Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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An accounting method-based cost-benefit analysis of conformity to certified organic standards for spices in Tanzania
(Copenhagen 2008 Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS, 2008) Akyoo, A.; Lazaro, E.
Certified organic farming has emerged as a market channel providing participating African small- holders with access to high value markets in the EU. The benefits may include not only a guaranteed produce market, but also premium prices, and higher net revenues. Where training in organic farming techniques is provided there may be also benefits in terms of increased yield. The major cost challenges are those for certification, although in many cases donor support to export- ers is available to cover these. This study quantifies the costs and benefits of complying with the certified organic standard for members of black pepper and chilli contract farming schemes in two districts in Tanzania. It is based on survey data from 2006-07 based on samples of scheme members and control groups. In both cases none of the potential benefit listed above were realized. This is the result of absent price premiums and, in the case of at least one scheme, wider contract failure. Adoption of re- commended organic practices by members of the schemes was also low. Learning from more successful schemes, recruitment of larger and better organized exporters and design of more effective contracts are some of the changes recommended for future schemes in Tanzania.
Adaptive techniques for Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation with magnetostriction
(Elsevier, 2005-08-25) Baˇnas∗, L’ubomír
In this paper we propose a time–space adaptive method for micromagnetic problems with magnetostriction. The considered model consists of coupled Maxwell’s, Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) and elastodynamic equations. The time discretization of Maxwell’s equations and the elastodynamic equation is done by backward Euler method, the space discretization is based on Whitney edge elements and linear finite elements, respectively. The fully discrete LLG equation reduces to an ordinary differential equation, which is solved by an explicit method, that conserves the norm of the magnetization.
Adoption and impact of improved agricultural technologies in developing countries: the case of Imazapyr-resistant maize in Western Kenya
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Mignouna, Djana Babatima
Declining productivity of food crops in developing countries is associated with several factors including poor adoption of improved technologies against pests and parasites destroying crops with developmental implications on food insecurity and poverty. This study has been undertaken to contribute to the understanding of farm-level adoption dynamics and economic impacts of agricultural technologies. This study was done using a case of imazapyr-resistant maize technology for combating noxious Striga weed which has devastating effects on maize production in western Kenya. A cross sectional survey that included randomly selected samples of 169 adopters and 431 non-adopters. The relevant data were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics, stochastic production frontier and tobit regression models. The net present value (US $21 680 402), benefit-cost ratio (4.77) and net benefits per capita (US $41 063) for imazapyr-resistant maize enterprise were attractive. However, its adoption rate was low, whereby about 28% of the surveyed households adopted the technology. The results from tobit model estimation indicate that farming experience, education of the household head, gap between maize production and consumption, farmer’s risk-taking, number of extension visits, lack of seeds, membership to social groups and imazapyr- resistant maize’s effective dissemination pathway were found to be significant (P<0.05) in influencing the adoption decision. The results of impact assessment indicated that its adoption increased significantly (P<0.01) the frontier maize output. Imazapyr-resistant maize had succeeded in reducing Striga seed-bank hence significantly (P<0.05) raising productivity from 2.2 ton/ha (non- imazapyr-resistant maize) to 2.8 ton/ha (imazapyr- resistant maize) with significant returns to land (US $173/hectare) and labour (US $8/man-day).ii Two main conclusions can be drawn from this study. First and foremost, is that the use of imazapyr-resistant maize is a promising option for farmers since this technology has been shown to be profitable compared with other maize varieties and, secondly, it has the potential to impact positively on poverty reduction in western Kenya. Therefore, its adoption deserves attention from policy makers who should: (a) Initiate new awareness campaign, improve the seed supply chain in order to broaden its adoption and (b) provide significant positive public investment for technology transfer to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
Adoption of a New Maize and Production Efficiency in Western Kenya
(2010-09) Mignouna, D.B; Mutabazi, k; Senkondo, E.M; Manyong, V.M.
