University of Minnesota, Duluth
AgEcon Search: Research in Agricultural and Applied EconomicsNot a member yet
212667 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing Work-life Balance among Women Professionals: A Quantitative Analysis
No full textOn one hand, the new period has seen many achievements and technological developments, while on the other hand, it has seen many concerns linked to the environment, as well as people's physical and mental health. Occupational life is a multifaceted construct that has been influenced by a variety of factors. When considering the employee, work-life balance is determined to be the most significant variable affecting the employee and, as a result, the business. As more women enter the workforce across various industries, the need to address the challenges they face in balancing their professional careers with personal responsibilities becomes increasingly pertinent. The present study was conducted in the year 2025 with a sample of 60 working women. The study adopts a qualitative approach to gather insights into the experiences and perceptions of working women regarding work-life balance. Data was collected through an online survey, and secondary data was used to write the introduction and review of literature. The scale on the work-life balance of working women professionals proposed by Sharma et al. in 2019 in their book was adopted to study the work-life balance of women working in government or private sectors. A general schedule was prepared to study the socio-personal profile of the respondents. This study helps to identify their opinion towards work-life balance. The data was analyzed through frequency and percentages. The results indicated that most of the respondents belonged to the young and middle age group. Regarding education, most of them studied up to degree and all most all belonged to nuclear family and more than half of them were unmarried. Regarding social participation, almost all the respondents occasionally or regularly attend marriage and naming ceremonies, fairs, festivals, etc., and with respect to mass media participation majority of the respondents expressed that they regularly watch television and use mobile phones, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. Regarding the work-life balance of working women, 23 statements were asked to each and every respondent. The answers were expressed as strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree and strongly disagree, respectively. The study concluded that employee motivation, flexible working circumstances, welfare and recreational activities, work and overall life space, job enrichment, grievance management, job satisfaction, and family support were identified as eight major characteristics based on factor analysis. If a woman who is responsible for all household responsibilities while still giving her all in her work life is happy and healthy, it will result in a balanced existence for all family members and peers who are related to her. Achieving work-life balance among working women professionals requires a combination of personal strategies, employer support, and societal changes. It is a shared responsibility to create an environment where women can thrive both in their careers and personal lives
Impact of Wage Rate and Employment Days on Labour Productivity in Dairy Industry in India: An Empirical Analysis
No full textIndia is the largest consumer as well as producer of milk in the world which holds nearly 25 per cent share in overall world’s milk producers. The dairy industry in India creates huge employment opportunities whether direct or indirect engaging family members in rural areas. There is a growth of 6.6% in dairy Industry over last decade. One of the most important factors which are responsible for growth in dairy industry, particularly in rural areas is labour productivity. Previous studies indicated that labour productivity is much higher in Indian Dairy industry than in the agriculture sector in India. Thus, there is a need to examine the growth of labour productivity in Indian dairy Industry and its possible determinant factors. Hence, the present study is an attempt to study the growth in labour productivity, employment and wage rate in Indian Dairy industry in India. Further, the study aims to explore the impact of wage rate and employment days on labour productivity in aforesaid industry. The secondary data from ASI provided by MOSPI from 2011-12 to 2020-21 of 3- digit NIC 2008(Code- 105) has been taken to achieve the fore mentioned objective. Results indicated that there has been positive association between wage rate, labour productivity and employment in Indian Dairy Industry. Further, it was found that wage rate act as significant factor which determines labour productivity. However, employment was not found to be significant determinant of labour productivity. The study will be helpful for future researchers and policymakers as Dairy industry is one of the main employment generator and poverty reduction measure especially in rural India. Govt. has also been promoting/ supporting it through various schemes. It can be a better alternative for up liftment of rural people and remove disguised unemployment in agriculture sector
