scholarly journals Middlemen Market Power and Land Reform Policy Implication: An Imperfect Competition Analysis for the Traditional Food Market of Vietnam

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Ngo Chi Thanh
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Policy Implication ◽  
Land Reform ◽  
Imperfect Competition ◽  
Food System ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Reform Policy ◽  
Food Market

The traditional food distribution system is often characterized by small farmers and of several retailer called middlemen who sell their products on market. Since the intermediaries and their market powers are largely considerable in the food market, this paper proposes an industrial organization model of the middlemen in this conventional food distribution system for developing countries. Since most of the works in this field has adopted an empirical approach, the focus of our study in this paper will be instead on theoretical model. In order to analyze this situation, we borrow several arguments from the theory of imperfect competition. We assume that middlemen have oliopsony and oligopoly power in the up and down stream of the food system. We defined the consumer behavior by discrete choice model and study the quantity flow from small producers to the consumers by mean of Cournot competition. We address the question of land reform policy implication by creating a productivity shock in order to examine the effect of this instrument on the wealth of both farmers and consumers.

scholarly journals An industrial organisation model for the Vietnamese food retail market

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (229) ◽  
pp. 61-97
Author(s):  
Chi Ngo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Nash Equilibrium ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Imperfect Competition ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Market Model ◽  
Industrial Organisation ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Small Producers

Using the case of Vietnam, this paper proposes an industrial organisation model of the food distribution system in developing countries. Since most work in this field has adopted an empirical approach, this paper will instead focus on a theoretical model based on the theory of imperfect competition applied in agricultural economics. We introduce two distribution channels of product differentiation linked vertically by demand, and study the quantity flow from small producers to consumers by means of a Nash equilibrium. We show that there is a Nash equilibrium of the food distribution system and market power, with effects on both farmers and consumers. The paper discusses the implications of these results and proposes policies to intervene in the market and mitigate its power to improve the wealth of both farmers and consumers. The competitive market model of the food distribution system presented in this paper is also important in analysing the policy implications of a food market with imperfect competition in developing countries.

scholarly journals Transformaciones en el sistema alimentario y cambios de dieta en España durante el siglo XX

2018 ◽  
pp. 167-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Langreo ◽  
Luis Germán ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Spanish Civil War ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Food Expenditures ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Siglo Xx

This article reflects on how changes in the Spanish food system have been instrumental in changing the availability and consumption of foods in the twentieth century. We designed several stages in the study and examined several sectors that have experienced major changes. The first stage refers to the first decades of the twentieth century, prior to the Spanish Civil War, and immediately after the war; the second spans from the early fifties to the beginning of the seventies; and the third go from then until the end of the century. Throughout the first three quarters of the century there were major innovations in agriculture and industry, in contrast to a very poor traditional retail distribution system. In the fourth sections of the article, major changes that occurred during the last quarter of the century in food distribution and growing control over the food chain are analyzed in relation to the rapid expansion and increasing concentration of large-scale retail distribution. These changes affected traditional buying habits and consumption, shifting food expenditures towards higher-quality, healthier, processed and personalized goods; as well as increasing food consumption outside the home.

scholarly journals The Baltimore Urban food Distribution (BUD) App: Study Protocol for A Food Systems Intervention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Gittelsohn ◽  
Emma C. Lewis ◽  
Nina M. Martin ◽  
Siyao Zhu ◽  
Lisa Poirier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
High Sodium ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
Corner Stores ◽  
Systems Intervention

