Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development Feed

Determinants of Non-Farm Livelihood Diversification Among Farm Households in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Non-farm income diversification is one of the key characteristics of rural farmers, and it is becoming increasingly significant in many developing countries. Yet rural development policies in Nigeria focus primarily on the agricultural sector, largely overlooking the promising opportunities presented by the non-farm sector. One probable reason for the policy neglect is the lack of empirical evidence to inform policy decisions and potentially promote livelihood diversification instead of sole agricultural dependence in rural Nigeria. This study was conducted to analyse the determinants of farmers’ engagement in the rural non-farm economy in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were gathered through a survey using the multistage sampling method to obtain a final sample of 362 households. The first stage consisted of the purposive selection of Mubi South, Mubi North, Maiha, Madagali, and Michika LGAs (Local Government Areas) in Adamawa State. Four communities were then randomly selection from each of the aforementioned LGAs. Finally, cluster sampling was employed to choose 20 farming households from each of the 20 communities selected in stage two. Binary Probit regression and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The study found that 46.2% of the respondents participated in some form of non-farm activity. Key factors influencing farm households’ engagement in non-farm activities in the study area were household size, land ownership, gender of the household head, membership in FBO, livestock ownership, safety net aid, farm size, and age squared.

An Empirical Analysis of the Commercial Viability of Greenhouse Vegetable Farming in Ghana

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Greenhouse vegetable farming in Ghana is gaining policy traction as a route to import substitution, food safety, and youth employment. Yet comprehensive investment appraisals grounded in field data are absent from the peer-reviewed literature. This study therefore seeks to fill this gap by constructing and appraising a field-parameterised financial model of a commercial 20-greenhouse vegetable enterprise situated in the Akomadan–Afrancho corridor of the Ashanti Region. The study used primary data collected through structured surveys of 120 smallholder vegetable farmers, ten key informant interviews, and direct field observation to ensure empirical grounding. Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), payback period, break-even analysis, and sensitivity analysis were utilised to assess the financial viability and risks of the enterprise. The results show strong financial viability with an NPV of GH¢838,548, an IRR of 33%, a BCR of 1.21, and a payback period of 2.4 years. The sensitivity analysis, however, revealed that a 10% reduction in price renders the NPV negative, exposing the venture's dependence on premium market access. The multidimensional financial/investment analysis approach integrated with sensitivity analysis provides a holistic framework for decision-making by all stakeholders, including agribusiness operators, banks, and development finance institutions. The study's focus on the Akomadan–Afrancho corridor in the Ashanti Region may limit its generalisability. Policies should focus on price stability and extended loan moratoriums to reduce investment risk for agribusiness operators and development finance institutions.

Risk Management and Financial Literacy Practices of Rural Kentucky Farmers

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study sampled 112 farmers from Kentucky and measured their financial literacy levels, risk management practices, demographics, and operational information. The agricultural landscape in the United States has shifted from small, family farms to larger farms, making it difficult for small farmers to compete. Previous studies have identified financial literacy and risk management practices as potential competitive advantages for small family farmers. Predictive relationships between financial literacy levels, small farmer demographics (age, gender, income, education, years of experience, credit score, land ownership, acres farmed, and farm type), and risk management levels were examined using linear regression. The study found that as a farmer's acreage increased, so did their use of risk management tools. Additionally, farmers who raised only livestock adopted fewer risk management tools than those who raised livestock alongside crops. Farmers without a college education were less likely to use risk management practices than those with graduate degrees. No predictive relationship was found between farmers' financial literacy levels and other variables. Findings indicate that additional research is needed on competitive indicators for small, rural farmers in Kentucky and across the greater United States.

Evaluating the Impact of Institutional Credit on Sustainable Income and Livelihoods in the Dairy Farming Sector: Evidence from Tamil Nadu, India

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Institutional credit plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods by enabling investment in productive assets and technologies. This study evaluates the impact of access to institutional credit on income, employment generation and farm mechanization among dairy farmers in Tamil Nadu. Primary data collected from dairy households were analysed using an Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model to account for selection bias arising from farmers’ credit access decisions. The results reveal that dairy households with access to institutional credit earn significantly higher farm income and generate greater annual surplus than comparable households without credit access. Institutional credit also facilitates technology adoption, and mechanization in dairy farming. The findings underscore the pivotal role of institutional credit in promoting sustainable income and strengthening livelihood security among dairy households. The study highlights the need to expand timely and affordable access to institutional credit as a key policy instrument for enhancing the resilience and long-term sustainability of the dairy sector.

