19366 research outputs found
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Income effects of selling citrus online: An investigation of citrus farmers in Jiangxi, China
No full textOnline sales are essential for linking smallholder farmers to a wide range of markets. In essence, online sales not only influence the income received from selling a specific product but also generate spillover effects on total farm income and household income because they promote the sales of other agricultural products and generate regional off-farm work opportunities (e.g. product sorting, packaging, and delivery). Taking citrus as an example, this study explores the income effects of online sales with a focus on net returns from citrus production, net farm income, and household income. We used an endogenous treatment regression model to address the self-selection bias issues of online sales and estimated data collected from 926 citrus-producing households in Jiangxi Province, China. The results show that online citrus sales boost income growth in rural China. Specifically, online sales significantly increased net returns from citrus production, net farm income, and household income by 5,000 Yuan/capita, 8,580 Yuan/capita, and 17,830 Yuan/capita, respectively. The income-enhancing effects of online sales are greater for female household heads than they are for their male counterparts. Our findings emphasise the importance of promoting online sales to improve rural household welfare
Report and recommendation of the review panel: Severe Weather Emergency (Resource Management—Streamlined Planning Process) Order 2023
No full textAs required under section 16 of the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Act 2023, this is the Review Panel’s report on the draft Order, including its recommendations and brief comments. While the Panel concluded it was are not aware of any reason why the Minister might not consider the Order to be necessary and/or desirable, it concluded the Order would benefit from several clarifications, notably relating to freshwater and papakāinga
How behavioural and experimental economics can contribute to agricultural policy with an application to agri-emissions pricing
No full textIn this paper, I discuss the role that behavioural and experimental economics can play in improving agricultural policymaking. I do so by considering the development of an agri-emissions pricing policy in NZ. International literature shows that profit, as well as a range of other factors such as social norms and identity, drive farmer behaviour. This is particularly true for adoption of sustainable technologies and practices. A better understanding of farmer behaviour provides potential for: (1) an increased understanding of the uncertainty around policy modelling; (2) an increase in the accuracy of policy modelling, particularly when emission prices are low; (3) potential for new policy tools. Experimental economics provides a powerful methodology to build behavioural understanding and test policy tools. I argue that a behavioural economics perspective can contribute to agricultural policy, but add a note of caution that the gains to modelling accuracy and improved policy design are not guaranteed
Impact of regenerative agriculture on radiation use efficiency of grassland production: A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University
No full textRegenerative agriculture has received more and more attention within recent years and has been
promoted as a method to mitigate climate change by increasing soil carbon storage. Furthermore it is
described as a way to increase biodiversity, provide a solution for declining health of freshwater
ecosystems and water quality, and improve the wellbeing of farmers and communities. The aim of this
dissertation was to investigate the effectiveness of regenerative agriculture for improving the radiation
(light) use efficiency of grassland production. A dataset of grassland radiation-use efficiency and
explanatory variables was collected from 4.5 months (15 February to 28 June 2023) of a new farmlet-scale experiment, the “Regenerative Agriculture Dryland Experiment” (RADE) at Lincoln University,
New Zealand. The experiment compared two systems of grassland-based sheep production, a
regenerative agriculture system comprising species-rich pastures and long-rotation grazing and a
conventional agriculture system comprising standard pastures and grazing techniques, across soils
with low and high inputs of phosphorus fertiliser. The four treatments were established as four 2-ha
farmlets of 20 paddocks between 10 December 2021 and 16 March 2023.Incoming and transmitted
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were measured with a SunScan for every plot before and
after every defoliation and once a month for all plots concurrently. Samples of pasture mass of each
plot were taken by the RADE team. Radiation use efficiency was calculated from accumulated yield
and intercepted PAR. Yield, intercepted PAR, radiation use efficiency, farm cover, post grazing pasture
mass, and proportion of dead and weed of biomass and nitrogen content was subjected to analyses of
variance and a linear regression analysis for recovery of pasture was undertaken.
