Among the blackberry producer provinces of Ecuador, its production and, marketing is an important... more Among the blackberry producer provinces of Ecuador, its production and, marketing is an important strategy of living for small-scale producers. However, the lack of knowledge about the production-consumption blackberry chain may affect producers' level of competitiveness and, thus, their income. To increase their Autor correspondiente.
We apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve produc... more We apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve production and marketing practices to obtain more favorable prices. Results show that general upgrading actions are associated with improved producer prices, and specific activities, such as seeking information from reputable sources can lead to substantial welfare improvements. The paper goes beyond most value chain studies which treat participation in a 'modern' value chain as a discrete state. Ecuador's blackberry industry is evolving incrementally with no clearly discernible 'modern' market chains. Instead, producers incrementally make improvements in multiple dimensions. Relatively low-cost practices, many of which do not imply substantial risk or investment, are associated with price improvements. Obstacles to participation in incremental value chain upgrading activities are not insurmountable. In particular, scale of production is not a limiting factor: small-scale producers are not precluded from adopting improved practices and they do not suffer in terms of price received.
Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Apr 19, 2022
PurposeThis study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate fro... more PurposeThis study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased export growth, and the fragility of the credence-based export model. Much of the growth in value of yerba mate exports from Paraguay is due to positioning of the good within the universe of products where consumption is driven by perceptions of sustainable production and health benefits to consumers. Credence claims for yerba mate—benefits to indigenous producing communities, environmental sustainability under certain production processes, healthful alternatives to energy drinks—are now widely known, but the growth of this awareness came via a new entrepreneurial strategy of a single firm.Design/methodology/approachPrimary information was collected through interviews of actors in the Paraguayan yerba mate value chain during spring/summer 2020. These included representatives from three exporting companies, processors, public institutions and indigenous producers.FindingsThe Paraguayan yerba mate export boom was stimulated through the careful cultivation of an image of healthful consumption and sustainable production processes. The cost of this cultivation was borne mainly by a single firm. Findings suggest that future marketing efforts will need to reinforce credence claims, highlighting the benefits to indigenous producers.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased growth, and the fragility of the credence-based model.Originality/valueFindings are supported by field interviews with value chain participants and detailed analysis of extant data. The paper is the first to discuss the fragility of relying on credence attributes for long-term demand growth.
The value of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) exports from Paraguay has recently increased dramat... more The value of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) exports from Paraguay has recently increased dramatically. Much of this growth is due to positioning of the good within the universe of products where consumption growth is driven by perceptions of sustainable production and health benefits to consumers--that is, credence attributes creating a new dimension of demand. Credence claims for yerba mate's benefits to indigenous producing communities, environmental sustainability under certain production processes, healthful alternatives to energy drinks, are now widely known, but the growth of this awareness came via a new entrepreneurial strategy of a single firm. This case study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased growth, and the fragility of the credence-based model.
Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Apr 19, 2022
PurposeMotivated by transformations in global food systems and increasing demand for multidimensi... more PurposeMotivated by transformations in global food systems and increasing demand for multidimensional credence attributes, the authors analyze cacao value chains in Ecuador – the main producer of fine and flavor cacao worldwide. The authors identify opportunities and discuss how private and public sector initiatives can help meet emerging challenges.Design/methodology/approachPrimary information was collected through interviews of actors in the Ecuadorian industry during spring/summer 2020, including cacao producer associations, exporter associations, chocolate processing firms, public institutions and local universities. Two focus groups were also conducted with producers from associations in the Ecuadorian Amazon.FindingsFindings suggest new opportunities for cacao producers and chocolate processors have emerged from the global market transformation. To exploit these, firms need to personalize and differentiate their products, for example, by using quality certifications such as organic and fair trade. Market developments, such as European cadmium regulations and the necessity of worldwide traceability systems, are driving exporters to enhance Ecuador’s cacao value chains. The sector still requires coordination to reap the benefits associated with demands for credence attributes.Originality/valueFindings are supported by two case studies. The first focuses on how associativity can help those producing high-quality beans to differentiate themselves in modern agri-food markets. The second describes the success of a local chocolate firm and its links with local farmers.
with a New Tool Available for Computers and Smartphones Jorge A. Delgado, Jeff Alwang, Luis Escud... more with a New Tool Available for Computers and Smartphones Jorge A. Delgado, Jeff Alwang, Luis Escudero, Ana Karina Saavedra, Carlos Monar, Victor Barrera, and Ruben Botello 1USDA-ARS, Soil Plant Nutrient Research Unit, Fort Collins, CO 80526; 2Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; 3INIAP, Guaranda, Ecuador; 4PROINPA, Cochabamba, Bolivia; 5Universidad Estatal de Bolìvar, Guaranda, Ecuador; 6INIAP, Quito, Ecuador
In the Andean Region (AR) of South America, the challenge of increasing agricultural production w... more In the Andean Region (AR) of South America, the challenge of increasing agricultural production while conserving or improving the natural environment has attained a sense of urgency. This chapter examines the challenges faced by small-scale producers in the post-land reform areas of the Andean Region. It focuses on two critical challenges endemic in the region: variable climatic conditions and increasing scarcity of labor. It argues that small-scale farmers need new production options to assist in dealing with these challenges. Conservation agriculture represents a potential option in these areas and two examples are provided where conservation agriculture has shown some promise.
