Agricultural Transformation in Africa

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. The Introduction: Pandemic Preparedness and A-Platonic Policies for Transforming Africa’s Agri-food Systems

   Gbadebo Odularu

   Abstract

   Most post-independence African countries have not succeeded in achieving rapid and sustainable economic development over the past five decades. In view of this, it is reasonable to suspect that poor agricultural performance may be a significant contributory factor to the unsatisfactory performance in the region. One of the challenges facing Africa is how to deepen agriculture more systemically towards realizing sustainable development than it has done over the last five decades. How can this be achieved? It is within this context that this introductory chapter seeks to emphasize the need for a-platonifying Africa’s agricultural deepening and development planning policies and programmes. In addition, this article discusses the platonic nature of Africa’s development and recommends some SARS-CoV-2 pandemic responsive strategies within the concept of platonic policies.

3. Technical Efficiency and Poultry Farming in Nigeria

   Ewung Bethel Fidelis, Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Egbeadumah Maryanne Odufa

   Abstract

   It has been reported that one of the major challenges faced by Nigerians today is a lack of adequate protein intake both in quality to feed the nation's ever-growing population. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze the technical efficiency of poultry farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. A purposive and random sampling technique was used to select 295 poultry farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules, administered to the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production functions. The estimated production function of day–old chicks was significant at a 1% level implying that a percentage increase in chicks will increase output by 0.401 percent. The coefficients of extension visit, membership of association, and credit were found negative implying that the variables increase the technical efficiency of poultry farmers. Also, the mean technical efficiency for poultry farmers is 58% implying that technical efficiency could be increased by 42% given the current level of technology if the available resources are efficiently utilized. It is therefore recommended that access and use of credit should be encouraged because it can significantly improve productivity and welfare. Government should also encourage extension visits as well as membership of the association with poultry farmers in order to increase their efficiency in the Study Area.

4. Economics of Sesame Marketing in Nigeria

   Udeme Henrietta Ukpe, Patrick Monday Nwalem, Denen Donald Dzever

   Abstract

   Farmers’ participation in agricultural business is a prerequisite for their sustainability. Encouraging sesame producers to market participation has the potential to facilitate poverty alleviation by transforming subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture as well as unlocking the well-known benefits of trade. It has also been argued that farmers are the least benefit in the marketing chain as far as marketing encompasses all of the business activities performed in directing the flow of goods and services from the producer to the consumer or final user. This study was therefore undertaken to analyze the economics of sesame marketing. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was used for sample selection. Data were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire, copies of which were administered to the selected 372 sesame farmers in Benue State. The result indicates that education; size of farm and output were factors that influence market participation by sesame farmers as well as lack of information (19.95%); Seasonality (18.10%); poor storage facilities (17.52%); cost of transportation (13.70%); High taxes (12.14%); Distance to market (9.60%) and bad road (8.96%) were constraints faced by sesame producers. It was also found that the sesame business is profitable with a marketing margin (M.M) of 68,433,764.25 Naira. The study further revealed that sesame farmers are economically efficient with a marketing efficiency (M.E) of 4.20 and finally sesame business is competitive as well as there is an inequality of income among sesame farmers with a Gini coefficient of 0.54. It was recommended that sesame producers should be properly informed on the market price through media and this will be achieved by setting a price control and also an investment on physical infrastructure (road network, warehouse, etc) should be done in remote areas. Government should invest on rural development projects in order to reduce production and marketing cost and sesame farmers should form a cooperative union in order to facilitate group sales which will increase their marketing margin.

