http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/34006 Search the Channel search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/simple-search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10136 Title: Stochastic efficiency optimisation of alternative agricultural water use strategies <br/> <br/>Authors: Grove, B. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Mathematical programming was used to optimise utility efficient deficit irrigation schedules for maize in Vaalharts, based on certainty equivalence assuming an exponential utility function. Total gross margin risk resulting from production risk of alternative deficit irrigation practices was quantified using an irrigation simulation model and stochastic budgeting procedures. Results showed that the portfolio of irrigation schedules for a risk averse farmer may include schedules with high production risk, due to the interaction of resource use between alternatives when water is limited. Owing to the difficulty of implementing the best portfolio of irrigation schedules, the optimised schedules may best be used to benchmark the efficiency of second best alternatives that are easier to implement. Ignoring risk may underestimate the value decision-makers attach to the security of water supply and policy-makers should take cognisance of this result. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10137 Title: Measuring perceived black economic empowerment in the South African wine industry <br/> <br/>Authors: Janssens, W.; Sefoko, N.; van Rooyen, J.; Bostyn, F. <br/> <br/>Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop a scale to measure perceived black economic empowerment (BEE) as reported by beneficiaries themselves. Two scale development procedures were carried out on randomly selected samples of 213 and 322 previously disadvantaged individual respondents within 14 and 11wine business that cover the larger part of the wine industry chain. The results led to a 'feeling' self-report scale (5-dimensions) and an ‘evolution’ self-report scale (6-dimensions). The emerged dimensions are: Business ownership and control (BOC), Access to finance (ATF), Employment and Human Resources Management (EMP) [internal and external], Social capital/enabling environment (SOC) and Lobbying power and collective action (LOB). First measurement results indicate that respondents feel less empowered with respect to BOC and ATF as compared to EMP, SOC and LOB. There appears to be no gender or age differences, but there are geographical differences. The latter is mostly per farm, that is, a lot of variation in BEE is observed at the firm level. The scale can be used at the firm and industry level as a diagnostic tool to monitor BEE progress as a complementary and not a substitutive framework to the wine industry scorecard as an objective measure of BEE. Future research should focus on the gap between the two definitions and assessment tools in order to comprehensively capture BEE in its entirety. The scale can also be adapted to fit the context, for example, its use in the agricultural sector at large. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10138 Title: An inquiry into factors impacting on the competitiveness of the South African wine industry <br/> <br/>Authors: Esterhuizen, D.; van Rooyen, C.J. <br/> <br/>Abstract: This article is aiming to provide a comprehensive and understandable statement about the competitiveness of the South African wine industry. A measurement of the competitive performance of the South African wine industry - the WINE COMPETITIVENESS INDEX (WCI) - indicates that South Africa’s wines are internationally highly competitive with a sustainable and increasing positive trend over recent years. The wine industry in South Africa also shows positive trends in competitiveness in the long run and it should not lose its competitiveness status in the near future if its dynamic ability to continue to trade is sustained. An analyse of the key success factors that established competitive advantage and constraints that impacted negatively on competitiveness of the wine industry through the - WINE EXECUTIVE SURVEY (WES) - indicates that for the present intense competition in the market, the production of affordable high quality products, stringent regulatory standards in the industry, efficient supporting industries, and the availability of internationally competitive local suppliers of primary inputs are the major success factors to the competitiveness of this industry. The major factors that impact negatively on the competitive success of this industry are the strong Rand, fluctuations in the exchange rate, trust in the political support system, competence of personnel in the public sector, crime, South Africa’s labour policy and the growth and size of the local market. These factors should be crafted into a Strategic Plan for the industry. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10139 Title: Model closure and price formation under switching grain market regimes in South Africa <br/> <br/>Authors: Meyer, F.; Westhoff, P.; Binfield, J.; Kirsten, J.F. <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper develops the structure and closure of an econometric regime-switching model within a partial equilibrium framework that has the ability to generate reliable estimates and projections of endogenous variables under market switching regimes. Models used in policy evaluation usually either ignore the possibility of regime switching using just a single method of price determination based on average effects, or incorporate highly stylised components that may not reflect the complexities of a particular market. This paper proposes an approach that the authors believe allows the incorporation of features of regime switching in a multisector commodity level model that capture salient features of the South African market and therefore are able to produce more reliable projections of the evolution of the sector under alternative shocks. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10140 Title: Municipal commonage and implications for land reform: A profile of commonage users in Philippolis, Free State, South Africa <br/> <br/>Authors: Atkinson, D.; Buscher, B. <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper reports on a survey of municipal commonage users, which was undertaken in Philippolis in the southern Free State, in May 2005. The survey showed that a significant number of commonage users are committed to their farming enterprises, as shown by five proxy indicators: Their readiness to plough their income into their farming enterprises; their sale of livestock; their desire for more land, and their willingness to pay rental to secure such land; their desire to farm on their own; and their desire to own their own land. The paper reflects on the significance of commonage in the context of the South African government’s land reform policy, and argues that commonage can transcend survivalist or subsistence production, and can be used as a “stepping stone” for emergent farmers to access their own land parcels. Finally, the paper argues that, if commonage is to become a key part in a “step-up” strategy of land reform, then appropriately sized land parcels should be made available for commonage users, to enable them to “exit” from commonage use and invest in smallholdings or small farms. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/10141 Title: Vector error correction modelling of Nigerian agricultural supply response <br/> <br/>Authors: Olubode-Awosola, O.O.; Oyewumi, O.A.; Jooste, A. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Undue taxing of the agriculture sector could constitute a disincentive to agricultural production in most low-income African countries where agriculture is being taxed for industrial development. There is an argument that the high level of taxation of agriculture in favour of industrialization is in part due to the underestimation of the supply response of the agricultural sector. This study tests the theoretical hypotheses that only price, non-price and natural disincentives respectively pose problems for agricultural growth. Johansen’s approach to co-integration analysis was employed to test these hypotheses using the time-series data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical database. The long-run price elasticity of supply is 0.13 and capital shift supply 18 per cent. The implication of this is that much more in-depth research is needed to identify those factors that affect supply and to describe the effect of factors that shift supply in response to price incentives. This could provide valuable information for government in the use of appropriate policy measures and variables. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:58:59 GMT