DEMAND EQUATIONS FOR SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES
ABSTRACT A set of demand equations for 18 South African agricultural products, representing three demand systems (red meats, fruits and vegetables), were estimated from monthly data for the period December 1982 to February 1988. Data were deflated with a commodity price index and natural logarithmic partial adjustment equations were estimated with two-stage least squares to determine demand parameters for each product. Theoretically expected results were obtained and, owing to variability in seasonal data, results were generally highly significant. Beef is confirmed as the dominant commodity in the red meat market, having cross-price flexibilities with mutton and pork of 0,30 and 0,20, respectively. All goods other than pumpkins are shown to be normal and fruits and vegetables (having many substitutes) are shown to be demand elastic. All products are normal goods, with the exception of pumpkins (income flexibility of −0,74), which are inferior. Apples and pineapples were found to be the dominant fruits an...
RANDOM COEFFICIENTS ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN MEAT CONSUMPTION PREFERENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA
This study is designed to investigate changes in consumer preferences for meat in South Africa using Kalman random coefficients filtering techniques. The results provide substantial empirical evidence in support of notable changes in meat consumption patterns. The changes in meat consumption pattern can be attributed to changes in the prices of products. The empirical results indicate a long run growth prospect for white meat consumption. This study provides vital information for meat market analysis and projection of meat demand in South Africa.
The Determination of Physicochemical Characteristics of Biodiesel and Its Blending Oils
The viscosity,combustion heat,sulfur content,carbon residue,ash,flash point,moisture and cetane value of biodiesel and its blending oils with diesel were determined.The influence of temperature on the viscosity was studied,and the physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel and its blending oils were compared with diesel.The results indicated that biodiesel and its blending oils had some superior performances and good application prospect.