This study examines the difference in gross margin between processed and unprocessed sunflower seed businesses in Tanzania. Further, it evaluates the coordinated trading arrangements under the commodity exchange market and warehouse receipt system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, collecting primary data from 399 smallholder sunflower farmers across 11 AMCOS operating in Kondoa and Itigi District Councils. Data from 317 farmers pertained to unprocessed sunflower seeds, while 82 farmers provided data on processed sunflower seeds businesses. Gross margin analysis revealed that smallholder farmers engaged in the sunflower oil business earned TZS. 2,394,140.98 per acre, 5 times the gross margin of TZS. 455,094.60 per acre earned by those selling unprocessed seeds. Secondary data from the Tanzania Corporation Development Commission (TCDC), Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), and the Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Board (WRRB) indicated that the current marketing framework inadequately supports the trade of processed agricultural products. Given the significant disparity in gross margins, this study recommends upgrading the existing system by introducing a dedicated trading window for value-added agricultural products.

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> This study aimed to determine the degree to which supplier development initiatives create a favourable environment for promoting sustainable procurement. Sustainable procurement was modelled as a three-factor construct comprising economic, environmental, and social pillars, following the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework. Suppliers were evaluated based on three metrics of sustainable performance. A total of 398 suppliers were evaluated in the Bindura district, which is a key tobacco-farming region in Zimbabwe. A positivist research philosophy was adopted with its attendant quantitative research design. The three constructs comprising the TBL were operationalised using measurement scales distilled from the extant literature to ensure content and construct validity. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) conducted in SPSS (v26) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and a Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MG-CFA) run on Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) data analysis software were used to validate the measurement scales. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and related post hoc Analysis of Variance (AVOVA) run on SPSS data analysis software was used for hypothesis testing. The results reveal that supplier development has a statistically significant effect on all three constructs constituting the TBL framework. The study concluded that developed suppliers (contract farmers) performed better than independent farmers in terms of sustainable performance, thereby enabling tobacco merchants to practice sustainable procurement effectively. It is therefore recommended that supplier development initiatives (contract farming) be expanded to enhance sustainable procurement. </abstract>

Youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge in developing countries, particularly in Southern Africa. Agriculture presents a viable pathway for poverty alleviation and job creation among rural youth. However, the level of youth engagement in agriculture remains low in many developing countries. This study aims to explore the factors influencing youth participation in agriculture in the Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed, and a snowball sampling method was used to select 16 youth participants from the study area. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that family influence, personal interest, access to technology, and agricultural education significantly affect youth involvement in agriculture. Conversely, barriers such as limited technical support, financial constraints, and the impacts of climate change hinder participation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers provide financial support mechanisms, such as startup grants, to enable young farmers to invest in essential resources, including machinery and other agricultural inputs. Furthermore, access to mentorship programmes and practical, hands-on agricultural training should be expanded to reach more young people.

Marketing margins provide essential information regarding price transmission among agricultural marketing channels. The purpose of this study was to analyze the marketing margin and profit structure of nine commercially important marine fish species of Bangladesh. Data on marketing costs, buying and selling prices, marketing margins and profit, and total gross marketing margin were collected from the primary (landing center, Cox's Bazar), secondary (Kawran Bazar, Dhaka), and consumer markets (retail market, Cox's Bazar and Town Hall Market, Dhaka) from 1 January to 15 May 2022. The total gross market margin of the long-chain marketing system was higher than that of the short-chain marketing system because of high marketing costs, the aratdar commission, labor costs and the involvement of more intermediaries. The marketing margins of the secondary and consumer markets were comparatively high, whereas the highest marketing profit was observed in the consumer market. During 2001–2022, the total gross marketing margin was higher in the secondary market, with a sharp increase in marketing costs. The relatively high profitability of marine fishes in the consumer market always surpasses their profitability in the secondary and primary markets, though the marketing margin and profitability were species-specific. This research provides insight into marine fish marketing systems in Bangladesh.

This study investigated the contribution of Prickly Pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) to total household income within Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Despite their classification as an invasive species, Prickly Pears notably contribute to the income of economically disadvantaged households. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were employed to analyze data collected from 72 households engaged in the sale of Prickly Pears. The results reveal significant correlations between the frequency of sales per season, agricultural knowledge, harvesting frequency per season, and income from prickly pear sales. Transportation expenses were found to positively affect household income, suggesting that a wider market reach and increased sales volumes compensated for higher costs. These findings underscore the importance of wild fruits like Prickly Pears in poverty alleviation, particularly in regions with high unemployment rates. They emphasize the need for balanced policy approaches taking into account both economic benefits and environmental concerns related to invasive species. Thus, the study offers insights into the socioeconomic dynamics of wild fruit trade, emphasizing the interplay between income generation, agricultural practices, and environmental conservation. Future research should further explore these dynamics to inform evidence-based policies promoting sustainable livelihoods and food security in marginalized communities.

COVID-19 was a pandemic that exposed households worldwide to various idiosyncratic shocks, significantly affecting the Mozambican economy through widespread job and income losses, with far-reaching impacts on economic growth. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining the effects of idiosyncratic income shocks on food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique. Data for the study were collected by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) from a total of 3,975 households across two non-longitudinal waves. Descriptive statistics and an endogenous ordered probit regression were used for the analysis. The results showed that 51.92% of respondents experienced at least one type of idiosyncratic shock, while 33.83% of households did not engage in any form of farming. The probability of exposure to income shocks was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) in the provinces of Inhambane, Manica, Maputo and Niassa, while household incomes were significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) in Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo, Sofala and Zambezia. Food insecurity was significantly reduced only in Gaza, Inhambane, Tete and Zambezia provinces. Exposure to income shock significantly increased food insecurity, whereas higher household incomes reduced it. Notably, access to social assistance was found to have no significant impact on food insecurity, while engagement in crop and livestock farming reduced food insecurity but heightened exposure to idiosyncratic shocks. It is recommended that future initiatives prioritise enhancing household incomes through job creation and human capital development. Additionally, mitigating income shocks requires a focus on revamping existing social assistance programmes, with a nuanced understanding of the distinct vulnerabilities across provinces.