bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractRepeated 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractFor 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

AbstractMarkets 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractManagerial 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

AbstractFood 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

AbstractProperty 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractSubstantive 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

AbstractPositive 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

AbstractConflicts 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

AbstractThis 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.