Marketing channel

This paper examines whether poor and vulnerable groups in society share in the benefits of a foreseen economic expansion in the demand for fruit, vegetables and flowers from consumers at home and abroad. Primary survey data is collected on the differentiated position of low-income households in different supply structures (with varying levels of vertical coordination) and markets (national, regional and international markets). The data support the following hypotheses: (i) For many resource-poor agents, horticulture-related activities make substantial contributions to their livelihood security-certainly in the short term. (ii) Farming, trading services, small-scale retail, and farm labour are activities to which members of resource-poor and economically vulnerable households have the best access given their endowments. (iii) A move from food production for home consumption towards cash crops or off-farm labour is supported when there are sufficient options to reduce livelihood risk in the household. (iv) Both value creation and the generation of opportunities for (self-) employment in domestic marketing channels are substantial, and possibly outweigh the economic impact of overseas export marketing. Policy support is best tailored to specific conditions and specific actors to achieve a maximum impact on poverty alleviation. For that purpose, a three-tiered grouping of marketing channels for livelihood development is proposed.

The issue of managing change is becoming critical in channels with increasing mergers and acquisitions. However, few change management programs can claim success. We offer a model based on organizational justice theory to design and implement change in marketing channels. Our model contributes to the literature by (1) offering a framework for the change management in channels, which incorporates distributive, procedural, and interactional justice, (2) emphasizing the change at an individual level as a key to successfully managing changes in buyer-seller relations, and (3) identifying the key mediating variables in the change management process. We also discuss implications of our model for academics and managers.

Consumer sales promotions are usually the result of the decisions of two marketing channel parties, the manufacturer and the retailer. In making these decisions, each party normally follows its own interest: i.e. maximizes its own profit. Unfortunately, this results in a suboptimal outcome for the channel as a whole. Independent profit maximization by channel parties leads to a lack of channel coordination with the implication of leaving money on the table. This may well contribute to the notoriously low profitability of sales promotions. This paper first shows analytically why the suboptimality occurs, and then presents an empirical demonstration, using a unique dataset from an Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) project; ECR is a movement in which parties work together to optimize the distribution channel). In this dataset, actual profit is only a small fraction of potential profit, implying that there is a large degree of suboptimality. It is important that (1) channel parties are aware of this suboptimality; and (2) that they have tools to deal with it. Solutions to the channel coordination problem should ensure that the goals of the individual channel parties are aligned with the goals of the channel as a whole. The paper proposes one particular agreement for this purpose, called proportional discount sharing. Application to the ECR data shows a win-win result for both the manufacturer and the retailer. Recognition of the channel coordination problem by the manufacturer and the retailer is the necessary starting point for agreeing on a way of solving it in a win-win fashion.

In this paper, we deal with the challenges offered to international firms by combined transport. We start with an introduction to logistics and marketing channels. An attempt is made to link the current theory about marketing channels to combined transport and logistics in order to develop a customer-based and broadly applicable approach to the study of freight transport in Europe. Furthermore, we researched the critical success factors of combined freight networks in relation to international firms. A framework has been developed in order to structure the opportunities that intermodal transport offer to support the activities of international firms. Subsequently, an overview is given of the development of international trade with emphasis on the European Union, and in particular, The Netherlands. The actual freight flows generated by a sample of recently international relocated firms are included in a survey. A second survey has been conducted among the same companies in order to examine the opportunities of combined transport in relation to international firms and their freight flows. The paper closes with conclusions and recommendations for further research.

A study was conducted during 2011 to estimate profit, benefit cost ratio (BCR) and household income of mushroom production and also to explore the problems of producing mushroom and its marketing channels in Bangladesh. Thirty samples were randomly selected and information on mushroom production was collected using comprehensive questionnaire from Savar Upazila in Dhaka district. Mushroom was found to be a profitable agricultural enterprise (22,888 taka per farm). The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 1.55. The average family household income was about Tk. 43,731. Usually, three intermediaries (mushroom office, wholesalers and retailers) are involved in the marketing channels of mushroom. The marketing margin of mushroom for farm-gate to wholesalers and wholesalers to retailers were taka 50 and 70 per kg, respectively. It was revealed that rich and middle income group people were the main mushroom customers. Even though mushroom is a profitable enterprise, the producers faced numerous pr...

Agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels. By nurturing trees on their farms, pastures and homesteads farmers have been managing agroforestry systems for millennia. Most smallholder farmer agroforestry systems are diverse, multi-species, and integrate trees with annual crops and/or animals. Traditionally, these systems are extensive in nature, with small quantities of many products produced for household consumption. Tree management tends to be nonintensive and largely limited to product harvesting. The advent of market economies and improved rural infrastructure has expanded commercial opportunities to many farm communities. However, traditional tree management often leaves communities ill-equipped to produce reliable quantities of high-quality products that meet market specifications. In addition, a lack of security of land tenure has, in many places, led to a corresponding lack of incentives for farmers to invest in long-term land management improvements. Experience also indicates that farmers lack access to professional technical assistance and have limited linkages to market channels and information. As a result, most farmers do not mange their trees because they are not sure where to focus and not sure what can be sold. A system of technical assistance and innovations is needed to empower farmers to seize market opportunities by enhancing and diversifying the productivity/profitability of their agroforestry systems. This paper presents an integrated approach that emphasizes market studies and analysis that appraise existing and future demand for products that are or can be produced by farmers; farmer group extension to help farmers address market opportunities; and farmer group evolution towards farmer enterprise development when appropriate. Examples of impact achieved through the implementation of this approach and its components are provided.

Supermarkets have become important in food retail in both developed and developing countries. Supermarkets in developed countries are expanding to developing countries such as Latin America and Asia resulting in transformation of the agro-food systems. As elsewhere in the world, supermarkets are also expanding rapidly in Africa. The growth and expansion of supermarkets is mainly spearheaded by South African supermarkets and has been facilitated by trade liberalization, increased economic growth, positive political changes, regional integration arrangements, increased urbanisation, increased per capita income and middle class population groups and liberalization of foreign direct investment. The increased foreign direct investment (FDI) by South African supermarkets into SADC and the rest of Africa may be impacting on firms, households and the economy in the host nations in various ways. As much as the FDI by South African firms bring the much-needed capital for development, the impa...

Indigenous chicken (IC) and their production systems were characterized to understand how the whole system operates for purposes of identifying threats and opportunities for holistic improvement. A survey involving 594 households was conducted in six counties with the highest population of IC in Kenya using structured questionnaires. Data on IC farmers' management practices were collected and analysed and inbreeding levels calculated based on the effective population size. Indigenous chicken were ranked highest as a source of livestock income by households in medium-to high-potential agricultural areas, but trailed goats in arid and semi-arid areas. The production system practised was mainly lowinput and small-scale free range, with mean flock size of 22.40 chickens per household. The mean effective population size was 16.02, translating to high levels of inbreeding (3.12%). Provision for food and cash income were the main reasons for raising IC, whilst high mortality due to diseases, poor nutrition, housing and marketing channels were the major constraints faced by farmers. Management strategies targeting improved healthcare, nutrition and housing require urgent mitigation measures, whilst rural access road network needs to be developed for ease of market accessibility. Sustainable genetic improvement programmes that account for farmers' multiple objectives, market requirements and the production circumstances should be developed for a full realization of IC productivity.

Marketers are increasingly making use of major TV events, such as the Super Bowl, to advertise their products. However, the economic value of such advertising is highly uncertain. Since an ad during the Super Bowl costs 2.5 times more per viewer reached than an ad during a network TV prime time show, developing methods for evaluating such advertising and for measuring its effects seems particularly important. Using the setting of the movie industry, this paper develops and estimates a model that includes both direct (on potential moviegoers) and indirect effects (on exhibitors) of regular and Super Bowl advertising. The model recognizes the endogeneity of advertising, and in particular develops a discrete choice model to control for the endogeneity of the Super Bowl advertising decision. The results indicate that Super Bowl advertising has a positive effect on box office revenues, but primarily through an indirect effect on exhibitors. In addition, regular TV advertising is more effective than Super Bowl advertising for initial advertising spending; a counterfactual analysis, by contrast, shows that for a movie already spending at our sample's average TV spending level of $13 million, Super Bowl advertising has a greater effect on revenues than regular TV advertising.

