An Economic Study of Small Pigholders in Vietnam: Some Insights Gained and the Scope for Further Research
Some relevant background to this research project is provided by outlining selected features of Vietnam’s pig industry. Then the main findings (in the view of the author) from this ACIAR-funded research are presented. These results include (1) natural protection given to Vietnam’s pig producers from imports as a result of the nature of the preferences of Vietnamese consumers: (2) the importance of household labour, especially that provided by females, in the husbandry of pigs held by households; (3) the existence, or otherwise, of scale economies as a function of the number of pigs held by households, (4) the import dependence for pig food of Vietnam’s pig industry and the way in which it varies with the number of pigs kept by households; (5) specialization in pig production, (6) regional differences in the economics of pig production; (7) economic discrimination in the supply of inputs to household producers of pigs and in their sale of pigs; (8) the size of pig-holdings and the use of professional services, such as veterinary services and extension services; and (9) findings about miscellaneous matters, such as the genetic composition of the pig stock. Scope for future research in relation to these aspects is also highlighted, and the need is raised for considering the economics of increasing quality standards and certifying the quality of pork. The economics of increasing the scale of pig producing units is given particular attention.
Smallholder competitiveness: insights from household pig production systems in Vietnam
We examine smallholder competitiveness in pig production using data from a survey of 1,051 households across six provinces representing six agro-ecological zones and two urban centers in Vietnam. Results from various analyses employing descriptive statistical analysis, econometric modelling, and partial equilibrium modelling of the pig sector in Vietnam support the hypothesis that smallholder, household pig production are competitive and will remain significant suppliers of the fresh pork market. This competitiveness is underpinned by the strong demand for fresh, unchilled pork, thereby ensuring sustained opportunities for smallholders to supply this demand while also providing natural protection from imported chilled or frozen pork. Long-term prospects for smallholder contribution to total pork supply are good. Even in the worst case scenario of stagnant technological advances in the traditional, smallholder sector, they are projected to remain dominant players in the pork market. Currently, the modern, large scale pig sector is small at 5% of total market share; this is projected to expand to 12% in the next 10 years. The empirical evidence also suggests that overall efficiency gains to the pig sector are not likely to be generated from increasing herd sizes due to the observed lack of economies of scale in household pig production. In the current situation, ways should be explored to reduce the cost of production. Attention should be given, for example, to increasing the supply and reducing the cost of domestically produced feeds for pigs and utilizing available supplies more efficiently. Technological improvement in feeds and in pig production thus plays an important role in the development of the sector. Policies that will enhance productivity across all producer types will be preferable, rather than a targeted policy directive focusing on developing large, industrial farms. Limitations in land and household labor may also limit potential for expanding scale, thereby further supporting the case for sustaining smallholder competitiveness.
An assessment of the Impact of Devolution on Women Empowerment in Nakuru County
-Women have been grossly marginalized in organs of decision-making and governance structures. The Constitution of Kenya has sought to bridge this gap by providing both women and men the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. However, gender equality has not been achieved and women are still lagging in terms of decision making processes. The main objective of the study was to detemine the impact of devolution on women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study found that substantive women representation, development of programs and accessibility of services had a positive effect on the women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study also found out that increased accessibility of Services by women influenced women empowerment, this study also concludes that the introduction of development programs had the greatest impact on women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study recommends that more programs targeting women should be introduced as these have the greatest impact on women empowerment. The findings may be used to make conclusions and recommendations.