bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure of profit sharing schemes in accounting partnerships
Authors: Holmes Scott , Zimmer Ian
Published: March 2003

This paper explains aspects of profit sharing arrangements in accounting partnerships, including the geographical dispersion of partnerships. It is posited that accounting partnerships sharing profits on a national or international basis are likely to use performance‐based profit sharing rules; whereas local partnerships are likely to share profits equally. This is caused by factors influencing performance monitoring of partners. We propose that the geographical dispersion of profit sharing is determined by the ability to utilise teamwork efficiently across locations. Results show that more geographically disperse partnerships have a greater proportion of their clients that are firm specific, rather than intrinsically linked to any one individual within the partnership. Finally, guidelines for the efficient design of partnership profit‐sharing arrangements are outlined.
Does Membership Homogeneity Matter for Group‐based Financial Services? Evidence from the Gambia
Authors: Nagarajan Geetha , Meyer Richard L. , Graham Douglas H.
Published: March 2003

This paper examines the effect of membership composition on the components of group design to provide financial services, and on the performance of these groups. Regression results based on data from RoSCAs in the Gambia show that gender homogeneity is less likely to affect components of group design than is homogeneity in income generating capacity of members. Membership homogeniety does not directly affect the repayment performance of the members but only indirectly through the components of the group design.

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Cet article examine l’incidence de la composition sur les composantes et la performance des groupes constitués en vue de la fourniture de services financiers. Selon les résultats d’une analyse de régression basée sur les données de “RoSCA” en Gambie, il apparaît que l’homogénéité du genre influe moins sur les composantes de la conception des groupes que l’homogénéité de la capacité des groupes à générer des revenus. En ce qui concerne la performance en matière de remboursement, l’incidence de l’homogénéité de la composition n’est pas directe mais indirecte au travers des composantes de la conception des groupes.
The Balance‐of‐Payments Constraint and Growth Rate Differences Among African and East Asian Economies
Authors: Hussain M. Nureldin
Published: March 2003

The balance‐of‐payments constrained growth rate model postulates that the balance of payments position of a country is the main constraint on economic growth, because it imposes a limit on demand to which supply can adapt. This paper applies the model to a sample of African and Asian countries aiming at explaining growth rate differences among these countries by quantifying the individual and combined contributions of export growth, capital flows and changes in the terms of trade in each country’s case. The results obtained give support to the argument that, in contrast to Asian countries, the low growth rates in African countries are explained by low export expansion relative to the imports required for the processes of growth and development. This poor performance of African countries is attributed to the low magnitudes of their dynamic Harrod foreign trade multipliers, which are determined by the respective income elasticities of demand for exports and imports. It is asserted that the low dynamic Harrod foreign trade multipliers of African countries are direct products of their excessive dependency on the exportation of primary products.

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Le modèle de taux de croissance contrariés par la balance des paiements postule que la position de la balance des paiements constitue le principal obstacle à la croissance économique d’un pays, dans la mesure où elle impose une limite à la demande à laquelle l’offre pourrait s’adapter. Le présent article applique ce modèle à un échantillon de pays africains et asiatiques afin d’expliquer les différences de taux de croissance entre ces pays, en quantifiant la contribution individuelle et collective de facteurs tels que la croissane des exportations, les flux de capitaux et la variation des termes de l’échange dans chaque pays. Les résultats obtenus confortent l’argument selon lequel, contrairement à ce qui se passe dans les pays asiatiques, la modicité des taux de croissance dans les des pays africains s’explique par la faible expansion des exportations par rapport aux importations nécessaires pour assurer le processus de croissance et de développement. Cette performance médiocre des économies africaines est imputée à l’insuffisance de leur multiplicateur dynamique du commerce extérieur de Harrod, qui est déterminé par leurs élasticités‐revenu de la demande d’exportations et d’importations. Cette insuffisance est elle‐même une conséquence directe de la dépendance excessive de ces pays à l’égard des exportations de produits de base.
Effects of Budget Deficit on Trade Balance in Nigeria: A Simulation Exercise
Authors: Egwaikhide Festus O.
Published: March 2003

This article uses a macroeconomic model to investigate the effects of budget deficit on trade balance in Nigeria. Evidence from policy simulations shows that budget deficit arising from increased government spending adversely affects the balance of trade irrespective of whether it is money‐financed or by external borrowing. This suggests that, in part, demand management policies can be explored to achieve external balance in Nigeria.

