Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2007. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-138). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2010. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 83 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 59-74).

ABSTRACT: Policy makers and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe are advocating for alternative agriculture as a better form of agriculture compared to conventional agriculture in order to increase agricultural productivity, as well as address challenges such as climate change, erratic rainfall patterns, and environmental degradation. The country is now a net importer of food with many people in need of food aid. Conventional agriculture as well as policies supporting it has not been able to address these challenges. Although there is a growing interest in alternative agriculture in the country, it is a field that is under researched. This study therefore sought through three main objectives to clarify characteristics of alternative agriculture in Zimbabwe, determine the role of NGOs promoting it and assess whether pro-conventional agriculture policies have impacted development of alternative agriculture in the country.Results from the first study indicate that there is lack of respect for alternative agriculture as compared to conventional agriculture. Disrespect for alternative agriculture has resulted in lack of proper pricing and policy support for alternatively produced products. In addition, alternative agriculture is viewed as the farming for the future for it results in many benefits and is able to address challenges faced by farmers in Zimbabwe due to its holistic approach. It is also viewed as an old form of agriculture practiced before the introduction of Green Revolution technologies. Since alternative agriculture is an ambiguous term and is under researched in Zimbabwe this study clarified what it means within the Zimbabwean context. Results from the second study show that NGOs are using certified organic agriculture, a form of alternative agriculture to facilitate community development. They are targeting poor vulnerable communities and facilitate training in organic farming, research, market linkages, create awareness, advocate for policy change and provide social support to these communities. However, it is clear from the study that there is need for government and other stakeholders to partner with NGOs so as to further develop certified organic agriculture in the Zimbabwe.The third study indicates that pro-conventional agriculture policies resulted in lack of respect for certified organic farming which leads to lack of organic policy. It is evident from the study that there is long term disregard for alternative agriculture with most policies supporting conventional agriculture development. Poor governance and land reform policy have further undermined the development of certified organic agriculture. These factors have prevented Zimbabwe from addressing real problems of declining food production, climate change, land degradation and loss of biodiversity through sustainable forms of agriculture such as certified organic agriculture.

Grass-fed cattle ranching is growing in popularity, but the characteristics and motivations of the ranchers, however, remain undefined. Based in Texas and using a mail survey and interviews with three grass-fed, three organic, and three conventional ranchers to identify some of their distinctive characteristics, this study achieved similar results to those comparing organic and conventional farmers. Grass-fed cattle ranchers tend to have high levels of education, approach ranching as a second career, and possess outside income sources. Motivated as much by ethics as economics, they embrace grass-fed methods primarily because they believe them to be healthiest for animals, humans, and the land. They eschew organic certification primarily because they perceive government regulations to be influenced by large conventional competitors, and they market their beef directly, often locally. Although many hope to expand their herd, most grass-fed cattle ranchers believe they are resisting “conventionalization” and say that they feel more self-sufficient and satisfied thanks to their choices. / text

The research tests the potential of the Community Supported Agriculture Financing Method (CSAFM) as a viable alternative to traditional debt financing in Agriculture. The CSAFM provides the Farmer with a source of non-farm equity capital and an element of risk reduction which are supplied by each Member/Investor (M/I). By receiving cash up-front (from selling shares of the harvest) several months prior to seeding, costs of inputs are covered and financing costs on operating capital eliminated. Moreover, the Farmer is guaranteed a market and price for his harvested produce. M/I benefits include receiving organic produce at a discount to retail market prices. / A case study of a Canadian CSA "ABC" operation is presented to show the impact of the share price on the farm budget and M/I returns. A detailed budget analysis, demonstrates the benefits of CSA marketing versus marketing through an organic wholesaler, and CSA financing versus line of credit or loan financing. Although it was discovered that the share price was not calculated from a total budget, the Farmer was still better off with the CSAFM, which increased revenues by 34.0%, eliminated financing costs equal to 1.1% to 3% of total revenues, and yielded a net balance between $1,875.25 to $2,057.66 more than traditional techniques. For the M/I, data were collected during the 12 week contract period to value each weekly CSA delivery against both a non-organic market value (NOMV) and an organic market value (OMV). The M/I's (OMV) return on the $180 share price was 38.9%. / Given the results of the study, the CSAFM does qualifies as an alternative financing method in agriculture, displaying a win-win relationship for both Producer and Consumer.

The purpose of this survey is to identify and investigate the impact of management on communal cattle farmers of Madikwe in the Province of North West. Quantitative research was conduct to find information from some of the stakeholders such as farmers, herdsmen and youth. The survey method was used to conduct the study. The population approached were farmers, herdsmen and chiefs. 4000 respondents were expected to complete the questionnaires, but only 350 respondents returned usable questionnaires which were analysed. The quantitative research conducted revealed that communal farmers of Madikwe are not practicing sound farm management. These farmers are not maximizing profits and keeping accurate records for cattle farming. / (MBA) North West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2004

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [228]-244). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [228]-244). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 327-334). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-110). Also available via the Internet.