The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the small farmer outreach training and technical assistance programs as related to farmers of color. The items to be evaluated included financial considerations, educational effectiveness, access and acquisition of farm loans, participation in Extension sponsored events and involvement in community activities. The sample population for this study was small scale agricultural producers representing two ethnic groups, African Americans and Hispanics, located in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties and enrolled in the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program (N=68) between October 1, 2001, and September 30, 2004. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting personal characteristics of the participants, as well as to determine knowledge gained and effectiveness of the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS) was used to calculate frequencies, percentages and variability of the variables. The major findings of the study were as follows: 1. The Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program is an effective educational program in teaching farm management techniques and assisting with the acquisition of financial resources. 2. Farm size was relatively small with over half of the farms being fewer than 50 acres. 3. The ethnic identity of participants was more likely to be Hispanic than African American. 4. Total household income for a majority of the participants was less than $50,000. 5. The majority of the participants were part-time farmers. 6. The majority of the participants had a farm plan. 7. A majority of the participants had at least a high school education. 8. Program participants were likely to be approved for a loan through the United States Department of Agriculture.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the small farmer outreach training and technical assistance programs as related to farmers of color. The items to be evaluated included financial considerations, educational effectiveness, access and acquisition of farm loans, participation in Extension sponsored events and involvement in community activities. The sample population for this study was small scale agricultural producers representing two ethnic groups, African Americans and Hispanics, located in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties and enrolled in the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program (N=68) between October 1, 2001, and September 30, 2004. Descriptive statistics were used for reporting personal characteristics of the participants, as well as to determine knowledge gained and effectiveness of the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS) was used to calculate frequencies, percentages and variability of the variables. The major findings of the study were as follows: 1. The Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program is an effective educational program in teaching farm management techniques and assisting with the acquisition of financial resources. 2. Farm size was relatively small with over half of the farms being fewer than 50 acres. 3. The ethnic identity of participants was more likely to be Hispanic than African American. 4. Total household income for a majority of the participants was less than $50,000. 5. The majority of the participants were part-time farmers. 6. The majority of the participants had a farm plan. 7. A majority of the participants had at least a high school education. 8. Program participants were likely to be approved for a loan through the United States Department of Agriculture.

Thesis (B.A.(Hons.))--University of Adelaide, Dept. of English, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-41).

Suicide is a leading cause of death around the world, in the United States, in Iowa, and among farmers. Occupational suicides, such as farmer suicide, have been increasing drastically since the year 2007. It has been found that those in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector had a 50 percent higher risk of suicide compared to other occupational groups. Suicide prevention strategies may not adequately reach rural residents (farmers) due to economic, geographic, and/or cultural barriers. According to the decennial census, 36 percent of Iowa’s population resided in rural areas. Iowa Death Certificate Records between 2011 and 2014 were utilized to examine the relationships between farmer suicides and access to care in Iowa. Farmer suicides were compared based on county rurality and mental health provider shortage designation. Whether a county had a farmer suicide, was rural, had a certified mental health center, or mental health provider shortage area was assessed to discover where farmer suicides were occurring. In Iowa, 86 counties were mental health provider shortage areas, there were 72 certified mental health centers that provided outpatient care, and 81 farmer suicides occurred during the study period. Statistical analyses and odds ratios did not find any significant association between farmer suicides and county rurality, certified mental health centers, or mental health provider shortage areas. However, counties with at least one certified mental health center were more likely to have one or more farmer suicide and counties designated as mental health provider shortage areas were at less risk of having a farmer suicide. Limitations of this study include capturing mental health centers open during the study period and all mental health centers in the state. Further studies are needed to better understand how farmers interact with mental health care facilities.

