The act of decision making involves a choice amongst tradeoffs. In agriculture this is no different. This dissertation is composed of four papers that examine the tradeoffs being made across different agricultural decision making processes. The first two papers examine the tradeoffs made at the individual producer level while the last two papers examine tradeoffs made at the national policy level. The first paper investigates farmer attitudes towards how a hypothetical set of production practices referred to as "]conservation agriculture" will affect yield, labor use, erosion, and cost in two communities of Bolivar province, Ecuador. By evaluating the tradeoffs producers are willing to make when choosing to adopt such practices, changes in producer welfare associated with adoption may be identified. These measures can assist in identifying constraints to adoption and aid in extension and policy outreach development. The second paper aims to gain a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between farmers and food buyers. This issue is examined from the perspective of small-scale specialty crop producers who are currently or are considering marketing their products into wholesale food markets. With a focus on farms in Virginia and North Carolina, this study seeks to identify key contract characteristics and buyer attributes which are valued by small-scale specialty crop producers; quantify tradeoffs small-scale specialty crop producers are willing to make between buyer attributes and contract characteristics when establishing a new contractual relationship; and determine the factors influencing these tradeoffs. The third and fourth papers examine the demands that U.S. biofuel production has placed on domestic nutrient fertilizer production. A key argument in favor of domestic biofuel production is that it is a renewable path towards energy independence. However the inputs used in the production of biofuel feedstock, primarily fertilizer nutrients, are anything but renewable. These two papers add to the discussion surrounding biofuel policies by asking an important question that has not received the attention it deserves: "What about the non-renewable inputs (e.g., nutrient fertilizers) that go into producing the inputs (e.g., corn) used for biofuel production?" / Ph. D.

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Zimbabwe’s land-reform process has been widely debated and severely criticised, yet seldom been analysed at greater depth. In the transition from startup small-holding farmer to the long-run goal of commercial farmer, Zimbabweans currently experience a phase of increasing “contract farming”. New farmers are producing for contractors who buy up their produce at predetermined prices. Ideally, these contractors or agribusinesses also help the smallholders to get the seeds and fertiliser, obtain the necessary equipment, help with the production technology and assist in other ways. On the basis of interviews with 25 farmers and 12 agribusinesses in different regions of the country, the study tries to asses the merits, risks and preconditions for success of contract farming. The responses from both sides of this contract farming system suggest that overall success will largely depend on the effective co-operation between the two sides and the facilitation of the process by relevant government departments and/or supportive NGOs. Ideally, the lessons to be learned from these transitional reform processes are directly relevant for land reform and agricultural development efforts in other African countries. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Zimbabwe se grondhervormingsstelsel is in die jongste tyd wyd bespreek en skerp gekritiseer, maar dit is selde in groter diepte ontleed. In die oorgang van beginners-kleinskaal-boerdery tot die lang-termyn oogmerk van kommersiele boerdery word die land tans gekenmerk deur ‘n vinnig toenemende proses van “kontrak-boerdery”. Nuwe boere produseer vir kontrakteurs wat hul produksie teen voorafonderhandelde pryse opkoop. Op hul beste voorsien dié kontrakteurs ook die saadgoed en kunsmis, verskaf die nodige toerusting, help met die produksie-tegnologie en voorsien ander take. Op die grondslag van diepte-onderhoude met 25 kleinboere en 12 landboubesighede in verskillende dele van die land, probeer die studie die meriete, risikos en suksesvoorwaardes van hierdie stelsel van kontrakboerdery te bepaal. Terugvoering van die twee kante van dié stelsel toon dat sukses grootliks afhang van die effektiewe samewerking en interaksie van die twee partye tot die stelsel asook ondersteuning deur die betrokke staatsdepartemente en ander ondersteunende organisasies. Lesse geleer uit hierdie studie van Zimbabwe se hervormingsproses behoort direk relevant te wees vir soortgelyke hervormingsprosesse in ander Afrikastate.

