Articles | Open Access |

EXAMINING ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING CROP PRODUCTION IN FOREST AND COASTAL SAVANNAH TRANSITION ZONES

Arnold Fischer , Senior Research Fellow, Department of Economic and Technological Change, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn, Germany

Abstract

This study investigates the economic factors influencing crop production in the forest and coastal savannah transition zones, focusing on fruits and vegetable crops. The transition between these distinct ecological zones presents unique challenges and opportunities for agriculture, with varying climate conditions, soil types, and resource availability affecting productivity. Using an econometric approach, we analyze factors such as land use patterns, input costs, climate variability, labor availability, and market access to understand their impact on crop yields and farmers’ profitability. Data from surveys conducted in both zones are used to model production functions and estimate the elasticity of crop outputs with respect to these economic factors. The results highlight key determinants of agricultural success in these zones, offering insights into how farmers can optimize production and adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions. The study provides valuable recommendations for policymakers to improve agricultural strategies, ensure sustainable crop production, and enhance food security in these transition areas.

Keywords

Econometric Analysis, Crop Production, Forest-Coastal Savannah Transition

References

Afari-Sefa V (2006). Agricultural export diversification, food Security and living conditions of farmers in southern Ghana: A microeconomic and household modeling approach; Farming & Rural Systems Economics, Margraf Publishers, Vol. 81, (ISBN: 3-8236-1490-8), Weikersheim, Germany.

Barrett HR., Browne AW, Ilbery BW, Jackson G and Binns T (1997). Prospects for horticultural exports under trade liberalization in adjusting African economies. Report for DFID, Coventry University, UK.

Dione J (1989). Informing food security policy in Mali: Interactions between technology, institutions and market reforms, Unpublished PhD Dissertation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.

Dixie G (1999). Summer citrus: The role and prospects for Southern Africa. In: Jaffee S (ed.), Southern African agribusiness: Gaining through regional collaboration. World Bank, Washington, DC.

Goetz S (1993). Interlinked markets and the cash crop-food crop debate in land-abundant tropical agriculture. Economic Development and Cultural Change 41: 343–361.

Goldstein M and Udry C (1999). Agricultural innovation and resource management in Ghana, Final report to IFPRI under MP17, August 1999.

Jaffee SM (1995). The Many faces of success: The development of Kenya’s horticultural exports. In: Jaffee S and Morton J (eds.), Marketing Africa’s high-value foods; Comparative experiences of an emergent private sector, Dubuque, IA: Kendall / Hunt Publishing Company, pp. 319-374.

Malter A J, Reijtenbagh A and Jaffee SM (1999). Profits from petals: The development of cut flower exports in Southern Africa. In: Jaffee S (ed.), Southern African agribusiness: Gaining through regional collaboration, World Bank Technical Paper, Washington, DC, USA.

Von Braun (1995). Agricultural commercialization: Impacts on income and nutrition and implications for food policy, Food Policy 20: 187- 202.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Arnold Fischer. (2024). EXAMINING ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING CROP PRODUCTION IN FOREST AND COASTAL SAVANNAH TRANSITION ZONES. The American Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture Research, 6(12), 1–7. Retrieved from https://theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajhfr/article/view/5682