Research Article
Agricultural Economics
mahdi pendar; mohammad rezvani; eyed Safdar Hosseini; Hamed Rafiee
Abstract
IntroductionThe economy of countries are always exposed to shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which cause various problems. The epidemic of Covid-19 has had various effects and consequences in various sectors, including the agricultural sector. So that the decrease in income and production and ...
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IntroductionThe economy of countries are always exposed to shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which cause various problems. The epidemic of Covid-19 has had various effects and consequences in various sectors, including the agricultural sector. So that the decrease in income and production and the loss of customers according to health quarantines and border closures have severely affected the business of farmers and created many problems for activists of various sectors of the agriculture. One of the most important effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is the reduction of economic growth worldwide. This issue has resulted in to an increase in unemployment and a decrease in the people's purchasing power in the community and a decrease in demand. According to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on food demand as a result of disorder in the supply chain and income impulses, the purpose of this research is to investigate the existence of a structural failure in the preferences of livestock products (red meat, chicken, eggs and milk) of Iranian consumers using the Quadratic almost ideal demand system and the switching regression framework developed by Ohtani & Katayama (1986) in the period of spring 2015 to winter 2022.Materials and MethodsNonparametric and parametric approaches are used to investigate structural failure in consumer preferences. The parametric approaches and Quadratic almost ideal demand system is employed to assess the structural failure. The switching regression framework proposed by Ohtani and Katayama (1986) is utilized to model structural changes in preferences. In fact, a time transition function enters the demand system. Based on the characteristics of demand in the literature of structural changes, Bewley likelihood-ratio test is applied to select an appropriate model.In order to evaluate the structural failure and calculate the price and income elasticities, the price and per capita consumption data of livestock products are needed, and in this research, seasonal time series data for the period of spring 2015 to winter 2022 have been used. The information related to the price of livestock products was obtained from the Joint Stock Company of the Support of Livestock Affairs. To get the per capita consumption, first, the information on the amount of production of red meat, chicken, milk, and eggs was received from the joint stock company for livestock affairs. Then, by summing the amount of production and the amount of import of red meat, chicken, milk and eggs and deducting the amount of export from the said amount and dividing it by the population of the country, the amount of consumption per capita was calculated. The amount of export and import of red meat, chicken, milk and eggs is taken from the export and import report of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jihad), which is published monthly. Results and DiscussionIn order to estimate the system equations, one of the equations was removed and other ones were solved based the previous one, followed by estimation. Accordingly, the equation related to the removed milk and the QAIDS with 33 parameters and three equations including those related to red meat, chicken and egg were estimated using the maximum likelihood estimator non-linearly. The results show the Based on the statistics of log-likelihood and DW the existence of a gradual structural failure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Comparing the statistics of Bewley likelihood ratio test calculated for an unlimited QAIDS (with structural failure) and a limited one (without structural failure) with a critical χ^2 value with degrees of freedom of nine at the probability level of 5% indicates that the unlimited QAIDS is selected as the appropriate functional one. Also, the results show that after the Covid-19 epidemic, the price of red meat and chicken has increased dramatically. Considering the high elasticity of the price of red meat, chicken and eggs after the Covid-19 epidemic, it is suggested that the government use price tools to support consumers. ConclusionDue to the high cross-elasticity coefficients of demand for red meat, chicken and eggs after the Covid-19 pandemic, it can be expected that a change in the price of one of the red meat, chicken and egg products will significantly change the demand for the other product. slow, therefore, in the application of optimal demand management and consumption pattern planning, the use of substitute product price policies can be useful.Keywords: Change of Preference, quadratic almost ideal demand system, structural failure
Research Article
Agricultural Economics
hasan Mehmandoost; Alireza Sargazi; Alireza Keikha; Saman Ziaee; Alireza sani heidari
Abstract
The research investigates the capacities and factors influencing the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas of Hamoun County. Given the significance of entrepreneurship in generating employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing the quality of life in rural regions, identifying and analyzing key ...