5. Analysis of Smallholder Maize Farmer’s Technical Efficiency and Farm Management Practices in the West Region of Cameroon

   Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Majory Ongie Meliko, Rayner Tabetando, Udeme Henrietta Ukpe, Gama Emmanuel Nkwi

   Abstract

   This study was undertaken to identify factors that influence smallholder maize farmers’ technical efficiency and farm Management practices in The West Region of Cameroon. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 maize farmers from eight divisions. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function. Results show that age, farming experience, maize variety, and extension contact were identified as key factors that influence farmers’ technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency shows that maize farmers’ output could be increased using the available technology. The estimated production function further revealed that farm size, labor, the quantity of fertilizer, and the quantity of seed significantly influenced maize production. Farming experience, extension contact, maize variety, and household size are positively and significantly related to their technical efficiency. Results show that maize production is profitable in the study area with an average profit of 35,000 FCFA per hectare despite poor record-keeping, an inadequate mechanism to finance family farms, and a lack of improved varieties. To raise maize production, the government should assist smallholder maize farmers by constructing good roads and providing input subsidies. Further, experienced farmers should be encouraged to remain in farming activities since they can acquire and master all stages of production. Efforts should also be made by the government to ensure efficient and viable extension contact.

6. Structure, Conduct, and Performance of Tomato Retailers in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, Nigeria

   Egbeadumah Maryanne Odufa, Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Ewung Bethel Fidelis, Oben Njock Emmanuel

   Abstract

   The unique characteristics of agricultural products, including tomatoes, pose a lot of problems both to the farmer and the final consumer. Its seasonality, small unit production, and bulkiness exert various pressures on handling, packaging, transportation, and sales with an adverse attendant effect on the market price. The perishable nature of tomatoes and the loss incurred during marketing calls for attention. Hence, this study was carried out to analyze the structure, conduct, and performance of tomato retailers in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, Nigeria. A multistage and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. A total of 80 tomato retailers were randomly from eight (8) markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules, administered on the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and graphs such as marketing margin, marketing efficiency, Gini coefficient, and Lorenz curve. The study revealed that tomato retailing is a profitable business with a marketing margin (M.M) of 536 Naira. The study further revealed that tomato retailers are economically efficient with a marketing efficiency (M.E) of 1.31 and finally tomato retailing is competitive as well as there is inequality of income among tomato retailers with a Gini coefficient of 0.8 even though transportation, losses due to breakage, losses due to rodent attack, poor quality of products, and shortage in supply were identified as major problems encountered by tomato retailers in the study area. It is, therefore, recommended that appropriate infrastructure should be constructed in the study area to ease the movement of goods to markets which will, therefore, minimize the cost incurred by tomato retailers.

7. Determinants of Credit Accessibility and Performance of Smallholder Rice Farmers: A Case of the West Region of Cameroon

   Ndaghu Ndonkeu Nathanel, Udeme Henrietta Ukpe, Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Esuh Nnoko Divine

   Abstract

   Empirical studies argued that rural development should be accompanied by agricultural credit reforms. Moreover, rural development and, in particular, farm productivity, can be influenced by credit accessibility. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the determinants of credit accessibility and performance of smallholder rice farmers. A purposive and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 192 small-scale rice farmers in four (4) out of eight divisions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules, administered on the farmers were analyzed using binary logistic and multiple linear regression. The result indicates that sex; marital status (divorced); household size; education (tertiary) and rice varieties were the socio-economic variables that significantly influence credit accessibility by smallholder rice farmers in the West Region of Cameroon. The result further revealed that coefficients for rice variety; extension visit; rice output; farming experience; farm size and credit received were found positive and significantly influenced the performance of smallholder rice farmers at a 1% level of probability. Information on credit accessibility should be directed towards gender to encourage female farmers as well as credit institutions should give appropriate consideration to policy conditions as more favourable terms, collateral security, and interest rate during their policy formulation. experience farmers should be encouraged to remain in rice production as well as agricultural credit should also be made available at a low-interest rate to enhance smallholder rice farmers’ performance.

8. Cereal Crops Yield, Food Security and Agricultural Growth in Nigeria: A Vector Error Correction Model Approach

   Odey Moses Ogah, Jenny Essien, Emmanuel Hakuri Gidado

   Abstract

   The study assessed the impact of the yield of selected cereal crops on food security and agricultural growth in Nigeria from 1990 to 2020 using time series data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Central Bank of Nigeria analyzed using descriptive statistics, ADF test, Johansen Co-integration, and Vector Error Correction Model. The results revealed that the trend of maize and rice yield fluctuated considerably over the years, while the trend of agricultural growth experienced an appreciable level of increase. Variables were stationary on first differencing and co-integration exist among the variables. In the long-run, rice yield significantly affected food security while maize yield did not. The coefficient of rice yield (−1.941) was statistically significant. Rice and maize yield significantly affected agricultural growth. The study concluded that the cereal crop sub-sector in Nigeria needs to be strengthened in terms of increased financing, policy enactment, and government commitment to enhance agricultural growth and food security.

