Commercialisation of African palm weevil larvae for employment creation and nutritional security in rural Ghana: a financial feasibility approach

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
F. Adams ◽  
R. Aidoo ◽  
J.O. Mensah ◽  
A. Mensah ◽  
K. Amankwah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capital Budgeting ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Financial Viability ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Nutritional Security ◽  
Investment Appraisal ◽  
Palm Weevil

Edible insects are increasingly recognised as a source of nutritional security, poverty reduction and overall household wellbeing, particularly in rural sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, for instance, edible insects such as the African palm weevil larvae are integral part of traditional dishes, which are widely consumed among different strata of the Ghanaian society. Following the limited supply of these larvae from the traditional source, deliberate efforts at domestication are being promoted as an investment option in Ghana. This paper uses the case study approach based on data from a modern weevil larvae (akokono) micro-farm in the Ashanti region to analyse the financial viability of an insect-based business to guide future investment decisions. Standard capital budgeting tools such as net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period were employed to assess the financial viability of an akokono micro-farm of 5.47×7.62 m dimension. The results show that a capital expenditure of Gh₵ 5,333.17 (US$ 935.61) is required to establish the akokono micro-farm. With a five-year project life and cost of capital of 33.5%, the investment appraisal generates a positive NPV (Gh₵ 6,065.89 = US$ 1,164.3), BCR that is greater than unity (1.34), and an IRR (37%) which is above the current lending rate on the financial market in Ghana. The paper concludes that domestication of palm weevil larvae is financially viable at the micro-scale even in the face of pessimistic assumptions. These findings have practical implications for small-scale enterprise development in addressing problems of malnutrition and unemployment among vulnerable groups like women and youth in the rural economy of Ghana.

scholarly journals Economic Feasibility of a Small-Scale Wind Turbine in Coastal Area of South Sulawesi

2021 ◽  
Vol 921 (1) ◽  
pp. 012030
Author(s):  
F Mahmuddin ◽  
N Puspitasari ◽  
M U Pawara
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Coastal Area ◽  
Capital Budgeting ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Horizontal Wind ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
South Sulawesi ◽  
Speed Range

Abstract To evaluate the exploitation potential of wind energy in the coastal area of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, an investigation on the economic feasibility of this project was performed. A 300-watt horizontal wind turbine was used as an example installed turbine. The wind speed range of 4-7 m/s which was the wind speed data in the coastal area of South Sulawesi was computed. The main economic analysis method employed was Capital Budgeting Analysis (CBA) method. In this method, 4 (four) indicators were used to evaluate the feasibility of the project which are payback period (PBP), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). A visual basic computer program based on the CBA method was also developed to make the computation more convenient. From the study, it was found that the wind speed range of 4-6 m/s resulted in a non-feasibility project while the highest wind speed (7 m/s) was found to be quite strong to make the project feasible.

scholarly journals Assessing the financial viability of the floricultural industry in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 119-126
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Donkor ◽  
Enoch Owusu-Sekyere ◽  
Victor Owusu ◽  
Samira Saadu ◽  
Jacqueline Baidoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Financial Viability ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Investment Appraisal ◽  
The Government ◽  
Jel Code ◽  
Established Firms

This study determines the financial viability of the floricultural industry in Ghana using both discounting and non-discounting investment appraisal methods. The feasibility analysis suggests that large-scale floricultural firms are more profitable particularly with the production of cut flowers. However, investors with limited capital can venture into small-scale production specifically cut flowers. The conclusion is that the floriculture industry is financially viable therefore investors are encouraged to expend their resources in the industry. We recommend that the government and stakeholders need to create institutional support to enable the already established firms to further develop and attract new investors in the sector. JEL. Code: Q13

A case study on year round fodder production scheme for smallholder dairy producers in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-102
Author(s):  
NR Sarker ◽  
F Tabassum D Yeasmin ◽  
MA Habib ◽  
MR Amin
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Common Salt ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Fodder Production