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The research investigates the capacities and factors influencing the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas of Hamoun County. Given the significance of entrepreneurship in generating employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing the quality of life in rural regions, identifying and analyzing key factors in this domain is essential. The study employed stratified random sampling, involving 278 entrepreneurs and individuals active in rural business sectors. The influential factors on entrepreneurship development were categorized into six main dimensions: human and individual factors, infrastructural, cultural, economic, and social. Data analysis utilized factor analysis and ordered logit modeling. The results from the factor analysis indicated that "government support and subsidies for production," "income," and "diversification of rural products" significantly contribute to the economic dimension of rural entrepreneurship development. In terms of cultural and social aspects, factors such as "experience," "consultation and support services," "awareness level," and "interest in village improvement" played a crucial role. For infrastructural factors, "access to services and facilities" and "access to a dynamic rural environment" were found to be pivotal in explaining overall variance. Lastly, individual factors like "motivation," "education," "psychological resilience," and "management creativity" were identified as significant contributors to this dimension. Additionally, the results from the ordered logit model revealed that among the influencing factors and barriers to entrepreneurship development, economic, cultural and social, institutional and educational, as well as infrastructural factors had a significant positive effect. Conversely, economic barriers and social obstacles negatively impacted the likelihood of individuals achieving high levels of entrepreneurial motivation. This research provides critical insights for policymakers, suggesting that they should prioritize determining factors for rural entrepreneurship development in their programs. Furthermore, it is recommended that policymakers reduce barriers to rural entrepreneurship and investment risks through subsidized support, low-interest loans, and micro-insurance funds.This research investigates the capacities and factors influencing entrepreneurship development in the rural areas of Hamun County. Given the importance of entrepreneurship in creating employment, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life in rural regions, identifying and analyzing key factors in this context is essential. The significance of rural entrepreneurship lies not only in its potential to stimulate local economies but also in its ability to foster social cohesion and community development. As highlighted by Petrin (1992), entrepreneurship serves as a central force for economic growth in rural areas, and without it, other developmental efforts may prove ineffective. Thus, understanding the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. In light of the challenges and opportunities present in rural entrepreneurship, this article aims to identify effective factors influencing entrepreneurial development while reviewing existing literature. By categorizing these factors into human and individual, infrastructural, cultural, economic, and social dimensions, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis that can inform future initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship in these areas. The findings are expected to offer practical recommendations for enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hamun County. Materials and MethodsThe present study utilized a stratified random sampling method, involving 278 entrepreneurs and individuals active in rural business sectors. The research categorized influential factors into six primary groups: human and individual factors, infrastructural factors, cultural factors, economic factors, and social factors. Data analysis was conducted using Stata and Excel software to model relationships among these variables effectively. This structured approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how different factors contribute to or hinder entrepreneurial development in rural contexts. Results and DiscussionThe results indicate that "government support and subsidies for production," "income," and "diversification of rural products" play significant roles in explaining and influencing entrepreneurial behavior from an economic development perspective. In terms of cultural and social aspects, "experience," "consultation and support services," "awareness levels," and "interest in village improvement" were found to have substantial impacts on entrepreneurial behavior. From an infrastructural standpoint, "access to services and facilities" along with "access to a dynamic rural environment" emerged as critical determinants explaining the variance among extracted factors. Furthermore, regarding individual aspects of entrepreneurial development, findings revealed that "motivation," "education," "psychological resilience," and "management creativity" significantly contribute to explaining variations in behavior among entrepreneurs. The results indicated that among various influencing factors on entrepreneurship development, economic factors, cultural and social factors, institutional and educational factors, as well as infrastructural factors had positive and significant effects on the likelihood of individuals achieving high levels of entrepreneurial motivation. ConclusionAmong the identified indicators, government support and subsidies for production had a more substantial impact on income levels while diversification of rural products significantly influenced entrepreneurial behavior from an economic development perspective. In terms of cultural and social dimensions, experience, consultation services, awareness levels, and interest in village improvement were crucial for explaining variations in entrepreneurial behavior. From an infrastructural perspective, access to services and facilities alongside access to a dynamic rural environment played a decisive role in explaining the variance among extracted factors. Finally, individual development aspects revealed that motivation, education, psychological resilience, and management creativity significantly contributed to variations in behavior among entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that within the studied villages—specifically Mohammadabad, Ali Akbar Town, Dek Dehmardeh Town, Sanjoli Town, Mir Town, Bandei Town, and Kermani—there are ideal conditions for entrepreneurship compared to other assessed villages. Furthermore, using an ordered logit model revealed that economic indicators along with cultural-social factors significantly influence individuals' motivations for entrepreneurship. This expanded introduction provides a comprehensive overview of your research topic while highlighting its significance within the broader context of rural entrepreneurship development.Keywords: Entrepreneurship Development, Factor Analysis, Ordered Logit, Rural Areas, Hamun County
Research Article
Agricultural Economics
Masomeh bahadori; Bita Rahimi Badr; Alireza Nikouei; Rooya Eshraghi Samani
Abstract
Extended AbstractThe seed control and certification process is considered as a key tool to confirm the quality of the produced seeds. Considering the unique position of wheat in the agricultural and consumption system of the country, this process plays a special role in the sustainability of healthy ...
