IP Publishing logo IP Publishing Ltd
Outlook On Agriculture cover Outlook on Agriculture logo Outlook On Agriculture cover

The international journal devoted to agricultural science, policy and strategy.


Editor: Dr Jerry Knox

This journal is covered by Thomson Reuters in the Science Citation Index, the Science Citation Index Expanded, Current Contents/Agriculture, Biology & Environmental Sciences, and BIOSIS Previews. Impact Factor: 0.556.

Recommend this journal to your library

Publication ethics and publication malpractice

Increase exposure of your paper

Clockss logo

Conference announcement: EAAP 2013

Editorial coverage

Outlook on Agriculture, published quarterly, provides analysis, reviews and commentary for an international and interdisciplinary readership. Special attention is paid to agricultural policy, international trade in the agricultural sector, strategic developments in food production, the role of agriculture in social and economic development, agriculture in developing countries, and environmental issues. Further details are available at www.ippublishing.com. Articles should be in the region of 4,000 words. Submissions of research notes and shorter pieces will also be welcome.

Submissions - Notes for authors

Please send submissions (in Word) to the Editor, Dr Jerry Knox, by e-mail or post. E-mail: j.knox(a)cranfield.ac.uk. Postal address: Cranfield Institute for Water Science, Dept of Environmental Science and Technology, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK.

Length and presentation of contributions

Articles should be in the region of 4,000 words. Research notes and shorter pieces will also be considered for publication. In addition, papers derived from work done under the EU Research Framework Programme will be readily considered. Submissions should be double-spaced. Electronic versions must be in Word.

The text should be ordered under appropriate sub-headings (not numbered paragraphs or sections) and where possible these should not be more than 800 words apart. Three levels of sub-heading are possible.

The title page should show the names and addresses of the authors, their professional status and affiliation and the address (including e-mail) to which correspondence should be sent. As this page will not be sent to referees, the title of the article (without author names) should be repeated on the first text page.

An abstract should be provided, comprising 100-150 words.

Between 3 and 6 keywords should appear below the abstract, highlighting the main topics of the paper. References should follow the Harvard system. That is, they should be shown within the text as the author's surname (or authors' surnames) followed by a comma and the year of publication, all in round brackets: for example, (Smith, 1998). For textual citations, where there are two authors please use the word 'and', not the ampersand (thus: '(Smith and Jones, 2012)'. Where there are more than two authors, please use the first-named author only, followed by 'et al' in italics (thus: Smith et al, 2012). At the end of the article a bibliographical list should be supplied, organized alphabetically by author (surnames followed by initials - all authors should be named). Bibliographic information should be given in the order indicated by the following examples: 

Articles: Wheeler, T., and Kay, M. (2010), ‘Food crop production, water and climate change in the developing world’, Outlook on Agriculture, Vol 39, No 4, pp 239–243.

Books: Lovelock, J. (2009), The Vanishing Face of Gaia: a Final Warning, Allen Lane, London.

Notes should be numbered consecutively in the text and typed in plain text at the end of the paper (not as footnotes on text pages).

Tables should be reduced to the simplest form and present only essential data. They should be submitted on separate sheets at the end of the article. The use of vertical rules in tables should be avoided.

For illustrations, line drawings and photographs are acceptable. Authors are asked to supply originals of line drawings for reproduction. Photographs should be glossy prints with good contrast. Authors should bear in mind that colour illustrations will be reproduced in black and white in the print version of the journal.

Prior Publication

Articles are received on the understanding that they are original contributions, and have not been published officially, either in print or electronic form, or submitted for publication elsewhere. In this respect, ‘discussion’ or ‘working’ papers, conference presentations and proceedings are not considered to be official publications, unless they have been formally deemed so by conference organizers, or presented as edited works through recognized publishing channels. If in doubt, authors are asked to draw the attention of the Editor to any prior dissemination of the paper in their letter of submission. Please note that articles should not be posted on personal Websites or social networking sites before or after submission.

