmental resources for the goal of promoting ecological literacy. I assert that the final forms of EV artworks are not necessarily dependent on technology, and can differ in terms of media used, in that they can be sculptural, video-based, or static two-dimensional forms that communicate interpreted environmental information. There are two main categories of EV: one that is predominantly screen-based and another that employs a variety of modes of representation to visualize environmental information. EVs are political acts, situated in a charged climate of rising awareness, operating within the context of environmentalism and sustainability. I discuss a variety of EV works within the frame of ecopsychology, including EcoArtTech’s Eclipse and Keith Deverell’s Building Run; Andrea Polli’s Cloud Car and Particle Falls; Nathalie Miebach’s series, The Sandy Rides; and Natalie Jeremijenko’s Mussel Choir. The range of EV works provided models for my creative project, Sculpting Corn Production, and a foundation from which I developed a creative methodology. Working to defeat my experience of solastalgia, Sculpting Corn Production is a series of discrete paper sculptures focusing on American industrial corn farming. This EV also functions as a way for me to understand our devastated monoculture landscapes and the politics, economics, and related areas of ecology of our food production.

Both globally and locally, agriculture faces ever increasing challenges such as high input costs, strict environmental laws, decrease in land for cultivation and an increase in demand due to the growing global population. Profitability and sustainability requires more effective production systems. Precision agriculture is identified as such a system and is built upon a system approach that aims to restructure the total system of agriculture towards low input, high efficiency and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to analyse the state of precision agriculture in the summer grain producing areas of South Africa, specifically the North West and Free State provinces. In order to achieve this, a literature study was conducted. During the literature study the term ‘precision agriculture’ was defined and discussed. The precision agriculture cycle and its components were explained and benefits of precision agriculture were identified. The literature study was concluded with identifying and discussing the most widely used and most beneficial technologies as well as reasons for slow adoption. Findings from the literature study were used to investigate the state of precision agriculture locally. In order to achieve this, a quantitative approach was used and information was collected by means of an empirical study using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to farmers using selling agents of an agricultural company that is well represented in the targeted areas. The data was then statistically analysed. The survey showed that only 52% of summer grain producing farmers in the North West and Free State provinces of South Africa practises precision agriculture as defined in the v literature study. The study also revealed that the majority of precision agriculture farmers are over the age of 40, have more than 16 years of farming experience, are well educated, cultivate more than 1,000 hectares and uses none or little irrigation. The most commonly used precision agriculture technologies were grid soil sampling and yield monitors. The perception among most of the farmers was that precision technologies are not very affordable, not easily available and that it lacks proper testing with regards to efficiency. The group of summer grain–producing farmers that have correctly implemented precision agriculture as per definition stated that the benefits they derived from precision technologies include reduction in input costs, increased outputs and improved management skills. Too high implementation costs and technologies not providing enough benefits were among the main reasons farmers do not implement precision agriculture. It was concluded that a significant effort and amount of work is needed to increase the use of precision agriculture among summer grain–producing farmers in the targeted areas. A consolidated effort from government, agricultural institutions and agricultural companies will be needed to achieve this goal. Implementing precision agriculture as a system will require education (from primary to tertiary institutions) and improved marketing strategies. Only then will precision technologies be able to help meet the future demands placed on the agriculture sector.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

In an era when enormous challenges to food security are imposed on humanity through phenomena such as global climate change, it is important to understand how farming households adapt and respond to a changing production environment. This thesis consists of three empirical studies with a special focus on rural farming households in Vietnam. The first study investigates the pattern and determinants of the use of four agricultural practices – new rice seed varieties, chemical fertilisers, pesticides and mechanisation – in small-scale rice farming. Using a long panel dataset, the study applied a two-stage estimation strategy to determine how and to what extent the changes in agricultural technology have been affected by various factors. The second study examines the changes in climatological variables since 1975 using a comprehensive dataset for a relatively long time period (1975 to 2014) and a high density of climatic records. It first combines statistical methods with geostatistical techniques to graphically represent the distribution of climate patterns, identifying variations and trends and linking to rice production throughout the country. The third study investigates whether or not farmers have altered their farming strategies over time in response to pronounced changes in the climate. Since farmers’ decisions to use certain farming techniques are inherently dynamic, I estimated a dynamic random-effects probit model, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity and state dependence. Vietnamese farmers have been operating their farms under a continuously transforming policy environment. However, new challenges are emerging and their impacts on agricultural production have been increasingly pronounced. The findings and policy implications drawn from these studies will be useful in enhancing farmers’ adaptive capacity in fast changing production conditions.

