| 1 |
Author(s):
John Ldama (Prof.).
Page No : 1-12
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Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in Northern Adamawa, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study assessed Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in Northern Adamawa, Nigeria. The bedrock of the study was the overdependence on oil revenue by the government, making the State Government to pay little attention to agricultural entrepreneurships. The inadequate attention given to Agricultural entrepreneurship has negative effect on agro-based industries which adversely affects economic development. Data were collected from 400 respondents across Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South and Maiha Local Government Areas using both closed and open ended questionnaire. The analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Likert scale technique was used a measurement instrument for the study, while Cronbach alpha test was used to measure the reliability of the instrument, which showed a result of 76.5% reliability. The result of the study shows that Agricultural entrepreneurship is at low ebb due to the fact that most of the citizens of Northern Adamawa are into subsistence agriculture instead of agricultural entrepreneurship. However, a 1% increase in farm level production (FLP), lead to increase in economic development by 0.645, while 1% increase in agricultural service provision (ASP) lead to increase in economic development by 0.643. Findings of the study therefore shows that agricultural entrepreneurships, such as farm level production, and Agricultural service provision have positive effect on economic development in Northern Adamawa at 5% level of significance. The study therefore, recommend that while encouraging people of Northern Adamawa to engage in Agriculture as a business, for economic development, government needs to encourage more farmers by provision of loans, arable lands and subsidized Agricultural service such as transportation, storage facilities and Agricultural education. This is to enable the subsistence farmers to partake in commercial Agriculture.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Md. Shariful Islam, M. U. Ahammad, Mohammed Forhad Uddin.
Page No : 13-41
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Profit Maximization of Jute Crop Allocation for Farmers in Bangladesh using the Linear Programming Model.
Abstract
Jute is one of the most important cash crops in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the economy and rural livelihoods. This study presents an optimization model to maximize the profit of jute production by allocating land for three different types of jute: White Jute, Tosha Jute and Mesta Jute across two distinct agricultural zones. Using a linear programming approach, the model incorporates key constraints such as land availability, labor, capital, and environmental limitations. The model has been solved using LINGO and optimal area allocations for each jute type are determined. To further enhance practical insights, sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of changes in labor, capital, and environmental factors on profitability. Results reveal that Tosha Jute is the most profitable crop, with 400 hectares allocated in Zone 1 and 500 hectares in Zone 2, while White and Mesta Jute were not selected due to lower profitability. The maximum profit achieved was BDT 90.9 million, demonstrating the potential of optimization-based planning to increase financial returns for farmers. Among all resources, the water limit emerged as the key binding constraint, fully utilized in both zones, while land, labor and capital showed surplus availability. These findings suggest that sustainable water management and improved irrigation practices are critical for maximizing profitability in jute cultivation and ensuring sustainable production and maximizing economic returns in Bangladesh.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Deborah T. Adeoyolanu , Daniel A. Babalola, Grace O. Alufohai.
Page No : 42-56
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Value Addition in Practice: Identified Products Among Tomato Processors in Kaduna and Oyo State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study analysed value-added tomato products and pricing structures to assess the depth of value addition in the processing sectors of Kaduna and Oyo States. Primary data were used to identify key products, including blended/ground tomato, pureed tomato, sun-dried tomato, oven-dried tomato, and chopped tomato.
The results showed that processing activities are dominated by blended and sun-dried tomato products, reflecting a concentration on low-technology, traditional processing methods. However, significant price differentials existed across products, with dried and chopped tomato forms commanding higher prices, indicating higher levels of processing associated with greater economic value.
The study concluded that tomato processing has substantial potential to improve profitability and food security, but is constrained by limited technological advancement and limited diversification. Promoting investment in improved processing technologies, strengthening market access, and supporting small-scale processors in transitioning to higher-value activities are critical to unlocking the full potential of the tomato value chain.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Witness Ivon, Kenneth Otieno (Ph.D.), Peter Ngatia (Ph.D.).
Page No : 57-72
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Funding Agency Engagement: A Panacea to Improving Community Agricultural Projects in Kigoma, Tanzania.
Abstract
Agricultural development projects are essential for advancing food security, livelihoods, and rural economic growth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where agriculture underpins community wellbeing. However, their long-term success depends on meaningful and inclusive funding agencies' engagement that actively involves other actors such as farmers, government agencies, and civil society organizations throughout the project cycle. This study was guided by the objective of examining the influence of funding agencies’ engagement on the performance of agricultural projects in Kigoma Region, exploring key dimensions of funding agency participation that promote relevance, sustainability, and long-term impact. Data was collected from AMCOS members, government officials, project team members, and community leaders using structured questionnaires. Validity and reliability were confirmed through expert review, pilot testing, and internal consistency analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression (SPSS V26), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that funding agencies' engagement significantly influences the performance of agricultural projects with a positive and significant effect. Funding agencies’ involvement (β = 0.404, p = 0.000) portrayed the positive and statistically significant predictor, implying that financial oversight, technical guidance, and continuous support from funding institutions substantially enhanced project performance. The study concluded that effective, inclusive, and well-structured engagement by funding agencies enhances the accountability, efficiency, and sustainability of agricultural projects. It recommends formalizing early-stage co-design meetings with funding agencies before project approval and drafting Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that clearly outline roles, expected outputs, and funding timelines. This ensures alignment between financial priorities and project objectives. Quarterly supervisions and proper disbursement schedules to enhance accountability and transparency to improve project outcomes in the Kigoma Region. Funding agencies’ engagement and project governance allow timely completion of projects within budget, which eventually strengthens participatory governance structures, optimizing early and sustained engagement of funding agencies, and institutionalizing structured.