Abstract Background: Low-income urban communities in the United States commonly lack ready access to healthy foods. This is due in part to a food distribution system that favors the provision of high-fat, high-sugar, high-sodium processed foods to small retail food stores, and impedes their healthier alternatives, such as fresh produce. Methods: The Baltimore Urban food Distribution (BUD) study is a multi-level, multi-component systems intervention that aims to improve healthy food access in low income neighborhoods of Baltimore, Maryland. The primary intervention is the BUD application (app), which uses the power of collective purchasing and delivery to affordably move foods from local producers and wholesalers to the city’s many corner stores. We will implement the app in a sample of 38 corner stores, randomized to intervention and comparison. Extensive evaluation will be conducted at each level of the intervention to assess effectiveness via process and impact measures on suppliers, corner stores, and consumers. Discussion: BUD represents one of the first attempts to implement an intervention that engages multiple levels of a local food system. The design of the intervention and the evaluation plan of the BUD project are documented here.Trial registration #: #### (register since not yet recruiting)

scholarly journals Multi-Level, Multi-Perspective Formative Research to Develop a Mobile Application to Improve Healthy Food Access in Low-Income Urban Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Emma Lewis ◽  
Lisa Poirier ◽  
Kelley Koeppen ◽  
Dahiany Zayas-Toro ◽  
Antonio Trujillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Food System ◽  
Formative Research ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corner Stores ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Objectives Small urban corner stores typically have low access to healthy foods to stock due to an inadequate food distribution system. Strategies to increase access to healthier foods are needed in low-income urban settings where consumers depend on these stores to meet their main food shopping needs. We conducted multi-level, multi-perspective formative research and user-centered design to inform the development of the Baltimore Urban food Distribution (BUD) mobile application (app), which aims to provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and culturally-acceptable strategy for purchasing and delivering fresh produce to corner stores through local suppliers within the Baltimore City food system. Methods In-depth interviews (N = 36) were conducted across multiple stages of formative research with increasing refinement of the BUD app design. Stakeholders included producers (n = 5), wholesalers (n = 12), representatives of city agencies (n = 4), and corner store owners (n = 15). Future research will include community members. Data were collected regarding participants’ role within the local food system and feedback was elicited during a researcher-led demonstration of a prototype app. Results Stakeholders at multiple levels of the food system found the BUD app to have high feasibility (acceptability, operability, perceived sustainability). In-depth interviews revealed that suppliers (producers, wholesalers) were willing to use the app but had concerns about transportation and storage of produce. Corner store owners desired features such as in-app collaborative purchasing and low-cost delivery. City agency representatives emphasized the need to focus on promotion of local suppliers. Limitations included language barriers and payment security. Strengths included options for networking within the app. Conclusions The BUD app aims to provide a digital solution to address a critical gap in the food distribution system in a low-income urban setting. Multi-level, multi-perspective formative research that is user-centered is a crucial first step to developing a feasible app that appropriately addresses the needs of the community. Future research demonstrating the BUD prototype to stakeholders will enable further development of the app for use in Baltimore and other cities nationwide. Funding Sources NHLBI, NIH, award number R34HL145368.

scholarly journals Determinants of pricing objectives and price flexibility policies of pork-based agro-businesses in Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saul Ngarava ◽  
Abbyssinia Mushunje
Keyword(s):  
Land Reform ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Product Portfolio ◽  
Pricing Strategies ◽  
Central Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Pork Industry ◽  
Price Flexibility

Background: The article focuses on the pricing strategies that are used in a dynamic institutional environment of land reform and indigenisation policies. Zimbabwe underwent a land reform incorporating new players in the pork agribusinesses, as well as indigenisation, altering agro-business decision-making structures. One such decision is effective pricing. Aim: The objective of the study was to highlight the determinants of utilising a particular pricing objective and price flexibility policy in the Zimbabwean pork industry. Setting: The study examined the pricing objectives and price flexibility policies of pig producers, pork abattoirs and butcheries in Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative survey of pig producers, pork abattoirs and pork butcheries. A structured precoded questionnaire-based interview of 166 pig producers, 6 pork abattoirs and 24 butchers was used as the data collection tool and method. A logit model was used for analysis, ascertaining determinants of a binary choice model. Results: The study found that agribusinesses’ pricing objectives were determined by the product portfolio, margin, merchandise handled, distance the furthest buyer travels and consideration of other industry players’ pricing at the p < 0.01 level. Furthermore, factors such as seasonality in April to September sales, quality considerations (p < 0.05), frequency of retailers and size considerations (p < 0.1) were also significant determinants of pricing objectives. Also, the agribusinesses’ price flexibility policies were shown to be determined by agribusiness location, average weight of merchandise, frequency of individual customers, size consideration and consideration of other industry players’ pricing at the p < 0.01 level. In addition, margin, frequency of abattoir buyers (p < 0.05) as well as pork product portfolio (p < 0.1) were also observed to be major factors towards a flexible pricing policy. Conclusion: The results suggest that pork industry players in Zimbabwe are myopic in their pricing strategies, having factors such as product portfolio, margin, merchandise handled and considerations of other industry players’ strategies as dualistically determining pricing objective and price flexibility policy utilised. The study recommends that pork industry players shift from myopic pricing objectives of profit and survival and devise new pricing strategies based on sales and competitive pricing. There is also need for less rigidity in flexible price policies to take advantage of the dynamic external environment.

