Anjoro: International Journal of Agriculture and Business

Effect of post-harvest losses on profitability of rice (Oryza sativa) processors in Benue State, Nigeria

Hilary Liambee Dzahan — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:43:22 +0800

This study assessed the impact of post-harvest losses on the profitability of rice processors in Benue State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of rice processors, estimate the extent of post-harvest losses, and analyze their influence on profitability. A total of 150 rice processors were selected using a combination of purposive, multi-stage, and simple random sampling techniques, with Taro Yamane’s formula guiding the determination of the sample size. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. Results showed that the average age of the processors was 41 years, with 47.33% being married and 74.67% having a formal education. Most processors (44.67%) handled between 7 and 10 bags of 100 kg weekly, and 36.67% had 10–15 years of processing experience. Inadequate drying facilities accounted for the highest post-harvest losses (61.56 kg or 25.60%), while pest and rodent damage contributed the least (30.14 kg or 12.53%). Gross margin analysis revealed an average gross income of ₦90,000 per 100 kg bag and a net farm income of ₦10,467. Regression analysis (adjusted R² = 0.59) identified key determinants of losses and profitability, with milling technology, labor, drying, and transportation showing significant adverse effects on losses. The scale of operation and rice prices significantly enhanced profitability. The study recommends investments in modern processing technologies, improved infrastructure, and training to reduce losses and boost profitability.

Consumer preferences for rice attributes in Makassar City (case study of Daya Traditional Market, Terong Traditional Market, and Pabaeng-baeng Traditional Market)

Farizah Dhaifina Amran — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:13:38 +0800

The objectives of this study are: 1) Identifying consumer characteristics who purchase rice in Makassar City. 2) Determine the rice quality preferred by consumers. 3) Analyzing the rice attributes that consumers prefer. 4) Assess which attributes are prioritized during rice purchasing decisions. This research was conducted in Makassar City at three different traditional markets: Daya Traditional Market, Terong Traditional Market, and Pabaeng-baeng Traditional Market, with a total of 100 respondents. The data analysis method used is descriptive analysis and conjoint analysis. The results of the study are: 1) The characteristics of respondents are dominated by female respondents with the average age of 42 years, entrepreneur, high school education level, average income of IDR 4,407,470/month, number of family members of 3 people, purchase frequency of 2 times per month, and rice consumption of 16 kg per month. 2) The types of rice quality chosen by respondents are physical characteristics such as size, grain shape, color, and aroma. 3) The rice attributes that consumers prefer are premium rice quality, soft rice, clean, medium shape, pandan-scented rice, shelf life <1 month, price between IDR 12,000–13,000 per kg and rice with a degree of milky whiteness. 4) The rice attribute that consumers consider most in purchasing rice is the quality, with a test value of 22.161. These findings have implications for producers and marketers to enhance the sensory and functional quality of rice, aligning it with consumer expectations. Future research should investigate consumer behavior over time and across different market segments.

Bold factors influencing Indonesian processed cocoa export to major importing countries; Do export promotion agencies matter?

Ratna Mega Sari, Tanti Novianti, John Atsu Agbolosoo — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:00:32 +0800

The role of ITPC (Indonesia Trade Promotion Center) as an export promotion agency has begun to be questioned due to the fluctuation in Indonesia's non-oil and gas export value. Some of the ITPCs are in major importing countries of Indonesian cocoa. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing Indonesian processed cocoa exports (HS1803/cocoa paste) to major importing countries, with a focus on the effect of ITPC, Indonesia's export promotion agency, in foreign countries. The types of data used are secondary data from 2005 to 2022, which involve the top seven importing countries: Malaysia, China, India, the United States, Brazil, Germany, and the Philippines. The data were analyzed using the gravity model. The data were obtained from various sources, including Statistics Indonesia, the World Bank, WITS, the Ministry of Industry, and other relevant institutions. Data processing was conducted by using panel data regression with EViews 10. Real exchange rate and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) had a positive and significant impact on Indonesia's processed cocoa exports The ITPC dummy variable in the estimation of the model has a coefficient of 1.047, which means that if there is an ITPC in the destination importing country, the export value of Indonesian cocoa will be higher by as much as 104.7 percent compared to the importing destination country without ITPC Generally, the result of this research can be a recommendation to continue the existence of ITPC. The presence of ITPC will establish market intelligence and facilitate the export of processed cocoa to importing countries.

The phenomenon of actions and social dynamics of women farm workers in the shallot agricultural system in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi

Kasdir Maulana, Andi Nuddin, Irmayani Irmayani — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The decrease in the number of male workers in the rural shallot agricultural sector, including in Enrekang Regency, has encouraged the increasing role of women as farm laborers. However, their involvement is often faced with a double problem, namely, low levels of education, unequal access to resources, and the burden of domestic roles that go hand in hand with productive responsibilities. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic dynamics of women farm workers, especially related to work motivation, wage system, dual role adaptation strategies, and social relationships with landowners in the shallot farming system. The research method uses a qualitative approach with a case study design in Banti Village, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling techniques, consisting of 15 female farm workers (aged 40–60 years) and five productive landowners. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation over two harvest cycles, and document studies, then analyzed using the Miles-Huberman interactive model with source triangulation techniques. The results show that the primary motivation of female farm workers is to meet the economic needs of their families, even though they have a low educational background. The mutually agreed daily wage system is considered fair and capable of creating social stability. In addition, trust-based recruitment patterns, harmonious relationships with landowners, and the provision of non-material benefits strengthen social capital in agricultural communities. Time management strategies and family support, especially from husbands, allow women to remain productive despite taking on dual roles. These findings underscore the importance of gender-responsive and local wisdom-based policies to improve the welfare of women farm workers and the sustainability of small-scale farming systems in rural areas.