Le présent article part d’un modèle macroéconomique pour analyser les effets du déficit budgétaire sur la balance commerciale au Nigeria. D’après les résultats des simulations de l’action des pouvoirs publics, il ressort que le déficit budgétaire causé par l’augmentation des dépenses publiques a des incidences négatives sur la balance commerciale, quel qu’en soit le mode de financement: le recours à la planche à billet ou l’emprunt extérieur. Ce qui donne à penser qu’en partie, il est possible d’étudier les politiques de gestion de la demande pour résoudre le problème de la balance extérieure au Nigeria.
A Poverty Assessment Exercise in Zimbabwe
Authors: Hamdok Abdalla A.
Published: March 2003

This paper provides a brief analysis and documentation of the experience of a recent poverty assessment exercise in Zimbabwe. It starts with a reflection on the background and context of the Poverty Assessment Study (PAS) followed by a review of conceptual issues in the measurement of poverty and the construction of poverty lines. It also provides a brief analysis of the poverty profile in Zimbabwe. The study showed that poverty at the time was very high in the rural areas compared to the urban areas and particularly higher in the communal lands. Other observed characteristics were the ‘juvenization and feminization’ of poverty, as it had been noticed there was a greater incidence of poverty among children and female‐headed households.

Le présent document analyse brièvement et tire les leçons d’une récente étude faite au Zimbabwe sur l’évaluation de la pauvreté. Il commence par une réflexion sur la genèse et le contexte de l’Etude d’évaluation de la pauvreté (EEP). Cette réflexion est ensuite suivie par une analyse des paramètres conceptuels servant à mesurer la pauvreté et à en définir les limites. Le document analyse aussi brièvement les caractéristiques de la pauvreté au Zimbabwe. Il y est démontré que le niveau de pauvretéétait très élevé au moment de l’étude dans les zones rurales comparativement aux régions urbaines, et qu’il était encore particulièrement plus élevé dans les terres communales. Certaines particularités telles que “le rajeunissement et la féminisation” de la pauvreté sont également observées, dans la mesure où l’on constate une plus grande incidence de la pauvreté chez les enfants et les ménages dirigés par une femme.
Fiscal Adjustment to Currency Devaluation in Selected African Countries: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Yiheyis Zelealem
Published: March 2003

The object of this paper is to examine the fiscal consequences of exchange rate adjustment in the context of selected African economies. The paper identifies the salient channels through which the exchange rate is expected to influence fiscal variables, describes the behaviour of these indicators in the sample countries, and formulates and estimates an empirical model that links the real exchange rate with real fiscal revenue and expenditure. It finds that currency devaluation — where launched — has, on balance, resulted in real depreciation and that the latter has increased real fiscal revenue, with imperceptible effect on real expenditures. The fiscal deficit is found to exert no statistically significant influence on the behaviour of the real exchange rate.

Ce document examine les conséquences budgétaires de l’ajustement du taux de change dans un certain nombre de pays africains. Il détermine les principales voies par lesquelles le taux de change est censé influer sur les variables budgétaires, décrit le comportement de ces indicateurs dans les pays concernés, élabore et évalue un modèle empirique établissant un lien entre le taux de change réel et les recettes et dépenses budgétaires réelles. Il constate que la dévaluation, là où elle est intervenue, s’est en définitive traduite par une véritable dépréciation, qui a entraâné un accroissement des recettes budgétaires réelles et exercé un effet imperceptible sur les dépenses réelles. En outre, sur le plan statistique, le déficit budgétaire n’exerce pas d’effet significatif sur le comportement.
The Evolution of Poverty in Nigeria 1985–92
Authors: Ali Ali A.G.
Published: March 2003

In this note an alternative method for decomposing poverty changes over time is proposed and applied to Nigeria for the years 1985 and 1992. It is shown that the established method of decomposition which holds the poverty line constant at the reference period of the decomposition overestimates the size of the `growth component’ of any poverty change. The conclusion reached by applying the original decomposition method of Datt and Ravallion (1992) is changed completely if the proposed method is applied.

Cette note propose et applique au Nigeria pour les années 1985 et 1992, une méthode différente de décomposition de l’évolution de la pauvreté dans le temps. Elle montre que la méthode de décomposition établie, qui maintient constants les seuils de pauvretéà la période de référence, surestime la taille de la “composante croissance” de l’évolution de la pauvreté. En appliquant la méthode proposée, on aboutit à une conclusion radicalement différente de celle de la méthode traditionelle de Datt et Ravallion.
Food Security and Food Productivity in Sudan, 1970–95
Authors: Ali Ali A.G.
Published: March 2003

Against the backdrop of a persistent food insecurity problem in Sudan which has prevailed since the mid 1970s, this paper makes use of the ordinary least squares (OLS) method of analysis to assess the performance of the national development strategies encapsulated in various medium‐term plans and programs between 1970/71 and 1992/93 with respect to achieving their objective of national self sufficiency in food production through both vertical and horizontal expansion in food production. An exponential function is used to estimate the trends in area, production, and productivity for three major staple crops, namely sorghum, wheat, and millet using annual time series data covering the period 1970–95. The results provide clear evidence that vertical expansion alone does not pay off in terms of output. Instead, policies should focus more on improving agricultural productivity via the introduction of new varieties and the application of technological packages. These policies must then be reinforced by efforts to improve infrastructure, including health and education, to pave the way for a positive supply response at lower costs. Experience has shown that food security, as a prelude to industrial growth is not likely to be achieved if agricultural productivity is not increased.