9. Climate Variability and Arabica Coffee Production in Uganda

   Kato Phillip, Taako Edema George, Moses Isabirye, Joe Eyong Assoua

   Abstract

   This study aimed at assessing the effect of climate change and climate variability on Arabica coffee production. To achieve these objectives, the study assessed the historical and forecasted precipitation and temperature patterns under the three emission scenarios of RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5. Questionnaires and key informant interviews were employed to gather information on the determinants of farmers’ choice of adaptation techniques. Gridded datasets of observed and modeled rainfall and temperature data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) and Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) were used to assess the historical and forecasted patterns of rainfall and temperature. The research findings revealed that climate change will negatively affect coffee production. The temperature will increase by 0.5 °C for RCP 2.6, 1.7 °C for RCP 4.5, and 4.6 °C for RCP 8.5. Such temperature changes will lead to coffee flower abortion and early ripening of coffee beans, and areas suitable for the growth of coffee will reduce. Arabica coffee farmers could be forced to move up the mountains for favorable temperatures and this will, in turn, affect the quality of Arabica coffee and farmers could also be forced to switch to the production of other cash crops. Results also indicate that farmers are employing different techniques to adapt to climate change. 41.07% of the respondents use intercropping as an adaption technique followed by agroforestry at 34.40%.

10. Effect of Private Investment and Exchange Rate on Groundnut Production in Nigeria: 1980–2016

    Patrick Monday Nwalem, Denen Donald Dzever, Udeme Henrietta Ukpe

    Abstract

    This study was carried out to analyze the effect of private investment on groundnut output in Nigeria using the Vector error correction model: 1980–2016. Based on the availability of data, secondary data consisting of annual times covering a period of 37 years (1980–2016) were obtained from the World Bank development indicators database, food and agriculture organization. United Nations conference trade and development (UNCTAD), was analyzed using VECM (vector error correction model), Impulse response, and Variance decomposition. The result of the direction of growth showed that the coefficients of the exchange rate (−0.005), groundnut (−0.002), and FDI (−0.000) were negative and significant at 1% and 5% levels. This implies that the output groundnut decelerated over the period under review. The results showed that groundnut responded positively to unit shock in itself, and labor in both the short and long run. Also, groundnut output responded positively to the unit shock of itself, labor, and public agriculture spending in both the long and short run. Further, in the long run (10 years), groundnut output contributed to itself by 96%, labor contributed by 2%, GDPI contributed by 2% and FDI contributed by 1%. In the short run (5 years), groundnut output contributed to itself by 97%, labor contributed to groundnut output by 2, exchange rate contributed by 0.3% and public agriculture spending contributed by 0.3%. Government should consider tax incentives and security in making foreign direct investment policies to attract foreign investors in the sectors. The exchange rate should be controlled to encourage both exports of domestically produced goods and importation of agrochemical, genetically modified seeds, farming equipment, etc., which will increase agricultural subsector output. It is expected that depreciation of local currency would reduce imports as a result of the higher relative price of imported goods, thus increasing net export and income. These policies would influence production incentives, which in turn affect the flow of resources among sectors.