The results indicate that, after the four and a half month, the regenerative system accumulated a lower
yield than the conventionalsystem (2347 kg DM/ha vs. 3354 kg/ha), a greater accumulated intercepted
PAR (612 MJ/m2 vs. 530 MJ/m2 vs.), and a lower mean radiation use efficiency (0.389 g/MJ vs. 0.646
g/MJ). Furthermore, it was found that, in the regenerative plots, post grazing pasture mass was higher by 943 kg DM/ha, and average farm cover was higher throughout the measuring period, but rate of
recovery was not different (19.74 kg DM/ha/day) when compared to the conventional pastures. A
higher proportion of dead material (0.35 vs. 0.24), but lower proportion of weeds (0.03 vs. 0.013) were
found in the regenerative pasture. Nitrogen content of pasture dry weight was lower for the
regenerative system (2.44% vs 3.07%). Differences between fertility levels and system-fertility
interaction were found to be non-significant.
The higher radiation use efficiency of the conventionally farmed plots in the RADE gave rise to the
hypothesis that the rotational grazing system typically found in New Zealand agriculture is operating
at a near optimum and cannot be compared to most livestock or cropping systems within other
countries. However, further research is required to determine if regenerative systems could provide a
higher level of yield stability for high-stress environments, such as the drought prone east coast region
of New Zealand. Furthermore, there are opportunities for research on animal performance, soil carbon
sequestration and on the long term implications of these multispecies regeneratively managed
pastures
Clean energy use and subjective and objective health outcomes in rural China : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Commerce and Management at Lincoln University
No full textOne of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. This thesis analyses the impact of clean energy use on rural residents' subjective health outcomes (self-reported health status, health change, and discomfort) and objective health outcomes (the incidence of bronchitis, asthma, and medical expenditure and fitness expenditure). Using an Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) estimator and the 2018 China Family Panel Studies data, this thesis addresses the selection bias associated with clean energy use and estimates unbiased treatment effects. The empirical results show that farmers using clean energy (liquid gas, natural gas, methane, solar energy, or electricity) as the primary cooking fuel report improved health, a lower probability of physical discomfort, and higher fitness expenditures than non-users. Clean energy use does not significantly affect self-reported health, the likelihood of having bronchitis and asthma, or medical spending. The estimates of the propensity score matching model verify the robustness of the results estimated by the IPWRA estimator. The disaggregated analyses reveal that male clean energy users were more likely to report improved health conditions, whereas female clean energy users were less likely to report discomfort during the reference year. Besides, households in income tertile 1 were more likely to report improved health, whereas their counterparts in income tertile 2 were less likely to feel uncomfortable. Households in income Tertile 3 were associated with a high level of fitness expenditure. The results of the theses also show that farmers’ decisions to use clean energy are positively associated with their educational level, household income, whether they rent farmland, and their happiness levels but are negatively related to their age, family size, whether they own real estate, and the ratio of elders in their household. The findings of this thesis emphasise the importance of promoting rural energy transition to improve social health outcomes
Linking image-based metrics to 3D-model-based metrics for assessment of visual landscape quality
No full textVisual landscape quality represents a potential attribute of landscapes that affects people’s perception and psychological well-being. With the perceived sensory dimensions as a conceptual framework, this study proposes methods to measure visual quality in both real environments and virtual models, using image-based metrics from computer vision techniques and 3D model-based metrics from parametric modelling techniques. Using the Clementi Woods Park in Singapore as a case study, we compared these two types of metrics using statistical methods and proposed an approach of using a regression model from empirical studies to estimate subjective preference for design scenarios and thus to evaluate the result of landscape design scenarios
Five-year old diversified pasture supports greater lamb liveweight gain than a standard perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture
