Publications > Socio-economics

Technical Bulletin No. 39: Essentials of modern marketing management and supply chain systems for vegetable seed companies.
Pichop, G.N. and H. S. Mndiga. 2007.

A guide for small- and medium-sized seed companies to improve business operations and ensure quality seed reaches farmers at the right time. 68 pp. 1.1 MB Download  

Final Summary Report of SUSPER -
Sustainable Peri-Urban Agriculture in Southeast Asia
Paule Moustier (ed.). 2007

This report is a summary of the findings done on market development in the Greater Mekong Region composed of Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Cambodia. 143 pp. 363 KB Download  

Socio-economic parameters of pesticide use and assessment of impact of an IPM strategy for the control of eggplant fruit and shoot borer in West Bengal, India
K. Baral, B.C. Roy, K.M.B. Rahim, H. Chatterjee, P. Mondal, D. Mondal, D. Ghosh, and N.S. Talekar. 2006.

This bulletin documents the various pest problems of eggplant, farmer's pest management practices, patterns of input use, and economic returns in West Bengal State in order to develop a baseline understanding of socio-economic parameters that influence farmers' pest management practices in eggplant. 36 pp. 363 KB Download  

Chili (Capsicum spp.) food chain analysis: Setting research priorities in Asia
M. Ali. 2006.

This technical bulletin analyzes the chili industry at various food chain levels in four selected major chili producing countries of Asia: China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. 253 pp. 3560 KB Download

Postharvest loss in the supply chain for vegetables: The case of chili and tomato in Viet Nam
C. Genova II, K. Weinberger, H. An, D. Dam, N. Loc, L. Thinh, N. Thuy. 2006.

This working paper presents the findings of the study to assess the supply chain for selected vegetables in Viet Nam, and the role different actors play in value addition across the chain, as well as bottlenecks of the chain, in particular postharvest loss. 43 pp. 562 KB Download   

Postharvest loss in the supply chain for vegetables: The case of tomato, yardlong bean, cucumber, and chili in Lao PDR
C. Genova II, K. Weinberger, T. Chanthasombath, B. Inthalungdsee, K. Sanatem, and K. Somsak. 2006.

This working paper presents the findings of the study to assess the supply chain for selected vegetables in Lao PDR, and the role different actors play in value addition across the chain, as well as bottlenecks of the chain, in particular postharvest loss. 49 pp. 816 KB Download   

Postharvest loss in the supply chain for vegetables: The case of tomato, yardlong bean, cucumber, and Chinese kale in Cambodia
C. Genova II, K. Weinberger, S. Sokhom, M. Vanndy, and E.C. Yarith. 2006.

This working paper presents the findings of the study to assess the supply chain for selected vegetables in Cambodia, and the role different actors play in value addition across the chain, as well as bottlenecks of the chain, in particular postharvest loss. 47 pp. 792 KB Download   

An analysis of food demand patterns in Hanoi -- Predicting the structural and qualitative changes
M. Ali, T.Q. Nguyen, and V.N. Ngo. 2006.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the qualitative and quantitative changes in consumption patterns of the city dwellers in Hanoi, Vietnam. It not only analyzes the changes in dietary patterns that are expected to occur with urbanization and enhanced income, it pays special attention to the differences in food in terms of nutritional composition, diversity, prices, processing stage, and extent varieties are eaten across various population groups. The analysis of Hanoi will serve as model in innovative policy planning for meeting the food requirements of other growing cities. 61 pp. 822 KB Download   

Vegetable production in Bangladesh -- Commercialization and rural livelihoods
K. Weinberger and C.A. Genova III. 2005.

AVRDC conducted a project in Bangladesh from 1991-2000 to overcome constraints in vegetable production. Numerous varieties and other technologies were introduced. An earlier assessment measured the impact of increased vegetable production at the farm level. This study analyzed the effect beyond the direct farm level. Included are analyses of the impact of vegetable commercialization on marketing channels, supporting input industries, and off-farm employment. Special attention is directed toward effects related to poverty reduction. 51 pp. 1160 KB Download   

Horticulture for poverty alleviation -- The unfunded revolution
K. Weinberger and T.A. Lumpkin. 2005.

This paper highlights the growing importance of fruit and vegetable production and how these crops can contribute to poverty alleviation and economic development. The authors call for increased funding for horticulture R&D and describe a series of R&D activities that will help resource-poor farmers to take advantage of expanding opportunities in horticulture production and marketing. 20 pp. 684 KB Download   

Urban and peri-urban agriculture in Hanoi: Opportunities and constraints for safe and sustainable food production
M.T.P. Anh, M. Ali, H.L. Anh, and T.T.T. Ha. 2004.

A complete summary of the demography, climate, institutions, and physical resources available to produce and market food in Hanoi, Vietnam. This publication includes an evaluation of the impacts of urban and peri-urban agriculture on food supply, income generation, job creation and environmental pollution. 66 pp. 1470 KB Download  

Indigenous vegetables in Tanzania: Prospects and significance
K. Weinberger and J. Msuya. 2004.

This bulletin provides recommendations for enhancing the role of indigenous vegetables for improved nutrition, healthy diet, and diversified income generation in home garden production and commercial farming systems in Tanzania. Analyses of market demand and human nutritional status are included. 32 pp. 1251 KB Download  

Enhanced bioavailability of iron from mungbeans and its effects on health of schoolchildren
P. Vijayalakshmi, S. Amirthaveni, R.P. Devadas, K. Weinberger, S.C.S. Tsou, and S. Shanmugasundaram. 2003.

This bulletin presents the findings of a feeding trial based on mungbean supplementation that was conducted among schoolchildren in southern India. Information is provided on mungbean consumption and production patterns in India, cooking effects on iron bioavailibility, and policy implications of the study. 32 pp. 249 KB Download 

Socio-economic parameters of eggplant pest control in Jessore District of Bangladesh
M.A. Rashid, S.N. Alam, F.M.A. Rouf, and N.S. Talekar. 2003.

An analysis of the use of pesticides in eggplant cultivation. Socio-economic characteristics of farmers, health hazards of spraying pesticides, and farmers' awareness of pesticide issues were evaluated. An IPM strategy was developed to control eggplant fruit and shoot borer, the most severe pest in the region. An economic assessment of the strategy is provided. 37 pp. 403 KB Download

The impact of mungbean research in China
H. Zhang, N. Li, X. Cheng, and K. Weinberger. 2003.

This report examines the impact of this important legume crop on Mainland China, offering a detailed description of varietal improvement, agricultural policies related to its production, trends in nutrition and production, and economic analysis. 26 pp. 222 KB Download

The vegetable sector in Indochina countries: Farm and household perspectives on poverty alleviation
M. Ali (ed.). 2002.

A comprehensive analysis of the vegetable sector in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Information is provided on growers and their production practices, constraints to production, marketing patterns, the importance of vegetables in human nutrition, and the role of vegetables in the economic development of the region. 197 pp. 2242 KB Download