Effects of Resilient Agro-Pastoral Production on Food Security in arid and Semi-arid Regions of Baringo County- Kenya
No full textArid and Semi-arid zones cover 45.4% of the land surface of the earth, support 36% of the global population in which 90% of them live in developing countries. However, these zones have been characterized by varied levels of food insecurity corresponding to varied levels of environmental variability and related agro-pastoral production. These characteristics have called for improved production of food; or more specifically resilient food production. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of resilient agro-pastoral production on food security. The study was based on a survey research design conducted in three locations of Baringo County, namely: Emining, Salabani and Loboi locations. The population of the proposed study was 3267 households distributed across the three locations. Using Yamane (1967) formula for small population and the table by Krejcie & Morgan, (1970), a sample size of 351 was required. Key data collection method was a structured questionnaire supplemented by Focus group discussion and Key informant guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Results evidenced that all the indicators of resilient agro-pastoral production had a statistically significant and positive relationship with food security. Surprisingly, some of the agro-pastoral practices had even much greater impact in enhancing food security: Crop spacing (R2=34%), weeding (R2=27%), Fast maturing crops (R2=19%), drought resistant crops (R2=17), and improved livestock breeds (R2=17%) and use of machines (R2=17%), all of which were significant at probability of error less than 0.001. The study concludes that resilient agro pastoral production can improve food security by enhancing the adoptive capacities of agro-pastoralists. The study recommends the need to adopt resilient agro pastoral production system that address environmental shocks to promote food security in arid and semi-arid regions
Socio-Economic Analysis of Grape Export Farmers from Marathwada Region of Maharahtra, India
No full textThis study analyzes the socio-economic characteristics, land utilization, cropping patterns, livestock holdings, and the impact of socio-economic factors on grape productivity across different farm sizes among grape export farmers. Data was collected and analyzed from small, medium, and large-scale grape growers. Key findings indicate variations in age groups, educational levels, land use efficiency, and livestock investment, all influencing grape productivity significantly. The socio-economic profile of grape export farmers was assessed across three farm size categories: small, medium, and large. The majority of farmers belonged to the middle-aged group (36–50 years. Educational Status of most farmers were educated, with college graduates being the most prominent. Family Size, Families were categorized as small (1–4 members), medium (5–7), and large (8+). Small family size was most common, This shows a trend toward nuclear family systems among farmers, regardless of landholding size. Occupation, Agriculture was the primary occupation across all sizes Some farmers also engaged in business (20% overall) and services (17.5% overall), reflecting moderate occupational diversification.
Land Utilization Pattern, Land utilization among grape growers shows. The average land utilization increases with farm size, with a notable portion under irrigation. Small farmers had 1.5 ha total land, with 93.33% cultivated and 80% irrigated. Medium farmers held 2.81 ha, with 94.66% cultivated and 85.4% irrigated. Large farmers owned 4.6 ha, with 96.95% cultivated and 92.6% irrigated. Overall, grape farmers utilized land efficiently, especially for irrigated farming, crucial for grape cultivation.
Cropping Pattern, Cropping patterns varied by season and farm size. Grapes dominated across all sizes due to their high commercial value. Small farms, Grapes covers 58.82% of the area with Cropping intensity 121.42%., Medium farms, Grapes accounted for 54.49% with Cropping intensity 117.29%., Large farms, Grapes constituted 64.65%. Cropping intensity with110.98%., Overall, Grapes covered 54.76% with a cropping intensity of 122.18%. Kharif crops included jowar and soybean, while rabbi crops were wheat and gram. Sugarcane was also a key crop on larger farms.
Livestock Holdings, Livestock contributed significantly to farm income and assets Small farms Total livestock value ₹114,550 where bullocks comprised 40.99%. Medium farms Total livestock value ₹143,240 where bullocks 45.30%., Large farms Total livestock value ₹150,900 where bullocks 53.01%. Bullocks were the most valuable livestock across all sizes, reflecting their importance in vineyard operations.