Declining yields of maize as a result of Striga infestation has necessitated a new technology known as Imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM) to contain the problem. As a result, research and development initiatives with substantial participation of the private sector to transfer this new technology to farmers have been made in western Kenya. This study therefore assesses the adoption of IRM variety and efficiency levels of farmers in western Kenya. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 600 households from Nyanza and Western provinces for this study. Tobit model and stochastic production frontier analysis were the analytical methods. Results show that age, education, maize production gap, risk, contact with extension agents, lack of seeds, membership in social group, effective pathway for IRM dissemination and compatibility of the technology are the variables that were found to be significant (P<0.05) in shaping the decisions of households on whether to adopt or not. The study reveals that the mean technical efficiency of maize production of sampled farmers is 70% indicating some inefficiencies of maize production in western Kenya. Also, adoption of IRM significantly increased frontier maize output (P<0.01); household size decreased inefficiency along with farm size. It was recommended that efforts to increase adoption of IRM for enhanced farm efficiency should focus on farmers’ education, farming experience and access to information and farm basic inputs.
Adoption of a new maize and production efficiency in western Kenya
(2010-09) Mignouna, D.B; Mutabazi, K; Senkondo, E.M; Manyong, V.M
Declining yields of maize as a result of Striga infestation has necessitated a new technology known as Imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM) to contain the problem. As a result, research and development initiatives with substantial participation of the private sector to transfer this new technology to farmers have been made in western Kenya. This study therefore assesses the adoption of IRM variety and efficiency levels of farmers in western Kenya. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 600 households from Nyanza and Western provinces for this study. Tobit model and stochastic production frontier analysis were the analytical methods. Results show that age, education, maize production gap, risk, contact with extension agents, lack of seeds, membership in social group, effective pathway for IRM dissemination and compatibility of the technology are the variables that were found to be significant (P<0.05) in shaping the decisions of households on whether to adopt or not. The study reveals that the mean technical efficiency of maize production of sampled farmers is 70% indicating some inefficiencies of maize production in western Kenya. Also, adoption of IRM significantly increased frontier maize output (P<0.01); household size decreased inefficiency along with farm size. It was recommended that efforts to increase adoption of IRM for enhanced farm efficiency should focus on farmers’ education, farming experience and access to information and farm basic inputs
Affecting the adoption of rain water harvesting technologies in western Pare lowlands of Tanzania
(1998) Mdoe, N.S.Y.; Hatibu, N.; Mahoo, H.; Gowing, J.; Senkondo, E.M.M
4,d.oPtion,oj. tech,!ology.is an importantfactor in economic development especia.lly.' in developing fountries~ s.ucc,essful introduction of technologies in d~eloping countries requires an understanding gf .the prioriti~s and concerns of smallholder fanners at the grassroots. This. paper analyses the soc,io-economic factors t~at influence the adoption of rain water harvesting (RWH) technologies tli !ye~te,!, Pare lowlands of Tanzania. Data for the study. were collected from 70 smallholder farmers {'! Kifar;uandLembeni viilages. These data were fitted in Probit and Logit models. ,The results of the Rrobit model are used to explain adoption of RWH in Western Pare lowlands because it produced b§tte[ fits compa'red with the Logit model. The results of the probit model shows that/arm size, nUmber .oj family members working in the fann, experience in fanning, and extent of knowledge in RWH techniques were significant in explaining 'the inte1}sity of adoption ofRWH techniques. Regarding farmers perceived technology ch.ara~cteristics, the results show thaUanners' appreciation .of RWH as a factor contributing to increased crop yield was positively and significantly explaining the intensity qt q,d.option o/RWH. This suggests that.!ligher yieltJS, attain(!d with the use ofRWH techniques will enc(Jurage adoption of the (echniques. It is therefore.recommended that·efforts to promote the use of RWH techniques shQuld go together with. the use of other recommended improved inputs to bring higher returns to farmers.