Sudan is the largest country in Africa and boasts the largest farm in the world. Sudan is a predominately agricultural economy; agriculture employs more than eighty percent of the country's labour force and its industry. The national agricultural research institutions are charged with the key responsibility of implementing sustainable agricultural growth and development in Sudan. By adoption of demonstrable benefit farms, the research institutions view their contribution as providing improvements to traditional Sudanese practices rather than focusing on developing new techniques. Any research institution must have methodsof improving farming practices and the pertinent test of their relevance is improved management practices. Crop productivity is extremely low and does not exceed thirty percent of the level attained in research or demonstration fields; the difficult economic position of the country has adversely affected the activities of the agricultural research institutions; technology generation is greatly hampered; the extension service is fragmented and its efforts are conned to a small number of farmers; the research institutions are weakened due to frequent staff turnover, lack of continuity in the research agenda and inadequacies in management and hence their impact is limited. The main purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the implementation capacity constraints which exist in formal agricultural research and the impact this has on thedevelopment of the agricultural sector of the Sudanese economy. The study also attempts to provide a better understanding of the relationships between low productivity in Sudan and the determinants of this. The data for this research were obtained from a field survey carried out in 1999. In the survey, a total of 120 farmers from the Gezira Scheme, 84 researchers from the Agricultural Research Corporation, 33 academic staff from the Gezira University as well as extensionists from the Central State were successfully interviewed. The research explores various aspects of the internal technology transfer system and the productivity gap in traditional agriculture. A critical review of the theoretical and empirical literature on technology transfer has been conducted in the study. It is obvious that economic analysis alone will not provide a satisfactory solution to the type of problems investigated in the study as these issues and problems also have political and socio-cultural dimensions. Therefore, the proposed solutions simply seek to change the behaviours of both individuals and institutions. To do this it is necessary to recognise all the dimensions of the technology transfer problem. This study provides insights into the influence of demographic, socio-economic, cultural, technical and decision-making factors on technology transfer and productivity in Sudan. The thesis concludes with discussion of key policy implications and areas for further research. The findings of this research should assist in guiding planners and policy-makers in improving the internal technology transfer system and perhaps in enabling agricultural productivity to improve in the Sudan.

This thesis presents an economic analysis of sustainable coffee production in Vietnam. It examines economic and environmental performance of different coffee-farming systems, including coffee mono-crop versus diversified systems and sustainability certified versus non-certified farm groups. Results show that diversifying to perennial crops helps improving economic and environmental performance. Certified coffee farms perform better than non-certified farms but there is a convergence of the two groups over time. Farms are faced with a trade-off between cost and environmental efficiency. Advanced irrigation technologies help improving water efficiency, while there is no significant difference in the water efficiency between certified and non-certified farms.

This thesis deals with the Kosovar agricultural economy and the introduction of new approaches. Kosova is an economy in transition with high unemployment, young population and structural problems. The privatization process promises a better future and economic growth. However, hard work and new approaches are needed. Privatization does not mean immediate growth. Hereby, clusters are considered as an appropriate approach to develop rural areas. Especially the wine sector in Kosova could be an example for cluster development as it is a promising sector. Wine has a long history in Kosova although wine consumption is not widespread. This sector is a rare example where exports are higher than imports. Climate conditions cheep working force and as stated the background make this sector attractive. Foreign agencies and investors are very interested in this sector. This thesis will show the main problems and main opportunities of this sector. It will describe the structural changes and current developments. Cluster creation is not a government function. Further, it is not a tailor-made solution. In fact, clustering involves many roles. Each participant has certain duties but the whole process needs coordination. The monitoring and supervision of the whole process, the identification of needs and permanent exchange of the participants are organized in a cluster. At the end, a win-win situation is created even if competition is raised to a high level. Competition and the functioning of free markets guarantee the success of the sector and as a results regional development. One cluster helps to create another. Starting one process means that many others could follow. By reading this thesis, the reader should recognize potentials and understand the local circumstances. This is the aim of the study.
Faton Deva "Shkodra" 14, Prishtina 10000 Kosova mob: +377(0)44122883 e-mail:faton99d@gmail.com