An exploratory survey was carried out to assess economics and employment generation of the trade of bamboo and bamboo-based secondary products in the eastern Bangladesh, to obtain reliable information about their status, socio-economic significance, production and marketing. The study was undertaken over 30 bamboo-based enterprises in a suburban market of eastern Bangladesh, to investigate regional product details, economic profitability and employment opportunities. The sample entrepreneurs, corresponding to about 25% of the bamboo enterprise population were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. About 202 full and part-time workers were employed in the factories, under categories of artisan (who manufactured secondary products). The average number of worker's in the large, medium and small factories were 9 (artisan 40%), 6.45 (artisan 35%) and 5 (artisan 25%) respectively. The study revealed that there was always a satisfied demand of skilled artisans. Most of the workers were relatively newly employed (not more than 5 years). The daily wage rate varied between 70 and 130 Tk. ($US 1 equals approximately 70 Bangladeshi Taka (Tk.), as at December 2008). Bambusa balcooa was the most utilized species (39.96%) in terms of monetary value. The price of a single B. balcooa culm in the local market was Tk. 160-210. Nine sizes of articles under seven bamboo categories were identified, these being bera (36 00 9 120 00 and 72 00 9 96 00 ), bookshelf (36 00 9 24 00 ), chaluni

"Tamil Nadu is the pioneering state in so much as it has varied genotypes from diversified geographical areas, as well as introductions from Sir Lanka. Farmers found that growing moringa crops during summer season was remunerative. Thus, moringa gained a foothold as a summer vegetable. Its unique flavour and aroma became very popular. For South Indian any meal without moringa and pulses is considered incomplete. The demand for the moringa pod also increased due to increased urban settlements and migration of people to urban colonies. Based on the significance of moringa in the human diet this study might more viable with the specific objectives of to assessing the marketing strategies for promotion Periyakulam annual moringa in Tamil Nadu.This study revealed that the price fluctuation in moringa is to the extent of ten times. The moringa production is scattered. The commercial pure crop cultivation is practiced only in selected areas in Tamil Nadu. Being perishable in nature, the produce has to be sold within a short period. Thus in the market, farmers are price takers and are in risk at disadvantages. Group monopsony behaviour of few well established trades indicated that the price made for moringa trade is unfavourable to farming community. Hence, supply chain management has to be effectively arranged for getting due share in the consumer price. Dr Rajendran T""Economic Analysis of Moringa in Tamil Nadu"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-4 , June 2017, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd126.pdf
Article URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/economics/other/126/economic-analysis-of-moringa-in-tamil-nadu/dr-rajendran-t"

Currently the Dutch pot plant sector has a dominant international position fulfilling about 44% of European market demand. However, emerging markets positioned at greater distances call for new logistics concepts to allow them to be reached, new marketing channels appear that require increased responsiveness and product diversification, and finally new competitors like Spain and Italy are entering the arena. If no action is taken, the Dutch might loose their renowned international position. What actions should the Dutch pot plant sector take? Can network collaboration or logistics orchestration provide an answer? This paper aims to support the development of logistics orchestration concepts in the pot plant network by presenting literature reviews and developing a typology of orchestration concepts using case studies from different sectors. The paper is concluded with an overview of recommendations regarding design and management of the international supply chain network of the Dutch pot plant sector.