Face à l’insécurité alimentaire persistante qui a prévalu au Soudan depuis le milieu des années 70, cette étude utilise la méthode des moindres carrés ordinaires pour évaluer la performance des stratégies nationales de développment. Celles‐ci sont consacrées par les différents plans et programmes à moyen terme appliqués entre 1970/71 et 1992/93 en vue de réaliser l’objectif d’autosuffisance alimentaire par l’expansion verticale et horizontale de la production alimentaire. Une fonction est utilisée pour estimer, par le biais de séries chronologiques annuelles couvrant la période 1970–1995, l’evolution des superficies, de la production et de la productivité des trois grandes cultures que sont le sorgho, le blé et le mil. Il ressort clairement des résultats que l’expansion verticale à elle seule ne permet pas d’augmenter les rendements. Les mesures devraient viser davantage à améliorer la productivité agricole en introduisant de nouvelles variétés et en appliquant des programmes technologiques. Ces mesures doivent ensuite Ãtre renforcées par des actions tendant à améliorer les infrastructures, notamment celles de santé et d’éducation, pour favoriser une réaction positive de l’offre à des coûts moins élevés. On sait par expérience que la sécurité alimentaire, en tant que prélude à la croissance industrielle, a peu de chances d’être réalisée si la productivité agricole n’est pas renforcée.
Comportement Bureaucratique et Conditionnalité de Programme
Authors: N'Guessan Tchétché
Published: March 2003

La génération actuelle des programmes de stabilisation et d'ajustement structurel (PAS) est caractérisée par la conditionnalité imposée. En raison de celle‐ci, ces programmes ont abouti à des résultats décevants, parce que les pays les considèrent comme des politiques imposées de l'extérieur et partant, les appliquent de manière partielle. Devant cet échec, il est apparu nécessaire de reformuler les conditionnalités des PAS.

Dans cette perspective, différents auteurs ont proposé de substituer à la conditionnalité imposée, une nouvelle conditionnalité: la conditionnalité de programme. Celle‐ci a comme principale caractéristique de restituer l'entière paternité des programmes aux pays sous‐développés. Grâce à cette caractéristique, l'on s'attend à ce que les PAS menés dans le cadre de la conditionnalité de programme soient plus efficaces, au sens où, ils seront appliqués de manière plus effective et plus complète.

Dans cet article, nous soulignons le fait que l'analyse précédente omet un phénomène qui est une des principales sources de l'inefficacité des PAS. Il s'agit du comportement bureaucratique. A partir d'un modèle simple, nous essayons de montrer que le comportement bureaucratique peut contrarier l'efficacité attendue des programmes ou des réformes menés dans le cadre de la nouvelle conditionnalité.

The current generation of structural adjustment and stabilization programs (SAP) is characterized by conditionalities. As a result, these programs have produced unsatisfactory outcomes since the countries consider them, as policies dictated from outside and consequently tend to apply them only partially. Faced with this failure, it appeared imperative to reformulate the conditionalities of SAP.

With this in mind, various authors have proposed to replace the imposed conditionalities with a new conditionality, namely program conditionality. The major feature of this new conditionality will entail the restoration of the formulation and design of SAP for the developing countries. By means of this characteristic, it is envisaged that the SAP carried out under program conditionalities will be more effective in that they will be applied more rigourously and fully.

In this article, we underscore the fact that the previous analysis omits a phenomenon, which is one of the principal causes of the ineffectiveness of SAP. This concerns bureaucratic behaviour. From a simple model, we strive to demonstrate that the bureaucratic conduct may hinder the effectiveness of the reform programs carried out under the new conditionalities.
Employment and Economic Growth in the Côte d'Ivoire: An Analysis of Structural Determinants
Authors: Fofana N'Zué Félix
Published: March 2003

The present study investigated how economic growth and employment in the Ivorian modern private sector evolved over time, and the employment elasticities of selected variables. The empirical results suggest that employment and economic growth in the Côte d'Ivoire do not move together in the long run (they are not cointegrated), that is, jobless growth can occur and had occurred in the country. It also results from the econometric estimation that economic growth and employment were negatively correlated in the Côte d'Ivoire over the time period of analysis. The same negative correlation existed between employment and development aid. Unlike the above, investment is positively correlated with employment. Investment is therefore the key to tackle the crisis of unemployment and poverty.