Meat Demand and Income Distribution in Urban Africa: Evidence from Côte D'ivoire Using a Quaids Approach

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Growing urbanization and disparities in household income in Abidjan have driven heterogeneous demand for animal-sourced foods in recent years. However, little is known about how consumption responses differ by income groups. Disregarding this heterogeneity can lead to inaccurate demand projections and poorly targeted food policies. This study estimates demand elasticities for animal-sourced food consumption across three income strata using household survey data and a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS). The results reveal marked differences in consumption behaviour. Expenditure elasticities indicate that beef demand is more responsive among low-income households (1.13) than in the higher-income group (1.06), whereas fish becomes more responsive as income rises (0.85 to 1.05). Chicken demand remains relatively stable across income strata (about 0.95). Price elasticities indicate that lower-income households are more sensitive to beef and chicken price increases than high-income ones (beef: −0.53 vs. −0.48; chicken: 0.45 vs. −0.33), indicating their vulnerability to food price shocks. In contrast, fish show a positive own-price elasticity across all strata, which suggests substitution within the fish category toward lower-cost varieties rather than a reduction in overall consumption. Cross-price effects are generally negative, indicating limited substitution between meat types, although fish consumption increases (0.09) among low-income households when beef prices rise. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating income heterogeneity into food demand models to improve policy design and ensure equitable access to protein-rich foods.

Rising Temperatures and Maize Sector Performance in Zimbabwe: Evidence from 1961–2022

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Agriculture remains a key sector in Zimbabwe's economy, with maize serving as the country's major staple crop and a critical source of food security; however, increasing temperatures and climate variability significantly worsen the conditions for its cultivation. The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between rising temperatures and maize-sector performance in Zimbabwe, using regression models and FAOSTAT data for the period 1961–2022. The findings reveal statistically significant negative associations between temperature anomalies and maize production and yields. Higher temperature anomalies were also positively associated with maize imports, suggesting greater dependence on external food supplies during periods characterised by higher temperatures and weaker domestic maize performance. First-difference models further identified significant negative associations between annual temperature changes and annual changes in maize production and yield. These results indicate that Zimbabwe's maize sector is highly vulnerable to climatic variability, although the estimated relationships should not be interpreted as temperature-specific causal effects. The study recommends strengthening climate-smart agriculture, developing irrigation, adopting drought-resistant seeds, and implementing broader climate adaptation strategies to improve resilience in Zimbabwe's maize sector.

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Mechanization Adoption among Wheat Farmers in Pakistan

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Entrepreneurial innovation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of agribusiness performance and food system transformation in developing economies. This study examines how different dimensions of innovation influence perceived wheat product quality and mechanization adoption and explores their broader implications for agribusiness development and food-system policy. Focusing on wheat farmers in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the research provides empirical insights into the role of innovation in shaping agricultural productivity and competitiveness. A cross-sectional dataset of 381 farmers was analyzed using a mixed-method framework combining cluster analysis, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), bootstrapping, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)-based machine learning. The analysis evaluates the effects of technological, administrative, and product innovation, along with farmer characteristics, farming systems, and institutional support, on agribusiness performance. The results reveal significant heterogeneity among farmers, grouped into three clusters reflecting differences in resources, education, and production systems. Product innovation emerges as the strongest determinant of perceived wheat product quality (β = 0.946, p < 0.001). Technological (β = 0.306, p < 0.01) and administrative innovation (β = 0.347, p < 0.001) influence performance indirectly through product innovation. Farming systems (β = 0.504) and institutional support (β = 0.426) significantly drive mechanization adoption. The model demonstrates high explanatory power (R2 = 0.965). SHAP analysis further highlights farm size, farming systems, education, and experience as important contributors to the modeled outcomes. These findings underscore the role of entrepreneurial innovation in improving perceived product quality and supporting broader agribusiness development.