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Extended AbstractThe seed control and certification process is considered as a key tool to confirm the quality of the produced seeds. Considering the unique position of wheat in the agricultural and consumption system of the country, this process plays a special role in the sustainability of healthy seed production and food security. The present study investigated factors affecting the development of the wheat seed control system and identified the most important components affecting it with the aim of designing a conceptual model.The current research used the grounded theory, and analytic network process. The results of the semi-structured interview in the qualitative stage of 20 cereal seed experts led to the identification of 47 concepts, 11 core categories and four broad categories in the form of six core classes of the paradigm model.In the following, a targeted sample was formed to perform pairwise comparisons with eight members of the academic staff specializing in seed control. The validity and reliability of the research was evaluated at the optimal level. Regarding the semantic interpretation of the conceptual model, regulatory factors and government support policies were identified as solutions with positive consequences, improving the quality of wheat seeds and the stability of the seed market.Moreover, the results showed that the quality of seed kernels and balancing the sale price of healthy seeds were more important than the costs of seed production among the components of technical and economic criteria. In addition, the ranking of seed producing units for providing incentive facilities in the top units and supporting the entry of knowledge-based companies in the supply of seed production were among the strategies developed for the development of this process.IntroductionThe seed industry is a growing industry in the world, and the role of processed seeds in increasing the production performance is undeniable. Due to the population growth, the importance of achieving food security is increasing. Healthy seed is one of the important factors in the development of agricultural production. Although agricultural production systems have increased their production, it does not seem to be enough, though. The basic problems of the seed market and insufficient supply of seeds required by farmers have made it necessary to identify samples of seed quality development. The current research was the first research at the national level dealing with the design of a conceptual model for the development of control and certification of wheat seeds using the grounded theory method and prioritization of effective factors.Materials and MethodsThis research had a fundamental-applicative goal and was applied in two stages. In the first stage, after designing the interview questions, the grounded theory was carried out in three stages of open, central, and selective coding using a systematic approach in order to design a conceptual model. After designing the paradigm model and identifying the factors affecting the development of seed control and certification, the prioritization of the components was done including technical, social, economic and structural criteria using analytic network process.Results and DiscussionAfter analyzing the interviews, 140 initial codes were identified and the initial codes were reduced to 94 and then to 47 concepts. In the following parts, 11 core categories including processed seed production standards, laws and regulations, environmental factors, regulatory factors, equipment and technology, stability in the seed market, government support policies, human factors, wheat seed quality, attitude and awareness, and economic infrastructure were identified. The results of prioritization among the four effective criteria on the development of seed certification indicated that the technical criterion was more important than the other three criteria. In terms of the prioritization of the components, the quality of the seed kernel having a weight of 0.49, the performance of the responsible expert having a weight of 0.44, the cost of producing processed seeds having a weight of 0.39 were the first priority of technical, social, and economic criteria. Applying the ranking of production units with a weight of 0.57 and making the seed market competitive with a weight of 0.26 were more important than other components of structural criteria.ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, and the first priority of the technical criterion, it is suggested to monitor the quality of seed kernels and select appropriate farm inspectors. Moreover, in order to strengthen the human resources system, it is recommended to hold continuous courses in the field of seed quality. To implement the solutions of the paradigm model, it is recommended to prevent buying and selling unhealthy seeds and balance the costs of producing and selling processed seeds.