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
The present study aimed to evaluate the level of technological adoption in castor production in Cearà and the impact of the incentive offered to produce castor on the generation of employment and income of family farmers included in that program. To this end, we selected a sample with a group of producers of castor and a second group of non-producing of castor in order to make comparisons. The research was based on primary data, obtained through the application of semi-structured interviews in the municipalities of Santa QuitÃria, Monsenhor Tabosa and Boa Viagem. As methodology, the following techniques were used descriptive statistics, the construction of the Technology Adoption Index (INATEC), analysis of variance, analysis of logistic regression and propensity score matching. The main results showed a low level of technology adoption by producers. They also revealed that the incentive to produce castor generated significant impact on total farm income, farm income per hectare and total employment of the producers of this cultivar. However, are not observable impacts on the level of employment per hectare.
O estudo aqui apresentado teve como objetivo principal avaliar o nÃvel de adoÃÃo tecnolÃgica na produÃÃo de mamona no Estado do Cearà e os impactos do programa de incentivo à produÃÃo de mamona sobre a geraÃÃo de emprego e renda dos agricultores familiares. Para tanto, selecionou-se uma amostra composta por dois grupos: um primeiro grupo de produtores de mamona e um segundo grupo de nÃo produtores de mamona, a fim de estabelecer comparaÃÃes e anÃlises de impacto. A pesquisa baseou-se em dados primÃrios, por meio da aplicaÃÃo de entrevistas semiestruturadas nos municÃpios de Santa QuitÃria, Monsenhor Tabosa e Boa Viagem. Como metodologia, o estudo fez uso de mÃtodos de estatÃsticas descritivas, construÃÃo do Ãndice de AdoÃÃo de Tecnologias (INATEC), anÃlises de variaÃÃo, anÃlise de regressÃo logÃstica e mÃtodo Propensity Score Matching. Os principais resultados obtidos revelam um baixo nÃvel de adoÃÃo de tecnologias por parte dos produtores. Revelam ainda que o programa de incentivo à produÃÃo de mamona gerou impacto significativo sobre a renda agrÃcola total, renda agrÃcola por hectare e emprego total dos produtores desta cultivar. Contudo, nÃo sÃo observÃveis os impactos sobre o nÃvel de emprego por hectare.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the use of information technology as a method to reduce production risk for irrigated potatoes. Risk in agriculture is discussed under climatic, market or price and production related risk. Production related risk covers the disciplines of planting, irrigation, fertilisation, disease and pest control as well as harvesting. It is in the above mentioned disciplines that information technology could possible be applied to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. The nature of this study can therefor be described as the investigation of the economic justification of information technology as a method to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. A brief introduction to put potato production in world and South African context into perspective, is provided. In South African context the importance and position of potato production relative to other crops is discussed. To better understand the economic conditions, under which potatoes are produced in South Africa, a financial breakdown of production cost for irrigated potatoes over regions is given. It is important to understand the economics of potato production before a proper assessment of thepossible benefits of information technology can be made. Various principles and instruments involved with information technology, as it applies to potato production under irrigation are also discussed. Irrigation scheduling as a discipline in which information technology can be applied, is also discussed. It is important to understand that irrigation scheduling can be based on two underlying principles, i.e. atmospheric modelling and soil moisture measurement. Various examples of measurement instruments are discussed. Climatic based disease modelling and petiole sampling as a method to determine nutritional status in the potato plant, was also discussed. A brief discussion of computerised agriculture management software was included to conclude the discussion on the principles and instruments available for information technology in irrigated potato production. The use of fertiliser scheduling, irrigation scheduling and climatic modelling to reduce fungal diseases in potatoes, as information technology methods, are explained in greater detail. It is shown that recommended levels for various nutrients do exist and that petiole analysis as a method to determine these levels at various growth stages, can be applied successfully. It is further argued that with various methods of irrigation scheduling, proper decision making about the amount and timing of irrigation needed, can be possible. The Plant-Plus system as a method to better control Late Blight on potatoes, is discussed. The results obtained through a commercial trial proves the validity of climatic modelling as a method of information technology to reduce production risk on potatoes, specifically the risk associated with Late Blight. The existence of and results obtained through the equipment and methods previuosly mentioned, raises the question of the economic viability of information technology at farm level. To investigate the perception of growers with regard to the applicability of information technology to reduce production risk and their readiness to adopt such . -- technology, a questionnaire was sent to 40 commercial potato growers throughout