African lion population estimates in Tanzania’s Ruaha national park
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2022-02) Kimaro, Michael H; Mrosso, Hillary T; Chidodo, Simon J; Chilagane, Nyemo A; Msigwa, Fenrick F; Bulenga, George B; Kicheleri, Rose P; Mgeni, Charles P; Kangile, Rajabu J; Kimambo, Elisante A; Hughes, Courtney; Warbington, Camille; Mchaki, Helen; Mathayo, Daniel; Kiwango, Halima R
Tanzania is considered a country with the largest number of African lions ( Panthera leo ). However, the continued absence of ecological population es- timates and understanding of the associated factors influencing lion distribu- tion hinders the development of conservation planning. This is particularly true in the Ruaha-Rungwa landscape, where it was estimated that more than 10% of the global lion population currently resides. By using a call-back sur- vey method, we aimed to provide population estimates (population size and density) of African lions in the Ruaha National Park, between wet (March 2019) and dry (October 2019) seasons. We also assessed the key factors that influenced the distribution of the observed lions towards call-back stations. Ferreira & Funston’s (2010) formula was used to calculate population size and in turn used to estimate density in the sampled area, while the Genera- lized Linear Model (GLMM) with zero-inflated Poisson error distribution was used to determine factors that influence the distribution of the observed lions to call-back stations. The population size we calculated for the sampled area of 3137.2 km 2 revealed 286 lions (95% CI, 236 - 335) during the wet season, and 196 lions (95% CI, 192 - 200) during the dry season. The density of lions was 9.1/100 km 2 during the wet season, and 6.3/100 km 2 during the dry sea- son. Distance to water source had a significant negative effect on the distribu- tion of the observed lions to the call-back stations, while habitat had a mar- ginal effect. Our findings show that, although lion population estimates were larger during the wet season than the dry season, the season had no effect on the distribution of the observed lions to call-back stations. We suggest that the proximity to water sources is important in study design. Further, we sug- gest that density and population size are useful indices in identifying conser- vation area priorities and lion coexistence strategies.
Agricultural commercialisation and the political economy of value Chains: Tanzania rice case study
(Agricultural Policy Research in Africa, 2021) Mdoe, Ntengua S.Y.; Mlay, Glead I.
Rice is increasingly becoming a commercial crop, providing food, employment, and income for people in both rural and urban areas. This paper presents the political economy of rice commercialisation in Tanzania. It is based on a review of trade policies, regulations, strategies, and programmes implemented since the 1960s to promote rice commercialisation, and the views of key informants. The transformation of rice from a subsistence to a commercial crop has attracted several actors, including producers, processors, traders, input suppliers, and service providers. The actors operate at different scales with different interests and holding power.
Agricultural policy analysis studies in Tanzania: a historical and thematic perspective with implications on future policy research for crop production and marketing
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2016) Isinika, A. C.; Mibavu, G. M.; VanSickle, J. J.
This paper reviews studies which have addressed agricultural policy research in relation to Tanzania during and after economic structural adjustment, with some cross reference for studies within Africa and globally. The studies are reviewed to cover: factor markets; product markets; and macro-economic management in relation to impacts on agriculture performance. The review establishes that in the factor markets more studies have been done to address productivity improving inputs, especially inorganic fertilizer compared to other inputs such as financing and credit for agriculture. Based on the findings, further areas for future research are proposed. Five sub-themes are presented: subsidy, returns to investment, land markets, trade, and inter-sectoral linkages. The study concludes by observing that despite all the studies, there is little evidence that policymaking in Tanzania is informed by policy research. Alternatively stated, policy makers do not seek guidance from research to make decisions. The review also establishes that most of local researchers use analytical methods which have limited capacity to provide robust policy recommendations that are backed by clear analytical rigour. Capacity building of young professionals is therefore recommended to improve their competence to become agricultural policy analysts with impact on agricultural policy processes.
Agricultural production risks, coping mechanisms and potential for crop insurance in Tanzania
(2013 Time Journals, 2013) Akyoo, A. M.; Temu, A. E.; Hella, J. P.