This article comprehensively examines the impact of integrated pest management-farmer field schoo... more This article comprehensively examines the impact of integrated pest management-farmer field school (IPM-FFS) on yield, insecticide expenditures, labor expenditures, herbicide expenditures, fertilizer expenditures, and profit, based on data from onion producers in the Philippines. Propensity score matching (PSM) and regression-based approaches that account for potential bias due to selection problems from observable variables are used to achieve the objective of the study. Sensitivity of our IPM-FFS impact results to potential bias due to "selection on unobservables" was also assessed. We find that farmers who participate in the IPM-FFS training program have statistically lower insecticide expenditures than the non-IPM-FFS farmers. But we do not find any evidence that the IPM-FFS training program significantly affects yield and the other inputs. There is some evidence indicating that IPM-FFS farmers may have statistically higher profit levels than non-IPM-FFS producers, but these results are sensitive to and may still be invalidated by bias due to unobservable variables. Since IPM-FFS seem to only significantly reduce insecticide use, policymakers and extension educators may need to adjust the IPM-FFS curriculum to further emphasize (or include) other agronomic practices that also optimize the use of other inputs like labor, fertilizer, and herbicides. The more efficient use of all inputs would likely reduce total expenditures and eventually translate to higher incomes.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a way of managing agricultural pests using ecological princip... more Integrated pest management (IPM) is a way of managing agricultural pests using ecological principles and with minimum damage to the environment and human health. In developing countries, numerous IPM programs have been developed with the intent of increasing yields, reducing costs, and minimizing adverse impacts of pest management. Despite its promise and many millions of dollars being spent on training and diffusion, IPM has not been widely adopted in developing countries. This paper provides evidence about what is known about global adoption, what factors have been identified as obstacles to more widespread adoption, and ways of overcoming these factors. Behavioral economics provides insights that help explain lagging IPM adoption and promises potential for relatively simple solutions. Means of evaluating and implementing behavioral economics approaches are described and some lessons are gleaned from a single study employing these approaches in Ecuador. Implications for broader diffusion are discussed.
Among the blackberry producer provinces of Ecuador, its production and, marketing is an important... more Among the blackberry producer provinces of Ecuador, its production and, marketing is an important strategy of living for small-scale producers. However, the lack of knowledge about the production-consumption blackberry chain may affect producers' level of competitiveness and, thus, their income. To increase their Autor correspondiente.
We apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve produc... more We apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve production and marketing practices to obtain more favorable prices. Results show that general upgrading actions are associated with improved producer prices, and specific activities, such as seeking information from reputable sources can lead to substantial welfare improvements. The paper goes beyond most value chain studies which treat participation in a 'modern' value chain as a discrete state. Ecuador's blackberry industry is evolving incrementally with no clearly discernible 'modern' market chains. Instead, producers incrementally make improvements in multiple dimensions. Relatively low-cost practices, many of which do not imply substantial risk or investment, are associated with price improvements. Obstacles to participation in incremental value chain upgrading activities are not insurmountable. In particular, scale of production is not a limiting factor: small-scale producers are not precluded from adopting improved practices and they do not suffer in terms of price received.
Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Apr 19, 2022
PurposeThis study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate fro... more PurposeThis study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased export growth, and the fragility of the credence-based export model. Much of the growth in value of yerba mate exports from Paraguay is due to positioning of the good within the universe of products where consumption is driven by perceptions of sustainable production and health benefits to consumers. Credence claims for yerba mate—benefits to indigenous producing communities, environmental sustainability under certain production processes, healthful alternatives to energy drinks—are now widely known, but the growth of this awareness came via a new entrepreneurial strategy of a single firm.Design/methodology/approachPrimary information was collected through interviews of actors in the Paraguayan yerba mate value chain during spring/summer 2020. These included representatives from three exporting companies, processors, public institutions and indigenous producers.FindingsThe Paraguayan yerba mate export boom was stimulated through the careful cultivation of an image of healthful consumption and sustainable production processes. The cost of this cultivation was borne mainly by a single firm. Findings suggest that future marketing efforts will need to reinforce credence claims, highlighting the benefits to indigenous producers.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased growth, and the fragility of the credence-based model.Originality/valueFindings are supported by field interviews with value chain participants and detailed analysis of extant data. The paper is the first to discuss the fragility of relying on credence attributes for long-term demand growth.
