Access to urban markets for small-scale producers of indigenous cereals: a qualitative study of consumption practices and potential demand among urban consumers in Polokwane

This study of urban residents of Polokwane, the capital of the Limpopo province in South Africa, was designed to describe how, where, when and by whom sorghum and millet are consumed; how the subjects of the study perceived these grains; to what extent the produce of small-scale producers was considered acceptable; and to gauge their potential demand for products derived from indigenous cereals. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews and focus-group sessions. The findings suggest that sorghum, which is easily purchasable in town, is widely consumed, mainly as soft porridge, but also as thick porridge, fermented porridge and sorghum beer. The age of consumers, the closeness of their links with rural areas and their religion influence their consumption of sorghum products. Sorghum is seen as being healthy, nutritious and traditional, but inconvenient to cook and preserve. Millet, which is not readily available in Polokwane, is considered old-fashioned. A ‘need for tradition’, or its opposite, a ‘need for modernity’, among consumers underlies their demand for products derived from indigenous cereals, a demand which is only partially satisfied. Many respondents would be ready to purchase products originating from small-scale farmers; some may believe that the quality of the produce of small farms is better, or may feel solidarity with small farmers and want to support them. This paper presents ideas for further investigation about the possibility of developing specific products and marketing strategies that will allow small-scale farmers to meet an unsatisfied urban demand.     

Situation analysis of an informal settlement in the Vaal Triangle

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has indicated that urban poverty is found primarily in squatter settlements. At present one in seven (13,5 per cent) of all South African households live in informal settlements. The major research question is to what extent the interlocking micro-mechanisms identified by UNICEF as causes of malnutrition influence the nutrition and health of residents in an informal settlement in the Vaal Triangle. This question will be tested empirically against the UNICEF framework of immediate, underlying and basic causes of malnutrition. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 340 randomly selected care-givers. A previously validated quantified food frequency questionnaire was administered by trained enumerators as the test measurement, and 24-hour recall as the reference measurement, for dietary intake and food consumption patterns. The data were statistically analysed for means and standard deviations. The great majority of the respondents (nine out of ten) live in corrugated iron shacks, and overcrowding is common; 32 per cent live in two rooms or fewer, 44 per cent in three to four rooms and 24 per cent in more than four rooms. Thirty-one per cent of the households consisted of six or more members, 19 per cent of five members, 22 per cent of four members and 28 per cent of three or fewer members. The unemployment rate was 94 per cent for respondents and 80 per cent for their partners. Two-thirds of care-givers (69 per cent) have an income below R500 per month. The main health problems that were observed were chronic coughing (44 per cent) and headaches (54 per cent). The causes of these were not established. Diets were poor and consisted overwhelmingly of refined carbohydrates. The top 10 food items consumed were: stiff and soft maize meal porridge, brewed rooibos and leaf tea, coffee, mabela, white bread, crumbly maize porridge, carbonated cold drink and mageu. The daily intakes (mean and standard deviation) of various nutrients were: 4550?±?1993 kJ energy, 20?±?9 g protein, 21?±?21 g fat and 182?±?78 g carbohydrates. The results indicate that this is a poverty-stricken community with chronic household food insecurity and compromised nutrition. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this survey will improve the planning and implementation of sustainable community-based interventions to promote urban household food security and combat nutrition-related diseases.     

Price Transmission and Market Integration in Oyo State,Nigeria

Abstract: The paper tests the market integration of the main staple agricultural commodities in Oyo State. Monthly prices in covering a period of 8 years (1994–2001) were obtained from Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADP) and analysed using the Ravallion Model. The study also calculated the Indices of Market Concentration (IMC) to measure the degree of spatial market integration. The IMCs for cassava, yam, white maize and yellow maize were 0.3074, 0.0814, 0.02712 and 0.1648 respectively. The IMCs imply high short‐run market integration between the reference and rural markets. The market integration indices confirm that price changes in the urban markets (Bodija and Ilora) translated to changes in the price of cassava, yam, maize, yellow maize in rural markets (Akanran, Towobowo, Anko, Irepodun, Oje, Kajola, Akala and Aberu). It is concluded that agricultural commodity arbitrage is working. The degree of market integration can be enhanced by the provision of not only transport infrastructure but by provision of adequate formal marketing information and standardization of weights and measures in the system.     