Pessimism surrounding feasibility and viability of crop insurance schemes especially to developing country economies has since been a global phenomenon. However, pragmatic evidence is turning the clock around as more such schemes are now being launched. There have been very few studies on the subject in Tanzania which have not translated into a tangible full-fledged scheme to date. New evidence is unfolding now as shown in this study that its potential is substantive if the existing gaps in terms of information imperfection and asymmetry in respect to its marketability and viability, especially on insurers‟ side, are filled. Crop insurance potential was confirmed in the study involving 116 bean farmers in Arumeru district during the 2003/04 season. Both objective and subjective conditions for its need were fulfilled according to the study results. In the first case, about 76% of the farmers preferred crop insurance to other mitigation strategies against natural hazard risks. Pests and disease surfaced as the most debilitating risks to the farmers followed by drought. However, Pests and plant diseases are farm management problems which are not insurable. In the second case, profitability levels differ between individual farmers and locations across the three study villages from both rain- fed and irrigated areas. Both profit and loss making farmers were available from any of the villages. As a proxy for farmers‟ ability to meet insurance costs, profitability results suggested that not all bean farmers were capable of meeting the involved costs. Binary logistical regression analysis results, rather unexpectedly, indicated that the only significant factor influencing preference for crop insurance in the study area was asset index (a proxy for farmer‟ wealth). All 8 interviewed insurers (both public and private) were not ready to mount crop insurance schemes in the country claiming financial infeasibility of the scheme, lack of adequate market information and lack of requisite expertise. The study recommended the need to mount a crop insurance pilot program which would be initially funded by the Government, of specific peril and voluntary. This should go in tandem with introduction of insurance training in agricultural schools and colleges to increase its awareness to the target populace. Related studies hereafter have also confirmed crop insurance potential in tea and coffee and this paper has taken stock of the results.
Analysis of households’ vulnerability to food insecurity and its influencing factors in East Hararghe, Ethiopia
(Springer, 2019) Sileshi, Million; Kadigi, Reuben; Mutabazi, Khamaldin; Sieber, Stefan
Previous studies on food insecurity in many developing countries, including Ethiopia, have mainly focused on current food insecurity, lacking the ex-ante analysis. An under- standing of household vulnerability to food insecurity is critically important to inform the formulation of policies and strategies to enhance food security and reduce vulner- ability to food insecurity among smallholder farmers. This paper analyses vulnerability to food insecurity of farming households using the vulnerability as expected poverty (VEP) approach. The paper is based on cross-section data collected from a sample of 408 households in East Hararghe, Ethiopia, selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The factors which influenced vulnerability to food insecurity were analyzed using the Feasible General Least Squares regression model. The results of analysis indicate that vulnerability to food insecurity increased with the age of household head (P < 0.1), and family size (P < 0.01). It decreased with access to improved seeds (P < 0.01), adoption of soil and water conservation (P < 0.01), size of cultivated land (P < 0.1), and access to credits (P < 0.1). Based on the intensity of their vulnerability, households were grouped as chronic food insecure (24.27%), transient food insecure (11.77%), highly vul- nerable-food secure (18.38%), and low vulnerable-food secure (45.59%). Overall, about 54% of households were categorized as vulnerable to food insecurity. These included households who were food insecure at the time of the survey (36.02%) and those who were categorized as transient food secure group (18.38%). These findings imply that food insecurity policies and interventions in developing countries should focus not only on households that are currently food insecure, but also on those categorized as transient food insecure or households that are more likely to be food insecure in the near future.
Analysis of marketing performance of the dairy value chain in Tanga city, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2018) Ibrahim, A. W.; Akyoo, A. M.; Kanuya, N. L.
This study was conducted in Tanga city with the general purpose of analyzing market performance of dairy value chain and specifically to quantify and assess production costs of raw milk and to characterize the market structure, conduct and performance of the milk market. A formal survey was carried out to a random sample of 80 smallholder farmers and 30 milk traders using a questionnaire. Two processors were interviewed using a checklist. Accounting method was used to quantify milk dairy farmers’ production costs whereas dairy market performance was descriptively analyzed within the framework of the Structure-Conduct-Performance (S-C-P) market model. Gross profit margins for the major players (producers, traders and processors) at specific nodes along the dairy value chain were calculated. The average unit cost of production was found to be TSh 550 per litre of raw milk with contributions from labour (45.7%), feeds (19.4%) and dairy operations (e.g. veterinary services) (34.9%). The average production cost per litre (TSh 550) and farm gate price per litre (TSh 580) of raw milk were found to be statistically different at p≤ 0.05 level of significance indicating cost effectiveness of going producer price. Smallholder dairy farmers received gross profit margins of 5.2% and 21.4% in the formal and informal channels respectively while processors and vendors received gross profit margins of 18.8% and 36.1% per litre of milk respectively. Milk traders received higher Gross Profit Margin (GPM) because they sold their milk in informal chains which offer relatively higher prices. Low price for raw milk and limited bargaining power of Tanga Dairy Cooperative Union (TDCU) were revealed as barriers to dairy development in the City. It is recommended that a liberalized marketing system in price setting strategy and producers’ training on production techniques that will improve dairy productivity in the study area.