O presente estudo tem como questão central fazer uma análise da aplicação das condicionantes da sustentabilidade no âmbito dos contratos de comercialização de etanol. O tema mostra-se de extrema relevância tendo em vista a crescente conscientização da sociedade no que diz respeito à preservação de recursos naturais e do equilibro das relações sociais. Tais valores são inseridos nos contratos por meio de cláusulas que determinam a adoção de condutas que geram efeitos àqueles que não participam do negócio celebrado. E, a partir da delimitação da natureza do negócio celebrado, é possível contextualizá-lo frente ao conjunto de normas que regulam a relação, como o Estatuto da Terra, que determina a inserção de cláusulas protetivas nos contratos agrários. A análise atenta dos instrumentos celebrados entre usinas e distribuidoras/traders permite compreender melhor o que motiva a incorporação de cláusulas que tutelam interesses difusos no âmbito de contratos celebrados por particulares. Superada esta questão, é possível fazer uma avaliação mais completa do papel que as mesmas desempenham no mercado e de seus efeitos para a sociedade e para os agentes contratantes. / The present studys central issue is to review the application of sustainability conditions in the context of ethanol trading contracts. The theme appears to be of utmost importance considering increasing awareness of society regarding the preservation of natural resources and the search for balance in social relations. These values are inserted in contracts through provisions that determine the adoption of behaviors and effects those who do not participate in the contract agreed. And, taking into account the definition of the contracts nature, it is possible to contextualize it against the set of rules governing the relationship, such as the Land Act, which determines the inclusion of protective clauses in agricultural contracts. A careful examination of the instruments concluded between plants and distributors / traders helps us to understand what motivates the inclusion of clauses that protect diffuse interests under contracts concluded by individuals. Overcome this issue, you can make a more complete evaluation of the role those clauses play in the market and its effects on society and the agents contractors.

O presente estudo tem como questão central fazer uma análise da aplicação das condicionantes da sustentabilidade no âmbito dos contratos de comercialização de etanol. O tema mostra-se de extrema relevância tendo em vista a crescente conscientização da sociedade no que diz respeito à preservação de recursos naturais e do equilibro das relações sociais. Tais valores são inseridos nos contratos por meio de cláusulas que determinam a adoção de condutas que geram efeitos àqueles que não participam do negócio celebrado. E, a partir da delimitação da natureza do negócio celebrado, é possível contextualizá-lo frente ao conjunto de normas que regulam a relação, como o Estatuto da Terra, que determina a inserção de cláusulas protetivas nos contratos agrários. A análise atenta dos instrumentos celebrados entre usinas e distribuidoras/traders permite compreender melhor o que motiva a incorporação de cláusulas que tutelam interesses difusos no âmbito de contratos celebrados por particulares. Superada esta questão, é possível fazer uma avaliação mais completa do papel que as mesmas desempenham no mercado e de seus efeitos para a sociedade e para os agentes contratantes. / The present studys central issue is to review the application of sustainability conditions in the context of ethanol trading contracts. The theme appears to be of utmost importance considering increasing awareness of society regarding the preservation of natural resources and the search for balance in social relations. These values are inserted in contracts through provisions that determine the adoption of behaviors and effects those who do not participate in the contract agreed. And, taking into account the definition of the contracts nature, it is possible to contextualize it against the set of rules governing the relationship, such as the Land Act, which determines the inclusion of protective clauses in agricultural contracts. A careful examination of the instruments concluded between plants and distributors / traders helps us to understand what motivates the inclusion of clauses that protect diffuse interests under contracts concluded by individuals. Overcome this issue, you can make a more complete evaluation of the role those clauses play in the market and its effects on society and the agents contractors.