Food product attributes guiding purchasing choice of maize meal by low-income South African consumers

This study ascertained the food product attributes prioritised by low-income and very low-income consumers when purchasing their staple food, maize meal. Survey results from 502 Gauteng respondents in three informal settlements and one formal settlement revealed the level of importance perceived for 14 predetermined attributes. The informal settlement consumers' ratings for product acceptability and convenience closely matched those of the formal settlement, but the more affluent respondents gave them higher ratings. The ratings for appearance, value for money, product quality, texture, product safety, brand loyalty and nutrient content were significantly similar between the two low and between the two very low income groups, but significantly different between the former two and the latter two, specifically for nutrient content. The informal settlements rated satiety value and affordability as the most important, while the formal settlement reported taste and appearance. These findings represent both a challenge and an opportunity for food product developers.     

FAIR VALUE PRICING OF AGRICULTURAL FUTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA

In the South African agricultural (specifically grain) markets an interesting phenomenon exists: where futures and options on grain products exist (i.e. white maize, yellow maize, soy beans, wheat, and sunflower seeds) price discovery in the spot (also known as “cash”) markets is poor, whereas price discovery in the futures markets is considered respectable. Consequently, whenever a spot deal is undertaken, this price is “derived” from the relevant futures market. This severely anomalous phenomenon will be evident: futures are generally labeled “derivatives” because their prices are “derived” from their spot markets, whereas here we have a situation where spot prices are derived from their futures price (specifically the price of the near – as opposed to far – future). Because of this unusual phenomenon the mathematics involved is not readily available in the literature; this article is an attempt to briefly outline the phenomenon and to present the relevant mathematics.     

An Analysis of Perceptions of Job Insecurity among White and Black Workers in the United States: 1977–2012

While objective measures indicate that the risk of job loss is higher for black workers than for white workers, there is little research on how what workers’ expectations of job loss differ by race. This study looks at how secure black and white workers are feeling about their jobs and how their perceptions of job insecurity have been affected by time trends and regional unemployment rates. I find that perceptions of job security of black male workers, older black workers, and black high school graduates have deteriorated relative to their white counterparts during the period 1977–2012. Among those who attended college, white workers’ perceived job insecurity has increased. Black blue-collar workers’ and construction workers’ perceptions of job insecurity also have increased relative to their white counterparts. Moreover, perceptions of job insecurity among several black groups, such as high school dropouts and old workers, are more sensitive to regional unemployment rates than their white counterparts.     

国外消费者混淆研究综述

混淆的研究源于商标权的保护,目前研究视角转到了消费者身上,成为西方消费者研究领域新的关注点,相关研究在国内还是空白。文章就西方学者对消费者混淆的研究进行了归纳总结：首先根据西方营销学者对于消费者混淆的不同认识,探讨其内涵,总结其分类;然后讨论影响消费者混淆的因素,总结消费者面对混淆时所采取的不同策略;最后,分析消费者混淆研究对于营销学者和管理人员的启示,提出未来优先的研究领域,指出未来的研究方向。     

Agriculture: A perspective on medium‐term prospects

Future developments, both in rehabilitation of commercial agriculture, and commercialization of subsistence agriculture, depend on product markets, both local and foreign. International markets are depressed because of monetary factors, product expansion and agricultural policies of the USA and EC. Sanctions can harm export and local markets. Market expansion also depends on marketing efficiency. Increased incomes normally cause expansion of markets for animal products and feed grains. These products tend to have elastic demands, and exhibit a large degree of substitutability. Human demand for grain products is inelastic. Increased revenues will cause substitution of bread for white maize. Price and income elasticities of demand for vegetables are low. Market segmentation can be important in future. High elasticities of demand for certain fruits, some of which are mainly exported, provide scope for local market expansion. The 1990s may experience higher rainfall than the 1980s. Agricultural supply is inelastic. New developments, for example in present technology in much of the commercial sector, are inappropriate for new development. The same applies to product choice.     