Analysis of technical efficiency in smallholder dairy production in Tanga City, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2012) Wikedzi, I. A.; Akyoo, A. M; Kanuya, N. L.
This paper investigates the technical efficiency of smallholder dairy farmers in Tanga City using the Stochastic Production Frontier Function (SPFF) approach. The study estimates the levels of Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder dairy farmers. This was a cross sectional research design which used simple random sampling technique to select the subjects into the study. A total of 80 smallholder dairy farmers were interviewed using semi–structured questionnaire. Data analysis techniques included collating field data and decomposing it into descriptive statistics and estimating the stochastic production frontier model for dairy keepers in Tanga City. The overall Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder dairy farmers in Tanga City was 89.7%. The study found that labour, feeds, veterinary services and capital stock increase the ability of producing more milk which in turn boosts milk productivity and thereby raises milk supply. However, labour cost was found to have a negative effect on the TE while feeds veterinary services and capital stock had positive effect. Therefore, this study recommends reduction of labour costs through the use of improved simple mechanical technologies that reduce drudgery in pasture cutting and hence increase labour productivity.
Are price changes in the world market transmitted to markets in less developed countries? A case study of sugar, cotton, wheat, and rice in Tanzania
(IIIS, 2006) Kilima, F. T. M.
This paper investigates the extent to which world market price changes are transmitted through changes in border prices into local producer prices for four agricultural product markets in Tanzania: sugar, cotton, wheat and rice. The changes in the marketing channels for each of these products resulting from market liberalization are described. The statistical analysis finds that, in general, Tanzanian border and world market prices for these products do not move closely together, although there is evidence that border prices are influenced by world market price levels but not vice versa. The absence of monthly price data at producer level for these products did not permit a detailed examination of the relationship between farmgate prices and either border prices or world market prices. However, the qualitative discussion suggests that the extent of price transmission is likely to be imperfect. These results have implications for the interpretation of simulation results modelling the potential impact of trade policy changes on Tanzanian producers and consumers. They also underline the need for concerted efforts by policy makers to reduce the extent of monopoly power in these marketing chains and to improve the degree of price transmission.
The art of balancing food security: securing availability and affordability of food in Tanzania
(2013-04) Haug, Ruth; Hella, Joseph
Monitoring of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) indicates that a large number of countries are not on track to reach the hunger targets set out in Goal 1 (MDG1, Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger by 2015). The purpose of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of three underlying factors identified by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), misguided policies, fail- ing markets and weak institutions, in explaining food insecu- rity in Tanzania. Our analysis basically supports UNDP’s emphasis on the importance of policy, institutions and market access when seeking to improve food security and reach MDG1, but underlining the importance of empowering people to hold the Government accountable for failing to deliver on their policies and plans. The main finding is that the Tanzanian Government is struggling with the difficulty of addressing the twin goals of balancing national food availability with afford- able food prices for urban and rural consumers.
Assessment of operational aspects of the input supply chain under national agriculture input voucher scheme (NAIVS) in Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2014) Aloyce, G. M.; Gabagambi, D. M.; Hella, J. P.
This study examines the operational aspects of the National Agriculture Input Voucher Scheme in Tanzania from 2009/2010 to 2010/2011 based on secondary and primary data. Primary data were collected from a random sample of 300 households in four regions namely: Rukwa, Mbeya, Morogoro and Shinyanga. Secondary data were collected from the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Cooperatives (MAFC), Agro dealers and Local Government Authorities. Results indicate that 88% of farmers reported delayed subsidized inputs significant at p = 0.05. The inputs become available during planting season when most of the household food stocks and income is exhausted and this makes top up price unaffordable. It was also observed that the top up price is more than stipulated cost sharing of 50% between farmers and the government. Other pitfalls reported in the system include input adulteration and violation of NAIVS guidelines for input distribution. It is recommended that inputs and crop calenders be established that would ensure inputs arrived to beneficiaries ahead of the planting season In addition, efficient monitoring and evaluation system should be put in place to minimize inefficiency emanating from violation of NAIVS guidelines.