South Africa. Growers were tested on their perception with regard to the use of information technology on aspects such as financial management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation, climatic measurement for fungal modelling as well as a profile analysis of the grower. The results of the survey are tabulated and analysed. Growers were on average positive about the value of information technology and indicated that under certain conditions, they were prepared to implement such technology. Margins in commercial potato production are under severe pressure and are in fact shrinking. Case studies presented in this investigation and results from the pilot survey indicate that the use of information technology is not only important for the reduction of risk in potato production but also imperative for sustainable and profitable potato production. It can therefore be concluded that, based on the results obtained in the pilot questionnaire, a statistical valid sample would probably support the findings in the pilot study. The pilot study indicated that reliable, affordable and practical information technology, as it has been presented in this investigation, does have a place in modern day irrigated potato production.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie evalueer die gebruik van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksie risiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Risiko in landbou word onder klimatologiese, mark of prys en produksie verwante risiko bespreek. Produksie verwante risiko kan weer onderverdeel word in risiko wat verband hou met plant of vestiging, besproeiing, bemesting, plaag en pes beheer asook oes. Dit is dan in die bogenoemde dissiplines waar informasie tegnologie moontlik aangewend kan word om produksie verwante risiko te verminder. Die kern van hierdie ondersoek kan gevolglik saamgevat word as 'n ondersoek na die ekonomiese regverdigbaarheid van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksierisiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Daar word kortliks verwys na aartappel verbouing in wêreld en Suid Afrikaanse konteks. In Suid Afrikaanse konteks is die relatiewe belangrikheid van aartappelverbouing in vergelyking met ander gewasse uitgelig. Ten einde 'n beter begrip vir die ekonomiese omstandighede waaronder aartappels in Suid Afrika verbou word, word 'n afbraak van produksiekoste oor streke verskaf Dit is belangrik om die ekonomie van aartappelproduksie te verstaan voordat 'n deeglike evaluering van die moontlike voordele wat informasie tegnologie kan inhou, onderneem kan word. Verskeie beginsels en instrumente in die aanwending van informasie tegnologie, soos van toepassing in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, word ook toegelig. Hieronder word besproeiingskedulering as 'n metode bespreek. Dit is verder belangrik om te besef dat besproeiingskedulering op hoofsaaklik twee beginsels berus naamlik atmosferiese modellering en fisiese grondvog meting. Verskeie voorbeelde van meetinstrumente word bespreek. Klimatologiese siektemodellering en petioolontledings as 'n metode om die voedingstatus van aartappelplante te bepaal, word ook bespreek. Die gebruik van bemestingskedulering, besproeiingskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes op aartappels, as metodes van informasie tegnologie, word in groter besonderhede toegelig. Daar is aangetoon dat aanbevole peile vir verskeie nutriënte bestaan. Deur die neem van gereelde petiool ontledings kan hierdie peile suksesvol gedurende die opeenvolgende fenologiese stadia van die aartappelplant, gehandhaaf word. Daar is verder aangevoer dat deur die gebruik van verskeie metodes van besproeiingskedulering, deeglike besluitneming rakende die hoeveelheid en tydsberekening van 'n besproeiing, moontlik is. Die Plant-Plus sisteem as 'n metode om laatroes op aartappels te beheer, is toegelig. Resultate behaal in 'n kommersiële aanplanting het die geldigheid van klimatologiese modellering as 'n metode om produksierisiko - veral die risiko geassosieer met laatroes - te verminder, onderskryf. Die bestaan van resultate en instrumente soos voorgehou in Hoofstukke 3 en 4, onderskryf of bevestig die vermoede dat informasie tegnologie wel aangewend kan word om produksierisiko in aartappelverbouing te verminder. Die vraag is egter of dit ekonomies op plaasvlak aangewend kan word. Ten einde die persepsie met betrekking tot - die toepaslikheid en gereedheid van produsente in dié verband te evalueer, is 'n loodsvraelys na 40 respondente, wat die kommersiële aartappelprodusente regdeur Suid Afrika verteenwoordig, gestuur. Respondente is ge-evalueer met betrekking tot hul persepsie rakende die gebruik van informasie tegnologie in die dissiplines van finansiële bestuur, besproeiingskedulering, nutriëntskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes. Respondente was oor die algemeen positief met betrekking tot die nut van informasie tegnologie en dat onder seker voorwaardes, hulle dit sal gebruik. Marges in kommersiële aartappelverbouing is onder ernstige druk en is inderdaad besig om te krimp. Gevallestudies wat in hierdie ondersoek voorgehou is, asook resultate verkry uit die vraelys, dui aan dat informasie tegnologie nie alleen belangrik is vir die vermindering van risiko in aartappelverbouing me, maar ook noodsaaklik IS vir volhoubare en winsgewende aartappelproduksie. Dit kan gevolglik gestel word dat resultate verkry uit die loodsvraelys, daarop mag dui dat 'n statisties verifieerbare steekproef moontlik kan uitwys dat betroubare, bekostigbare en praktiese informasie tegnologie, soos voorgehou in hierdie ondersoek, wel 'n bestaansreg in die moderne verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing het.