Harvested Area, Climate Variability, and Cereal Production Dynamics in Algeria: Var Evidence, 1990–2024

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Algeria’s cereal sector is strongly exposed to rainfed conditions, while harvested area represents an important production margin linking land use to realised output. Using annual data for 1990–2024, this study examines dynamic relationships among cereal production, harvested area, precipitation, and surface-air temperature. A parsimonious four-variable VAR(1) is estimated with low- and high-precipitation anomaly indicators as deterministic controls. Impulse-response uncertainty is assessed using 95% percentile-bootstrap confidence intervals based on 2,000 repetitions, while Zivot–Andrews and Quandt–Andrews procedures examine stationarity allowing for one endogenous structural break and parameter stability, respectively. The benchmark joint block-exogeneity test is significant (p = 0.0345), but not in the trend-augmented specification (p = 0.6883), which is treated as more conservative, given the trend-dependent conventional stationarity evidence for LTEMP. At horizon 10, production’s own innovations account for 78.47% of forecast-error variance, while harvested area has the largest non-own point estimate (12.85%); this share remains identification-dependent and non-causal. Parameter instability is detected only in the harvested-area equation. Production persistence is the most stable dynamic pattern, while evidence on harvested area and climate variables remains model-conditional and specification-sensitive. For policy, the findings motivate attention to harvested-area continuity and seasonal climate monitoring without establishing the effects of specific interventions.

From Perception to Decision: Analysing Constraints and Determinants of Voluntary Agricultural Insurance Uptake among Nigerian Rice Farmers

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the determinants and perceived constraints of voluntary agricultural insurance uptake among rice farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, by integrating binary logistic regression and Garrett’s ranking technique. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 340 rice farmers from a sampling frame of 2,267 registered members of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), comprising both Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing voluntary agricultural insurance uptake, while Garrett’s ranking technique was employed to assess the severity of farmers’ perceived constraints. The logistic regression results show that years of education negatively and significantly influenced voluntary insurance uptake, whereas membership in farmer associations had a positive and significant effect on participation. Other explanatory variables were not statistically significant. The likelihood ratio test showed that the model was statistically significant (χ2 = 33.68, p < 0.01), indicating that the explanatory variables jointly influence participation decisions. Garrett’s ranking technique identified inflexible premium payment structures, lack of trust in insurance providers, low farm income, limited insurance coverage, and high premium costs as the most severe constraints to participation. These findings indicate that perceived constraints and statistically significant determinants provide complementary insights into farmers’ insurance adoption behaviour. The study recommends introducing flexible premium payment options, improving transparency in insurance administration and claims settlement, expanding insurance coverage, and strengthening farmer-based organizations to enhance voluntary agricultural insurance uptake among rice farmers in Nigeria.

Food Security in Sustainable Development of Indonesia

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Food security is a key component of sustainable development, especially in developing countries, where agricultural change, inequality, nutrition shifts, and climate risks interact. This study analyzes food security in Indonesia using four pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. A descriptive analytical method is applied using secondary data from FAOSTAT, FAO food security indicators, Statistics Indonesia, and international reports, covering trends from 2010–2024 with a focus on the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals period. The results show that Indonesia has achieved sufficient food availability, as dietary energy supply consistently exceeds minimum caloric needs. However, this does not ensure overall food security. Food access remains uneven due to income inequality, informal labor, regional disparities, and varying purchasing power. In terms of utilization, improvements are visible in sanitation and reduced stunted growth among children, but persistent anemia and the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight reflect ongoing nutritional challenges. Stability is still vulnerable due to import dependence on key staples, limited irrigation expansion, climate variability, and exposure to global price shocks. Overall, while agriculture remains central to livelihoods and food supply, it faces structural constraints such as low productivity and environmental pressure, with diets shifting toward more diverse but energy-dense consumption. Progress toward SDG 2 is therefore uneven: strong in availability but weaker in equity, nutrition quality, and resilience. Strengthening food security requires integrated policies across social protection, agricultural productivity, climate adaptation, and dietary improvement.

Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of Hayfield Productivity and Forage Quality in Mongolia’s Steppe Ecosystems

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Sustainable hayfield management is critical for pastoral livelihoods and rural development in Mongolia’s semi-arid steppe ecosystems. This study integrates field measurements (n = 20) from Bornuur sub-province using Sentinel-2A and ALOS PALSAR remote sensing data to assess relationships among forage yield, nutritive quality, terrain, and vegetation indices. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) shows the strongest correlation with yield (r = 0.89, R2 = 0.78), followed by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) (r = 0.73, R2 = 0.58), while the NDWI shows a weak negative correlation (r = −0.35, p = 0.131), suggesting a possible but inconclusive link to water scarcity. Terrain effects are weaker than vegetation indices, with slope showing a moderate negative influence (r = −0.52) and elevation a negligible effect (r = −0.05). To address the risk of overfitting given the limited sample size, we compared a full multivariate model with LASSO regression using 5-fold cross-validation and SHAP analysis. The full model achieves R2 = 0.879, RMSE = 0.853, and MAE = 0.653, while LASSO yields comparable performance (R2 = 0.869). The NDVI is confirmed as the dominant predictor (estimate = 18.83, p = 0.022), with SHAP analysis showing its primary contribution (mean SHAP = 1.567), far exceeding EVI (0.698) and slope (0.680). These findings demonstrate that satellite-derived vegetation indices, particularly the NDVI, provide a cost-effective tool for forage estimation, enabling evidence-based grazing management, drought risk assessment, and targeted rural development policies in data-sparse regions such as Mongolia.

Local Identity as a Factor in the Development of Tourism. Biskupizna as a Case Study

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

One of the challenges in Poland’s development strategy is increasing tourism’s share of GDP. The expected direction of this development is sustainable tourism, with rural areas in particular possessing dormant potential for tourism development. The aim of the research was to identify the importance of local identity in the process of socio-economic development of the municipality, as well as the possibility of its use in the field of tourism. The study used the example of Krobia municipality, located in Biskupizna, Poland’s smallest ethnographic region, which lies in Wielkopolska province in the west part of the country. The goal was achieved using the case study method. As part of qualitative research, interviews were conducted with local leaders, and observations were gathered during a local event. The article addresses a research gap regarding the relationship between local identity and its use in the development of tourism. According to the results of the research, the local identity of residents is a key factor shaping local development. Local traditions and culture are present in inhabitants’ everyday lives; however, despite their attractiveness, they are a dormant resource for tourism. The recommendation for the area is to build a development model based on existing resources while preserving the authenticity of culture and traditions.

The Role of Digitalization in Sustainable Agriculture

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Agriculture, the foundation of human life, provides essential food, nutrition, and raw materials such as fibers. However, it also faces numerous risks and challenges. These include climate change, water scarcity, limited arable land, biodiversity loss, and low productivity. Additional pressures arise from population aging, market volatility, shifting consumer preferences, population growth, and increasing demand for environmental sustainability. Industry 4.0 is increasingly influencing agriculture, with data-driven technologies, such as IT, IoT, GPS, GIS, drones, robotics, and AI, which enhance efficiency and reducing costs and environmental impacts. To better understand how digitalization influences agriculture, this secondary research was conducted through a content analysis and literature review. This study proposes an integrated framework for understanding how digital agriculture acts as a cross-dimensional driver of transformation, linking sustainability, climate adaptation, production systems, and economic performance. By revealing the interconnections among these domains, it offers a more holistic logic of digitalization in agriculture beyond existing fragmented approaches. This integrative perspective enhances existing knowledge by demonstrating how digitalization simultaneously influences multiple dimensions of the agrifood system. Accordingly, future research should focus on improving farmers’ digital literacy, reinforcing policy support, and advancing education and training systems to enable effective adoption across the full agrifood value chain.