This is a study to understand and interpret the governance structure of and the pattern of development followed by farmer co-operatives in China. China's farmer co-operatives have developed rapidly since the Farmers Co-operative Law came into force in 2007. Unlike their counterparts in western democratic capitalist systems, however, farmer co-operatives in China are owned and controlled by individuals and groups other than farmers -- the resulting structure is referred to as the Company+Household (C+H) co-operative. As a result, the small farmers who make up the majority of members have very little participation or control in these organizations. This thesis also uses the development of farmer co-operatives as a lens through which Chinese agriculture and rural development can be viewed and understood. The proposition examined in the thesis is that the pattern of co-operative development is the expected outcome given the challenges that China is facing in its agricultural sector, China's economic development goals, and the political economy of the country.<p> The thesis examines the governance structure -- i.e., the way in which business entities are structured and controlled -- of C+H cooperatives using political economy theories. This theory argues that corporate governance structures reflect public policy choices. These policy choices are fundamentally the result of political decisions, decisions that are heavily influenced by the preferences and power resources of different groups in a society, as well as by the existing political and economic institutions. China's political economy shapes ``a capitalism with Chinese characteristics.' All capitalist systems require mechanisms that coordinate decisions and expectations. Due to a lack of institutionalized trust (e.g., trust created by reliance on the rule of law and independent judiciaries), China relies on other mechanisms for this coordination. Meanwhile, minority shareholder protections (e.g., auditing and disclosure rules) are virtually absent. The outcome is an economic system in which a blockholder ownership pattern emerges as the most effective governance structure, with the state and large investors (both of which have close personal ties to other investors and other state officials) as the blockholders. Within this system, there is little room for the small investor. Consequently, China's political economy provides an environment in which farmer co-operatives that are owned and operated by small farmers, and in which the state and large private interests are largely absent, would be very unlikely to exist.<p> The thesis also uses industrial organization theory to analyze C+H co-operatives in the context of agricultural industrialization. The argument developed in this thesis suggests that C+H cooperatives have also emerged as the most likely organizational structure for reasons unique to the agricultural sector. Specifically, the industrialization that has occurred in agriculture around the world during the last two decades has created a need for much greater coordination within agricultural supply chains as companies within this chain attempt to provide a rapidly increasing range of products that must meet increasingly higher standards of consistency, quality and safety. Therefore, agro-processors increasingly specify the type and quality of product produced by farmers, who are often contractually required to buy inputs from and to sell output to a particular processor.<p> A key outcome of the research in this thesis is that the development of farmer co-operatives has to be seen as an endogenous response to the political and economic interests operating in China at the time the co-operative law was introduced. The beliefs and associated behaviours of those that benefit from the emergence of this particular policy helped to enforce and reinforce the emergence of new organizational forms that further perpetuate the power of those that initially benefitted. This self reinforcement (i.e., positive feedback) creates path dependency, which in turn explains the persistence of high modernism, capitalism with Chinese characteristics and patron-client structures, all of which contributed to formation of C+H cooperatives. The C+H co-operatives not only have a governance structure that fits into the political structure, but they provide a large degree of control by the company (i.e., the agro-processor) over the decisions made by farmers, which are crucial to meet the coordination needs of modern supply chain. The conclusion is that the political and economic institutions in China today do not provide an enabling environment for the establishment and the success of farmer self-help groups. As a consequence of both China's larger political economy and the conditions specific to agriculture, it is to be expected that the C+H model of a co-operative has emerged as the dominant organizational form for co-operatives in China.

Taking cognisance of the fact that SSFs the major producers of maize in Zambia were most affected by the 1991 agricultural policy reforms, from 2005 onward, the state became very active in the maize market and production systems in order to mitigate their problems. The main objective of this study is to investigate to what extent the maize policy changes have contributed to the SSFs’ vulnerability to exploitation. This information will be of use in the policy formulation process to ensure that the formulation of policies take a holistic approach to mitigation of the SSFs’ vulnerabilities. The study draws from political economy, peasant rationality and risk aversion theories to explain the phenomenon under study. Qualitative research methodology was used to collect and analyse both the secondary and the primary data. The study indicates that the prevailing dual system where the state marketing system exists side by side with the private sector has resulted in forms of exploitation which can broadly be classified as petty and structural forms of exploitation. Several factors could be said to exacerbate SSFs’ vulnerability to exploitation such as FRA’s delay in opening its marketing season; delays in paying the SSFs’ for their maize by government/FRA; lack of monitoring of the FRA buying agents’ activities; SSFs’ passivity, and incomplete information.