Refereeing

Other than research notes, reports, and personal opinion pieces, articles will be refereed. Papers by authors who are not academics (eg submissions from industry) will also be subject to review before acceptance, but their distinct nature and aims will be fully taken into account.

Copyright

Authors will be asked to assign copyright, where possible, to IP Publishing Ltd. Relevant authors’ rights are protected.

Author Checklist for Final versions

Editorial Board

  • Editor: Dr Jerry Knox, Cranfield Institute for Water Science, Dept of Environmental Science and Technology, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK. E-mail: j.knox(a)cranfield.ac.uk
  • Consulting Editor: Dr David Lister, Somerset, UK

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor P.K. Aggarwal
    Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India
  • Dr Simon Anderson
    International Institute for Environment and Development, UK
  • Professor Deng Xi-Ping
    Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
  • Dr C. Devendra
    Consulting Tropical Animal Production Specialist, Malaysia
  • Dr R. C. Hardwick
    Brussels, Belgium
  • Dr Alfred Hartemink
    University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
  • Hsin Huang
    International Meat Secretariat, France
  • Dr Jill M. Lenné,
    Consulting Tropical Agriculture Specialist, Fyvie, UK
  • Dr Antoinette Mannion
    Department of Geography, University of Reading, UK
  • Professor Graham Matthews
    Imperial College London, UK
  • Dr Sushil Pandey
    International Rice Research Institute, The Philippines
  • Dr Thomas Fitz Randolph
    International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya
  • Dr Fabrice Renaud
    United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), Germany
  • Dr J. Sumberg
    Institute of Development Studies, UK
  • Professor Guido van Huylenbroeck
    Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Belgium
  • Professor J. Van Staden
    Research Centre for Plant Growth & Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

March 2013 Volume 42 Number 1

5 Guest Editorial: Zoonoses – designing a research programme to bridge multisectoral barriers

Margaret Gill

9 Using theme and domain networking approaches to understand complex agri- industrial systems: a demonstration from the South African sugar industry

Carel Nicolaas Bezuidenhout, Muhammad Kadwa and Milindi S. Sibomana

17 Expectations of agricultural extension programmes among local agents and international support personnel in south-eastern Afghanistan

John W. Groninger and Seburn L. Pense

25 Spatial patterns of change in agriculture and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy

Davide Viaggi, Meri Raggi, Fabio Bartolini and Laura Sardonini

33 Market analysis of direct payment options for new EU member states using the AGMEMOD partial equilibrium modelling tool

Frédéric Chantreuil, Guna Salputra and Emil Erjavec

41 Exploring organic cherry investment opportunities for Greek farmers

Irene Tzouramani, Aggelos Liontakis, Alexandra Sintori and George Alexopoulos

47 Coffee farming and soil management in Rwanda

Innocent Nzeyimana, Alfred E. Hartemink and Jan de Graaff

53 Mobile livestock keeping and climate change challenges in Africa

Magnus I. Anya, Ausaji A. Ayuk, Etido P. Umoren and Emmanuel O. Lifu

59 Impact of NGO-led self-help groups on the empowerment of rural women – experiences from South India

V. Sangeetha, Ram Bahal, Premlata Singh and P. Venkatesh

65 Agricultural extension in India – the effectiveness of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency

Lenin Venu, Baldeo Singh, Pramod Kumar and K. Vijayaragavan

Back to Top

Title: Using theme and domain networking approaches to understand complex agri-industrial systems: a demonstration from the South African sugar industry