4.5 Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Grape Productivity, Regression analysis revealed the effect of socio-economic factors on grape productivity, Small farms R² = 0.69. Significant factors are age, capital assets, and livestock (p < 0.05). Medium farms R² = 0.67. Significant are capital assets (p < 0.01), family size (p < 0.05)., Large farms R² = 0.71. Significant factors are capital assets (p < 0.01), landholding, and occupation (p < 0.05). Overall R² = 0.68. Capital investment and livestock were significant (p < 0.01) factors. These findings confirm that investment in assets and livestock positively affects grape productivity, with other socio-economic variables playing supplementary roles
Land and Water Resource Degradation in Agricultural Zones of Haryana: Drivers, Consequences, and Remedial Measures
No full textThe study uses empirical field data to explore land and water resource degradation in Haryana, focusing on three agro-ecological zones: Zone-I (dry sub-humid), Zone-II (semi-arid), and Zone-III (arid). Primary data were collected from 360 farmers across six districts (Karnal, Panipat, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jhajjar, and Mahendragarh), with 15 normal and 15 problematic farms selected from each of the 12 villages. A pretested structured schedule was used for personal interviews, and the data were analyzed using logistic regression (logit model) to identify key factors influencing degradation. The findings revealed that abiotic stress, saline irrigation water, and excessive fertilizer use were major contributors to land degradation, while erratic rainfall and poor drainage exacerbated water resource issues. Majority of farmers reported declining crop yields and rising cultivation costs as primary consequences. Mitigation strategies such as conservatory tillage, crop rotation, and proper drainage systems were widely recommended. The study underscored the need for policy interventions promoting sustainable practices, efficient irrigation, and extension services to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and ecological balance in the state
The Marketing Channels of Chia and Their Efficiency in Kalyana-Karnataka Region, India
No full textChia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an emerging super foodsuperfood and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and the centre of origin is in mountain areas of Guatemala and Mexico. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is gaining prominence as a superfood and medicinal plant within the Lamiaceae family, celebrated for its pseudocereal status and nutritional benefits worldwide. Introduced to India by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, it has swiftly spread across the country, including Karnataka's Kalyan-Karnataka region, owing to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. The objective of the study is to estimate the economics of chia farming. The present study was conducted to study the efficiency of marketing channels of chia, focusing on Bidar and Kalaburagi districts, which are pivotal due to their significant chia cultivation areas. Primary data was gathered through surveys of 30 sample farmers from each district during the 2023-24 period, and a total of 15 marketing middlemen were chosen from each district. Thus, the total sample size was 90. The study showed that Channel-I is more cost-effective for chia growers, making it the preferred option despite its relatively higher transportation costs in the study area. The study revealed that the extent of producers’ share in consumer rupee in Bidar district was 87.42 and 83.50 per cent in Channel-I and Channel-II, respectively. Similarly, in Kalaburagi district, the extent of the producer’s share in consumer rupee was 87.56 and 85.85 per cent in Channel-I and Channel-II, respectively. The study revealed that chia growers in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts identified a lack of market information as the most critical issue, followed by price fluctuation. Strengthening the marketing information system and implementing a price support mechanism through the government could help empower growers, reduce costs, improve profitability, and ensure more sustainable chia cultivation in the region
Farmers’ Socio-Economic Characteristics Influencing Poultry-egg Availability in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria
No full textBirds are pivotal in human diet as they produce quality eggs for animal protein which is required for healthy growth of an individual. Nigeria with poor animal protein consumption stemming from unavailability, thus, this research aimed at analyzing the socio-economic factors influencing poultry-egg availability in Bade Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe State. A multistage sampling method was applied in selecting 54 poultry-egg producers in the area with information elicited through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Result shows male constituting 65% of the sampled population, with one form of education or another, with less than 11 years of farming experience (72%), and 79% being below 48 years of age. Furthermore, majority of the respondents had medium size households of not more than 10 persons (72%), although, married (76%) with cooperative societies membership (65%), without extension visit (57%). Poultry-egg availability in the study area was influenced by flock size, capital, age, farming experience, extension contact, and income level of the farmer. This demonstrates how important socio-economic characteristics are to poultry-egg availability in the country. The study established that poultry-egg farmers were young literate married males with less poultry farming experience and medium size households who source for credit from informal channels to boost their income with little extension agents’ support even though they belong to cooperative societies. Therefore, the research recommends that: credit should be made available to farmers by agricultural stakeholders in order to encourage technical innovations and timely availability of necessary inputs for poultry-egg production; and extension agents in corroboration with other stakeholders should organize training on poultry-egg farming to increase the quantity of eggs supplied to the market considering the population of the State
Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Indigenous Chicken Rearing in Coastal Communities of Bangladesh
No full textIndigenous chicken rearing is an important part of rural livelihoods in Bangladesh, especially in economically challenged areas where it provides a primary source of income, nutrition, and employment opportunities for the poor people, especially for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics, management practices, consumption and income, gender participation, and factors influencing income from indigenous chicken rearing using a household-level survey in Bagerhat district, located in the coastal region. A mixed-method survey, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, was conducted among 488 randomly selected households from five villages in Bagerhat Sadar and Kachua Upazilas.The findings reveal that rural women play a crucial role in indigenous chicken rearing, as the majority of respondents were female (89.57%). The majority of the respondents were younger and middle-aged, and the mean age was 39.86±1.89 years. Most of the farmers completed the primary level of education (55.62%), as evidenced by their mean educational year was 6.95±0.65. The flock size was small (98.96%) and management practices are largely traditional with semi-intensive rearing (97.95%) using basic housing, and 88.00% depending on rice or rice bran, followed by household by-products (12.00%) for feed. However, vaccination coverage remains critically low at 11.00%. Households consumed an average of 149.76 eggs and 23.04 kg of chicken meat per year, while income from eggs and live bird sales averaged BDT 13136 and BDT 26288 annually, confirming that indigenous chicken has a dual role in nutrition and cash income generation. Women contributed most labour of husbandry activities (80–90%) and yet men controlled ownership, sales decisions, and retained income in most cases. Regression analysis identified flock size, farmer experience, vaccination, and rearing system as significant positive determinants of income from indigenous chicken rearing
Profitability Assessment of Shilbilati Potato Farmers and Intermediaries Using Traditional Storage Systems in Rangpur, Bangladesh
No full textShilbilati potato, a traditionally significant variety of potato, is grown in norther Rangpur district of Bangladesh, despite its lower yield compared to the high yield varieties of potatoes. This study evaluates the profitability of Shilbilati potato farmers and intermediaries using traditional storage as this varieties of potatoes are stored for a shorter period of time and traditional storage system is also cost effective for the users. Data of 100 Shilbilati potato farmers and 30 intermediaries were collected using simple random sampling technique from Mithapukur and Badarganj upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh. Tabular analysis and statistical method were used to measure the profitability. However, the results revealed that small farmers earned higher net benefit (Tk. 176.39/quintal) compared to the large farmers as small farmers have to handle lower storage and handling costs. Moreover, retailers earned more profit (Tk. 140.48/quintal) followed by the beparies (Tk. 117.94/quintal). The study also find that although storage is advantageous for all the market players of Shilbilati potato but retailers are the most benefitted group as their marketing margin (106.90 Tk./quintal) is higher than others. The findings provide valuable insights to the policymakers to improve the potato value chain in Bangladesh
Socio-Economic Status and Extension Participation of Marine Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, India
No full textAim: To assess the socioeconomic status, economic motivations, and extension participation of marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, and to examine the roles, linkages, and perspectives of resource managers and research experts in supporting sustainable fisheries development.
Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted across all coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh—Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Bapatla, and Nellore between 2023 - 2024, involving fishermen, fisheries officials, and experts from institutions.
Methodology: A comprehensive sampling design was employed to represent all stakeholder groups in Andhra Pradesh’s marine fisheries sector. Fishermen were categorized into mechanized (n = 120), motorized (n = 200), and non-motorized (n = 40) sectors to capture diverse socioeconomic conditions and practices. Additionally, 30 research experts from premier institutions Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Fishery Survey of India – Visakhapatnam (FSI), The National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training NIFPHATT, Andhra University located in Visakhapatnam and C.F.Sc. in Muthukur, Nellore District further 31 fisheries officials from the Department of Fisheries were included, bringing the total sample to 421 respondents.
Result: Marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh were predominantly middle-aged (mean 46.4 years) with substantial fishing experience (26.8 years), and 60% combined fishing with other livelihood activities. Participation in extension activities was generally low, with over 90% rarely attending field days or method demonstrations, while meetings and seminars recorded slightly higher engagement (24.9%). Economic motivation was moderate (mean score 0.52 ± 0.16), reflecting both a strong profit orientation and adherence to traditional practices.
Conclusion: The study highlights that marine fishermen in Andhra Pradesh have moderate economic motivation but limited engagement with extension services and weak linkages with resource managers and research experts. Low participation in capacity-building programs indicate gaps in knowledge transfer. Strengthening extension outreach, fostering trust, and promoting targeted training and digital tools are essential to enhance adoption of innovations and support sustainable fisheries development. Addressing these socioeconomic and institutional gaps can contribute to more equitable and resilient coastal livelihoods