Journal of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (JASAE)

Abstract : The less recognition given to some actors in the cassava value addition processes motivated this research to examine latent actors’ involvement in the cassava value addition in Oyo State, Nigeria, with respect to harvesters and transporters. Data elicited from a sample of 176 “latent actors” in cassava value addition across the four agricultural zones using a cross-sectional research design, were analysed using descriptive statistics, weighted average index, and factor analysis. Findings revealed an ageing population of actors with an average age of 41.5 years for harvesters and a mean age of 44.3 years for the transporters that were engaged in cassava value addition. Majority of actors were married, with a significant gender imbalance, particularly in harvesting and transportation where men dominate in the value addition process. Most actors had secondary education. The results also indicated that those actors (in harvesting and transporting) face severe constraints especially in rural areas. Despite these challenges, cassava value addition remains a key source of income for rural households, significantly contributing to food security and employment opportunities. Results from the factor analysis also showed that harvesters’ involvement in cassava value addition was influenced by three significant factors which collectively explain over 80% of the variance in their involvement, and each of these factors capturing different aspects of the harvesting, highlights the complexity and diversity of activities undertaken by harvesters. In the case of transporters’ involvement, the analysis also identified three significant factors, which explain about 71.5% of the total variance in the data, indicating these factors capture a significant portion of the variability and diversity in transporters’ activities in the cassava value addition. Consequent on the results of this study, provision of rural infrastructure is essential, while financial inclusion is another area. Gender-sensitive policies must be introduced to address the existing disparities in access to resources. Strengthening cooperatives and capacity-building programs can also improve access to markets and resources. All these are necessary to create a more resilient and inclusive agri-food sector that will benefit rural communities and the broader agricultural economy..
Full article

Abstract : It is necessary to manage civil complex projects such as construction projects, infrastructure projects, megastructures, hydraulic structures and others, by using specialized programs to organize work and to prepare work break down structure organization for Planning and scheduling these projects. Projects are planned according to determining logic sequence between activities, defining resources to each task, methodology to construction and assigning organization to responsibilities. Without clear planning and scheduling can lead to delays in activities and work, this will lead to delaying the project. Due to many updates and changes plan of projects, software should be used programs MS Project or Primavera. The research employs a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats “SWOT” analysis to assess two prominent comprehensively project management software solutions; Microsoft Project and Primavera. The study aims to offer insights into the distinctive features assessment, and drawbacks of each program, assisting organizations and decision-makers in making informed choices regarding their project management software. also, presented a case study about sample planning and scheduling solar pond project in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt..
Full article

Abstract : The disparities in income distribution among farming households has created a wide gap with high income concentration among small strata of the entire rural population. Poverty becomes evidence with higher degree of inequalities in opportunities and inequalities in outcomes. It was on this note that, this study examines income inequality and poverty status among farming households in Oyo State Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 443 farming households in the study area. Cross sectional data was collected through structured questionnaire and the data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics, Gini Coefficient and Lorenz Curve Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty measure and Probit Regression analysis. The Gini Coefficient was computed as 0.438 which suggests that homogenous population dominates the farm households. The coefficient of age (P ≤ 0.1), credit amount (P ≤ 0.01), household size (P ≤ 0.01), education (P ≤ 0.05), farm size (P ≤ 0.05) and numbers of non-ruminants (P ≤ 0.1) were statistically significant determinants of poverty in the study area. The study concluded that gini coefficient signal homogeneity of the households and the poverty status is considerably high. However, the study therefore recommended that specific interventions related to their occupation to empower farming households..
Full article

Abstract : The article's principal objective is to analyze characteristics of consumers' purchasing behavior towards imported fruits in Urbans Hanoi, Vietnam. The study is based on a random survey of 339 consumers in urban areas in Hanoi, concentrated on a large high-income population and high consumption demand. The results illustrated that consumers' purchasing behavior toward imported fruits is different from that of local fruits. They were buying imported fruits to eat and for other purposes such as using them as gifts and visiting patients. Supermarkets and convenience stores are the places that were been the most choices to buy. There are five factors impacting the purchasing behavior of consumers toward imported fruits including Product Attributes; Packaging; Origin; Perceived price and Subjective norms. In addition, the factor of Product Attributes and Packaging the most strongly impacted the purchasing behavior of consumers toward imported fruits. Finally, they were the factors that consumers were the most considering to deciding to buy. This research has significant theoretical and managerial implications. Local and international marketing professionals who wish to investigate the expanding consumer market in Vietnam can find the study’s findings extremely useful. Moreover, the outcomes of this search enrich the existing body of consumer behavior literature, which is helpful for future researchers..
Full article

Abstract : The literature emphasizes the importance of internal control in the performance of economic organizations. However, limited research focuses on the impact of internal control on the performance of agricultural cooperatives in developing countries like Vietnam. Using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), this study analyzes the effect of internal control on the performance of agricultural cooperatives in Vietnam, with revenue per cooperative member considered a key measure of performance. The results indicate that most components of internal control significantly influence agricultural cooperative revenue. These findings suggest that agricultural cooperatives in Vietnam should prioritize strengthening their internal control systems. This includes several suggestions: (1) Enhancing Awareness and Training; (2) Risk Management Support; (3) Promoting Digital Transformation and (4) Strengthening Supervisory Boards..
Full article