Journal of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (JASAE)

Abstract : In response to the problem of poverty and health issues of children in San Jorge, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Local Government Unit, San Jorge, Samar and Regional office 8, project on native swine raising feed with kitchen leftovers and madre de agua (Trichanteragigantea)was implemented. The project was piloted in Barangay Blanca Aurora, San Jorge Samar as among the community who are experiencing such issues. Training on swine production care and management was conducted to ensure that proper rearing and management of the swine was undertaken. Pig pens were constructed for safety and protection of the pigs. Administration of vitamins and deworming was provided to ensure survival and development of the pigs. Madre de agua cuttings were provided to 11 beneficiaries and planted it in their respective land area. Beneficiaries were glad for the technical assistance of Department of Agriculture through the training provided since it has provided additional knowledge in swine production and proper management. Marginalized farmers trained on Values Formation, were empowered and increased sense of dignity and worth and productively contributing to family enrichment and community development. Farmers have increased income up to 40% of the participating household beneficiaries after a year from the sales of their piglets. Native pigs feed with madre de aqua and kitchen leftover have a significant response of growth and piglet’s production.
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Abstract : Philippine nutrient uptake of soil constraints from crop geospatial distribution of land. The Samar provinces of the municipality are Matuginao, Gandara, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Calbiga, and Paranas. These six municipalities were conducted to examine soil that has low fertility and nutrient status. Results showed that four textural classifications of soil properties included loam, silt loam, sandy loam, and sandy clay loam. Generally, Samar has a deficient amount of P (phosphorous) and K (potassium) as attributed by a high amount of Ca (calcium) enable to displace P and K from the crops soil environment. The greater amount of production inputs of P and K containing fertilizers are highly recommended in growing various types of crops, especially in upland agricultural areas. The lowland agricultural areas are highly suitable for crop production than in upland areas.
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Abstract : This study was conducted to evaluate physical, chemical and performance of selected commercial layer feeds and self-formulated diet on growth performance, percentage hen day production, egg production performance and egg qualities. A total of 1,200 pullet birds, Isa Brown breed of 18- weeks old were used for this study which were replicated five times, in a completely randomize design, this experiment lasted for twelve weeks. All feeds were in mash form except one-layer feed in crumbled form. There were also statistical variations in crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre contents and ash content of the various feeds as analyzed. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in final body weight and weight gain with FF diet having the highest performance and VF having the least performance, hens fed with VF has the highest feed intake and least was observed in hens fed FF diet. Feed conversion ratio and percentage hen day production were significantly different across the treatments. Total number of eggs laid was significantly different among treatments. Significant differences (p<0.05) was observed in egg qualities at 30 and 32 weeks of age but only yolk colour was different significantly (p<0.05) at 28weeks of age. It was concluded that self-formulated diet (FF) found to be most economical among the whole experimental diets and has the highest performance.
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Abstract : Unpaid work/labour is a labour that supposed to receive wages but not compensated due to no meaningful valuation put in place. This basic supposition in deciding value in our economic system is that productive work is valued and paid, while unpaid work is not productive, draw no value and hence, attract no wages. This study examines factors influencing unpaid-work and appropriation method for valuation (a replacement-cost hybrid approach). Multi-stage sampling procedures were adopted to select 320 women respondents. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential analysis. Mean-time allocated to do unpaid-work is 49.5hrs, comparing with paid-work, give a differential of 16.5hrs monthly and 0.55hr daily, this is significant. Hence, women efforts in home-management are significant and responsive to their tasks of household management. Hence efforts should be tailored to valuate these efforts by government for commeasurably reparation.
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Abstract : Cocoyam farming in Nigeria is mostly practiced at subsistence level. Farmers that produce cocoyam only produce in small quantity and hence, limit its value chain propensity. This study examines value chain processes of cocoyam, return on investment, and factors influencing its participation. Study was carried out in Ondo state and Ekiti state, South-west, Nigeria. Primary data was collected through multistage sampling technique. Pre- tested questionnaire was administered on 320 respondents. Descriptive statistics, gross-margin analysis, stochastic dominance, return-on-investment and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Average age of cocoyam farmers is 45 years. Female cocoyam farmers (particularly married ones) engaged more on value chain than their male counterpart by 21.4%, although, male has a longer farming experience. A relative household size exists (mean of 6.6) and this has been used for family-labour on cocoyam production and processing. Education has been seen to influence participation in cocoyam value chain processes as 58.7% that had post-primary education, 70.1% participated in value chain processes. Majority of the respondents (55%) engaged in cocoyam value chain, particularly on flour and derivatives (30.9%), livestock feeds (24%) and into medicinal uses (11.3%). Cocoyam processed in all chain processes had positive ROI, while medicinal uses had a higher ROI indicating a strong viability of participation in cocoyam value chain activities particu.
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