This study was undertaken to develop a year round fodder production model for small scale dairy farmers. Five pregnant dairy cows of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) genotype were selected. For rearing five cows, 66 decimal of land was selected from existing fodder plots under Pachutia Research Farm at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. The selected land was divided into two parts (33 decimal in each). One part was brought under perennial (Napier-4 and Splendida) and the 2nd part of land for seasonal (Maize & Matikalai) fodder production. Data on live weight and live weight gain of cows, birth weight of calves, feed intake, milk production, actual biomass yield for both perennial and seasonal fodder, yearly manure production were recorded and calculated. Napier-4 grass, splendida, maize, straw, silage were supplied to the experimental cows according to the seasonal availability in different months. Concentrate mixture were also supplied consisting of wheat bran, kheshari (red gram), soybean meal, maize crushed, til oil cake, DCP and common salt. Economics of the model revealed that considering the sale of milk, calves and manure and cost included only feed and land leased, a farm/family rearing 5 indigenous dairy cows with his/her family labours, he/she could earn around BDT 98 thousand in a year (1$ = 85 BDT) and the benefit cost ratio of the model on total variable cost and total cost were 1.86 and 1.66, respectively. Therefore, it may be recommended that a farmer having 5 adult dairy cows with 66 decimal land under fodder cultivation may earn substantial share of his/her family income as small-scale rural dairying. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&2), 2019: P. 89-102

Profitability and Efficiency Analyses of Small Scale Rice processing units in Ngoketunjia Division, North West Region, Cameroon.

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-182
Author(s):  
Bime M.J ◽  
Fon D.E ◽  
Ngalim S.B ◽  
Ongla J
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fixed Cost ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Parboiled Rice ◽  
North West ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Benefit Cost ◽  
Rice Processing

Rice production and processing over the years has been on an increase with more small holders entering the business. This study on profitability of processing and marketing of small scale rice processors had as objective to analyse the profitability levels of rice processing and marketing by small scale processors, determine the value added to the commodity at each stage  and also identify the constraints faced by these processors. The study used primary data collected using well-structured questionnaire from millers only, miller traders for white/parboiled rice through a multistage sampling technique. Results showed that the net processing income (3,151,201), value added (8,147,456) and efficiency (138) for miller-traders of white rice was highest, followed by miller-traders for parboiled rice and lastly millers only. Results further showed that millers only had Benefit/cost ratio of 0.4 indicating that milling only is not profitable due to small quantities milled, and high fixed cost. Miller-traders for parboiled rice had a benefit/cost ratio of 2.3 implying that their venture is most profitable. Based on the results, it was recommended that millers only should purchase large quantities of paddy to enable them reduce the overhead cost. Also the services of parboilers should reflect in the sales price of parboiled rice so that the parboiling services can be paid for.

scholarly journals SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2189
Author(s):  
Cesare Caputo ◽  
Ondřej Mašek
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Tracking Error ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Pyrolysis Unit

Energy access and waste management are two of the most pressing developmental and environmental issues on a global level to help mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change. They are particularly relevant in Sub–Saharan Africa where electrification rates are significantly below global averages and rural areas are lacking a formal waste management sector. This paper explores the potential of integrating solar energy into a biomass pyrolysis unit as a potentially synergetic solution to both issues. The full design of a slow pyrolysis batch reactor targeted at biochar production, following a strict cost minimization approach, is presented in light of the relevant considerations. SPEAR is powered using a Cassegrain optics parabolic dish system, integrated into the reactor via a manual tracking system and optically optimized with a Monte-Carlo ray tracing methodology. The design approach employed has led to the development an overall cost efficient system, with the potential to achieve optical efficiencies up 72% under a 1.5° tracking error. The outputs of the system are biochar and electricity, to be used for soil amendment and energy access purposes, respectively. There is potential to pyrolyze a number of agricultural waste streams for the region, producing at least 5 kg of biochar per unit per day depending on the feedstock employed. Financial assessment of SPEAR yields a positive Net Present Value (NPV) in nearly all scenarios evaluated and a reasonable competitiveness with small scale solar for electrification objectives. Finally, SPEAR presents important positive social and environmental externalities and should be feasibly implementable in the region in the near term.

scholarly journals Maize intercropping in the milpa system. Diversity, extent and importance for nutritional security in the Western Highlands of Guatemala

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Lopez-Ridaura ◽  
Luis Barba-Escoto ◽  
Cristian A. Reyna-Ramirez ◽  
Carlos Sum ◽  
Natalia Palacios-Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Farm Households ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Common Beans ◽  
Nutritional Security ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Faba Beans ◽  
Total Productivity