La présente étude avait pour objectif d'analyser l'évolution de la croissance économique et de l'emploi dans le secteur moderne privé ivoirien dans le temps, et les élasticités de l'emploi par rapport à un ensemble de variables. Les résultats empiriques suggèrent que l'emploi dans le secteur moderne privé et la croissance économique n'évoluent pas ensemble dans le long terme (ils ne sont pas cointégrés). Il appert donc de la possibilité d'une croissance sans emploi en Côte d'Ivoire. Les résultats de l'analyse économétrique suggèrent quant, eux, une corrélation négative entre le taux de croissance économique et celui de l'emploi sur la période d'analyse. Cette mé;me corrélation négative existe entre l'aide publique au développement et l'emploi moderne. A l'opposé des résultats ci‐dessus, l'analyse économétrique suggère aussi une relation positive entre l'investissement et l'emploi dans le secteur moderne privé. Il résulte par conséquent de ce qui précède que la clé de la lutte contre le chômage et la pauvreté est l'investissement orienté vers la création d'emploi.
Nature and Determinants of the Linkages between Informal and Formal Sector Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Arimah Ben C.
Published: March 2003

This paper provides a quantitative analysis of the nature of the informal sector's linkages with the formal sector in Nigeria. The informal sector has both backward and forward linkages with the formal sector. The backward linkages involve the flow of raw materials, equipment, finance and consumer goods from the formal sector to informal sector enterprises. Two types of forward linkages are identified. These are subcontracting agreements with large domestic companies, government agencies and foreign companies on the one hand, as well as the supply of consumer goods from informal sector enterprises to the formal sector on the other. The empirical analysis based on a logit regression model reveals that key variables accounting for the extent of backward linkages with the formal sector pertain to registration of the informal sector enterprise, level of investment, annual income of the entrepreneur, number of employees, entrepre‐neur's previous work experience and the education of employees. In the case of forward linkages with the formal sector, the most important variables are registration on the part of the informal sector enterprise, investment expended to date, annual income of the entrepreneur, level of profitability of the enterprise, vocational training and education of employees.

Le présent document fait une analyse quantitative de la nature des liaisons existant entre le secteur informel et le secteur formel au Nigeria. Le secteur informel a des liaisons aussi bien en amont qu'en aval avec le secteur formel. Les liaisons en amont impliquent l'existence d'un flux de matières premières, d'équipe‐ments, de finances et de biens de consommation, du secteur formel vers les entreprises du secteur informel. On a identifié deux types de liaisons en aval: il s'agit, d'une part, des accords de sous‐traitance avec les grandes sociétés nationales, les agences gouvernementales et les sociétés étrangères, et, d'autre part, de la fourniture de biens de consommation par les entreprises du secteur informel au secteur formel. L'analyse empirique faisant appel à un modèle de régression avec variables logit montre que les variables clés représentant le rôle que jouent les liaisons en amont dans le secteur formel de l'économie concernent l'enregistrement des entreprises du secteur informel, du niveau des investissements, du revenu annuel de l'entrepreneur, du nombre des employés, de l'expérience professionnelle antérieure des entrepreneurs et du niveau d'instruction des employés. Dans le cas des liaisons en aval avec le secteur formel, les variables les plus importantes sont l'enregistrement pour le compte des entreprises du secteur informel, les investissements dépensés jusque‐là, le revenu annuel de l'entrepreneur, le niveau des bénéfices de l'entreprise, la formation professionnelle et l'instruction des employés.
A Profile of Poverty in Egypt
Authors: Datt Gaurav , Jolliffe Dean , Sharma Manohar
Published: March 2003

This paper presents a profile of poverty in Egypt for 1997. It assesses the magnitude of poverty and its distribution across geographic and socioeconomic groups, provides information on the characteristics of the poor, illustrates the heterogeneity amongst the poor, and helps identify empirical correlates of poverty. This poverty profile is constructed using data from the Egypt Integrated Household Survey (EIHS), which is a nationwide, multiple‐topic household survey. One of the more striking set of findings relates to the differences between the poor and the non‐poor in their educational attainments. Our results indicate a significant literacy and schooling gap between the poor and the non‐poor. On average the poor have 2.6 fewer years of schooling than the non‐poor, and their literacy rate is 27 percent lower than the non‐poor. Our results also indicate that augmenting educational attainment of the poor does not require building more schools, but reducing the poor’s opportunity cost of attending schools and increasing their returns from extra schooling, both suggesting the importance of income generating activities as a policy instrument.
Substitution Monétaire dans les Pays Africains
Authors: Dontsi Dontsi
Published: March 2003

Dans les pays en développement en général, et dans ceux de l’Afrique au sud du Sahara en particulier, le phénomène de substitution monétaire se présente sous des formes différentes de celles que l’on retrouve dans les pays industrialisés. Alors que dans ce dernier groupe de pays la substitution monétaire résulte essentiellement d’une diversification de portefeuilles, ce phénomène traduit dans les pays en développement le fait que les agents économiques se détournent de la monnaie nationale. L’objectif de cet article est d’abord d’analyser les différentes formes de substitution monétaire en Afrique à partir des fonctions de demande de la monnaie; il s’agit ensuite d’évaluer l’impact de ce phénomène sur les politiques économiques que les gouvernements de ces pays peuvent être amenés à pratiquer. Après avoir constaté que le phénomène de substitution monétaire existe en Afrique pour de nombreuses raisons (insuffisance des instruments de paiement, niveau élevé des taux d’inflation, faiblesse des taux d’intérêts réels, existence de faux billets, fragilité d’une nouvelle monnaie, variation des taux de change. . .) et sous différentes formes dont la plus importante est la fuite des capitaux, nous sommes arrivés à la conclusion selon laquelle ce phénomène a des impacts négatifs sur la réussite des politiques monétaires et /ou budgétaires que ces pays peuvent mener.
Privatization and Technical Efficiency: Evidence from the Manufacturing Sector in Malawi
Authors: Chirwa Ephraim W.
Published: March 2003