The present study was carried out during 2016 in Fulbaria Upazila, Mymensingh District. Both primary and secondary data were analyzed to achieve the objectives of the study. Primary data were collected from 30 intermediaries in the supply chain of vermicompost marketing. A specialized market for vermicompost was not observed in the study area. The major portion of vermicompost i.e. 90% was found to be marketed directly from producers to the users. The users were farmers, Bangladesh army, Tea garden and research institution. Maximum volume was marketed to the farmers i.e. 75%. Some users were found to buy vermicompost from cooperatives. Particular vermicompost trader was not found to be involved in the process of marketing within the study area. Most of the produced vermicompost was utilized within the district and only a very small amount was sent for usages to other districts. Head load/shoulder load, van, rickshaw and auto rickshaw were the common modes of transportation. Market information was collected through the internet, mobile phone and personal visit to the producers. Price was commonly determined through rapid interaction of the supply and demand. For fixing the buying and selling price, open bargaining, going market price and prefixed prices methods were followed. Cooperatives average purchase price was Tk. 82.67, average sale price Tk. 105, Marketing cost Tk. 8.62 per kg. Marketing margin and net marketing margin of cooperatives was found to be Tk. 22.33 and Tk. 13.71 per kg. In the study area, producers share at consumer's taka for vermicompost 78.73% and marketing efficiency of vermicompost 2.68 in channel II. More than 90% farmers expressed that lack of market information and lack of marketplace are major constraints toward vermicompost marketing.

This paper examines the independent and interactive effects of trust and dependence on satisfaction and commitment in a contrived dyadic exchange relationship. Trust and dependence were manipulated in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Data were obtainedfrom a sample of 72 business executives. The,findings indicate main ef-J;s oftrust and dependence on satisfaction. For commitment, an interaction t@ect was found. Managerial implications ofbuilding trust in dependence relations are discussed.

The objective of this article is to identify the re asons for the choice of open fair as marketing channels in the commercialization of agricultural a nd agroindustrial products harvested by small agriculture holders in the city of Cascavel/Pr, in the year of 2007. Thus, interviews with agricultural producers that commercialize their pro ducts in the open fair were undertaken.

In this paper, we deal with the challenges offered to international firms by combined transport. We start with an introduction to logistics and marketing channels. An attempt is made to link the current theory about marketing channels to combined transport and logistics in order to develop a customer-based and broadly applicable approach to the study of freight transport in Europe.

The aim of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of the research conducted on Supply Chain Management (SCM) at a multidisciplinary level. To this end, a content analysis was performed of the most significant scientific literature about marketing, logistics, management and marketing channels published over the period 1997-2006. As a result, a database of 414 papers from 14 journals was created. Analysis of these works reveals the level of development of the main lines of research into SCM and makes it possible to detect the topics that require greater attention and which may be the object of future studies conducted by researchers and academics. It also allows managerial staff to identify the methodologies and tools that can be used to improve the management of relationships within the supply chain.

Fruit and vegetables are important agricultural products of our country. These product industries consist of many crops and products, each has very different marketing channels and demand and supply. Although most of these products (more than hundreds) are commercially produced and sold and bought, a few major products dominate in this industry. When we compare with other countries in the

The Barakat Fruit Farm desires to increase their share of the exportable grape market in Egypt. Unfortunately, the grape cultivars currently cultivated by the farm bear fruit after the early market window to the European Union when prices are high. An analysis of the company, competition, consumer, market channel, and conditions, provides insight into possible solutions to the challenges faced by the farm management. Designed for undergraduate classroom use, this case encourages students to think outside of traditional production techniques to arrive at solutions that are viable from both crop culture and financial standpoints. Other contact information: Y. A. A. Diab: yasereco@yahoo.com M. A. A. Mousa: m_a_ahmed@yahoo.com D . E . H a h n : Hahn.1@osu.edu IAMA Agribusiness Case 12.2

Smallholder farmers are faced with a range of institutional challenges in produce marketing. In turn, these challenges influence their selection of marketing channels. In this chapter, a multinomial logistic regression model was used to test the significance of institutional factors in marketing. Te results are based on a case study for smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley, in South Africa. It is shown that the statistically significant variables are access to market information, expertise on grades and standards, availability of contractual agreements, existence of extensive social capital, group participation and reliance on traditions.

