Search

Using market access to achieve developmental aims has long been held as a key tenet of global development policy. Using a case study approach based on interviews along and across the beef value chain between Namibia, Botswana, and Norway, this article addresses the question of whether market access to high-value markets for livestock products has developmental benefits. The costs and benefits of using market access for beef products as a developmental policy tool are identified and the key role played by international meat traders in both upgrading and rent capture discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest loss reduction throughout commodity value chains is an important pathway to food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, lack of understanding of the location and share of the losses and associated factors along the postharvest value chains remains a major challenge to operationalizing postharvest loss mitigation strategies. This paper assesses the determinants of postharvest losses at each postharvest stage of maize and sweetpotato (white fleshed and orange fleshed) value chains for smallholder farmers using our cross-sectional field survey data from two districts in Uganda. An ordered probit model estimation reveals that self-reported perceptions of the level of quantitative postharvest losses at different stages of commodity value chains are influenced by socio-economic factors as well as existing postharvest handling and storage practices. Increased years of education and training received on postharvest management are related to lower perceived levels of postharvest losses at key stages of value chains. Lower perceived postharvest losses are also associated with: at transport to homestead the use of sacks and bicycles as opposed to the use of baskets or transporting by trucks; at drying the use of tarpaulins as opposed to use of plastic sheets; shelling using bare-hands as opposed to beating cobs in sack with sticks; storage in a brick and mortar store as opposed to storing in living room in the house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cahiers Agriculture is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cassava is a major crop for food security in Nigeria and its principal processed form is gari. Gari processing practices were observed in the south-west (Oyo State) and south-east (Benue State) of Nigeria using two complementary approaches: 1) semi-quantitative surveys with processors (n = 123); and 2) actual detailed measurements at processing units (n = 7). Size of processing operations and types of practices differed significantly between the two states. There were also intra-state differences, influenced by ethnicity and customs. Variability of processing practices should be considered while seeking to improve processing productivity and introducing nutritious varieties of cassava to feed the fast-growing Nigerian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Market access for African livestock products has long been stymied by a variety of animal diseases endemic in the region. The concept of commodity-based trade (CBT) has been advanced to make trade dependent on process-related attributes of production that ensure freedom from disease rather than the geographical origin of the animals themselves. This article looks at the potential of CBT in improving market access for beef from communal areas of Namibia, which have historically been excluded from high-value export markets. Model results suggest only modest gains from CBT, given the substantial costs of compliance with SPS and quality standards required for high-value markets. Regional markets may still offer the best option for beef exports from these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed gender dimensions of decision-making at the household level in cassava enterprise in Ghana, Nigeria, and Vietnam in the context of risks and benefits to food security to ensure value addition to reduce post-harvest losses from cassava. Rapid participatory rural appraisal was used to select a total of 501 households in the countries chosen for this study. Focus and group discussions (F and GD) and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Data were analysed descriptively. Twenty cassava-based activities linked to gender activities in cassava processing households in the selected countries were identified. In all three countries, final decisions to allocate and use resources were taken by men - although women are commonly responsible for post-harvest management. Ownership of production and processing assets is positively skewed to men across the sample with women having rights of use only. Household decision-making objectives for generating peels and attitudes towards cassava peels vary by country and by lineage/descent, largely influenced by culture, level of education, religion, formal employment opportunities, and income levels. Household cassava peels utilization has low value and is therefore not a focus of male interest in Ghana and Nigeria but if value is added, this dynamic may change. This was different in Vietnam where peels are processed generationally for additional household income. This study proposes the design of empowerment/development strategies such as group dynamics and skill acquisition to increase women's bargaining and decision-making capacities and reduce male/elite capture of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including potential power of local food webs as undervalued drivers of demand, the role that drivers of trucks play in quality of meat, and opening up opportunities for using cassava waste.

Part III. Discusses the place and importance of Learning-to-Learn as an approach to management training and education. Implicit definitions of learning as against teaching; Social implications of the choice of a learning strategy; Structure of the proposed approach to learning in management training; Identification of barriers to learning; Organizational problems where Learning-to-Learn approach can be applied.

Part II. Presents case studies of individual managers to illustrate an approach to self-development. Ways in which organizational structure and culture can interact with the learning and problem-solving styles of members; Potential applications of the approach to training and learning, management and organization development, team building and coaching skills.

Part I. Discusses the application of learning techniques to on-the-job- management training. How managers learn and do not learn; Four-stage process in the application of self-development technique.