This study evaluates the impact of privatization on the technical efficiency of six privatized enterprises, three state‐owned enterprises and six private enterprises competing in three oligopolistic manufacturing industries in which privatization took place between 1984 and 1991 using panel data between 1970 and 1997. Technical efficiency scores are computed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on the ‘intertemporal frontier’ approach for panel data. The results show that privatization in Malawi is associated with high mean technical efficiency in privatized enterprises and competing state‐owned enterprises and private enterprises. If we account for other sources of technical efficiency, in the full sample we find evidence that the competitive process is more important than privatization in increasing the technical efficiency of all enterprises competing in the same industries. However, the results of the subsample of privatized enterprises show that privatization significantly increases the technical efficiency of privatized enterprises, although we cannot ignore the role of domestic competition, capital intensity, multinationality and structural adjustment programmes as sources of technical efficiency.
Land Tenure and Common Pool Resources in Rural Ethiopia: A Study Based on Fifteen Sites
Authors: Kebede Bereket
Published: March 2003

The evolution of land tenure in Ethiopia during the Imperial period directed towards private and individualized property is discussed both in general terms and by examining conditions at specific localities. This evolution was brought to an abrupt end by the land reform of 1975 with nationalization. The same logic of subsistence agriculture as in traditional tenures seems to be the basis for the reform. With the abandonment of the socialist transformation of agriculture no vision about future developments in land tenure seems to exist. Privatization is suggested to improve the security of land holding, to increase agricultural investment, to assist the development of other markets as well as preserve common pool resources.

L’article étudie l’évolution du régime foncier éthiopien sous l’empire, d’un point de vue général et examinant la situation spécifique de certaines localités. Cette évolution, vers une propriété privée et individualisée des terres, a été brutalement interrompue par les nationalisations conduites dans le cadre de la réforme agraire de 1975. Celle‐ci semble s’être appuyée sur la même logique d’agriculture de subsistance que celle qui sous‐tendait les régimes fonciers traditionnels. Aujourd’hui, la transformation socialiste de l’agriculture ayant été abandonnée, il ne semble exister aucune vision pour l’évolution future du régime foncier. Un programme de privatisation est suggéré pour améliorer la sécurité du régime de possession des terres, accroître l’investissement agricole, faciliter le développement d’autres marchés et préserver les ressources communes.
Quelle Place pour l’Afrique aux Négociations Commerciales du Millénaire?
Authors: Njinkeu Dominique
Published: March 2003

Ce papier examine les chances de l’Afrique dans les négociations multilatérales des années 2000. Les défis notamment sur les réformes requises sur les transformations systémiques, l’ouverture des marchés, l’élimination des contraintes de production, et l’utilisation des traitements préférentiels et l’intégration régionale comme étape intermédiaire vers une plus grande ouverture. Notons qu’en exploitant de manière judicieuse les dispositions de l’OMC, l’Afrique peut retourner la tendance vers sa marginalisation. Mais pour y arriver, cinq étapes décisives devront être franchies: (1) le renforcement des structures nationales chargées de coordonner les activités de l’OMC; (2) la mise sur pied d’un programme cohérent de renforcement des capacités aussi bien au niveau local qu’à la représentation à Genève; (3) la transparence de l’OMC et l’introduction dans les divers accords de dispositions particulières tenant valablement compte des conditions des pays en développement, (4) l’amélioration globale des conditions d’accès aux marchés et des solutions définitives aux contraintes de production et des échanges, et (5) la cohérence des activités de l’OMC avec celles des autres organisations, notamment celles de Bretton Woods.

This paper examines Africa’s opportunities in the WTO framework. The principal challenges include the systemic reforms of the organization, enhanced market access, elimination of supply constraints, and the use of special and differentiated treatment and regional integration as intermediary step to multilateralism. The paper concludes that the WTO framework can facilitate trade and development on the continent. There are, however, some prerequisites which are considered in five areas: (1) the strengthening of the national institutions co‐ordinating the WTO activities, (2) a capacity building programme for capitals and Geneva‐based personnel, (3) transparency in WTO and account for developing countries’ capacity in various aspects of the accords, (4) enhanced market access and alleviation of constraints to production and trade, (5) policy coherence with other institutions, particularly those of Bretton Woods.
Explaining Slow Growth in Africa
Authors: Azam Jean–Paul , Fosu Augustin , Ndung’u Njuguna S.
Published: March 2003

This paper critically reviews the empirical literature on growth, with a view to drawing some lessons for Africa. It illustrates the diversity of the results found by different authors, and calls for a more rigorous approach, paying attention to the identification of structural parameters and to simultaneity biases. It emphasizes the part played by openness and export orientation as the main policy variables affecting growth. Then, the choice of bad policies, which seems to be the main proximate cause of slow growth in Africa, is traced to the lack of social capital and deficient political institutions.