Foreign Exchange as a Binding Constraint on Agricultural Modernization: Evidence from Nigeria’s Rice Sector (2000–2023)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Nigeria is Africa’s largest rice consumer yet faces a persistent production deficit despite decades of agricultural policy intervention. This study examines whether foreign exchange reserve availability constitutes a binding structural constraint on domestic rice output, using annual time-series data spanning 2000–2023 from the Central Bank of Nigeria, FAO, and World Bank. Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root tests confirmed mixed I(0)/I(1) integration consistent with the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing and Error Correction Model (ECM) framework. The bounds test F-statistic of 5.682 significantly exceeded the upper I(1) critical bound at the 1% level, with robustness confirmed against Narayan’s (2005) small-sample critical values. The long-run production elasticity with respect to foreign exchange reserves is 1.684 (p < 0.001), exceeding unity and confirming reserves as the sector’s primary structural leverage point. Real GDP exerts a significant negative long-run effect (−0.340, p < 0.01), consistent with Dutch disease dynamics. The ECM coefficient of −0.790 confirms 79% annual equilibrium adjustment. Limitations include a small annual sample (n = 24), absence of subnational disaggregation, and residual endogeneity concerns. A dedicated concessional foreign exchange window for agricultural inputs is recommended.

Technical Efficiency and the Role of Crop Diversification among Smallholder Farmers in the Geba Catchment, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Despite sustained national agricultural growth in Ethiopia, smallholder productivity remains far below potential. Using cross-sectional data from 265 randomly selected farm households in the Geba catchment (Tigray) collected during the 2017/18 cropping season, this study estimates technical efficiency and examines the effect of crop diversification on efficiency. A Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model with simultaneous inefficiency effects (Battese and Coelli, 1995) was applied. Mean technical efficiency was 67% (range 20–90%), indicating that output could rise by approximately 49% without additional inputs if inefficiency were eliminated. Age of household head and access to irrigation reduce inefficiency, while distance to market increases it. Most importantly, the number of crops cultivated is negatively and significantly associated with technical inefficiency, confirming that crop diversification markedly enhances efficiency, primarily through better seasonal utilization of family labour and risk spreading. Policies promoting crop diversification, small-scale irrigation, and market access are recommended to boost productivity in rain-fed smallholder systems.

Comparative Analysis of Cashew Farmers' Perceptions of Institutional Performance under Contract Farming and Warehouse Receipt Systems in Mkuranga District, Tanzania

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cashew farming is a vital source of rural livelihoods and export earnings in Tanzania, yet smallholder farmers continue to face challenges such as delayed payments, limited access to market information, and weak institutional support. This study compares farmers' perceptions of institutional performance under contract farming (CF) and the warehouse receipt system (WRS) in Mkuranga District. A cross-sectional survey of 354 farmers (177 CF and 177 WRS) was conducted using structured questionnaires that captured perceptions of trust in buyers, information access, training opportunities, and timeliness of payment. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics with non-parametric tests and ordered logistic regression, complemented by marginal effects. The results show that CF participants reported higher trust in buyers and greater satisfaction with payment timeliness compared to WRS participants, while differences in information and training satisfaction were negligible. Farming experience was positively associated with trust in buyers. The study concludes that institutional arrangements influence specific aspects of marketing efficiency rather than producing uniform outcomes. Strengthening transparency and payment systems in WRS and improving service delivery in CF could enhance farmer welfare and support more effective structured marketing in Tanzania.

Agricultural Decoupling in EU Transition Economies: Evidence from Tapio Elasticity Analysis

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the relationship between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector across ten transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia) over the period 1998–2023. It addresses the need to reduce emissions while increasing agricultural productivity within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals by adopting a decoupling approach. Within the growth-emission nexus, the Tapio (2005) elasticity coefficient is calculated annually and is assessed through a classification into policy-relevant sub-periods. The aggregate results for 1998–2023 point to three main clusters: (i) Czechia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Hungary stand out as countries in which agricultural output has increased while emissions have declined; (ii) Bulgaria and Latvia are characterized by simultaneous increases in agricultural output and emissions; (iii) Romania and Slovakia exhibit declines in both agricultural output and emissions. Estonia’s results differ from the other countries by displaying a pattern of declining agricultural output alongside rising emissions. Overall, the study indicates that the relationship between agricultural growth and emissions in transition economies is country- and period-sensitive, and that technology and productivity investments need to be tailored accordingly as a core focus of policy design.