The value of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) exports from Paraguay has recently increased dramat... more The value of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) exports from Paraguay has recently increased dramatically. Much of this growth is due to positioning of the good within the universe of products where consumption growth is driven by perceptions of sustainable production and health benefits to consumers--that is, credence attributes creating a new dimension of demand. Credence claims for yerba mate's benefits to indigenous producing communities, environmental sustainability under certain production processes, healthful alternatives to energy drinks, are now widely known, but the growth of this awareness came via a new entrepreneurial strategy of a single firm. This case study explores the determinants of growth of credence-based exports of yerba mate from Paraguay, potential for increased growth, and the fragility of the credence-based model.
Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Apr 19, 2022
PurposeMotivated by transformations in global food systems and increasing demand for multidimensi... more PurposeMotivated by transformations in global food systems and increasing demand for multidimensional credence attributes, the authors analyze cacao value chains in Ecuador – the main producer of fine and flavor cacao worldwide. The authors identify opportunities and discuss how private and public sector initiatives can help meet emerging challenges.Design/methodology/approachPrimary information was collected through interviews of actors in the Ecuadorian industry during spring/summer 2020, including cacao producer associations, exporter associations, chocolate processing firms, public institutions and local universities. Two focus groups were also conducted with producers from associations in the Ecuadorian Amazon.FindingsFindings suggest new opportunities for cacao producers and chocolate processors have emerged from the global market transformation. To exploit these, firms need to personalize and differentiate their products, for example, by using quality certifications such as organic and fair trade. Market developments, such as European cadmium regulations and the necessity of worldwide traceability systems, are driving exporters to enhance Ecuador’s cacao value chains. The sector still requires coordination to reap the benefits associated with demands for credence attributes.Originality/valueFindings are supported by two case studies. The first focuses on how associativity can help those producing high-quality beans to differentiate themselves in modern agri-food markets. The second describes the success of a local chocolate firm and its links with local farmers.
with a New Tool Available for Computers and Smartphones Jorge A. Delgado, Jeff Alwang, Luis Escud... more with a New Tool Available for Computers and Smartphones Jorge A. Delgado, Jeff Alwang, Luis Escudero, Ana Karina Saavedra, Carlos Monar, Victor Barrera, and Ruben Botello 1USDA-ARS, Soil Plant Nutrient Research Unit, Fort Collins, CO 80526; 2Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; 3INIAP, Guaranda, Ecuador; 4PROINPA, Cochabamba, Bolivia; 5Universidad Estatal de Bolìvar, Guaranda, Ecuador; 6INIAP, Quito, Ecuador
In the Andean Region (AR) of South America, the challenge of increasing agricultural production w... more In the Andean Region (AR) of South America, the challenge of increasing agricultural production while conserving or improving the natural environment has attained a sense of urgency. This chapter examines the challenges faced by small-scale producers in the post-land reform areas of the Andean Region. It focuses on two critical challenges endemic in the region: variable climatic conditions and increasing scarcity of labor. It argues that small-scale farmers need new production options to assist in dealing with these challenges. Conservation agriculture represents a potential option in these areas and two examples are provided where conservation agriculture has shown some promise.
This article comprehensively examines the impact of integrated pest management-farmer field schoo... more This article comprehensively examines the impact of integrated pest management-farmer field school (IPM-FFS) on yield, insecticide expenditures, labor expenditures, herbicide expenditures, fertilizer expenditures, and profit, based on data from onion producers in the Philippines. Propensity score matching (PSM) and regression-based approaches that account for potential bias due to selection problems from observable variables are used to achieve the objective of the study. Sensitivity of our IPM-FFS impact results to potential bias due to "selection on unobservables" was also assessed. We find that farmers who participate in the IPM-FFS training program have statistically lower insecticide expenditures than the non-IPM-FFS farmers. But we do not find any evidence that the IPM-FFS training program significantly affects yield and the other inputs. There is some evidence indicating that IPM-FFS farmers may have statistically higher profit levels than non-IPM-FFS producers, but these results are sensitive to and may still be invalidated by bias due to unobservable variables. Since IPM-FFS seem to only significantly reduce insecticide use, policymakers and extension educators may need to adjust the IPM-FFS curriculum to further emphasize (or include) other agronomic practices that also optimize the use of other inputs like labor, fertilizer, and herbicides. The more efficient use of all inputs would likely reduce total expenditures and eventually translate to higher incomes.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a way of managing agricultural pests using ecological princip... more Integrated pest management (IPM) is a way of managing agricultural pests using ecological principles and with minimum damage to the environment and human health. In developing countries, numerous IPM programs have been developed with the intent of increasing yields, reducing costs, and minimizing adverse impacts of pest management. Despite its promise and many millions of dollars being spent on training and diffusion, IPM has not been widely adopted in developing countries. This paper provides evidence about what is known about global adoption, what factors have been identified as obstacles to more widespread adoption, and ways of overcoming these factors. Behavioral economics provides insights that help explain lagging IPM adoption and promises potential for relatively simple solutions. Means of evaluating and implementing behavioral economics approaches are described and some lessons are gleaned from a single study employing these approaches in Ecuador. Implications for broader diffusion are discussed.
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Papers by Jeffrey Alwang