Cet article est une critique de la littérature empirique sur le développement dont le but est d’en tirer quelques leçons sur l’Afrique. L’article démontre la diversité des conclusions tirées par plusieurs auteurs et fait appel à une démarche plus rigoureuse, prenant en compte l’identification des paramètres structurels et des penchants simultanés qui existent. L’importance du marché et son orientation vers l’export sont soulignées comme étant les deux variables principales qui touchent directement la croissance. Les auteurs démontrent ensuite que le choix de mauvaises politiques, qui semble Átre la cause principale de la faible croissance africaine, est due en effet à un manque de capital social ainsi qu’aux institutions politiques défectueuses.
The Impact of the Asian Economic Crisis on Southern African Economies
Authors: Siriwardana Mahinda , Dollery Brian
Published: March 2003

Although southern African economies appear to have escaped the initial phase of the East Asian economic crisis relatively unscathed, the second stage of the contagion was somewhat less benevolent in its influence on southern African economies. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of the Asian contagion on southern African economies within a general equilibrium framework. We use the GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) model to examine the implications of the Asian crisis for southern African economies.

Bien que les économies des pays du sud de l’Afrique semblent avoir échappées à la première phase de la crise économique de L’Asie de l’est, l’effet de la deuxième phase a été plus néfaste envers les économies des pays sud africains. Cet article cherche à enquÁter sur l’impact qu’a eu la contagion asiatique sur les économies des pays sud africains dans un cadre d’équilibre général. Nous utilisons le modèle du GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) afin d’interpréter les implications de la crise asiatique sur l’économie des pays sud africains.
Taxes and Subsidies in Vertically Related Markets
Authors: Desquilbet Marion , Guyomard Hervé
Published: March 2003

In the framework of a two‐country, two‐good partial equilibrium model where one of the commodities (the bulk commodity) is an intermediate input in the production of the second good (the processed good), we assume that the government wishes to transfer income to both bulk commodity and processed good producers. Our analysis is concerned with efficient redistribution. The instruments are subsidies or taxes, and there is an opportunity cost of public funds. We use the targeting principle to characterize the set of optimal subsidies or taxes applied on both the bulk commodity and the final good in this vertically related market structure. The theoretical analysis is illustrated using the example of cereals (the bulk commodity) and pork and poultry (the processed good) in the European Union.
Analysis of Environmental Efficiency Variation
Authors: Reinhard Stijn , Lovell C. A. Knox , Thijssen Geert
Published: March 2003

In this article, we develop and implement a methodology for analyzing the sources of variation in environmental efficiency across producers. We formulate a two‐stage model. In the first stage, we use stochastic frontier analysis to estimate both technical and environmental efficiency. In the second stage, we again use stochastic frontier analysis to regress estimated environmental efficiency scores against a variety of technology, physical environment, and management variables. In this stage we estimate the impact of each explanatory variable on environmental efficiency, and we derive conditional estimates of environmental efficiency from the one‐sided error component. We illustrate our methodology with an empirical application to a panel of Dutch dairy farms. We find evidence of relatively low levels of environmental efficiency, and we find that environmental efficiency can be improved through a number of policy options, including the provision of farmers with more insight into the nutrient balance of their farms.
Inducing Patterns of Correlation and Substitution in Repeated Logit Models of Recreation Demand
Authors: Herriges Joseph A. , Phaneuf Daniel J.
Published: March 2003

Repeated logit models are among the most commonly applied methods for modeling seasonal recreation demand. In this article we examine the capabilities of the repeated nested logit and repeated mixed logit models to capture patterns of error correlation and demand substitution. Particular attention is paid to the use of the mixed logit framework to generalize the strong assumptions on correlation patterns across sites and choice occasions imbedded in the nested logit model. We examine the implications for the range of price elasticities allowed in both models based on the implied correlation structures.
Demand for Beef from Cattle Administered Growth Hormones or Fed Genetically Modified Corn: A Comparison of Consumers in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Lusk Jayson L. , Roosen Jutta , Fox John A.
Published: March 2003

We compare consumer valuations of beef ribeye steaks from cattle produced without growth hormones or genetically modified corn in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results suggest that French consumers place a higher value on beef from cattle that have not been administered added growth hormones than U.S. consumers; however, valuations of non‐hormone‐treated beef are statistically indistinguishable across Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results also suggest that European consumers place a much higher value on beef from cattle that have not been fed genetically modified corn than U.S. consumers.
Tests for the Role of Risk Aversion on Input Use
Authors: Roosen Jutta , Hennessy David A.
Published: March 2003

