Browsing by Author "Hella, J"

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Benefit-cost analysis of alternative insect pests management in cashew and mango orchards in Tanzania
(Pak Publishing Group., 2015) William, J, G.; Hella, J; Lars, E; Offenberg, J; Mwatawala, M; Rwegasira, G
This study was conducted to determine the financial feasibility of African weaver ants (Oecophylla longinoda) as biological control agents in cashew and mango orchards. It was compared to chemical insecticides and control based on the experimental data in 2012/13 and 2013/14 cropping seasons. Three important discounted financial indicators were used in the study; they are the Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Three scenarios concerning the increase of costs and benefits were used. The results of the study showed that all indicators for financial feasibility analysis were positive and accepted in each treatment. In cashew, African weaver ant without feeding indicated highest NPV (TZS 32 640), BCR (2.5:1) and IRR (57%). In mango, conflicting results were observed in feasibility ranking. But African weaver ants without feeding gave highest acceptable NPV of TZS 66 926. The three scenarios showed that setting much higher costs and benefits at five percent the NPV for African weaver ant was highest than other treatments. The findings of this study suggest that African weaver ant without feeding are financially feasible to be adopted and was recommended.
Contribution of Non-Tariff Barriers on Market transaction costs for maize production and Trade in Tanzania
(International Review of Research in Emerging Markets and the Global Economy (IRREM), 2015) Maziku, P; Hella, J; Makindara, J
In developing countries like Tanzania, agricultural commodities such as maize are often traded in an environment characterized by poor transport and communication infrastructure, giving rise to high market transaction costs. Similarly, in Tanzania, maize trade is associated with high market transaction costs of which Non- Tariff Barriers (NTBs) such as road blocks, custom procedures and weighing bridges are encompassed. This paper assessed the contribution of NTBs on the maize market transaction costs in Tanzania based on the study conducted in the major maize producing districts (Mbozi and Momba districts) in the Southern Highland of Tanzania. A two stage stratified sampling techniques were used in selection of sample size. Primary data were collected by interviewing 50 maize traders and 240 producers using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings in simple descriptive figures like frequency, histograms and tables. Findings show that NTBs cost contributes up to about 43% of marketing costs in both districts. However, transport costs constitute the large percent (57%) of the marketing transaction costs among traders and producers. The study concludes that, NTBs have significant contribution and effect on the marketing of maize in the two districts. We recommend that the government should formulate policies that discourage the use and implementation of destructive NTBs and concentrate on those encourages producers and traders to participate in production and trading of maize like farm inputs subsidization and improvement of market infrastructures.