Financial Viability of Battery Cage and Deep Litter Layer Production Systems: A Comparative Analysis for Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Ghana

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundSmall-scale poultry farming plays a critical role in food security and rural livelihoods in Ghana. However, financial sustainability remains a challenge due to high input costs, limited access to credit, and competition from imported poultry. This study compares the financial performance and operational viability of two dominant layer housing systems, battery cage and deep litter to inform investment and policy decisions.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, combining structured surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with 240 small-scale poultry farmers across Ashanti, Bono, and Western North Regions. Financial indicators, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), break-even point, and sensitivity analysis, were used to evaluate the 5-year profitability of a 5,000-layer capacity enterprise under both systems.ResultsThe battery cage system required a higher initial investment of GH₵1,717,085.40, 18.2% more than the deep litter system (GH₵1,452,714.81). However, it achieved superior financial performance, with a net present value (NPV) of GH₵777,486 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 41%, compared to an NPV of GH₵67,956 and an IRR of 27% for the deep litter system. The battery cage system also demonstrated higher egg production efficiency (90% vs. 75%), resulting in 15–18% greater annual revenue. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the deep litter system becomes financially unviable with a 10% increase in feed costs, while the battery cage system maintains positive NPV under the same scenario.ConclusionWhile both systems are financially viable, the battery cage system offers stronger profitability and resilience to cost shocks. However, non-financial factors, such as animal welfare, labour intensity, and land use, must also be considered in investment decisions. Policymakers along with small and medium enterprise (SME) investors should balance economic returns with sustainability, promoting innovation in efficient, welfare-conscious poultry production systems.

Analysis of Purchase Motivations for Locally Processed Cocoa-Derived Products in Lome, Togo (West Africa)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores the determinants of consumer purchasing behaviour for locally processed cocoa-based products in Lomé, Togo. A stratified random sample of 250 consumers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics with principal component factor analysis (Varimax rotation), followed by hierarchical clustering (K-means, k = 3). The results show that the most frequently consumed cocoa derivatives are chocolate (90.8%), cocoa powder (58.8%), cocoa butter (40%), cocoa paste (23.2%), and cocoa juice (18.4%). These products are primarily consumed at breakfast (93.6%), as snacks, or for cosmetic purposes. Factor and Cluster analysis further highlighted heterogeneity in consumer profiles, identifying three groups: “Altruists” (38%), who emphasise sharing and conviviality; “Status-oriented consumers” (50%), who associate cocoa products with prestige; and “Individualists” (12%), who prioritise personal satisfaction. Two sets of drivers emerged: (i) product attributes such as quality, taste, packaging, advertising, availability, and accessibility, grouped as satisfaction factors; and (ii) price, perceived as affordable and decisive. These findings suggest that strengthening communication, enhancing packaging, and expanding product availability could stimulate demand and contribute to the sustainable development of the Togolese cocoa sector.

Impact of Suspension of Customs Duties and Quantitative Restrictions on Imports from Ukraine on Purchase Prices of Selected Animal Products Commodities in Selected EU Countries

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The decision to suspend tariffs on imports from Ukraine has triggered changes in the Polish agricultural market. The influx of goods from Ukraine sparked a wave of protests among farmers in Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine. According to farmers, the decline in agricultural product prices in 2022 was caused by excessive imports from Ukraine. In light of Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU, the issues examined in this study are therefore both significant and timely. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of trade liberalisation between Ukraine and the EU on purchase prices of poultry, pork, and milk in Poland. For the purposes of the study, a comparative analysis was conducted of the purchase prices of selected agricultural commodities in five countries bordering Ukraine and five Western European countries, compared to the EU average, as well as in three groups of Polish voivodeships relative to the national average. The data came from Eurostat and the Central Statistical Offices of Poland and Ukraine. The comparative analysis showed no clear impact of trade liberalisation with Ukraine on the purchase prices of selected agricultural commodities in the examined EU countries or the three analysed regions of Poland. Among the group of countries geographically close to Ukraine, no relative price decline was observed. At the voivodeship level, the analysis revealed a decrease in prices only in the case of milk purchase prices in the Lubelskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships.