Journal of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (JASAE)

Abstract : This study conducted at Buhangin, Malite, Davao del Sur to come up with a technology on propagating with Dao shoot cuttings. The treatments were laid-out in a two factorial Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications supplied with different kinds of Auxin (Factor A) and Various Auxin Concentrations (Factor B). The auxins were IBA, IAA and NAA. The concentrations were as follows: C1-10 ppm; C2- 250 ppm; C3-500 ppm; C4-750 ppm and C5- 1000 ppm. Result of the study showed that there were highly significant differences on rooting percentage, the number of roots and the length of root of Dao shoot cuttings. Cutting treated with IBA obtained the highest rooting percentage, most number of roots and had the longest roots produced. Application of varying auxin at a concentration of at 1000 ppm significantly increased the rooting percentage, most number of roots and had the longest roots produced. There was a highly significantly difference on the interaction of the of Auxin at varying concentration. This implies that application of kind of auxin at varying significantly improved the rooting performance of Dao orthotropic shoot cuttings.
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Abstract : Despite potential benefits of precision agriculture (PA) to improve profitability of small-scale farmers, adoption of PA in small farms is extremely low in Thailand. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that affect the smallholder’s interest in investing in PA technology, focusing on variable rate technology (VRT). The survey data of 155 small-scale farmers are used in the analysis. Farmers were asked to state their interest in VRT investment from the scenario that government provides a subsidy, and the respondent would pay for the remaining cost of VRT installation. Results from the bivariate logit model have shown that factors that significantly influence the likelihood of VRT investment are perceived usefulness and worthiness of VRT, confidence to use VRT, concerns on environmentally friendly production, use of agricultural mobile application and farm size. Family labor, old-aged farmers and types of major crop production are found to be insignificant. In addition, the intention rate to invest falls dramatically if the amount of government subsidy declined. Higher amount of government subsidy is needed to induce the VRT adoption for small-scale farmers. This study suggests policy implications such as increasing the awareness of VRT usefulness and worthiness and environmentally friendly production, promoting the use of mobile application, and providing training and capacity building to use VRT..
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Abstract : Environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility but who will ultimately bear the burden? Environmental intervention protection program usually involves stakeholders in order to facilitate its mechanism to conserve the ecosystem. The principle payment for ecosystem services posits that upland dwellers (farmers) will be compensated to shift from its traditional land use practice to sustainable farming technology. The compensation however will be from lowland ecosystem beneficiaries (water users). This paper aimed to determine if the compensation or incentive provided will affect upland farmer’s participation in payment for ecosystem services (PES) program as an additional source of income. Social and human capital, farm characteristics and environmental awareness and membership in organization were subject to multinomial logit regression. The analyses show that neither land tenure, agroecosystem, offered bid amount and off farm income predicts the willingness to accept land use change among upland farmers. Apparently, upland farmers where majority are living below the poverty threshold are the ones bearing the brunt of the environmental protection activity while receiving less than there supposed monetary incentives based on ecosystem value. Nevertheless, awareness as ecosystem service provider appears to be significant predictor in enrolling to the program. Hence upland farmers should always be involved in planning for environmental management and protection..
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Abstract : Bio-preservation is a novel food preservation method designed for extending the shelf life and enhance safety of foods by the use of natural products or plant materials. A factorial study arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted to find out the effect of Aloe vera extract as bio-preservative to selected perishable fruits and vegetables. Results showed that fruits soaked in water with 25-50% aloe extract for 30-60 minutes had the lowest weight loss and highest weight loss was obtained for those fruits with no treatment in water. It was also observed that the levels of aloe extracts and length of submersion significantly affected by delaying the ripening of the fruits both in pepper and calamansi. However, no significant differences were noted in banana and tomato and on the effects of levels of aloe vera extract and length of soaking on the firmness, TSS, TA and pH of the fruit samples studied. The result of the study indicates that soaking of fruits in water with 25-50% Aloe vera extract for purposes of preservation maybe used in suppressing weight loss, delays ripening, lowers the number and percentage of rotten fruits. Delays reduction of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and impeding change of appearance of pepper, calamansi, banana and tomato fruits. The results suggest that Aloe vera extract maybe used as bio-preservative to any fruits and fruit vegetables for delaying some quality losses and eventually increasing storage/shelf life..
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Abstract : Coronavirus ruins the families globally especially people who earn below-average income that includes the fishermen sector. This study aimed to determine the lived experiences of fishermen amid coronavirus Pandemic. It employed a qualitative design using the collaizzi approach through face to face interviews. During the lockdown fishermen were not allowed to go out of their respective homes and prohibited them to go out to sea, it had affected them economically and had to depend from government subsidy and food aids from non-government organizations. Fishermen families have planted vegetables, work as house helper, do firewood gathering and reduced their food intake to cope with the crisis. The participants were in a state of fear and worries during the pandemic, family help each other to find livelihood options to earn money for food and other family needs. The culture of Filipino of being hospitable and accommodating to relatives was naturally denied just to prevent contamination of the virus. Fishermen were emotionally affected since they were worried about how to support their families while afraid of being infected by Covid-19. Findings have implications for government and non-government organizations that assist marginalized sectors especially the fishermen during the time of the pandemic..
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