Research on buyer-supplier relationships has emphasized the importance of collaboration and business networks. We aim to study the effects of downstream information on the collaborative buyer-supplier relationship. Downstream information refers to the information a firm obtains from marketing channels, be they wholesalers, distributors or retailers. The approach allows firms to concentrate their efforts on the most relevant sources of information and not on the whole network. Survey data was gathered from the Dutch potted plant and flower industry to test this hypothesis. Our findings demonstrate that collaborative relationships are contingent on downstream information from both the buying perspective (wholesalers) and from the supplying perspective (producers).

Advances in information technology and changing customer needs for channel service outputs have dramatically affected the routes to markets in many industries. The authors propose that these changes have led to significant alterations in how customers interact with firms and consequently to a phenomenon that we dub ‘‘channel multiplicity.’’ Channel multiplicity is characterized by the customer’s reliance on multiple sources of information from independent (and often disparate) channel organizations and increasing demand for a seamless experience throughout the buying process. The authors identify the new market operating realities driving channel multiplicity and provide an overview of the consequences for channel design and channel management: a broadened view of products and services, channel leadership challenges, alterations in channel structure, and an expanded view of distribution intensity. The authors also identify issues triggered by these developments, which calls for furt...

The analysis of value chains has augmented our knowledge on the complexities, inter-linkages, distributional benefits, and institutional arrangements of production and marketing channels in developing countries. However, the analysis remains relatively qualitative and case-specific, with limited ability to rank or assess the impact of alternative interventions or to analyze sufficiently the complex market dynamics and feedbacks present in livestock systems. This paper offers theoretical and applied insights on ways to improve the analytical rigor of the value chain methodology that combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Evidence exists that service quality delivery through Web sites is an essential strategy to success, possibly more important than low price and Web presence. To deliver superior service quality, managers of companies with Web presences must first understand how customers perceive and evaluate online customer service. Information on this topic is beginning to emerge from both academic and practitioner sources, but this information has not yet been examined as a whole. The goals of this article are to review and synthesize the literature about service quality delivery through Web sites, describe what is known about the topic, and develop an agenda for needed research.

In questi anni si assiste a un diffuso impegno da parte delle imprese nell’ampliare i fronti di miglioramento dell’efficienza, sia interna che nei rapporti con gli interlocutori a monte e a valle della filiera produttiva e del canale di marketing. Nel caso delle relazioni fra produttori e intermediari commerciali tali fenomeni risultano stimolati e accentuati dai profondi mutamenti in atto nei sistemi distributivi. La sempre maggiore autonomia dei grandi distributori e la divergenza di finalità con i produttori rendono spesso i rapporti conflittuali, ma la necessità di fronteggiare la concorrenza orizzontale, sia a livello produttivo che distributivo, richiede una sempre maggiore collaborazione.
Tutto ciò comporta l’esigenza di comprendere a fondo il funzionamento delle interazioni fra produttori e distributori, tenendo conto non solo degli aspetti tecnici che le caratterizzano, ma anche di quelli strutturali, strategici e comportamentali.
Questo lavoro mette in luce le modalità con cui si svolgono i rapporti fra le imprese della grande distribuzione e le varie tipologie di fornitori, che si differenziano al variare della dimensione e della struttura competitiva del mercato di appartenenza. L’esempio delle grandi imprese commerciali britanniche, che nonostante l’elevato potere contrattuale non attivano comportamenti opportunistici ma, anzi, sfruttano tale potere per costruire relazioni improntate alla cooperazione nel lungo periodo, mostra quanto importante sia lo sviluppo di una nuova cultura nei rapporti verticali. In questo, la gestione delle attività di approvvigionamento dell’impresa commerciale risulta un momento chiave. L’adozione di scelte strategiche e strutturali nell’ambito della funzione acquisti in coordinamento con le altre funzioni aziendali, permette infatti di soddisfare due esigenze: quella di differenziare le relazioni in base ai diversi fornitori senza però modificare l’orientamento di base alla stabilità e alla collaborazione, e quella di massimizzare i benefici dell’interazione verticale, favorendo la continuità fra le attività di interfaccia a monte (marketing di acquisto) con quelle a valle (marketing di vendita), attraverso il rafforzamento dei collegamenti fra i due momenti decisionali.