For risk‐averting agents, risks alter production decisions while the existence of institutions to insure against adverse states of nature will likely restore decisions toward levels under risk neutrality. In this article, conditions are identified on a stochastic technology to test Hrn0,≤: that risk averters choose smaller input levels than risk neutral agents, and Hra0,≤: that an increase in risk aversion reduces input use. A robust statistical method to test for dominance is adapted to stochastic production relations. It is found that Hrn0,≤ is likely true for nitrogen application on Iowa corn. Weaker evidence is found in favor of Hra0,≤.
Valuing Varieties with Imperfect Output Quality Measurement
Authors: Lambert David K. , Wilson William W.
Published: March 2003

Markets for agricultural products may be inefficient when signals do not adequately reflect product characteristics important to market participants. Preferences can be explicitly reflected in price premiums for measurable characteristics using hedonic methods. However, when product quality information is costly to obtain, the problem is compounded. Bundling of quality traits by variety can serve to signal product quality. A procedure is developed to derive the value of different varieties in meeting buyer demands. An application to the hard red spring market wheat illustrates the use of a procedure to distinguish among varieties and provides empirical support for the existence of Akerlof's lemon market in the release of wheat varieties.
Crop‐Yield Distributions Revisited
Authors: Ramirez Octavio A. , Misra Sukant , Field James
Published: March 2003

This article revisits the issue of crop‐yield distributions using improved model specifications, estimation, and testing procedures that address the concerns raised in recent literature, which could have invalidated previous findings of yield nonnormality. It concludes that some aggregate and farm‐level yield distributions are nonnormal, kurtotic, and right or left skewed, depending on the circumstances. The advantages of utilizing nonnormal versus normal probability distribution function models, and the consequences of incorrectly assuming crop‐yield normality are explored.
Production Contracts and Productivity in the U.S. Hog Sector
Authors: Key Nigel , McBride William
Published: March 2003

This article measures the impact of contracting on partial and total factor productivity and the production technology of U.S. hog operations. A sample selection model accounts for the fact that unobservable variables may be correlated with both the operators' decision to contract and farm productivity. Results indicate that the use of production contracts is associated with a substantial increase in factor productivity, and represents a technological improvement over independent production. Results also identify determinants of farmers' decisions to contract and other factors influencing farm productivity.
Diseconomies of Size with Fixed Managerial Ability
Authors: Alvarez Antonio , Arias Carlos
Published: March 2003

Managerial ability has important implications for farm growth. In this article we first show in a production model that increasing output with a fixed level of managerial ability can lead to a decrease in profits. Next, we discuss the effect that managerial ability has on economies of size. In the empirical part, economies of size are estimated for a sample of dairy farms using a proxy for managerial ability, which is calculated as a technical efficiency index. The results show that increasing farm size while holding managerial ability constant can be an important source of diseconomies of size.
Valuing Food Store Access: Policy Implications for the Food Stamp Program
Authors: Feather Peter M.
Published: March 2003

Food stamp recipients may lack access to larger stores, reducing the availability of nutritious food. Reliance on smaller stores may have undesirable impacts. Policy alternatives include limiting food stamp redemption to larger stores and subsidizing store development. I estimate that limiting redemption to supermarkets and grocery stores, or supermarkets alone, results in losses ranging from $499.2 million to $1.05 billion, or $1.17 billion to $2.44 billion (respectively) annual loss in food stamp recipient welfare nationwide. The impact of improving access is also significant, ranging from $333.6 million to $931.2 million.
Getting Institutions “Right” for Whom? Credit Constraints and the Impact of Property Rights on the Quantity and Composition of Investment
Authors: Carter Michael R. , Olinto Pedro
Published: March 2003

Property rights reform is typically hypothesized to boost investment through investment demand and credit supply effects. Yet when the credit supply effect is muted, property rights reform would be expected to induce liquidity‐constrained farms to reduce investment in movable capital even as they increase investment in attached capital. This expectation is corroborated by econometric analysis of panel data from Paraguay. While all farmers experience a positive investment demand effect, liquidity‐constrained producers correspondingly reduce their demand for movable capital. Given an estimated pattern of wealth‐biased liquidity constraints, property rights reform will get institutions “right” for only wealthier producers.
Strategic Behavior and Consolidation in the Agricultural Biotechnology Industry
Authors: Johnson Stanley R. , Melkonyan Tigran A.
Published: March 2003

We develop a model explaining the consolidation patterns in the agricultural biotechnology industry. Among different consolidation and cooperation mechanisms, we consider collaborative and licensing agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and exchanges of ownership and spin‐offs. The key results derive from the benefits of coordinated actions, distinction between transferable and nontransferable payoffs, the substitutability, complementarity, and the importance of the managers' noncontractible investments, and access and expansion of markets. Results from the model are used to examine the cooperation and consolidation activities for four major players in the agricultural biotechnology industry, DuPont, Dow Chemical, Monsanto, and Novartis.
Incentives, Information Systems, and Competition
Authors: Bogetoft Peter , Olesen Henrik Ballebye
Published: March 2003

