International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Acknowledging the importance of fiscal decentralisation, this paper evaluates the fiscal performances of all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Birbhum and North 24 Parganas of West Bengal and identifies the determinants of disparities in their fiscal performances. Our analysis reveals that smaller GPs generate greater own source revenues per person, receive higher grants per person and spend more per person. Several factors including demographic characteristics, socio-economic characteristics and geographical locations shape the needs and priorities of the GPs and, therefore, are important for explaining the variations in their fiscal performances. The regression results reveal that willingness to pay taxes is greater among literate people and also the incidence of expenditure is significantly higher for GPs with higher literacy rates. The proportion of agricultural labour and concentration of scheduled caste/scheduled tribes population in the GPs show a negative impact on the collection of own source revenue and also on per capita expenditure but a positive impact on the grants and transfers received from higher levels of governments.
Category Archives: International Journal of Rural Management
Determinants of Marketing Channel Choice Among Handloom Micro-entrepreneurs: Evidence From Rural Assam, India
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Using primary data collected from 230 handloom micro-entrepreneurs of rural Assam, present study made an attempt to understand the marketing efficiency across different marketing channels of handloom products, and identify the factors determining handloom micro-entrepreneurs’ decision to select a marketing channel. Marketing efficiency was examined using standardised indices. A multinomial logistic regression model was estimated for identifying the factors determining marketing channel choice decision of handloom micro-entrepreneurs. Analysis of data reveals that though the retailer channel was economically most efficient among the three identified marketing channels in the study area, majority of handloom micro-entrepreneurs have chosen the least efficient channel of travelling traders for selling their produce. Using travelling traders as reference category, the results of regression estimate suggest that education of the entrepreneurs, firm size, access to market information, collective action through weavers’ groups, access to credits, and transaction cost-related factors significantly influenced the decision of handloom micro-entrepreneurs in the choice of marketing channels.
Using primary data collected from 230 handloom micro-entrepreneurs of rural Assam, present study made an attempt to understand the marketing efficiency across different marketing channels of handloom products, and identify the factors determining handloom micro-entrepreneurs’ decision to select a marketing channel. Marketing efficiency was examined using standardised indices. A multinomial logistic regression model was estimated for identifying the factors determining marketing channel choice decision of handloom micro-entrepreneurs. Analysis of data reveals that though the retailer channel was economically most efficient among the three identified marketing channels in the study area, majority of handloom micro-entrepreneurs have chosen the least efficient channel of travelling traders for selling their produce. Using travelling traders as reference category, the results of regression estimate suggest that education of the entrepreneurs, firm size, access to market information, collective action through weavers’ groups, access to credits, and transaction cost-related factors significantly influenced the decision of handloom micro-entrepreneurs in the choice of marketing channels.
Local Food Entrepreneurship in Rural India: Modelling the Challenges
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Local food entrepreneurship plays a vital role in promoting and distributing regional foods. To link local food with the market, there is a need to develop local food systems that promote and support local food, its distribution and consumption. Local food entrepreneurs are constrained due to various factors prevailing in the entire rural ecosystem, which hinders their prospects of business expansion. This study focussed on identifying the commercially feasible local food products that can be produced and marketed by local entrepreneurs. Also, this study is an effort towards identifying and analysing the challenges perceived by local food entrepreneurs in rural India. The challenges were identified through a literature review and the personal interviews of the rural entrepreneurs and were then modelled through the DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) approach. The modelling of challenges helped in identifying the priority areas, based on which focused strategies were suggested for the promotion of local food entrepreneurs. From this study, it emerged that product quality issues, lack of buyers and inconsistent government policies are the most significant challenges perceived by entrepreneurs. This study also includes resource mapping for the local entrepreneurs to present a comprehensive scenario of the prevailing ecosystem.
Local food entrepreneurship plays a vital role in promoting and distributing regional foods. To link local food with the market, there is a need to develop local food systems that promote and support local food, its distribution and consumption. Local food entrepreneurs are constrained due to various factors prevailing in the entire rural ecosystem, which hinders their prospects of business expansion. This study focussed on identifying the commercially feasible local food products that can be produced and marketed by local entrepreneurs. Also, this study is an effort towards identifying and analysing the challenges perceived by local food entrepreneurs in rural India. The challenges were identified through a literature review and the personal interviews of the rural entrepreneurs and were then modelled through the DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) approach. The modelling of challenges helped in identifying the priority areas, based on which focused strategies were suggested for the promotion of local food entrepreneurs. From this study, it emerged that product quality issues, lack of buyers and inconsistent government policies are the most significant challenges perceived by entrepreneurs. This study also includes resource mapping for the local entrepreneurs to present a comprehensive scenario of the prevailing ecosystem.