Esta dissertaÃÃo busca analisar as diferenÃas tecnolÃgicas da produÃÃo agropecuÃria entre os municÃpios situados nas grandes regiÃes brasileiras, com enfoque especial para o Nordeste brasileiro. Como aporte metodolÃgico, utilizou-se o modelo de meta-fronteira tecnolÃgica proposta por Battese, Rao e OâDonnell (2004) e OâDonnell, Rao e Battese (2008), para responder atà que ponto essas diferenÃas regionais influenciam na eficiÃncia da produÃÃo e qual os seus impactos nos municÃpios. A anÃlise foi dividida em dois modelos. No Modelo 1 propÃs-se analisar e identificar as diferenÃas tecnolÃgicas da produÃÃo agropecuÃria entre os municÃpios situados nas grandes regiÃes brasileiras, exceto pela regiÃo Norte, por questÃes metodolÃgicas. Jà o Modelo 2 voltou-se à diferenciaÃÃo tecnolÃgica da produÃÃo agropecuÃria existente no semiÃrido e no nÃo-semiÃrido do Nordeste. A hipÃtese assumida nesta pesquisa à a existÃncia de um processo de heterogeneizaÃÃo tecnolÃgica do meio rural brasileiro e que esta diferenciaÃÃo impacta no nÃvel de eficiÃncia tÃcnica da produÃÃo agropecuÃria nas diferentes regiÃes do Brasil e mesmo dentro de uma mesma regiÃo. Detectou-se que esta hipÃtese se mostrou verdadeira para os dois Modelos. O Modelo 1 indicou que a tecnologia de produÃÃo agropecuÃria praticadas nos municÃpios situados nas regiÃes Sul e Centro-Oeste sÃo mais avanÃadas. Jà em relaÃÃo ao Modelo 2, os resultados indicaram que, quando comparadas as duas regiÃes, o nÃo-semiÃrido possui a maior eficiÃncia tÃcnica mÃdia em referÃncia à meta-fronteira.
This thesis analyzes the technological differences in agricultural production between municipalities located in the great Brazilian regions, with a special attention on the Brazilian Northeast. As methodological support was utilized the meta-frontier model, proposed by Battese, Rao and OâDonnell (2004) and OâDonnell, Rao and Battese (2008) to answer how these regional differences influence the efficiency of production and like this spatial heterogeneity impacts on municipalitiesâ technical efficiency (TE). The analysis was divided into two models. The first one proposes to analyze and identify the technological differences in agricultural production between the municipalities located in the Brazilian regions, except in the North region, for methodological reasons. On the other hand, the second one searches for the technological differentiation of agricultural production in the semi-arid and non-semiarid regions of the Northeast. For present thesis, the hypothesisis is the existence of a process of technological heterogenization of the Brazilian rural production and that this differentiation affects the level of TE of agricultural production between different regions of Brazil and within the same region as well. It was found that this hypothesis proved to be true for both models. The Model 1 revealed that the production technology practiced in the municipalities located in the South and Center-West regions are more advanced. Regarding the Model 2 indicated that the non-semiarid has the highest average TE with reference to the meta-frontier, when compared to the semiarid region.