Consumer perspectives on the African sharptooth catfish in rural and urban areas of the Northern Province

This study evaluated consumer behavioural patterns in relation to meat products, with special reference to the African sharptooth catfish, in the Northern Province. Personal interviews were conducted in rural Ga‐Mamphaka and urban Giyani. The major meat type purchased was found to be chicken (71 per cent in the rural and 46 per cent in the urban community). The sharptooth catfish was found to be acceptable to the majority of respondents, both urban (69 per cent) and rural (57 per cent). Most respondents also indicated that they would like to purchase canned catfish. A potential market for catfish would seem to exist at a price competitive with that of chicken.     

利益相关者理论视角下的大型商业零售企业营销创新研究

创新是企业发展的源动力,对于商业零售企业来说,营销模式创新尤为重要。文章借鉴企业利益相关者理论,针对大型商业零售企业的经营特点,通过建立全新的企业与消费者之间的关系,构建“消费者股东”营销模式,从而拉动更多的顾客成为企业的消费者,形成企业营销的“网络效应”。     

Consumerism in the ghetto

Summary The preceding sections have traced the major barriers faced by innercity consumers in achieving their “consumer rights.” Many such barriers such as lower levels of formal education necessary to evaluate complex product offerings-are only quantitatively different from those faced by middle class white consumers. The major thesis, however, has been that a great many barriers are in fact qualitatively different from those of the middle class. In effect, the data permit the conclusion that inner-city consumers live in what might be called a “culture of consumer poverty” which requires different understanding and different solutions than apply to middle class cultures.     

基于文化差异的文化营销对消费者行为的影响研究

文化潜移默化地影响着消费者购买过程中价值观的养成。如何针对文化营销中存在的差异性问题进行跨文化管理,渐臻成为企业国际化经营中亟待解决的突出问题。本文基于Hofstede文化维度视角,阐述各文化维度下不同的消费者行为特征,并运用Probit回归分析模型研究文化营销对消费者行为的影响。分析表明,各文化维度下消费者行为受文化营销不同程度地影响作用。本研究对企业文化营销中营销策略的制定和优化具有一定的管理意涵。     

采用信息感知有用性指标度量网络社区客户抱怨影响力方法研究

客户在网上的抱怨具有多样性、匿名性和复杂性,给消费者科学利用网上抱怨信息进行决策带来困难。本文以网络社区在线抱怨信息为研究对象,运用证据推理方法,通过检测消费者感知在线客户抱怨信息有用性相关指标,构建网上抱怨信息有用性及其影响力关系模型,形成网络社区客户抱怨影响力度量方法,为企业和消费者利用网上抱怨信息进行决策提供支持。     

我国玉米加工业技术效率的实证分析——以4个玉米主产省为例

文章运用数据包络分析法（DEA）对1998—2005年我国4个玉米主产省（吉林、辽宁、山东、河北）玉米加工业的技术效率及其分解进行了实证分析。结果表明,玉米加工业的综合技术效率是由纯技术效率和规模效率共同作用的结果;4个玉米主产省玉米加工业的平均技术效率水平较低,而且各子行业（淀粉及其制品业、饲料加工业、酒精制造业、白酒制造业）的技术效率值差距较大;但从1998—2005年技术效率的变化来看,玉米加工业的技术效率呈上升的趋势。     

Perceived levels of farming skills and problems of small‐scale commercial farmers in Ciskei

The aim of the study was to determine the potential for improved agricultural production among small‐scale commercial farmers at irrigation schemes in Ciskei, not by removing physical constraints but rather by enhancing human resource capabilities. A combination of individual and group interviews was used to examine perceptions of farmers about their farming skills and farming problems. It is apparent from this study that more emphasis needs to be placed on literacy training in the black farming community. Extension officers should also receive substantially more human relations training. There should also be more female extension workers to cater for the needs of female farmers.     