Author(s): Carel Nicolaas Bezuidenhout, Muhammad Kadwa and Milindi S. Sibomana

Abstract: Complex systems involve a number of interconnected entities, which collectively exhibit emergence and behaviour that cannot be explained by merely studying the individual entities. Agri-industrial systems, such as sugarcane production, are generally complex due to the presence of many autonomous stakeholders operating under diverse conditions, and may therefore contain varying perspectives and interests. The identification of problems and opportunities in such systems requires an approach that will, as far as possible, consider the entire system and how individual entities interact. Network analyses have the capacity to describe a complex system, depicting these interactions. In addition, graph theory approaches can help to identify key points in the system where there are opportunities for improvement. This paper presents a methodology to assist researchers to make sense of complex matters in an agri-industrial context. In the South African sugar industry, it can be argued that systemic inefficiencies in the supply chain reduce optimum performance. Research conducted in two large milling areas is used to develop and demonstrate the use of network approaches to analyse supply chains and identify opportunities for improvement. The research developed two types of map: system domain networks and theme networks, which are found to be appropriate for drawing a first set of conclusions concerning a relatively unfamiliar complex system. Although the paper focuses on sugarcane, there is significant scope to apply these techniques across a broader spectrum of agri-industrial sectors.

Back to Top

Title: Expectations of agricultural extension programmes among local agents and international support personnel in south-eastern Afghanistan

Author(s): John W. Groninger and Seburn L. Pense

Abstract: Insecure rural regions, where local government and international agriculture development personnel are targeted by insurgents, are a growing threat to world security. This study evaluates agricultural outreach programmes in the Khost, Paktika and Paktya provinces of Afghanistan, a region characterized by limited functionality of government and traditional agricultural institutions, along with ongoing insurgency. International personnel either hired Afghan agricultural agents directly or, where applicable, supported local government personnel. Afghan agricultural agents used training and outreach techniques that circumvented location-specific barriers to security and accessibility, assessed agricultural community needs and lobbied international personnel in response to farmer requests. During interviews, international personnel emphasized training and institution building, while Afghan agents focused on material and infrastructure needs. Poor security limited communication between stakeholders and decision makers, and differences in perceived development objectives among Afghan agents and international personnel challenged programmatic success. The study concludes that these challenges should be taken into account when planning similar programmes wherever systematic violence threatens traditional agricultural development.

Back to Top

Title: Spatial patterns of change in agriculture and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy

Author(s): Davide Viaggi, Meri Raggi, Fabio Bartolini and Laura Sardonini

Abstract: This paper identifies and analyses the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in affecting the spatial location of agricultural activities in an area of northern Italy. The study is based on survey data (300 observations) regarding the stated intentions of farm households under two CAP scenarios, and uses statistical analysis to identify the potential determinants of different farm reactions, using explicit spatial information (altitude, Less Favoured Area status, agrarian regions). The study demonstrates the relevance of explicitly addressing the differentiated spatial effect of the CAP on different dimensions of agricultural activities. However, the work also highlights the limitations of such a location-based analysis compared with both non-spatial variables and more ‘functional’ spatial variables.

Back to Top

Title: Market analysis of direct payment options for new EU member states using the AGMEMOD partial equilibrium modelling tool

Author(s): Frédéric Chantreuil, Guna Salputra and Emil Erjavec

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the impact of different direct payment policy scenarios on agricultural markets for 10 new EU member states (NMS). The study is based on the AGMEMOD EU-27 dynamic econometric partial equilibrium models. The baseline scenario assumes the preservation of current policy, which would lead to further growth in production for most agricultural markets, resulting from accelerated technological development and the opportunities provided by the EU common market. The only exceptions are the dairy and beef sectors, in which NMS would face a reduction in competitiveness. According to model simulations, reducing the level of payments or abolishing them entirely would not result in any dramatic medium-term changes to agricultural markets in NMS by 2020, which could serve as an argument for supporting future CAP reform.