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2011. / Extensive literature exists on the challenges that hinder the growth and development of small-scale farmers in agriculture. These small-scale farmers’ challenges can be broadly classified into financial, technical and market challenges. Despite the awareness and the debate that favours progressing small-scale farmers from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture, financiers consider this group of farmers as of high risk and low returns. The emergence of contract farming as a mechanism to integrate small-scale farmers with agribusiness firms, agro-industrial companies, supermarket chains, and processors of agricultural produce has rescued the small-scale farmers from going into oblivion. Contract farming promises benefits for both the farmers and the contract sponsors. In the face of the benefits that contract farming hold, the concept has been critiqued as being an exploitative mechanism that contract sponsors use on the growers. This research evaluates the contract farming arrangement between Gledhow Sugar Company and Mansomini Farmers’ Cooperative. The study assesses how the scheme plays a part in the provision of access to finance, technical support and a guaranteed market access for the small sugarcane farmers. It explores how Gledhow Sugar Company’s structures manage to reduce the associated risk in providing finance to the small-scale farmers. The analysis of findings from the interviews confirms that the structure provides the small-scale sugarcane farmers with finance, technical support and a guaranteed market. However, for Gledhow Sugar Company to continuously achieve its aim and simultaneously develop the farmers there is a need for Gledhow Sugar Company to provide the farmers with more clarity on their role in the arrangement and to make the farmers embrace the long-term vision of the contractual arrangement.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / Contract farming is being given renewed attention on the African continent in the wake of reduced public expenditure for credit programmes. Many African countries have recognised the potential of contract farming in linking farmers to viable markets and stimulating agricultural production in the face of globalisation. In Zimbabwe prior to 1998, smallholder farmers were poorly integrated in the cash economy and had extremely low incomes, largely due to poor access to productivity-enhancing inputs. Small-scale farmers were marginalised as the economy focused on the larger commercial farms. Currently, mainstream banks have been unable to provide funding due to their own capital inadequacy and the view that smallholder farming is a risky and unprofitable sector. There is also a shift in roles as the government moves from direct participation in agricultural production and marketing towards facilitation, legislation and enforcement. The private sector is now participating more actively in the agricultural sector, providing credit to smallholder farmers. This research seeks to better understand the partnership between private and public sector players in Zimbabwe’s agricultural credit programmes, through a study of Leo Marketing and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Market Development initiative called the Agricultural Input Supply Programme (AISP). In this research, the Mutasa Garlic Project, implemented by the AISP, has been analysed to achieve the objective. One hundred smallholder farmers have been contracted to commercially produce garlic in the Mutasa district. Using a sample of 20 farmers, the study examined how this financing model contributes to improved access to productivity-enhancing inputs, viable markets and technical expertise for the farmers. The analysis indicates that farmers have access to inputs but the model still needs improvement in distributing them efficiently to ensure that all farmers have their inputs in time for the planting season. Marketing and extension services in the project are operating well. The study reveals that there is potential for growth in the number of farmers contracted to the programme. As the contracting model continues to improve, the same model can be used for similar projects in surrounding districts.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:33:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 705172 bytes, checksum: 6beb45c8e80aad988c5c53b9e9a5417a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-26 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The research presented in this assay was elaborated to analyze the current contracts of Rural Partnership in the Brazilian camp. We investigated how are done the contracts of partnership under the current regulation and, mainly, the way that they are executed and the factors that motivate its adhesion. In such way, we analyzed the partnership's contracts of Ervália city in Viçosa`s region. To find the considered objectives a study was fulfilled on the historic, politic and economic aspects that had marked the development and the permanence of the institute of the rural partnership in Brazil as well as the evolution of its practice and regulation. On the other hand, we also analyzed the actual legislation about the partnership allied to the documentary analyze of some written contracts and the confront information gotten in the interviews with the partner-grantees and the application of questionnaires with the partner-grantors in Ervália. Such attitude served to evidence practices questions in the partnership and to clarify the reasons of adhesion of both parts to this contractual form. And, at least, we analyzed the legal relationship in the Civil Justice and the Work Justice and also the relative way that are undertaken the surveillance of partnership's contracts by INCRA. / A pesquisa apresentada nesta dissertação de mestrado foi elaborada com o propósito de analisar a efetivação atual dos contratos de Parceria no meio rural brasileiro. Especificadamente, buscou-se analisar como são feitos os contratos de parceria sob a égide da atual regulamentação e, principalmente, a forma como são executados e os fatores que motivam à sua adesão. Para tanto, teve-se como referência empírica a análise dos contratos de parceria do município de Ervália na Microrregião de Viçosa-MG. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos, realizou-se um estudo sobre os aspectos históricos, políticos e econômicos que marcaram o desenvolvimento e a permanência do instituto da parceria rural no Brasil bem como a evolução de sua prática e de sua regulamentação. Por outro lado, realizou-se também a análise da legislação em vigor sobre a parceria aliada à análise documental de alguns contratos escritos e o confronto das informações obtidas através da realização de entrevistas com os parceiros-outorgados e da aplicação de questionários com os parceiros-outorgantes do município de Ervália. Tal atitude serviu para evidenciar as questões práticas da relação de parceria e esclarecer os motivos de adesão de ambas as partes a esta forma contratual. E, finalmente, analisou-se as discussões legais existentes sobre a relação de parceria no âmbito da Justiça Cível e da Justiça Trabalhista e também a forma como são empreendidas as ações relativas à fiscalização dos contratos de parceria pelo INCRA.

MSCAGR (Agricutural Economics) / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / See the attached abstract below

Thesis (MDF)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / The constraints that impede the growth of smallholder farmers have been attributed to lack of access to markets and technical expertise. This has led to mainstream banks classifying smallholder farmers as high risk and therefore unwilling to finance smallholder farmers. Contract farming has developed as a model that may be able to link smallholder farmers with agribusinesses who have the expertise and have built marketing channels that can be utilised by the smallholder farmers. Despite its potential to bring smallholder farmers into the mainstream agriculture industry, literature on contract farming has indicated that contract farming can be skewed in favour of the agribusiness due to their superior bargaining power and information asymmetry in favour of the agribusiness. This study examines the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)’s Kat River Development Scheme to finance nine farmers through a contract farming arrangement with Riverside (Pty) Ltd. More particularly, the study examines how this financing model contributes to improved access to finance, markets and technical expertise for the farmers. It also examines how the arrangement contributes to reducing the risk of financing smallholder farmers for IDC. The empirical analysis indicates that, despite the fact that the farmers are able to obtain access to finance, market and technical expertise, the ability for the scheme to meet its objectives in the long term is dependent on improving transparency between the agribusiness and the farmers, providing appropriate incentives for the farmers to apply the required effort and the farmers buying into the long term strategic aim (or “big picture”) of the scheme.