AbstractWe present an assessment of the extent, diversity, and nutritional contribution of the milpa through a quantitative analysis of data from a survey conducted in 989 small scale farm households in the Western Highlands of Guatemala (WHG). The milpa is a traditional agricultural system in which maize is intercropped with other species, such as common beans, faba beans, squashes or potatoes. Our study shows that more than two-thirds of the 1,205 plots recorded were under the milpa system, with a great diversity of crop combinations. As shown with the 357 plots for which specific yields were available, milpa systems present higher total productivity than monocropped maize, expressed as total energy yield of the harvested crops in the respective system, and were also better at providing the recommended daily allowances of fourteen essential nutrients, based on a Potential Nutrient Adequacy (PNA) indicator. Maize-bean-potato, maize-potato, and maize-bean-faba intercrops had the highest PNAs, and monocropped maize, the lowest. These results support the implementation of milpa systems tailored to different agro-ecologies in order to improve nutrition in the WHG and a variety of similar regions.

scholarly journals Using Participatory Spatial Tools to Unravel Community Perceptions of Land-Use Dynamics in a Mine-Expanding Landscape in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane J. Aggrey ◽  
Mirjam A. F. Ros-Tonen ◽  
Kwabena O. Asubonteng
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Food Crop ◽  
Mosaic Landscape ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
The Future

AbstractArtisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in sub-Saharan Africa creates considerable dynamics in rural landscapes. Many studies addressed the adverse effects of mining, but few studies use participatory spatial tools to assess the effects on land use. Hence, this paper takes an actor perspective to analyze how communities in a mixed farming-mining area in Ghana’s Eastern Region perceive the spatial dynamics of ASM and its effects on land for farming and food production from past (1986) to present (2018) and toward the future (2035). Participatory maps show how participants visualize the transformation of food-crop areas into small- and large-scale mining, tree crops, and settlement in all the communities between 1986 and 2018 and foresee these trends to continue in the future (2035). Participants also observe how a mosaic landscape shifts toward a segregated landscape, with simultaneous fragmentation of their farming land due to ASM. Further segregation is expected in the future, with attribution to the expansion of settlements being an unexpected outcome. Although participants expect adverse effects on the future availability of food-crop land, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the anticipated effect on food availability. The paper argues that, if responsibly applied and used to reveal community perspectives and concerns about landscape dynamics, participatory mapping can help raise awareness of the need for collective action and contribute to more inclusive landscape governance. These findings contribute to debates on the operationalization of integrated and inclusive landscape approaches and governance, particularly in areas with pervasive impacts of ASM.

scholarly journals Violence and discrimination among Ugandan residents during the COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Katana ◽  
Bob Omoda Amodan ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Alex R. Ario ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda inclusive, implemented lockdowns, curfew, banning of both private and public transport systems, and mass gatherings to minimize spread. Social control measures for COVID-19 are reported to increase violence and discrimination globally, including in Uganda as some may be difficult to implement resulting in the heavy deployment of law enforcement. Media reports indicated that cases of violence and discrimination had increased in Uganda’s communities following the lockdown. We estimated the incidence and factors associated with experiencing violence and discrimination among Ugandans during the COVID-19 lockdown to inform control and prevention measures. Methods In April 2020, we conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data under the International Citizen Project (ICP) to assess adherence to public health measures and their impact on the COVID-19 outbreak in Uganda. We analyzed data on violence and discrimination from the ICP study. We performed descriptive statistics for all the participants’ characteristics and created a binary outcome variable called experiencing violence and/or discrimination. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with experiencing violence and discrimination. Results Of the 1726 ICP study participants, 1051 (58.8%) were males, 841 (48.7%) were currently living with a spouse or partner, and 376 (21.8%) had physically attended work for more than 3 days in the past week. Overall, 145 (8.4%) experienced any form of violence and/or discrimination by any perpetrator, and 46 (31.7%) of the 145 reported that it was perpetrated by a law enforcement officer. Factors associated with experiencing violence or discrimination were: being male (AOR = 1.60 CI:1.10–2.33), having attended work physically for more than 3 days in the past week (AOR = 1.52 CI:1.03–2.23), and inability to access social or essential health services since the epidemic started (AOR = 3.10 CI:2.14–4.50). Conclusion A substantial proportion of Ugandan residents experienced violence and/or discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown, mostly perpetrated by law enforcement officers. We recommend mitigation of the collateral impact of lockdowns with interventions that focus on improving policing quality, ensuring continuity of essential services, and strengthening support systems for vulnerable groups including males.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document