Impacts of Training Rural Dairy Producers in India: Role of Dairy Vigyan Kendra
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
The state of Gujarat, home to a vibrant network of dairy cooperatives, plays a significant role in milk production, accounting for 7.69% of the country’s total milk output. It ranked fifth in milk production among all Indian states and union territories in 2017–18. The state piloted a unique and specialised dairy extension program for dairy farmers through Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK) to promote dairy farming in its Panchmahal district. The DVK aimed to train rural dairy farmers and improve their socio-economic conditions. This study examines how DVK interventions increase the income from dairy, the herd size and milk production of the beneficiary farmers in the Panchmahal district. The result shows that farmers’ participation in DVK training increased their income from dairying. Further, the results highlighted that DVK intervention significantly increased milk production in the Panchmahal district. Our results conclude that the government can replicate the DVK training model in other districts of Gujarat, helping millions of dairy farmers enhance their skills and obtain more output and income from dairy farming.
The state of Gujarat, home to a vibrant network of dairy cooperatives, plays a significant role in milk production, accounting for 7.69% of the country’s total milk output. It ranked fifth in milk production among all Indian states and union territories in 2017–18. The state piloted a unique and specialised dairy extension program for dairy farmers through Dairy Vigyan Kendra (DVK) to promote dairy farming in its Panchmahal district. The DVK aimed to train rural dairy farmers and improve their socio-economic conditions. This study examines how DVK interventions increase the income from dairy, the herd size and milk production of the beneficiary farmers in the Panchmahal district. The result shows that farmers’ participation in DVK training increased their income from dairying. Further, the results highlighted that DVK intervention significantly increased milk production in the Panchmahal district. Our results conclude that the government can replicate the DVK training model in other districts of Gujarat, helping millions of dairy farmers enhance their skills and obtain more output and income from dairy farming.
Climate Change-induced Salinity Intrusion and Livelihood Nexus: A Study in Southwest Satkhira District of Bangladesh
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Anthropogenic climate change-induced extremities have turned southwest Bangladesh into one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the Earth. The southwestern coastal Satkhira District of the country is alarmingly exposed to climate change-driven salinity intrusion. This research attempted to explore the challenges faced by the informal livelihood-dependent households in the presence of salinity, changing livelihood patterns of the salinity-affected households and the nature of sector-specific adaptation strategies aimed at improving livelihood in Satkhira District. Based on the survey of 180 households and the in-depth interview, focus group discussion and participatory rural appraisal, this study uncovers different livelihood challenges faced by the local households. Increasing salinity forced 27% of households to change their livelihood patterns. Livelihood adaptation strategies of the local households are analysed according to their opinions. Saline-tolerant crop cultivation has emerged as a very effective adaptation measure in the area, where replacing crop fields with fish enclosures is not creating a substantial impact on the local community. The importance of nature-based solution has increased in recent days to adapt to the impacts of climate change. More than half of the respondents are satisfied with the recent adaptation initiatives championed by the government and non-government organisations.
Anthropogenic climate change-induced extremities have turned southwest Bangladesh into one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the Earth. The southwestern coastal Satkhira District of the country is alarmingly exposed to climate change-driven salinity intrusion. This research attempted to explore the challenges faced by the informal livelihood-dependent households in the presence of salinity, changing livelihood patterns of the salinity-affected households and the nature of sector-specific adaptation strategies aimed at improving livelihood in Satkhira District. Based on the survey of 180 households and the in-depth interview, focus group discussion and participatory rural appraisal, this study uncovers different livelihood challenges faced by the local households. Increasing salinity forced 27% of households to change their livelihood patterns. Livelihood adaptation strategies of the local households are analysed according to their opinions. Saline-tolerant crop cultivation has emerged as a very effective adaptation measure in the area, where replacing crop fields with fish enclosures is not creating a substantial impact on the local community. The importance of nature-based solution has increased in recent days to adapt to the impacts of climate change. More than half of the respondents are satisfied with the recent adaptation initiatives championed by the government and non-government organisations.