The ecology of a black business district

Conclusion A number of issues have been discussed thus far in this article, involving the initial development, persistence, and the most recent decline of the BBD in Birmingham. A brief summary of the major points emphasized in previous sections is in order. First, the ecological development of the BBD in Birmingham is somewhat similar to the pattern identified for BBDs in other southern cities. The location of black businesses moved from a pattern of dispersion to contiguous concentration in the CBD. The transitional nature of black-white relations in the first two decades subsequent to the ending of the Civil War; the founding and growth of Birmingham during this period; and the economic requirements for a choice location in the CBD for (black and white) consumer accessibility were probably important factors that influenced the pattern of dispersion of black businesses in the CBD prior to around 1895. On the other hand, the commercial and industrial growth of Birmingham, accompanied by an expansion of white businesses in the CBD and the small capital investment and annual sales volume of black businesses rendered them ineffectual in their ability to compete with whites. The restrictions placed on Blacks in terms of the types of businesses they were permitted to operate and where they could be located and the creation of a dual market for the patronage of black consumers (because of the establishment of Jim Crow laws and selective discrimination) were probably the most significant factors that influenced a shift from a pattern of dispersion to one of contiguous concentration during the first decades of the twentieth century.     

Supermarkets in Vietnam: Opportunities and Obstacles

The present paper is the first study to link the perceptions of Vietnamese consumers to the barriers and prospects related to the development of supermarkets in Vietnam by applying quantitative and statistical analysis to Hanoi consumer survey data. It is found that shopping habits related to the purchase of fresh produce in traditional markets, combined with the proximity and low prices these outlets provide, act as a major deterrent to supermarket development. Supermarkets have made considerable advances in the sales of processed food and non-food products. However, without expanding their fresh food category, lowering prices and enhancing their location convenience, supermarkets cannot expand their current position.     

Small-Scale Farmers Expand the Benefits of Improved Maize Germplasm: A Case Study from Chiapas,Mexico

This study documents how farmers modified an improved maize variety—with desirable characteristics for all farmers, but perceived as affordable only to the wealthy—into one appropriate for all, including the poor. Changes in the extent of adoption and associated farmers' perceptions of the improved variety V-524 in a community in Chiapas, Mexico over a nine-year period are examined. During the period this variety became “creolized” through farmers' management, which fostered hybridization between improved and local varieties. These results have implications for understanding how scientific technology is adapted to farmer conditions and for assessing the impacts of plant-breeding programs.     

基于云POS的中小零售企业互联网融合营销探索与实践

基于云POS平台采集的零售市场消费数据对零售户和消费者进行初步画像，确定店铺零售行为、消费者购买力及品牌偏好，在用户画像的基础上与工业企业建立品牌营销策略及数据传输通道。以云POS平台及微信公众平台为媒介实现将目标消费者从线下往线上引流，推动构建工业企业、商业企业和零售户共同服务消费者的营销新模式，以实践助力品牌营销精准化、数字化。     

利用钛白副产绿矾和废酸制备氧化铁黄的研究

以钛白副产绿矾和废硫酸为原料,采用氯酸钠氧化法制备氧化铁黄。该试验以铁胶制备和铁黄转化阶段铁黄的色光、收率作为氯酸钠氧化法合成铁黄的考察目标。通过试验研究得出了最佳制备工艺条件。在最佳工艺条件下制备的产品,通过检测其各项性能可达国家一级品的标准。