11. Climate Change and Agricultural Output: The Need for Policy

    Gama Emmanuel Nkwi, Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani, Gabriel Ternenge Ahungwa, Udeme Henrietta Ukpe

    Abstract

    Climate change has been identified as a major challenge to African countries given the prevalence of poverty, low infrastructural development, and the dependence of African countries on agriculture. The yearly rainfall pattern in Africa had been stable for most parts of the year. However, given the increasing variability in the duration and the intensity of the rains, dry season, the erratic and changing nature of weather systems like floods and extended periods of no rainfall affect farmers who rely on rainfall for their agricultural activity. Large-scale destruction of farmlands and villages by floods in Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso as well as many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa can be blamed for the dwindling food supply in the region. In an attempt to meet up with the food challenge, more virgin forests are being exploited leading to increased Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions. As a result, agriculture will certainly be affected as well as being a significant cause or major contributor to the incidence of climate change. Efforts had been put on rural development by African governments to reverse the effect of challenges posed by climate change. However, this had been limited by a sustained effect of worsening socioeconomic challenges, like the incidence of HIV-AIDS, COVID-19, other health challenges, food crises, hunger, and malnutrition. This scenario can be reduced with an effective adaptation strategy to climate change followed by a sound agricultural policy that will lead to the expansion of different channels of food access and an increase in food production. There is evidence that most of the small-holder African farmers are slow in adapting to variations in weather patterns resulting from climate change which affects the agricultural output. This calls for a comprehensive policy option that will turn the fortunes of the farmers towards improved agricultural productivity leading to increased access to food.

12. A Vector Error Correction Model Approach to Government Agricultural Expenditure on Agricultural Growth in Nigeria Under the Period of Uninterrupted Democracy (1999–2020)

    Odey Moses Ogah, B. Bartholomew, J. A. C. Ezihe

    Abstract

    This study examined government agricultural expenditure and agricultural growth in Nigeria from 1999–2020. Annual time series data on agricultural GDP growth rate, government agricultural expenditure, inflation, rate, exchange rate, population growth rate, interest rest, export rate, private investment, public investment and foreign direct investment collected from the records of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) publications and annual reports, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) database, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics (FAOSTAT) and World Bank database were analyzed using inferential statistics such as unit root, Johansen co-integration and vector error correction model (VECM). The result of Augmented Dickey Fuller tests showed that all the variables were stationary at first difference and they co-integrate. The result also revealed that agricultural expenditure had positive statistical significant impact on agricultural GDP growth at 1% probability in both short run and long run with coefficients of 0.02270 and 0.003055, respectively. Inflation (0.890787), public investment (0.004469) and private investment (0.004469) were both positive and significant. Acceleration in these variables will lead to acceleration in agricultural expenditure in the short and long run. The study concluded that Government agricultural expenditure will have statistical positive significant impact on agricultural GDP in both short run and long run. Thus, the government should improve on the expenditure on agriculture, in order to boost the growth of this sector, as well as its contribution to the growth of the domestic and national economy, and government expenditure also needs to be closely monitored to ensure its proper full implementation.

13. Public External Debt, Domestic Private Investment, and Agricultural Output Nexus: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

    Udeme Henrietta Ukpe, Choumbou Raoul Fani Djomo, Sani Mohamadou, Gama Emmanuel Nkwi

    Abstract

    The recent debate of research is the conflicting view concerning public debt and empowerment of the private sector as a driving force for the sustainability of the economy. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate public external debt, private investment, and agricultural output nexus. The result of the study showed that by increasing public external debt and decreasing domestic private investment the simulated data was higher compared to the baseline result implying that it supports the Keynesian view. By decreasing public external debt and increasing domestic private investment, the scenario simulated data, for agricultural growth were lower compared to the baseline implying that private investment alone cannot sustain agricultural growth in Nigeria. It was, therefore, recommended that specialized development agencies should be set up to implement and evaluate government policies on foreign external debt and domestic private investment.

14. Conclusion: Agri-Food Deepening, Sustainable Development Planning, and Policy Platonicity

    Gbadebo Odularu, Olatokunbo Akinseye Aluko

    Abstract

    The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) drove to the forefront the criticality of agri-food and public health systems in reshaping sustainable development goals. Invariably, agricultural deepening and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing, thereby generating interactive linkages between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. Improved agricultural competitiveness is essential for economic growth in the sense that agriculture is a large sector, and growth in that sector imposes a high weight on aggregate growth, justifying public investment in agriculture. This concluding chapter wraps up the policy recommendations articulated in this book within the context of areas of future policy research agenda.