An Optimization Model for Technology Adoption of Marginalized Smallholders
An Optimization Model for Technology Adoption of Marginalized Smallholders

Author: Deden Iskandar

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13:

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The rural poor are often marginalized and restricted from access to markets, public services and information, mainly due to poor connections to transport and communication infrastructure. Despite these unfavorable conditions, agricultural technology investments are believed to unleash unused human and natural capital potentials and alleviate poverty by productivity growth in agriculture. Based on the concept of marginality we develop a theoretical model which shows that these expectations for productivity growth are conditional on human and natural capital stocks and transaction costs. Our model categorizes the rural farm households below the poverty line into four segments according to labor and land endowments. Policy recommendations for segment and location specific investments are provided. Theoretical findings indicate that adjusting rural infrastructure and institutions to reduce transaction costs is a more preferable investment strategy than adjusting agricultural technologies to marginalized production conditions.

Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development
Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development

Author: Franz W. Gatzweiler

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-02-19

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 3319257188

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The aim of the book is to present contributions in theory, policy and practice to the science and policy of sustainable intensification by means of technological and institutional innovations in agriculture. The research insights re from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The purpose of this book is to be a reference for students, scholars and practitioners inthe field of science and policy for understanding and identifying agricultural productivity growth potentials in marginalized areas.

Designing Technology Adoption Frameworks for Marginalized Rural Communities. A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in South Africa Using Design Science Research
Designing Technology Adoption Frameworks for Marginalized Rural Communities. A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in South Africa Using Design Science Research

Author: Agyei Fosu

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2024-06-27

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13: 3389041079

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Document from the year 2024 in the subject Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (School of Information Technology), language: English, abstract: In this book, the author demonstrates how Design Science Research (DSR) approach can be used to design a tailor-made technology adoption assessment framework to gauge small-scale farmers found in developing nations' marginalised rural communities' adoption of ICT. The book presents a practical approach to illustrate the implementation process by using small-scale farmers found in the deeply isolated rural areas of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) of South Africa as a case study. The electronic environment (e-environment) created by the digital age continues to see the adoption of various technologies like Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by individuals, nations, and organisations to facilitate development, effectiveness, efficiency, enhance productivity and business opportunities. Technology adoption assessment emerged alongside the rapid adoption of technology in the digital age as a tool to evaluate the factors or determinants that influence and contribute to technology adoption. In the case of developing nations rural societies, because of the socio-economic dynamics of the marginalised rural communities, the design of the assessment tools to gauge technology adoption should capture factors such as suitability, relevance of the technology as well as local context and capacity, social implications, and availability of resources to address the unique challenges faced by the region. This makes the design of technology adoption assessment tools to gauge adoption of technology among marginalised communities in developing countries to follow a tailor-made approach.

A Multi-Level Optimization Model of Infrastructure-Dependent Technology Adoption
A Multi-Level Optimization Model of Infrastructure-Dependent Technology Adoption

Author: Max Brozynski

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Many technologies in energy, transportation, and telecommunications require large infrastructure systems to deliver benefits to adopters and society. Policymakers seeking to promote the diffusion of infrastructure-dependent technologies are often confronted with the ``chicken-and-egg" problem: consumers are reluctant to adopt the technology without adequate infrastructure available, and firms are reluctant to invest in infrastructure without a sufficient number of adopters. This chicken-and-egg problem can hinder the diffusion of new technologies and prolong the timeframe over which existing technological systems remain locked-in. In this paper, we formulate a stylized model of technology policy decision-making from the perspective of a policymaker who seeks to stimulate the market penetration of an infrastructure-dependent technology. Our model is a multi-level optimization problem in which a policymaker (first level) maximizes net social benefits by setting the levels of two incentives: a subsidy for a profit-maximizing firm (in equilibrium with two other firms, the second level) to invest in infrastructure that raises the benefit of adoption to consumers, and a direct subsidy for consumers to adopt the technology (third level). We analytically derive the firms' and consumers' optimal responses to the first-level policy decisions. Then, we analytically establish the optimal additional adoption -- beyond the laissez-faire level -- that the policymaker should stimulate by setting the subsidies. Finally, we present a case study on electric vehicle diffusion and obtain insights into how a policymaker should allocate resources to charging infrastructure and vehicle incentives. We also uncover a counterintuitive possibility where adoption can decrease with a technology's benefits.