Back to Top

Title: Exploring organic cherry investment opportunities for Greek farmers

Author(s): Irene Tzouramani, Aggelos Liontakis, Alexandra Sintori and George Alexopoulos

Abstract: Organic farming has grown rapidly in the European Union (EU) due to a rising demand for high-quality food, increased environmental concerns and market developments that led to the implementation of an organic policy and the creation of a positive institutional framework. Nevertheless, the production of organic fruit, including cherries, is still limited within the EU, despite high demand. Farmers generally adopt organic farming systems only if the support provided by the existing policy regime outweighs the increased risk and uncertainty. This study explores the effectiveness of current policy measures for the production of organic cherries in Greece using a real options methodology. The results reveal that the economic incentives provided by the existing policy regime contribute to profitability and compensate for the risk and uncertainty that organic cherry farmers face, although further institutional support is still needed.

Back to Top

Title: Coffee farming and soil management in Rwanda

Author(s): Innocent Nzeyimana, Alfred E. Hartemink and Jan de Graaff

Abstract: Agriculture is the cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy. The authors review how the sector has changed and specifically what soil management practices are now being implemented to enhance coffee production. Coffee covers around 2.3% of total cultivated arable land, and is grown mainly by smallholder farmers on plots of less than one hectare. Rwanda produces high-quality speciality or fully washed coffee, which is intercropped with annual crops due to land scarcity to enable farmers to achieve a better combination of food and cash crops. Most of the agricultural soils have a pH of less than 5.2 and are highly deficient in phosphorus. Reduced land fragmentation, increased organic and inorganic fertilizer applications and mulching are all needed to boost yields. These practices will also help to improve the soils’ chemical and physical properties and control erosion on the steep cultivated slopes.

Back to Top

Title: Mobile livestock keeping and climate change challenges in Africa

Author(s): Magnus I. Anya, Ausaji A. Ayuk, Etido P. Umoren and Emmanuel O. Lifu

Abstract: Livestock farming is one of the most important subsectors of the agricultural economy of developing nations. In Africa, mobile livestock keeping (MLK), or pastoralism, is crucial for rural livelihoods and food security, especially in the arid zones of the continent. With rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for livestock products far outstrips supply. Climate change will exacerbate the situation because it will affect livestock production systems, and vice versa. This paper reviews the complex interaction between MLK and climate change, and proposes strategies to help sustain MLK as a key feature of rural livelihoods in Africa.

Back to Top

Title: Impact of NGO-led self-help groups on the empowerment of rural women – experiences from South India

Author(s): V. Sangeetha, Ram Bahal, Premlata Singh and P. Venkatesh

Abstract: The concept and process of the empowerment of women encompass a wide range of actions and issues, among them enhancing awareness and increasing access to economic, social and political resources. The organization of women into groups is a key element of the process of empowerment, as groups provide a basis for solidarity, strength and collective action. In this context, a study was conducted in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu to assess the impact of self-help groups (SHGs) led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the empowerment of rural women. The effectiveness of such groups was measured using Bennett’s Hierarchy. Following multi-stage random sampling, data were collected from 180 SHG members of the most prominent NGO, the Association of Sarva Seva Farms (ASSEFA). The authors’ analysis shows that the SHG members were more empowered psychologically, socially, economically and politically than other women.

Back to Top

Title: Agricultural extension in India – the effectiveness of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency

Author(s): Lenin Venu, Baldeo Singh, Pramod Kumar and K. Vijayaragavan

Abstract: This paper assesses the effectiveness of India’s Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) through a study of the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state and the Dahod district of Gujarat state. Fifty ATMA farmers and fifty non-ATMA farmers were randomly selected from each district. In Ahmednagar, the beneficiary farmers recorded a high increase in yield, returns and income from their wheat crop, and thus there was a high effectiveness index compared with that of the non-beneficiary farmers. In Dahod, where ATMA had been operational for a shorter time, there was a very low increase in yield, returns and income for the maize crop of beneficiary farmers, and thus the effectiveness index of ATMA was low. The authors assess the programme in the light of such findings and offer recommendations for future extension strategies.

Back to Top

Copyright 2013 IP Publishing Ltd.