This is a study to understand and interpret the governance structure of and the pattern of development followed by farmer co-operatives in China. China's farmer co-operatives have developed rapidly since the Farmers Co-operative Law came into force in 2007. Unlike their counterparts in western democratic capitalist systems, however, farmer co-operatives in China are owned and controlled by individuals and groups other than farmers -- the resulting structure is referred to as the Company+Household (C+H) co-operative. As a result, the small farmers who make up the majority of members have very little participation or control in these organizations. This thesis also uses the development of farmer co-operatives as a lens through which Chinese agriculture and rural development can be viewed and understood. The proposition examined in the thesis is that the pattern of co-operative development is the expected outcome given the challenges that China is facing in its agricultural sector, China's economic development goals, and the political economy of the country.<p> The thesis examines the governance structure -- i.e., the way in which business entities are structured and controlled -- of C+H cooperatives using political economy theories. This theory argues that corporate governance structures reflect public policy choices. These policy choices are fundamentally the result of political decisions, decisions that are heavily influenced by the preferences and power resources of different groups in a society, as well as by the existing political and economic institutions. China's political economy shapes ``a capitalism with Chinese characteristics.' All capitalist systems require mechanisms that coordinate decisions and expectations. Due to a lack of institutionalized trust (e.g., trust created by reliance on the rule of law and independent judiciaries), China relies on other mechanisms for this coordination. Meanwhile, minority shareholder protections (e.g., auditing and disclosure rules) are virtually absent. The outcome is an economic system in which a blockholder ownership pattern emerges as the most effective governance structure, with the state and large investors (both of which have close personal ties to other investors and other state officials) as the blockholders. Within this system, there is little room for the small investor. Consequently, China's political economy provides an environment in which farmer co-operatives that are owned and operated by small farmers, and in which the state and large private interests are largely absent, would be very unlikely to exist.<p> The thesis also uses industrial organization theory to analyze C+H co-operatives in the context of agricultural industrialization. The argument developed in this thesis suggests that C+H cooperatives have also emerged as the most likely organizational structure for reasons unique to the agricultural sector. Specifically, the industrialization that has occurred in agriculture around the world during the last two decades has created a need for much greater coordination within agricultural supply chains as companies within this chain attempt to provide a rapidly increasing range of products that must meet increasingly higher standards of consistency, quality and safety. Therefore, agro-processors increasingly specify the type and quality of product produced by farmers, who are often contractually required to buy inputs from and to sell output to a particular processor.<p> A key outcome of the research in this thesis is that the development of farmer co-operatives has to be seen as an endogenous response to the political and economic interests operating in China at the time the co-operative law was introduced. The beliefs and associated behaviours of those that benefit from the emergence of this particular policy helped to enforce and reinforce the emergence of new organizational forms that further perpetuate the power of those that initially benefitted. This self reinforcement (i.e., positive feedback) creates path dependency, which in turn explains the persistence of high modernism, capitalism with Chinese characteristics and patron-client structures, all of which contributed to formation of C+H cooperatives. The C+H co-operatives not only have a governance structure that fits into the political structure, but they provide a large degree of control by the company (i.e., the agro-processor) over the decisions made by farmers, which are crucial to meet the coordination needs of modern supply chain. The conclusion is that the political and economic institutions in China today do not provide an enabling environment for the establishment and the success of farmer self-help groups. As a consequence of both China's larger political economy and the conditions specific to agriculture, it is to be expected that the C+H model of a co-operative has emerged as the dominant organizational form for co-operatives in China.