Agricultural Producer Markets in the Maldives: How Poor Market Connectivity Between Farmers and the Markets can be Enhanced
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
In 2018, a multisite case study investigated the agricultural challenges faced by Maldivian farmers and farming stakeholders. The study interviewed a total of 373 farmers and stakeholders from 51 islands across 15 atolls. In their own words, farmers and stakeholders identified factors in macro and micro levels agricultural systems that are related to poor connectivity between farmers and the markets. This research article conducts a deeper investigation into these factors using the Ecological Systems Theory. In this investigation, the data clearly reveal that any efforts towards market connectivity resolution must address the individual within the context of the greater, extrinsic challenges present in the interrelated systems of farming in the Maldives. While the individual is placed at the smallest level of a greater system, and the interconnections of the larger systems are great in impact, the individual is ultimately the decision maker on what and how things work, and how effective they will be. In this article, five recommendations are identified to enhance farmers’ connectivity to markets. This first-person perspective of smallholder farmers is an essential contribution to understanding what measures are needed to address connectivity challenges between Maldivian farmers and the markets they would like to supply.
In 2018, a multisite case study investigated the agricultural challenges faced by Maldivian farmers and farming stakeholders. The study interviewed a total of 373 farmers and stakeholders from 51 islands across 15 atolls. In their own words, farmers and stakeholders identified factors in macro and micro levels agricultural systems that are related to poor connectivity between farmers and the markets. This research article conducts a deeper investigation into these factors using the Ecological Systems Theory. In this investigation, the data clearly reveal that any efforts towards market connectivity resolution must address the individual within the context of the greater, extrinsic challenges present in the interrelated systems of farming in the Maldives. While the individual is placed at the smallest level of a greater system, and the interconnections of the larger systems are great in impact, the individual is ultimately the decision maker on what and how things work, and how effective they will be. In this article, five recommendations are identified to enhance farmers’ connectivity to markets. This first-person perspective of smallholder farmers is an essential contribution to understanding what measures are needed to address connectivity challenges between Maldivian farmers and the markets they would like to supply.
The Hindrances to Income Growth of Smallholder Sunflower Farmers in Tanzania: A Market Knowledge Aperture Cause?
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Income growth for smallholder sunflower farmers is persistently dominating the writing due to the crop’s contribution to the national economy. Ponders are proceeding to divulge challenges going up against smallholder sunflower agriculturists around the globe. This study assesses whether the market knowledge gap hinders the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Kongwa district of Tanzania is recruited as a study area. A Case study is used as a design where data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion and observation from thirty (30) participants. The findings discovered that limited market knowledge attributed to an unfriendly selling system affects the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Also, poverty and lack of a communication platform between the LGA and smallholder sunflower farmers are other discovered factors. The study recommends changing the modality of using middlemen to allow farmers to sell crops directly to the buying companies, establish farmer’s cooperatives and ensure continuous sharing between smallholder sunflower farmers and the LGA.
Income growth for smallholder sunflower farmers is persistently dominating the writing due to the crop’s contribution to the national economy. Ponders are proceeding to divulge challenges going up against smallholder sunflower agriculturists around the globe. This study assesses whether the market knowledge gap hinders the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Kongwa district of Tanzania is recruited as a study area. A Case study is used as a design where data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion and observation from thirty (30) participants. The findings discovered that limited market knowledge attributed to an unfriendly selling system affects the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Also, poverty and lack of a communication platform between the LGA and smallholder sunflower farmers are other discovered factors. The study recommends changing the modality of using middlemen to allow farmers to sell crops directly to the buying companies, establish farmer’s cooperatives and ensure continuous sharing between smallholder sunflower farmers and the LGA.
Supply Chain Vulnerability and Resilience: A Case of Harvested Shrimp from Kerala, India
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
Recurrent natural disasters, the impact of economic turbulences, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have heightened concerns about constructing resilient systems. Supply chain weaknesses have been demonstrated in the past, encouraging the creation of preventative capabilities to retain competitiveness and respond to changes in both macro and local contexts. Examining the multiple risks presented in the culture and marketing of shrimp, as well as the measures taken by shrimp farmers to overcome the disturbances (producers of the group’s most valuable commodity), could provide insight into the current situation and aid in decision-making. Agility, distribution network structure, visibility relating producers to final consumers, communication between supply chain partners, sharing of benefits and uncertainties, global mapping and collaborative actions across supply chain partners were the drivers of supply chain resilience. Uncertainties associated with demand, supply, operational and environmental conditions were identified as supply chain vulnerability factors. The shrimp farmers maintain a balance between dependability measures and risks in the industry and continue the business, knowing that overcoming vulnerability could result in even higher susceptibilities.
