Browsing by Author "Oleke, Jofrey Masahi"

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Ex-ante analysis of economic returns from biological control of coconut mite in Benin and Tanzania: a market chain perspective
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2012) Oleke, Jofrey Masahi
The economic impacts resulting from the biological control of coconut mite in Benin and Tanzania are scrutinized using an ex ante analytical framework. The study sought to assess the empirical evidence about the benefits of biological control of coconut mite being implemented in the selected coconut growing areas in the two countries. The study also sought to enrich the knowledge base needed for formulating policies that will develop the coconut value chains in these two countries and others facing similar conditions. Results from the economic surplus model show that biological control will produce a welfare gain of US$15 5213.4 in Benin, whereas in Tanzania technology will create welfare gains of USS 33 47006 per year. The estimated discounted economic returns- expressed as Net Present Values (NPV) varied a great deal with varying interest rate. Considered at a discount rate of 12% for the period 2008-2027, Net Present Value was about US$ 20 7721 in Benin, and US$ 23 5611 in Tanzania. The Internal Rates of Return (IRR) or break even discount rates are substantially high; being 13.21% in Benin and 52% in Tanzania respectively. The analysis of current coconut marketing chain shows that producers receive only 17% and 8% of the prices paid by consumers in Benin and Tanzania respectively. The coconut subsector is hampered by challenges that range from production, processing to marketing. Despite these challenges there are possibilities to develop coconut value chains in these countries if critical challenges are addressed. Areas that need attention for developing the coconut subsector include; (i) increasing productivity and -production at the farm level, (ii) to achieve increased production, the industry should expand the planting and replanting programme so that supply increases to feed growing markets. Apart from renovation of old coconut plantations, research efforts through public support should be directed toward improving low performing coconut varieties as well as sustaining the success of biological control of coconut mite, (iii) Strengthening farmers’ organizations/platforms to enable them to undertake collective action for efficient marketing of their products, improved bargaining power for better prices with their buyers, and better coordination in obtaining available services and resources from the government, NGOs and the private sectors may also contribute to improving the sub-sector.
Productivity and technical efficiency of egg production in Tanzania under the intensive system: a case study of Ilala and Kibaha districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Oleke, Jofrey Masahi
This study examined the productivity and technical efficiency of egg production in Tanzania under the intensive system. The study also attempted to identify the factors constraining egg production. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed for the selection of 80 respondents from two districts; Kibaha and Ilala in the Coastal and Dar es Salaam region respectively. The study used a stochastic frontier production functions in which the technical inefficiency effects are assumed to be functions of some socio-economic characteristics and management practices of the fanner which influence the technical efficiency for eggs production. This study utilizes the most recent development in stochastic frontier modeling by a one-step process in Limdep software. Results show that egg production was in the rational stage of production (stage II) as depicted by the Returns to Scale (RTS) of about 1.3. The variables of interest were effectively allocated and used, as confirmed by each variable having estimated coefficient value between zero and unity. Empirical results indicated that the mean technical efficiency of egg production is 64 percent; however, this ranged from 4 to 90 percent. The family size, employment status, types of heating and lighting equipments, age of the farm attendant, and sex of the household head affect the technical efficiency. The study further found out that the farm technical efficiency is positively related to net profit. In general, the study revealed the existence of considerable economic efficiency in production. However. diseases, lack of credits, high input costs, and improper marketing arrangements are the major constraining factors in egg production. The findings of this study showed that there is the need for governmental and/or private institutions interventions to improve the production and marketing performance of poultry by providing the necessary institutional support to the smallholder farmers in the study areas to improve their efficiency.