Practical Applications of Data Processing, Algorithms, and Modeling
Practical Applications of Data Processing, Algorithms, and Modeling

Author: Whig, Pawan

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-04-29

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13:

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In today's data-driven era, the persistent gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation in data science poses a formidable challenge. As we navigate through the complexities of harnessing data, deciphering algorithms, and unleashing the potential of modeling techniques, the need for a comprehensive guide becomes increasingly evident. This is the landscape explored in Practical Applications of Data Processing, Algorithms, and Modeling. This book is a solution to the pervasive problem faced by aspiring data scientists, seasoned professionals, and anyone fascinated by the power of data-driven insights. From the web of algorithms to the strategic role of modeling in decision-making, this book is an effective resource in a landscape where data, without proper guidance, risks becoming an untapped resource. The objective of Practical Applications of Data Processing, Algorithms, and Modeling is to address the pressing issue at the heart of data science – the divide between theory and practice. This book seeks to examine the complexities of data processing techniques, algorithms, and modeling methodologies, offering a practical understanding of these concepts. By focusing on real-world applications, the book provides readers with the tools and knowledge needed to bridge the gap effectively, allowing them to apply these techniques across diverse industries and domains. In the face of constant technological advancements, the book highlights the latest trends and innovative approaches, fostering a deeper comprehension of how these technologies can be leveraged to solve complex problems. As a practical guide, it empowers readers with hands-on examples, case studies, and problem-solving scenarios, aiming to instill confidence in navigating data challenges and making informed decisions using data-driven insights.

Food Security for African Smallholder Farmers
Food Security for African Smallholder Farmers

Author: Hupenyu Allan Mupambwa

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-02-28

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 9811667713

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This book provides a synthesis of current agricultural research in Africa with the aim of presenting evidence based information that can be directly applied into improving the African smallholder farmers’ food security. It presents positive scientific research that has been undertaken in Africa, in simpler terms, thus driving the research for development agenda contributing to the attainment of SDG 2. Numerous research that targets resource poor African smallholder farmers has been published, yet the region faces very low productivity levels. This lack of translation from research to food security and increased agricultural incomes is due to the poor uptake of scientific research by farmers, which is partly due to poor presentation of this body of knowledge into simpler forms that extension workers and farmers can directly adopt. Therefore, this book offers research information in an easy, digestible and application oriented style, so as to enable transformation of the African agricultural sector by effectively driving agricultural productivity in Africa. This book is of interest to African extension workers, who will translate the simplified knowledge into lessons that can be useful to smallholder farmers. The book is also beneficial for policy makers as well as academics, researchers and other science based professionals.

Food Price Volatility and Its Implications for Food Security and Policy
Food Price Volatility and Its Implications for Food Security and Policy

Author: Matthias Kalkuhl

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-04-12

Total Pages: 620

ISBN-13: 3319282018

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This book provides fresh insights into concepts, methods and new research findings on the causes of excessive food price volatility. It also discusses the implications for food security and policy responses to mitigate excessive volatility. The approaches applied by the contributors range from on-the-ground surveys, to panel econometrics and innovative high-frequency time series analysis as well as computational economics methods. It offers policy analysts and decision-makers guidance on dealing with extreme volatility.

Marginality
Marginality

Author: Joachim von Braun

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-08-19

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 9400770618

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This book takes a new approach on understanding causes of extreme poverty and promising actions to address it. Its focus is on marginality being a root cause of poverty and deprivation. “Marginality” is the position of people on the edge, preventing their access to resources, freedom of choices, and the development of capabilities. The book is research based with original empirical analyses at local, national, and local scales; book contributors are leaders in their fields and have backgrounds in different disciplines. An important message of the book is that economic and ecological approaches and institutional innovations need to be integrated to overcome marginality. The book will be a valuable source for development scholars and students, actors that design public policies, and for social innovators in the private sector and non-governmental organizations.​

Grassroots Innovation
Grassroots Innovation

Author: Anil K Gupta

Publisher: Random House India

Published: 2016-07-20

Total Pages: 299

ISBN-13: 8184007795

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A moral dilemma gripped Professor Gupta when he was invited by the Bangladeshi government to help restructure their agricultural sector in 1985. He noticed how the marginalized farmers were being paid poorly for their otherwise unmatched knowledge. The gross injustice of this constant imbalance led Professor Gupta to found what would turn into a resounding social and ethical movement—the Honey Bee Network—bringing together and elevating thousands of grassroots innovators. For over two decades, Professor Gupta has travelled through rural lands unearthing innovations by the ranks—from the famed Mitti Cool refrigerator to the footbridge of Meghalaya. He insists that to fight the largest and most persistent problems of the world we must eschew expensive research labs and instead, look towards ordinary folk. Innovation—that oft-flung around word—is stripped to its core in this book. Poignant and personal, Grassroots Innovation is an important treatise from a social crusader of our time.

Biochar Systems for Smallholders in Developing Countries
Biochar Systems for Smallholders in Developing Countries

Author: Sebastian B. Scholz

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2014-06-23

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 0821395262

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This report offers a review of what is known about opportunities and risks of biochar systems in developing countries. Its aim is to fill in critical knowledge gaps between the biochar research community and development practicioners on the ground.