Recurrent natural disasters, the impact of economic turbulences, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have heightened concerns about constructing resilient systems. Supply chain weaknesses have been demonstrated in the past, encouraging the creation of preventative capabilities to retain competitiveness and respond to changes in both macro and local contexts. Examining the multiple risks presented in the culture and marketing of shrimp, as well as the measures taken by shrimp farmers to overcome the disturbances (producers of the group’s most valuable commodity), could provide insight into the current situation and aid in decision-making. Agility, distribution network structure, visibility relating producers to final consumers, communication between supply chain partners, sharing of benefits and uncertainties, global mapping and collaborative actions across supply chain partners were the drivers of supply chain resilience. Uncertainties associated with demand, supply, operational and environmental conditions were identified as supply chain vulnerability factors. The shrimp farmers maintain a balance between dependability measures and risks in the industry and continue the business, knowing that overcoming vulnerability could result in even higher susceptibilities.
Rural Small and Medium Enterprises: Maximising the Value of Benefit Corporation Certification
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
This article examines challenges and opportunities some rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face in maximising the value of Certified Benefit Corporation status. Eight case studies provide insights into the disadvantages of becoming, and maintaining, certification, and opportunities for leveraging its full value specific to the unique needs of these types of firms. Triangulation of three repetitions of interviews with owners and employees (n = 22) over two years, publicly available web-based sources (e.g., websites and brochures), and project documents for each case were analysed. No case study could report direct financial gains from their certification. Additionally, they reported limitations to obtaining, and maintaining, the certification, unique to rural SMEs, suggesting larger and urban firms have a competitive advantage in utilising this certification. Instead, they identified hiring and retaining quality employees, a greater sense of purpose and drive, and increased trust with other local businesses as added value. The article concludes with insights for increasing the likelihood of maximising value for other similar firms and opportunities for third-party certifying bodies to better support rural SMEs in maximising the value of this certification.
This article examines challenges and opportunities some rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face in maximising the value of Certified Benefit Corporation status. Eight case studies provide insights into the disadvantages of becoming, and maintaining, certification, and opportunities for leveraging its full value specific to the unique needs of these types of firms. Triangulation of three repetitions of interviews with owners and employees (n = 22) over two years, publicly available web-based sources (e.g., websites and brochures), and project documents for each case were analysed. No case study could report direct financial gains from their certification. Additionally, they reported limitations to obtaining, and maintaining, the certification, unique to rural SMEs, suggesting larger and urban firms have a competitive advantage in utilising this certification. Instead, they identified hiring and retaining quality employees, a greater sense of purpose and drive, and increased trust with other local businesses as added value. The article concludes with insights for increasing the likelihood of maximising value for other similar firms and opportunities for third-party certifying bodies to better support rural SMEs in maximising the value of this certification.
Impact of Dairy Production on Smallholder Households Food Security in the Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
International Journal of Rural Management, Ahead of Print.
This study investigated how dairy production affected the food security of households in the Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. To collect primary data, 313 households were selected for interviews based on a multistage sampling approach. A review of published and unpublished documents was also conducted for secondary data collection. According to inferential statistics, about 73.08% (household dietary diversity scores (HDDs)) and 72.53% (HFCS) of dairy producer households were food secure, while 32.06% (HDDs) and 33.59% (HFCS) of dairy non-producer households were food secure. Furthermore, the Endogenous Switching Probit Regression model showed that dairy production increased food security among smallholders. Dairy production increased dairy producer households’ food security by 48.4% (HDDs) and 45.9% (HFCS). Also, it would have improved food security by 10.4% (HDDs) and 7.1% (HFCS) for dairy non-producer households. In conclusion, dairy production contributes significantly to enhancing food security for smallholders. Hence, stakeholders must pay attention to the dairy sector to improve its production and reduce household food insecurity.
This study investigated how dairy production affected the food security of households in the Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. To collect primary data, 313 households were selected for interviews based on a multistage sampling approach. A review of published and unpublished documents was also conducted for secondary data collection. According to inferential statistics, about 73.08% (household dietary diversity scores (HDDs)) and 72.53% (HFCS) of dairy producer households were food secure, while 32.06% (HDDs) and 33.59% (HFCS) of dairy non-producer households were food secure. Furthermore, the Endogenous Switching Probit Regression model showed that dairy production increased food security among smallholders. Dairy production increased dairy producer households’ food security by 48.4% (HDDs) and 45.9% (HFCS). Also, it would have improved food security by 10.4% (HDDs) and 7.1% (HFCS) for dairy non-producer households. In conclusion, dairy production contributes significantly to enhancing food security for smallholders. Hence, stakeholders must pay attention to the dairy sector to improve its production and reduce household food insecurity.