We investigate how different competitive regimes affect the ability to provide incentives based on noisy information systems. The set‐up involves multiple producers and processors in the presence of moral hazard and adverse selection. Reduced competition may facilitate incentive provision by allowing more high‐powered incentives. This may rationalize both vertical and horizontal integration as seen in many agricultural markets with uncertain quality grading. On the other hand, if trading terms are settled before the information is observed, a noisy information system may suffice to give proper incentives. This may rationalize the use of long‐term conditional price contracts in the trading of many agricultural products.
A Simple Method of Incorporating Income Effects into Logit and Nested‐Logit Models: Theory and Application
Authors: Morey Edward R. , Sharma Vijaya R. , Karlstrom Anders
Published: March 2003

Substantive income effects are incorporated in a logit or nested‐logit model by assuming that utility is a piece‐wise linear spline function of residual income. Specific income data are not required, only income by category. Expected compensating variation is easily and accurately approximated by the difference between expected maximum utility in the proposed and initial state, multiplied by the inverse of the individual's initial marginal utility of money. This approximation is almost exact because although any policy can, in theory, cause an individual to jump income categories, for most policies this probability will be very small.
Integrating Agri‐Environmental Programs into Regional Production Models: An Extension of Positive Mathematical Programming
Authors: Röhm Ottmar , Dabbert Stephan
Published: March 2003

Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP) has become a popular method for regional production models. The standard approach estimates cost (or production) functions for each land‐use activity separately from each other. This means that the same crop grown under two technologies is treated as if it were two separate crops, which may lead to unsatisfying results, for example, if agri‐environmental programs are modeled. We present an extended version of PMP that leads to more plausible results than the standard version in such cases. The extended method is applicable to other problems where differences in the elasticity of substitution between activities are important.
Managing Urban Deer
Authors: Rondeau Daniel , Conrad Jon M.
Published: March 2003

Conflicts are emerging between humans and wildlife populations adaptable to the high density of humans found in urban and suburban areas. In response to these threats, animal control programs are typically designed with the objective of establishing and maintaining a stable population. This article challenges this view by studying the management of urban deer in Irondequoit, NY. Pulsing controls can be more efficient than steady‐state regimes under a wide range of conditions in both deterministic and stochastic environments, but potential gains can be dissipated by management constraints. The effect of citizen opposition to lethal control methods is also investigated.
Specification and Estimation of Production Risk, Risk Preferences and Technical Efficiency
Authors: Kumbhakar Subal C.
Published: March 2003

This article deals with specification and estimation of risk preferences, production risk, and technical inefficiency. It makes contribution in three separate areas of production economics. First, we model producers' attitude toward risk and derive risk preference functions (without assuming any parametric form of the utility function and any distribution of the error term representing production risk) when risk arises from production uncertainty and technical inefficiency. Second, the standard production risk model is extended to accommodate technical inefficiency and producers' attitude toward risk. Finally, the technical efficiency model is generalized to accommodate production risk and producers' attitude toward risk.
Ownership Structure in Agrifood Chains: The Marketing Cooperative
Authors: Hendrikse George , Bijman Jos
Published: March 2003

Globalization, technological developments, and consumer concerns press farmers and food producers to enhance product innovation and to seek more efficient production and distribution structures. These changes in agrifood markets shift the relative importance of the investments by different chain partners. It may therefore be necessary to change the allocation of ownership of essential assets to induce agents to make those investments that generate the chain optimum. This article analyzes the impact of ownership structure on investments in a three‐tier supply chain from an incomplete contracting perspective. Circumstances are determined in which a marketing cooperative is the unique first‐best ownership structure.
Interactivity and Soft Computing in Portfolio Management: Should Farmers Own Food and Agribusiness Stocks?
Authors: Duval Yann , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: March 2003

This article proposes a fully integrated and interactive elicitation‐optimization procedure for portfolio management. A soft computing approach based on fuzzy logic is developed as an alternative to the traditional mean variance model and compromise programming approach. The models are applied to farmers to examine whether they should buy publicly traded food and agribusiness firms stocks rather than invest in a broader market stock portfolio. Results suggest that investments in publicly traded food and agribusiness stocks allow farmers to capture additional benefits beyond those of simply diversifying in the broader market.
Forest Conservation in Costa Rica when Nonuse Benefits are Uncertain but Rising
Authors: Bulte Erwin , van Soest Daan P. , van Kooten G. Cornelis , Schipper Robert A.
Published: March 2003

Stochastic dynamic programming is used to investigate optimal holding of primary tropical forest in humid Costa Rica when future nonuse benefits of forest conservation are uncertain and increasing. The quasi‐option value of maintaining primary forests is included as a component of investment in natural capital. Although the impact of uncertainty on conservation incentives is substantial, our results indicate that a rising trend in future benefits and compensation by the international community for beneficial spillovers are more important factors in determining optimal holdings of forest stocks. Without compensatory payments, however, further deforestation may be warranted.