No full textThis study investigated liveweight gain of lambs grazing five-year-old pasture of either Italian ryegrass, red clover and plantain (Diversified) or perennial ryegrass and white clover (Standard). Coopworth lambs were born to either diversified or standard pasture and reared there until weaning in December (early summer). Liveweight gain (LWG) from tailing to weaning was 23% higher in lambs on diversified pasture (0.335 kg LWG/lamb/day) compared to those on standard pasture (0.272 kg LWG/lamb/day). From summer to autumn (December to May), liveweight, pasture mass, botanical composition and nutritive quality was measured as weaned lambs progressed through rotationally grazed paddocks of either diversified or standard pasture. Similar lamb liveweight gain between pasture types was observed over summer and autumn, with both groups averaging 0.187 kg LWG/lamb/day. From December to May, dry matter intakes (DMI) and feed conversion efficiencies (FCE) were similar between lambs grazing on either diversified or standard pasture. Average final lamb liveweight off diversified pasture was 4.2 kg higher than off standard pasture. The higher pre-weaning liveweight gain and subsequent greater weaning liveweight off diversified pasture was maintained throughout the summer and autumn
UV-B radiation induced the changes in the amount of amino acids, phenolics and aroma compounds in Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot noir berry under field conditions
No full textHigh UV-B radiation can challenge Pinot noir growth in the wine-making region of the Southern Hemisphere. The aim of this work was to determine UV-B effects on amino acids, phenolic composition and aroma compounds of Pinot noir fruit. Sunlight exposure with or without UV-B did not affect fruit production capacity, °Brix and total amino acids in the vineyard over the two years. This research reported increased contents of skin anthocyanin and skin total phenolics in berry skins under UV-B. The research showed that there were no changes in C6 compounds. Some monoterpenes concentrations were decreased by UV-B. The information also indicated how important leaf canopy management was for vineyard management. Therefore, UV radiation potentially affected fruit ripeness and crop load, and even stimulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds that may affect Pinot noir quality. This research reported that canopy management (UV-B exposure) may be a good way for vineyard management to increase the accumulation of anthocyanins and tannins in berry skins
Soulscapes: An exploration of the relationship between wilderness landscapes and Soul wellbeing : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University
No full textThe idea that wilderness landscapes can facilitate connection to Soul has been recognised by scholars in various disciplines. There is also a longstanding history of ancient cultural practices that utilise the therapeutic elements of nature in natural landscapes to support and sustain spiritual wellbeing. As in theoretical perspectives such as the biophilia hypothesis, human biology requires direct connection with the natural environment. However, recent generations have seen urbanisation and technological advancements sever connections between many people and the natural world. Consequently, the contemporary societal issue ‘nature deficit disorder’ is a sign of the times.
In response, this research explores the relationship between wilderness, traditional practices facilitated by the landscape, and the wellbeing of Soul in a secular sense. An interdisciplinary review of the literature identified key themes associated with the pursuit of Soul wellbeing, including Soul work, wilderness spirituality, sublime landscapes, transcendent experiences, social connection and solitude, classical elements, genius loci, aspects of pilgrimage, and thermal conditioning practices: cold immersion and sauna. These themes were threaded together and grounded in the practical context with case studies of international and Aotearoa New Zealand based expeditions and retreats that offer aspects of these topics.
At the intersection of many schools of thought identified in this research lies a particular type of experiential landscape that facilitates Soul wellbeing, which I have termed ‘Soulscape’. The research findings suggest that a Soulscape is a sublime wilderness landscape that provides a setting for Soul work practices that seek to reconnect people with nature and their true nature. This research may be thought of as a pilgrimage towards the discovery of, ‘what is a Soulscape?’ which illuminates the significance and relevance of Soul wellbeing to the realm of landscape architecture
Fostering resilience: Converging UNSDG 17 and future foresight collaborations
No full textThe envisioned session seeks to equip participants with the means to apply a stakeholder ecosystem perspective, leading to the establishment of partnerships that foster SDGs and nurture global resilience for the future. This endeavour aligns seamlessly with the overarching concept of 'Promoting Resilience on the Rim by Using the Sustainable Development Goals.