Assessment of variation in marginal productivity value of water in paddy farming systems in times of water stress
(MDPI, 2022) Sigalla, Onesmo Zakaria; Kadigi, Reuben Mpuya Joseph; Selemani, Juma Rajabu
Global projections show that increases in agriculture water productivity (AWP) by 30 and 60% in rain-fed and irrigated agriculture, respectively, are required to ensure food security in the period 2000–2025. In sub-Saharan Africa, attempts to understand AWP has seen a lamping of input values which paints an unrealistic picture of AWP. We employed the residual imputation method to isolate the marginal productivity value of water in six paddy farming systems viz. the conventional transplant and flooding system (CTFS), the system of rice intensification (SRI), and the Kilombero Plantation Limited (KPL) mechanized system. Findings showed that AWP for rainfed CTFS is 0.39 kg/m3 or 0.003 US$/m3 , irrigated CTFS (0.30 kg/m3 or 0.002 US$/m3 ), rainfed SRI (0.68 kg/m3 or 0.08 US$/m3 ), irrigated SRI (0.52 kg/m3 or 0.06 US$/m3 ), rainfed KPL (0.33 kg/m3 or 0.05 US$/m3 ), and irrigated KPL (0.68 kg/m3 or 0.11 US$/m3 ). This shows that rainfed systems have good AWP, especially physical ones. We recommend a rollout of rainfed SRI to secure local food security and downstream ecosystem services. In addition, groupings of farmers will assist in optimizing resources, stabilizing markets, and prices for the better economic value of water (US$/m3 ). Adoption of SRI will require intensive demonstration that needs public financing. In addition, revamping the KPL off-taker arrangement with small-holder farmers could also be a good PPP anchor.
Awareness and compliance with feed quality standards: the case of chicken feeds in Tanzania
(Emerald, 2019) Longo, J. A.; Akyoo, A. M.; Sørensen, O. J.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of awareness of and compliance with chicken feed standards among chicken farmers in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 107 respondents in two regions were selected through simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression approaches were used in data analysis. Findings – The results revealed that the level of awareness of standards is low and the compliance level is even lower at the same time as the data indicated a positive relation between awareness and compliance. Attending seminars, knowledge dissemination by extension agents, farmers’ awareness of the existence of other standards and health consciousness have a significant and positive influence on awareness of feed standards while the age of the farm and dependence on farm formulated feeds have a significant negative influence on awareness of standards. On the other hand; knowledge dissemination by TBS, awareness of chicken feed standards and awareness of the existence of other standards apart from chicken feed standards, have a significant positive influence on compliance with feed standards. Research limitations/implications – These findings indicate that regulators should invest more in awareness creation campaigns to enhance compliance with feed standards at the same time as feed processors should develop closer knowledge and learning links to farmers. Originality/value – The findings of the study are expected to positively contribute to performance of chicken industry in Tanzania by promoting production of products that are of quality accepted domestically and abroad.
Behavioral responses and the impact of new agricultural technologies: evidence from a double-blind field experiment in Tanzania
(Oxford University Press, 2014) Bulte, Erwin; Beekman, Gonne; Difalco, Salvatore; Hella, Joseph; Lei, Pan
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the social sciences are typically not double-blind, so participants know they are “treated” and will adjust their behavior accordingly. Such effort responses complicate the assessment of impact. To gauge the potential magnitude of effort responses we implement a conventional RCT and double-blind trial in rural Tanzania, and ran- domly allocate modern and traditional cowpea seed varieties to a sample of farmers. Effort responses can be quantitatively important—for our case they explain the entire “treatment effect on the treated” as measured in a conventional economic RCT. Specifically, harvests are the same for people who know they received the modern seeds and for people who did not know what type of seeds they got; however, people who knew they had received the traditional seeds did much worse. Importantly, we also find that most of the behavioral response is unobserved by the analyst, or at least not readily captured using coarse, standard controls.
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.

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