Efforts to address Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been gaining pace in recent years. Commodities such as staple foods (e.g., cereals, roots, and tubers) and condiments (e.g., salt) have been targeted as 'vehicles' for fortification and biofortification through numerous projects and initiatives. To date, there have been mixed experiences with delivery and coverage with very little documented on the range of business models applied in different geographies, business conditions and polities and this makes classification and measurement of success and failure difficult. This research aims to address this gap in knowledge through proposing a typology that clarifies similarities (internal heterogeneity) and differences (external heterogeneity) between models and that can allow all types to be defined by the combination of attributes. Building on a comprehensive literature review; NVivo was used to code initiatives from 34 key references (955 cases in total) which have been grouped into 17 categories. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) we find evidence of four business model groupings that typify fortification initiatives: (1) Large-scale private, unregulated, (2) Mixed-Scale, private, unregulated (3) Large-scale, public-private, regulated; and (4) Large-scale, private, regulated. We characterise these four groups with country examples and suggest that this typology can help the discourse around viability of food fortification initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) of fresh cassava roots limits their shelf-life to about 48 h. There is a demand for simple, cheap, and logistically feasible solutions for extending the shelf life of fresh cassava roots in industrial processes. In this study, three different types of bag materials were tested, namely woven polypropylene, tarpaulin, and jute as a potential storage solution for cassava roots with different levels of mechanical damage. Microclimate related to temperature, humidity, and carbon di-oxide (CO2) was monitored in order to understand the storage conditions for up to 12 days. The results showed that fresh cassava roots could be stored for 8 days, with minimal PPD and starch loss (2.4%). However, roots with significant mechanical damage in the form of cuts and breakages had a considerably shorter shelf life in the storage bag, compared to whole roots and roots with retained stalk (peduncle) where roots are connected to the main plant. Wetting of the roots and bag material were not significant factors in determining the shelf life and starch loss. Carbon dioxide concentration in the stores was significantly correlated with the starch loss in fresh cassava roots and is proposed as a possible method for continuously and remotely monitoring starch loss in large-scale commercial operations and reducing postharvest losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The article aims to investigate personal development plans (PDPs), which have become increasingly popular in organizations as perceived demands for staff to become more adaptable, flexible and empowered have grown in response to internal and external organizational change. The adoption of PDPs is seen to be in tune with the times. Design/methodology/approach – This article draws from research into work based learning by Strategic Developments International. Findings – The study shows that, despite their popularity, PDPs are used patchily and only a few organizations use them well. One problem is that "Personal" can come to mean disconnected from work or from the organization's strategy. Second, we see too often that these plans stay as interesting plans that do not get actioned. A third concern is that the PDP is often very short term. However, just because many people and organizations use PDPs badly does not undermine the value of planned learning. It just means that learners and their managers need to manage the process well so that they and their organization get the maximum value from it. Originality/value – The article provides guidance on how to get the best from the PDP process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest and investment in leadership development continues to grow at a considerable pace, where organizations view it as an important source of competitive advantage. Over the years research into leadership has moved from concerns with supervisory leadership (leadership in the organization) to strategic leadership (leadership of the organization). With the creation of what have been termed the "new leadership" theories, from the 1980s onwards we have had the promotion of concepts such as transformational, charismatic and visionary leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) occur as a result of insufficient intake of minerals and vitamins that are critical for body growth, physical/mental development, and activity. These deficiencies are particularly prevalent in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs), falling disproportionately on the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the society. Dietary diversity is considered the most effective method in reducing this deficiency but is often a major constraint as most foods rich in micronutrients are also expensive and thereby inaccessible to poorer members of society. In recent years, affordable commodities such as staple foods (e.g., cereals, roots, and tubers) and condiments (e.g., salt and oil) have been targeted as "vehicles" for fortification and biofortification. Despite efforts by many countries to support such initiatives, there have been mixed experiences with delivery and coverage. An important but little understood driver of success and failure for food fortification has been the range of business models and approaches adopted to promote uptake. This review examines the different models used in the delivery of fortified food including complementary foods and biofortified crops. Using a keyword search and pearl growing techniques, the review located 11,897 texts of which 106 were considered relevant. Evidence was found of a range of business forms and models that attempt to optimise uptake, use, and impact of food fortification which are specific to the 'food vehicle' and environment. We characterise the current business models and business parameters that drive successful food fortification and we propose an initial structure for understanding different fortification business cases that will offer assistance to future designers and implementors of food fortification programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]