This work highlights the ways in which relationships between large retailers and suppliers develop themselves dependinf on of various types of suppliers. Suppliers diffrentiate among each other on the basis of size, the competitive structure of the market to which they belong. The case of British large retailers is analysed. These retailers, despite their high bargaining power, do not turn on opportunistic behavior, but rather, they use this power to build relationships based on cooperation in the long run. This demonstrates how important is the development of a new culture in vertical relationships. In this culture, the management of procurement activities is a key moment. The adoption of strategic choices and structural framework of the purchasing function in coordination with other corporate functions, makes it possible to satisfy two requirements: to differentiate relationships according to different types of providers, without changing the basic orientation to the stability and collaboration, and the maximization of benefits from the vertical interaction.

The development of research explaining the structure and operations of interfirm relations and networks in marketing channels and business markets is described. The focus is on the main contributors and research themes that have underpinned the development of marketing ...

Multichannel customer management is "the design, deployment, and evaluation of channels to enhance customer value through effective customer acquisition, retention, and development" (Neslin95-113). Channels typically include the store, the Web, catalog, sales force, third party agency, call center and the like. In recent years, multichannel marketing has grown tremendously and is anticipated to grow even further. While we have developed a good understanding of certain issues such as the relative value of a multichannel customer over a single channel customer, several research and managerial questions still remain. We offer an overview of these emerging issues, present our future outlook, and suggest important avenues for future research.

This study seeks to examine how a company can select the best intermediary for its Marketing channels with minimum of criteria and time. A theoretical framework is proposed based on the most important tasks of intermediary and the criteria to measure them. There are four basic tasks and thirty criteria in three independent levels. Subsequently, an exploratory case study in Iranian Food industry is described to illustrate the value of the framework. It is possible to apply the theoretical framework to select the intermediary for any industry or country. However, there might be possible location-specific or industry-specific limitations. Moreover, the framework has proved to be useful in improving the selection of the intermediary in marketing channel. This is a notable and promising side-effect of the exploratory study, at least from a managerial point of view.

In Vietnam, pig production and pork demand are developing rapidly. Still, 80% of the national pig herd is kept on smallholder farms while policy mainly focuses on intensification of pig production. The aim of this study is to evaluate possibilities to organize pig breeding and marketing channels in remote areas in the uplands of Northern Vietnam. The study compiles three parts: (1) Evaluation of farmers breeding management and breed and trait preferences for pigs; (2) Evaluation of different crossbreeding schemes for leaner meat production; and Design of appropriate organizational settings for pig breeding and marketing. Ban pigs are the second most predominant breed next to the Mong Cai. Ban pigs are valued by farmers for their feed intake spectrum, feed intake capacity, disease tolerance, health/strength, growth rate and carcass quality. For all modelled crossbreeding schemes, genetic gain is low; the Yorkshire × Ban crossbreeding scheme shows the highest overall genetic gain. The traditional production and fattening of Exotic boar× Local dam F 1 crosses does not require particular organizational setups. This system already exists in an improvised way. The advantage of an organized scheme would be the controlled maintenance of the local breed. For the latter, a stratified pig breeding system seems promising, requiring innovative organizational setups. A short food supply chain is proposed. This system builds links between remote and close-to-market villages and populations. Critical organizational aspects like poorly developed infrastructure, poor access to input and output markets and information can be overcome.

