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Cost-Benefit Analysis of Reverse Logistics for Empty Agrochemical Packaging in Brazil
No full textAgribusiness has become increasingly important to the Brazilian economy. Given the growing discussion about the environmental impacts of agribusiness in Brazil and the significant increase in the use of pesticides, an analysis of the environmental and social impacts that the proper disposal of agrochemical packaging can cause has become crucial. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, both social and environmental, of the process of collecting and disposing of pesticide packaging in Brazil. After calculating the costs and benefits, it was found that this process is still economically unfeasible. However, it should be noted that the lack of quantitative data on the impact on health and the environment could considerably alter the results
Evolution of industrial indicators and production costs in the sugar and ethanol sector.
No full textThis publication presents the evolution of common industrial losses and industrial productivity of sugar and ethanol production plants in different regions of Brazil, as well as the association of these factors with the production costs of the products and their profit margins. Losses increased over the last few harvests, being 30% and 14.5% higher for the Traditional and Expansion regions, respectively. Productivity, although lower, has remained stable in the last three harvests, a consequence of the quality of industrial processes. Costs are also higher, both for white sugar and anhydrous ethanol, with sugar profit margins being better than those of ethanol, and the Expansion region performing better in terms of ethanol commercialization
Determinants of digital marketing adoption among agroindustry SMEs: the case of the rendang sector
No full textPurpose. This study assesses the determinants of digital marketing adoption among traditional agroindustry small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on rendang producers in Indonesia. In the context of global digitalisation, traditional manufacturing-based SMEs face obstacles such as limited digital literacy, financial constraints, and organisational readiness. This study evaluates internal, external, and technological factors influencing digital marketing adoption. Methodology / approach. The Digital Marketing Adoption (DMA) model was applied, integrating constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT). Quantitative research was conducted using data from 113 rendang-producing SMEs across West Sumatra, Indonesia. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale and analysed through PLS-SEM to evaluate relationships among 14 hypothesised variables. Results. Findings indicated that competitive pressure, ICT (information and communication technologies) experience, market scope, product and service types, and trialability significantly influenced adoption intention, while government support, customer pressure, organisational readiness, firm size, and perceived compatibility were not significant. Notably, perceived ease of use and observability negatively affected adoption, suggesting that overly simple or highly visible digital tools may have been viewed as less strategically valuable. The model explained 64.9% of the variance in adoption intention (R² = 0.649) and demonstrated strong predictive relevance (Q² = 0.495), confirming its robustness in explaining adoption behaviour in traditional agroindustry SMEs. Originality / scientific novelty. This study advances the literature by applying the DMA model to traditional agroindustry SMEs in Indonesia, integrating internal, external, and technological factors. Unlike previous research focusing on cultural aspects or the general adoption of technology in SMEs, this study specifically addresses the determinants of digital marketing adoption, bridging traditional business practices with modern technology. The model, incorporating TAM and IDT, is particularly suited to resource-limited SMEs. The case of rendang, a traditional dish from West Sumatra, is significant due to its global recognition and export potential, making it ideal for digital marketing strategies to improve branding and global competitiveness. Practical value / implications. The findings highlight the need for ongoing digital literacy programmes, sustainable government support, and tailored interventions to help SMEs overcome digital barriers. Traditional ethnic product SMEs focused on export markets should improve ICT competencies and strategically use digital tools to expand their market reach. Policymakers must develop targeted, practical, scalable, and sustainable support initiatives aligned with SMEs’ needs
Agripreneurial intentions of Generation Z: the case of Indonesia
No full textPurpose. This study aims to identify and assess the factors that influence the motivation, organisational culture, and commitment of Generation Z in relation to their agripreneurial intentions using the case of Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. Methodology / approach. This study used a case study approach, focusing on Generation Z students enrolled in the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th semesters of the Agribusiness Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture of the Gorontalo State University. The sample was selected using the Slovin’s formula, with an alpha level of 5%, resulting in a sample size of 149 respondents. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to analyse the data using the Linear Structural Relationship (LISREL) analysis tool. Results. The research results showed that motivation has a significant effect on commitment (p = 0.005) and significantly influences agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). The results also showed that motivation has a significant effect on campus organisational culture (p = 0.003). However, neither commitment nor organisational culture has a direct effect on agripreneurial intention (p = 0.115). When considered as a mediating variable between motivation and agripreneurial intention, organisational culture has a significant impact on agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). Similarly, commitment, when acting as a mediating variable, also substantially affects agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). These findings suggest that motivation, commitment, and organisational culture can collectively enhance agripreneurial intention. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty of this study is related to the following aspects: (1) the analysis focused on the variable agripreneurial intention, whereas previous research measured entrepreneurial intention in general; (2) the respondents were Generation Z, as previous research has only considered the entrepreneurial intention in the younger generation broadly; (3) the respondents were agribusiness students in their 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th semesters, while previous research on the younger generation did not consider their educational background. This study provides new insights about generation Z (college student background) intention in agriculture and becoming agripreneurs. Practical value / implications. The implications of the results contribute to the preparation of prospective agripreneurs from Generation Z by identifying variables influencing agripreneurial intention. Consequently, the ongoing crisis of declining interest among young agripreneurs can be addressed through strategic interventions within the agribusiness academic environment of the Faculty of Agriculture