Résumé Une demande croissante sans cesse de produits alimentaires à base d’animaux influence la productivité des systèmes mondiaux de production alimentaire, et des mesures indispensables pour freiner la dégradation de l’environnement promettent des effets similaires. Si les scénarios de demande future peuvent être satisfaits de manière durable, cela dépend notamment de la possibilité de réduire de manière significative l'impact de l'aquaculture et de l'élevage sur l'environnement. Des recherches récentes suggèrent que l'utilisation d'aliments à base d'insectes (IBF) pourrait apporter une contribution significative à cet égard, et des arguments valables sont avancés pour soutenir cette hypothèse. Les larves de mouches, comme celles des mouches domestiques (Musca domestica) ou des mouches soldat noir (Hermetia illucens), sont en mesure de puiser des nutriments dans un large éventail de ressources organiques, y compris celles impropres à la consommation humaine. Cela crée la possibilité de convertir (et de réduire considérablement) les déchets organiques de faible valeur, tels que le fumier ou le sang animal, en protéines de haute qualité et en énergie alimentaire, qui se sont avérés appropriés pour nourrir différents poissons d'aquaculture et du bétail monogastrique.Bien que le concept IBF promet d’importants avantages et ait démontré sa faisabilité technique, il n’existe encore aucun système établi permettant de tester les avantages supposés en termes de durabilité. Dans cette thèse, nous avons essayé de surmonter cette lacune par la modélisation de tels systèmes. Notre objectif central était d'identifier les aspects influençant le potentiel d'application des IBF dans différents contextes géographiques et de définir des voies d'optimisation pour une mise en œuvre durable. En nous basant sur des données expérimentales recueillies lors d'essais d'élevage menés en Europe (Espagne et Slovaquie) et en Afrique de l'Ouest (Ghana et Mali), nous avons formulé la conception d'un ensemble de versions de systèmes améliorés élevant M. domestica et H. illucens sur différents substrats organiques de faible valeur. Les modèles de production génériques ont servi comme base d’une analyse du cycle de vie ex ante, dans laquelle nous avons exploré les performances des systèmes à l’aide d’analyse du cycle de vie environnementale (ACV) et de l’analyse des coûts du cycle de vie (ACCV).Les ACVs et ACCVs ont montré que les performances environnementales et économiques des IBF sont largement fonction de l’efficacité de conversion des systèmes, de l’organisation du processus de production (c’est-à-dire de l’apport de main-d’œuvre et d’équipements technologiques) et du contexte géographique. La combinaison de ces facteurs a fourni des avantages pour les configurations simplistes utilisées dans la production de M. domestica en Afrique occidentale tropicale dans des conditions de ponte naturelle (c'est-à-dire d'inoculation de substrat par le biais de mouches présentes à l'état naturel). L'inoculation artificielle (c'est-à-dire l'inoculation du substrat par le biais de larves nourries provenant d'une colonie d'adultes en captivité), utilisée dans la production de H. illucens en Afrique de l'Ouest et de M. domestica dans le sud de l'Espagne, a favorisé une efficacité de conversion élevée, mais a augmenté les impacts environnementaux et les coûts, parce que le système complexe et l'organisation de processus à forte intensité de main-d'œuvre ont considérablement accru les intrants de main-d'œuvre et d'infrastructures de production.Une comparaison avec des aliments conventionnels riches en protéines a mis en évidence des inconvénients environnementaux et économiques pour les modèles de production actuels des IBF, notamment en ce qui concerne les aliments végétaux (par exemple, le tourteau de soja). Les disparités entre les alimentations IBF et conventionnelles reflètent l’utilisation des capacités sub-optimaux des systèmes (effet d’économie d’échelle insuffisant), ainsi que la perte d’énergie et de biomasse le long de la chaîne trophique (producteurs autotrophes vs consommateurs hétérotrophes). Les résultats soulèvent des doutes légitimes sur les avantages en termes de durabilité d’une mise en œuvre d'insectes dans les chaînes de valeur agricoles actuelles. Le succès commercial dépend en grande partie du niveau de salaire spécifique au contexte, des prix des substrats d'élevage et de la manière dont les marchés évaluent les multiples fonctions que les insectes sont capables de fournir. S'agissant de la performance environnementale, nos résultats nous amènent à conclure que la production d'IBF ne présente aucun avantage par rapport aux aliments conventionnels.L’évaluation de systèmes de production encore hypothétiques impliquait une bonne quantité d’hypothèses et d’approximations. Étant donné ces multiples sources d'incertitude et compte tenu du fait que seul un nombre limité de conceptions de systèmes possibles sont prises en compte, les déclarations sur le potentiel d'application d'IBF n'ont aucune validité universelle et doivent être interprétées avec prudence. Cependant, nos résultats contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des facteurs influant sur le potentiel d’application des systèmes de production d’insectes et constituent un point de référence précieux pour les discussions scientifiques et les activités de recherche et développement futures visant à mettre en place des modes de production alimentaire durables.Bien que nos recherches n’apportent aucun soutien aux avantages environnementaux ou économiques supposés de l’utilisation d’insectes dans l’alimentation animale, il est possible que leur utilisation comme aliment destiné à la consommation humaine directe (c’est-à-dire comme substitut possible aux produits à base de poisson et de viande) constitue une solution durable aux problèmes actuels et futurs. Nous recommandons donc aux recherches futures de se concentrer sur les techniques permettant d'exploiter les insectes comme nourriture.
Doctorat en Sciences
There are a few details that I could not specify in the available input fields. I would like to ask you kindly to add the following information: (1) Prof. Erik Mathijs (KUL) is my second co-supervisor; (2) Next to the Jury members listed, there are Prof. Matthias Finkbeiner (TU Berlin) and Prof. Theo Niewold (KU Leuven), which I could not enter manually.
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