In response to structural transformations taking place in the Indian dairy sector mainly in processing segment this paper examines determinants of market channel choices of milk producers based on a survey of 390 farm households in 2007. It also attempts to investigate what impacts these market channel choices may have on farmers' income and technology adoption. A two-stage multinomial logit model is employed to investigate determinants and effects of market channel choices of milk producers. While modern marketing channels have emerged in the Indian dairy sector, the traditional sector is still dominant. Farmers sell nearly 85 per cent of milk to traditional channels. The share of the modern organized sector is growing but at a slow pace. The dominance of the traditional channel is an indication of a very competitive and cost-effective traditional market in linking producers and consumers. It is possible that high transaction costs also act as a barrier. However, issues of hygiene and quality of milk being sold through traditional channels require attention. Results indicate that small dairy farmers and the poor are mostly excluded from modern private sector channels. Household's socio-economic variables (farm size, age and education) are important determinants of marketing channel choice in the case of the modern private sector. Large farmers have better opportunity to participate in modern private channels. Market infrastructure such as road, provision of veterinary services, distance from milk collection centre, markets, milk collection centres, price risks, etc. have significant effect on farmers' marketing choices. The second stage results of the Heckman model show that education, membership of producers' association/cooperatives, provision of veterinary services, and farm size have significant impact on cooperative marketing channel farmers' income while in the case of modern private sector, education and price risk have significant impact on income.

The study was conducted to explore the experiences of dairy farmers in Kamrup (Metro), Assam, India, with the particular focus on livelihood sustenance and upliftment of dairy farmers in the lockdown period. The results obtained from a sample of 100 dairy farmers indicated that a significant number of dairy farmers were satisfied with the evolution of a lucrative direct selling channel during the lockdown which guarantees higher profits. Surveyed reports showed that cost of fodder, availability of manpower and veterinary services are the most important dilemma for the farmers followed by adoption of unscientific techniques in farming for households income.

In response to structural transformations taking place in the Indian dairy sector mainly in processing segment this paper examines determinants of market channel choices of milk producers based on a survey of 390 farm households in 2007. It also attempts to investigate what impacts these market channel choices may have on farmers' income and technology adoption. A two-stage multinomial logit model is employed to investigate determinants and effects of market channel choices of milk producers. While modern marketing channels have emerged in the Indian dairy sector, the traditional sector is still dominant. Farmers sell nearly 85 per cent of milk to traditional channels. The share of the modern organized sector is growing but at a slow pace. The dominance of the traditional channel is an indication of a very competitive and cost-effective traditional market in linking producers and consumers. It is possible that high transaction costs also act as a barrier. However, issues of hygiene and quality of milk being sold through traditional channels require attention. Results indicate that small dairy farmers and the poor are mostly excluded from modern private sector channels. Household's socio-economic variables (farm size, age and education) are important determinants of marketing channel choice in the case of the modern private sector. Large farmers have better opportunity to participate in modern private channels. Market infrastructure such as road, provision of veterinary services, distance from milk collection centre, markets, milk collection centres, price risks, etc. have significant effect on farmers' marketing choices. The second stage results of the Heckman model show that education, membership of producers' association/cooperatives, provision of veterinary services, and farm size have significant impact on cooperative marketing channel farmers' income while in the case of modern private sector, education and price risk have significant impact on income.

In a context of growing global threats, from climate change, the depletion and degradation of natural resources, to the recent global economic crisis, consequences of short and long term are being witnessed, which undermine the agriculture sustainability. The systems vulnerability, their inability to resilience and the need for innovation is observed, emphasizing also the most capable systems (more sustainable), offering new opportunities and encouraging more environmentally friendly practices. This work takes as starting point the evolution of economic, environmental and social parameters in farms, in recent years, in order to try to identify the difficulties and the solutions capable of sustaining agriculture in the context of multiple hazards at the farm level. The main methodology focuses on inquiries to the responsible agents for developing the main agriculture activities held in Tras-os-Montes, including farmers and their associations. The results confirm the dependence of pro...

Smallholder producers of fruits and vegetables in the Nanggung sub-district of West Java, Indonesia practice a multicropping system of agriculture on less than two acres of land. Agricultural practices in this area are still crude, with little or no inputs such as fertilization or modern irrigation. When water is available, the furrow irrigation system is used at best. Although banana

Since Jaworski’s (1988) conceptual framework, empirical research on the factors explaining variety across marketing and sales control systems remains inconclusive. Our research aims at identifying and better understanding the environmental factors that may structure these control systems. We conducted 21 semi-inductive interviews with Sales and Marketing managers and identify four company categories with different control systems. Different marketing and sales