This study explores the problems which confronted the Credit Department of the Farmer¡¦s Association, such as uncertainty regarding administrative goals and political scandals after the Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) had planned for the Association to be taken over by banks in 2000. The Farmer¡¦s Association is the best organized association that is close to the people. With more members than all of the other associations, it also plays an important role in a wide range of areas, such as: the economy, society, education, and politics. In earlier times, it was the only association that provided financial services for the common people. Due to the capital resources and the support of people, it has long been a target for the local factions. After retreating to Taiwan, the Kuomintang endeavored to stabilize the economy of the rural areas and fulfill public policies by carrying out the national economic goals. With this policy in mind, the Farmer¡¦s Association actively allied with the local factions to become a monopolistic enterprise on a scale similar to that of state-owned enterprises. The Association and the Government thus behaved according to the patron-client relationship and the Association acts for the Government in implementing agricultural policies in local areas. The political parties and social elites all endeavor to lead the Association, in the hope that it can serve as the basis for political mobilization. Therefore, the Association deviates from its own administrative purpose and becomes entangled in the power struggles of the local factions. These factors, plus the Asian economic storm led to bank runs. As the DDP took over the reins of government, it decided to settle such problems in order to stabilize the financial market, or based on some political concerns, by taking over similar associations and planning to completely stop the operation of the Credit Department. The Association in Dashu Township is taken as an example, to explore the impacts and influences of the Farmer¡¦s Association without the Credit Department on the local factions that have long relied on the resources of Credit Department. The analysis will be based on four perspectives: 1. Change of mobilization capability 2. Change of the power of Association director-generals 3. Change of the Association¡¦s control of local financial resources 4. The change of local factions¡¦ power The taking-over of the Association aroused drastic opposition. The Government therefore resorted to amending the laws concerning the Farmer¡¦s Association in order to revive it. But in 2008, the Kuomintang, after taking on the reins of government, amended the law to cancel the limitation concerning the office term of director- generals. With no limitations placed on civil servants serving as the staff of the Association it became difficult for the Association to rid itself of the power of local factions.

In order to minimize duplication, consolidate resources and strengthen industry representation to government, the South African Avocado Growers Association (SAAGA), South African Litchi Growers Association (SALGA), South African Macadamia Growers Association (SAMAC) and the South African Mango Growers Association (SAMGA); amalgamated under an umbrella organization called Subtrop. This study focuses on the pre and post effect the amalgamation had on Extension services to the abovementioned organizations. The effect was measured by conducting a survey. The survey measured both Subtrop member and relevant Subtrop staff responses. The survey used two questionnaire types, one for Subtrop members and one for Subtrop extension advisors. The questionnaires were designed to complement the SPPS V19.0® statistical package. The questionnaires were completed at group interview sessions. A total of 127 farmer respondents, divided in two groups, namely 90 farmer respondents and 37 opinion leader respondents participated in the external survey. The internal survey comprised of six Subtrop extension advisor respondents. Farmer and opinion leader respondents, (hereafter called respondents), provided their perceptions and rated the extension services of the technical department of Subtrop. Results showed that the respondents used the Extension services for on farm advice and group based Extension services like study groups. The Subtrop Extension services received a higher rating after the Subtrop amalgamation than before the amalgamation. Subtrop extension advisor responses showed a need for training and coaching, as well as some reconciliation with respect to the increase in work load afforded by the amalgamation. Pre-amalgamation extension advisors served one commodity, while post amalgamation extension advisors now serve four commodities. The respondents indicated their satisfaction with the organizing of study groups. They also indicated that the study groups met their needs. Although the respondents understood the value of intercommunication and participation, the study showed that the minority realized the need to take ownership of study groups. All the extension advisors indicated that organizing study groups was the single activity that used most of their time. The Subtrop study groups were rated higher after the Subtrop amalgamation than before. The Subtrop newsletters were rated higher after the Subtrop amalgamation. The respondents indicated the newsletters as valuable and therefore proved newsletters as an appropriate extension communication tool. The Subtrop websites were indicated as somewhat valuable. Most respondents indicated a lack of awareness of the websites, indicating a need to promote the websites better. Although very few respondents completed the marketing related services section of the survey, those that completed this section were all aware of this service. The following recommendations emerged: For extension advisors: <ul> <li> The development of a curriculum of Subtrop commodities for training purposes;</li> <li> Regular technical and soft-skill training;</li> <li> The development of a mentorship program; and</li> <li> For new extension advisors an orientation program which includes the above mentioned.</li> </ul> To improve the Extension service outputs: programmed extension and the implementation of area committees. Additional focus on communication and exit interviews. For farmer members: <ul> <li> Study group management needs to be improved, combine newsletters, improve awareness of research and promote websites and market services.</li> <li> Further: develop an extension policy, maximize area committee involvement and regular member feedback surveys.</li></ul> / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

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