 This research project examines the influences on the adoption rate of on -farm technology and innovation and investigates the particular case of adoption of breeding and selection techniques in the Australian Merino sheep industry. There is a significant body of economic evidence that indicates that the uptake of technology is essential for international competitiveness, growth in productivity and survival of individual sheep enterprises. There is also evidence that some producers are adopting new technologies and achieving substantial increases in productivity and profitability while at an industry level productivity improvements lag behind declines in terms of trade. 

This study uses an integrated model. Existing material was gathered from evaluation and review of the national sheep extension program - Merino Breeding and Selection, to which some case study material from workshop participants was added. Common themes linking the practice of technology adoption with theoretical understanding were synthesised. 

The paradigms driving agricultural extension have changed. Successful programs have replaced paternalistic approaches with collaborative, multidisciplinary and flexible models. Evaluation of extension effectiveness requires a multi- level approach and the policy stance of service providers needs to reflect practices that have been proven in theory and practice. 

Currently government extension revolves around groups, and single issues as a method to maximize the number of people reached. More effective extension is likely to recognize whole of enterprise effects and have the flexibility to evolve in response to stakeholder and research inputs. Extension services will be delivered by professionals with skills embracing concepts from science and the social sciences.  

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document
Thesis (PhD (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
unrestricted

This is a comparative study of the spatial patterns of peasant crop farming in Chibombo District between the 1980s and the 1990s. The study lists and discusses the agricultural support system, communication infrastructure and the crop production and patterns of the 1980s within the environment of centralised planning and then compares these to the structures and patterns of the 1990s in an atmosphere of economic liberalisation. This comparison in crop production, cropping patterns, institutional support systems and the communication infrastructure in five sampled farming wards of Chibombo District, leads to the conclusion that there is a marked change in the structures and patterns of the 1990s from those of the 1980s. Thus, in Chibombo District, the state of the communication infrastructure in the 1990s is generally poorer than the communication infrastructure of the 1980s, the agricultural support system of the 1990s is largely privately owned and found in fewer farming areas while the agricultural support system of the 1980s was state controlled and more widely spread, and crop patterns in some farming wards are different in the 1990s from those of the 1980s. In the 1990s, crop production in farming wards with a supportive environment has increased than it was in the 1980s but decreased in those where a conducive environment lacks. In this line, the study makes several recommendations for consideration on how to mitigate the problems that the peasant farmers are facing or how to enhance the positive changes that have occurred in Chibombo District.
Geography
M.A. (Geography)

The land-grant university system was founded in the 19th century as a public means to help improve people’s everyday lives. A century and a half later, the challenges that the public faces to live a quality life are constantly changing, creating a need for the land-grant system to respond and adapt to continue to fulfill its mission. While the literature contains a wealth of conceptual papers addressing the role and mission of land-grant universities, relatively few papers could be found that reported empirical data or proposed and tested metrics for public engagement constructs. The current study sought to address this void in the literature through the investigation of factors influencing Indiana residents’ level of interest in engaging with Purdue University. Mail survey methods were used in which up to three contacts were made with adult members of 4,500 Indiana households identified through address-based sampling. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure adequate rural household participation for other project purposes. Usable responses were received from 1,003 households representing 87 Indiana counties for a total response rate of 26%.