Economic impacts of war on Ukraine’s agricultural sector: a policy framework for recovery and resilience
No full textPurpose. This study aims to assess the financial damages in the agricultural sector resulting from constraints on farmland use during the Russian-Ukrainian war, examine their multifaceted impacts at regional, national, and international levels, and develop recommendations for effective recovery strategies. It intends to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding these losses and to offer actionable recovery strategies for policymakers and stakeholders to mitigate the war’s consequences on agriculture and global food security and to derive an evidence-informed set of targeted recovery recommendations, structured by time horizon (immediate, short-, long-term) and level of impact (regional, national, international), to implement the proposed framework. Methodology / approach. The research uses a systematic approach, synthesising data from scientific studies, official statistics, and international reports, including those from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, UNHCR, FAO, and the World Bank. A classification framework was developed to assess losses based on temporal dimensions (immediate, short-term, and long-term) and levels of impact (regional, national, and international), covering key areas such as production declines, export reductions, infrastructure destruction, land degradation, investment decreases, socio-demographic changes, and food security impacts. Results. The findings reveal severe adverse effects in Ukraine’s agricultural sector, including a sharp decline in production (e.g., 25% of rural households reported reduced output in 2022), export reductions (11% drop in wheat and 15% in corn exports in 2023–2024), and infrastructure damage costing over USD 37 billion. Land degradation, labour shortages (6 million refugees by 2025), and food insecurity have further exacerbated the crisis, impacting both Ukraine and global markets. State support programs, such as AGRI-Ukraine (USD 850 million investment), and international demining efforts (531,000 hectares cleared by 2024) are critical for recovery. Beyond documenting losses, the study proposes a policy matrix prioritising: (i) humanitarian demining linked with soil remediation, (ii) logistics and export corridor stabilisation, (iii) risk-sharing finance (credit guarantees, working-capital support), (iv) differentiated support by farm size, and (v) digital monitoring for targeting and transparency. Originality / scientific novelty. This study introduces a novel classification framework that integrates temporal and spatial dimensions of agricultural damages, providing a structured analysis of the war’s impact on agricultural sector of Ukraine across different levels. It uniquely combines regional data with global perspectives, highlighting the interconnectedness of local agricultural disruptions and international food security challenges, and offers targeted recovery strategies. Practical value / implications. The research offers policymakers a systematic understanding of the war’s impact on agriculture, facilitating the design of effective recovery policies. It underscores the need for international cooperation in demining, land restoration, and financial support to ensure the resilience of the sector, while also addressing global food security concerns through enhanced trade routes and support for import-dependent regions. We provide an actionable matrix with KPIs to guide sequencing and monitoring of recovery measures by authorities and donors
Interaction between credit and entrepreneurial orientation to strengthen farmers’ intentions to diversify their income
No full textPurpose. This study aims to assess how entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and credit access – particularly informal credit – jointly influence farmers’ decisions and intentions regarding income diversification. It identifies the determinants of credit choice and evaluates the interaction between EO and credit utilisation in shaping diversification strategies among rural households. Methodology / approach. Survey data from 367 borrowing farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta were analysed using Probit and Multinomial Logit (Mlogit) models. Probit models identify factors influencing credit choices, while Mlogit models assess EO and credit source effects on past and future diversification. The study introduces an EO scale incorporating passivity, conservatism, and imitation. Results. The results reveal that entrepreneurial orientation significantly increases farmers’ likelihood of income diversification, especially when combined with commercial bank credit. This interaction suggests that entrepreneurial households better leverage formal credit for new income activities. In contrast, subsidised credit supports production but not diversification, while informal credit – despite its higher costs – remains vital for small-scale investment. Overall, the findings highlight that diversification depends not only on credit access but also on how EO enables households to use credit for entrepreneurial transformation. Originality / scientific novelty. This study contributes new behavioural evidence on how EO interacts with different credit types to shape farmers’ diversification behaviour. It advances existing literature by integrating EO into credit – diversification models and by developing an expanded EO scale that includes passivity, conservatism, and imitation – traits that are often overlooked in rural entrepreneurship research. By combining behavioural finance and rural credit analysis, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how entrepreneurial capacity and credit structures jointly influence livelihood diversification in emerging economies. Practical value / implications. Policymakers should integrate financial literacy training, simplify loan applications, and expand digital financial services. Strengthening bank-microfinance partnerships and local credit cooperatives can improve credit access and encourage diversification. Enhancing EO and credit access can support sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction, and rural resilience. Further qualitative research should explore borrowing decisions and long-term EO effects
Economic impacts of EU deforestation-free regulation on palm oil trade
No full textPurpose. This study aims to assess the competitiveness and export efficiency of palm oil from Like-Minded Countries (LMC) to the European Union (EU) during 2013–2022, with a specific focus on the potential implications of the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR). Methodology / approach. Competitiveness was evaluated using Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Export Product Dynamics (EPD), and the X-model, while export efficiency was estimated through Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Data were obtained from UN Comtrade, Trade Map, and the World Bank. The methodological novelty lies in integrating these tools to provide a multidimensional assessment of trade performance under emerging sustainability regulations. Results. The findings show notable fluctuations in competitiveness among LMC palm oil exporters. Colombia, Malaysia, and Côte d’Ivoire recorded improved positions, while Brazil and Indonesia experienced declines. Several countries shifted from dynamic or “rising star” categories to “lost opportunity” status, indicating reduced competitiveness. Efficiency analysis revealed substantial gains for Malaysia and Colombia, whereas Nigeria and Argentina showed little or no progress. This study confirm that regulatory barriers have hindered the growth of imports into the EU, leading to a significant imbalance between potential and actual export volumes from LMC countries. Originality / scientific novelty. By combining RCA, EPD, and the X-model within the framework of the EUDR, this study offers a new approach to assessing palm oil trade dynamics under sustainability-driven trade barriers. The use of SFA to measure export efficiency in this context contributes novel insights to the literature on trade competitiveness and environmental policy impacts. Practical value / implications. The results provide actionable evidence for policymakers, businesses, and trade organisations in LMC. Identifying competitiveness gaps and efficiency constraints will support strategy adjustments, enhance export performance, and strengthen resilience to the EUDR. Such measures can help LMC maintain market access, optimise supply chains, and sustain their competitive position in the EU palm oil market
Drivers of Empowerment and Performance among Youth Agripreneurs in Jigawa State of Nigeria
No full textYouth engagement in agribusiness is a strategic priority for addressing unemployment and ensuring food security in Nigeria. However, the persistence of high failure rates among youth-led enterprises suggests that conventional support models, predominantly focused on financial provision, are insufficient. Therefore, this study investigates the multidimensional drivers of empowerment and performance among youth agripreneurs in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 286 young agribusiness entrepreneurs selected through a multistage sampling technique. The survey was conducted in the year 2025, and it lasted for a period of three months (May-July). An easy-cost-route approach, a well-structured questionnaire complemented with an interview schedule, key informants, and a focus group discussion were the tools used for information synthesis. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyse the relationships within four theoretical frameworks: the Agripreneurship Empowerment Dimension Theory (AEDT), the Youth Agency Dimension Theory (YADT), the Youth Agripreneurship Performance Theory (YAPT), and the Agripreneurship Resource Construct (ARC). The results revealed that psychological empowerment and self-efficacy were the strongest and most significant predictors of empowerment, far surpassing the impact of economic factors, which were statistically insignificant. Political empowerment and autonomy also showed significant positive effects. Regarding performance, customer-oriented factors and social resources, such as networks and mentorship, were the most critical drivers, while financial resources alone showed no significant direct effect. The study concludes that empowerment and performance are intrinsically linked to intrinsic psychological assets and social capital rather than purely financial inputs. Consequently, it recommends a paradigm shift in policy and practice towards integrated interventions that prioritise mindset development, leadership training, political inclusion, and the strengthening of social networks to build resilient and empowered youth agripreneurs capable of transforming Jigawa State's agricultural landscape
The State Of Food Security And Its Determinants In Ghana: An Ordered Probit Analysis Of The Household Hunger Scale And Household Food Insecurity Access Scale
No full textThe issue of food insecurity has been well documented to be severe in northern Ghana. Several attempts have been made to curb the situation, but the effects of these interventions are unknown. Using responses from 405 rural households, this paper estimates the determinants of food insecurity in the Upper East region. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and an ordered probit regression. The Household Food Security Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) were the two measures of household food security used in the study. This paper validates and compares the two measures used to check whether determinants and status of household food security differ between the two measures. The findings show that the two measures of food security agreed on most of the significant determinants of household food security. Factors such as education of household head, households’ farm size, access to credit and access to extension services were significant determinants of household food security by both measures. Factors such as household size, access to good roads, access to formal cooperative and availability of paid jobs were found to be significant determinants of household food security with the HFIAS, while gender of household head and distance to market were significant determinants of food security in the HHS model. The study recommends improved education, social structures such as good roads and markets as well as support services such as credit and extension to combat food insecurity. These key steps should be taken as pillars to the sustainable implementation of Agenda 2063 for a food secure Afric
Potential Markets for Particleboard Produced in the Rocky Mountains
No full textExcerpts: The principal questions to be answered by this study are whether or not sufficient markets can be developed to provide an economic outlet for particle board that could be produced in the central or eastern Rocky Mountain region. If such markets can be developed, what is their prospective size and what would be their product requirements? The objectives of this study are to determine from secondary data whether markets can be established for Rocky Mountain particleboard products and the volumes and kinds of products that could logically be absorbed by Rocky Mountain and Midwest markets