The main purpose of this study was to understand the feed and feed-related issues experienced in the supply chains of the pork and broiler subsectors in South Africa. Special attention was given to the different players in the input and feed (own and manufactured) industries. To understand problems in the domestic feed supply chain, a value chain analysis of feed in the pork and broiler industries, including the related links and reference to the international feed commodity input markets was required in order to deliver a study that would benefit the industry and stakeholders involved. Interviews, by means of structured questionnaires, were conducted to obtain accurate information from feed manufacturers, and major role players and organisations in these industries. The main issues studied in the feed supply chain were, among others, the various players in feed inputs, manufacturing and procurement, the competitiveness and profitability in the animal feed supply chain, and overall impact of these issues on the pork and poultry markets. Barriers to entry exist in these value chains. These barriers include high capital requirements, relevant experience and track records, and the significance of research and biotechnology in the provision of seeds. High levels of vertical integration, as well as concentration levels, increase the level of competition between larger organisations. In the South African feed industry, there are a small number of role players who, together, control the largest market share (more than 90%). The main issues determined by this study are the number of players in feed inputs, manufacturing and procurement; the competitiveness and profitability in the animal feed supply chain; and the overall impact on the pork and poultry markets. A degree of competitive advantage can be established in both the pork and broiler industry by investigating input factors further upstream in the supply chain (e.g. maize and soya beans from farmers). Policies and methods of effective price hedging must be put in place to ensure sufficient grain stocks at the best or lowest possible prices.

This article examined the determinants of off-farm labor supply decision of adult members of households in rural western Ethiopia using cross-section data collected from 324 sample households. The double hurdle model was employed and the off-farm work participation and hours of work decision of male and female adults were jointly estimated. The result indicated that individual characteristics, household composition, availability of credit, value of off-farm equipment and location factors significantly influenced participation decision; yet, individual attributes, economic incentives and location were the major determinants of hours of work decisions. The findings imply that given the importance of off-farm activity in alleviating the problems of low agricultural productivity and the resulting low income, policy measures which can promote rural investment and create employment opportunities in off-farm activities may help minimize the effects of low farm income.

Exotic fancy pigeons of fifty types that are available in Bangladesh today was observed in Kushtia and Dinajpur district of Bangladesh from July 2011 to December 2012. Each breed feeding cost comes to only 1.50 taka per day and during hatching of young ones this becomes 3:00 taka per day in average. It has been observed through 18 months study that the buyers pay 1000 to 6000 taka for each pair of fancy pigeon. In fancy items, the Fantail is the most common items for buyers. Its expanded tail and tremules of the neck is more attractive to everybody. Though the highly expensive Pouter, King and Runt are available but their customers are few. In Bangladesh the buyers have attraction for fancy pigeons but its high price makes them less interested. For that reason they want to buy such type of pigeons which are less costly and its squab sells are less bothering during marketing. So the Fantail rearing is easier in that case. In pigeon shop most of the cage measurements are 24×18×16 inches for all types of breeds. No medicine expenditure was found during the period of study. Feeding pot measurements are 7×4×2 and which can be used for the pigeons feeding. Fresh tubewell water is available everywhere for the pigeons use and as a result no production is hampered. Reports have shown that the cage trays are cleaned twice a day and this keeps the pigeons free from all the diseases. Monthly expenditure including electricity and house rent becomes taka 50 for each pigeon for a month. Total cost for one pigeon is taka 200 per month and if it can be sold within seven days after the completion of one month it can bring a profit of taka 150. If the pigeons are sold in the same months of their purchase, the sellers get no profit. But if it is sold after six months, monthly expenditure for each pair of pigeon becomes taka 3000 but sales proceeds becomes, 5000 for each pair. So, each pair of pigeon can earn a profit of taka 2000 after six months. Because after the expiry of six months no fresh parental stock is needed. The study also found that normal per pigeon cost was an average of 300 taka but during hatching period it become taka 600 due to excessive use of light and feeding. Maximum body weight of male Runt fancy pigeon is 650 g and that of female is 625 g and its 45 days old squab becomes 430 g each.

The study assessed the economic of maize production in Ogori/Magongo local government area of Kogi State. To this end, effort was made to examine the socio economic characteristics of the maize farmers, determine the resource use efficiency, problems as well as profitability of maize production in the area. To achieve the objective of this study, 48 maize farmers where randomly selected from 5 wards from the local government area, three wards from Ogori and two wards from Magongo. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and multiple regression models. Results showed that most farmers (68.75%) used hired labour personal savings (93.75%) and seed from previous harvest for their farm operations (70.83%) Analysis further revealed that farm size, fertilizer and seed where significant factors influencing output level. Estimated efficiency ratio (r) shows that resources where underutilized and the gross margin per hectare of land was N 35,370 implying that maize production is profitable in the study. The problems identified by maize farmers were inadequate capital (68.75%), lack of improved seed (52%) while (31%) of the farmers lacked fertilizer to increase production.

Before now, food crops are cultivated on almost all arable farmlands of the entire Akoko settlements area of Nigeria. Food crops were also the second major sources of farmers’ income after cocoa (the major cash crop). Today, over 75% of food crops are brought to this sub-region from other regions. For instance, the bulk of yams, maize, corns, and sweet potatoes originate from Nassarawa, Benue and Kogi. This may be attributed to the fact that majority of the youths have lost interest in food farming and therefore diverted their interest to alternative livelihood. The present study assessed the impacts of youth’s socio-economic dynamics on food crops farming in Nigeria using Akoko area of Ondo State sub-region as a case study. Information for this study was generated through structured questionnaires and personal field observation. Results show that the increase diversion of active youths from farming to alternative sources of livelihoods including bus/car drivers, barbing saloon, mechanics, trade, utility biking to transport people as well as other engagements such as political hooliganism is to blame for the decline in food crops production in Akoko area. Further, failure to take into account the impacts of climate change on farming, lack of stakeholder involvement and low level of public awareness on the importance of food crop farming by grass-root farmers has also disoriented the youth into other activities away from food crop farming. Daily sustenance/earning especially utility biking known as “okada” are now the livelihood engagements among youths in Akoko area. Consequently, the number of food crop farmers has continue to decline since 1990 while the number of okada riders has exponentially increased during 1995 through 2010 providing a source of livelihood to about 21% of the total youth.