scholarly journals Desenvolvimento e validação de instrumento para avaliar o impacto de um programa de intervenção em comércios de alimentos em área de deserto alimentar/Development and validity of an instrument to evaluate the impact of an intervention in food stores at an urban food desert

2018 ◽  
pp. 396-411
Author(s):  
Lucas Daniel Sanches ◽  
Renata Fagundes Lopes ◽  
Matheus Ribeiro Theodósio Fernandes Melzer ◽  
Maria Aparecida De Oliveira ◽  
Paula Andrea Martins
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Food Desert ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Cronbach Alpha ◽  
The Impact

ResumoObjetivou-se desenvolver e validar um instrumento adequado para avaliar o impacto de um programa piloto de intervenção no ambiente alimentar local para promoção da alimentação saudável em comércios de varejo de alimentos da Zona Noroeste em Santos/SP, região caracterizada como deserto alimentar. Foi realizada pesquisa formativa para validação do instrumento, incluindo reuniões de pesquisadores, varredura no território estudado para identificação dos comércios de alimentos, visitas a atores do canal de distribuição de alimentos, oficinas comunitárias com a comunidade local e entrevistas em profundidade com proprietários dos estabelecimentos para validação de conteúdo e validade aparente. Foi testada confiabilidade do instrumento por coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach. O desenvolvimento do questionário incluiu questões para avaliação da Identificação e Caracterização do Comércio; Parâmetros de Comercialização, incluindo importância de fatores para a inclusão de um novo alimento, frequência de aquisição de produtos, rentabilidade; e Escala de Fatores Psicossociais, incluindo expectativa em relação às vendas de alimentos saudáveis, expectativa em relação ao impacto, e autoeficácia em relação à comercialização de alimentos saudáveis. A validação permitiu revisão de todas as questões e alternativas de resposta do questionário, com alfa de Cronbach variante de 0,440 a 0,967 nas questões do instrumento final. Este resultado indica que o instrumento proposto foi capaz de identificar características relevantes do sistema de distribuição de alimentos á nível local e pode ser utilizado em estudos epidemiológicos para avaliação de políticas públicas territoriais elaboradas para aumento do acesso a alimentos saudáveis.Palavras-chave: Estudos de Validação; Saúde da População Urbana; Ambiente Alimentar AbstractThe objective was to develop and validate a culturally appropriate instrument to evaluate the impact of a pilot intervention program in the food environment to promote healthy eating in small food stores in an urban food desert. A formative research was carried out for the validation of the instrument, including meetings of researchers, visits to all the streets in the study's region to identify food stores, visits to food distribution system agents', community workshops with the local community and in-depth interviews with food store owners for content and apparent validity. Instrument reliability was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficient. The development of the instrument included questions to evaluate the Identification and Characterization of Store; Marketing Parameters (i.e. influencers for including new food itens and frequency of product acquisition and profitability); and Psychosocial Factors Scale (i.e. expectations regarding healthy food sales, expectations regarding impact of intervention, and self-efficacy in relation to the marketing of healthy foods). Validation process allowed a review of all questions and questions' responses, with Cronbach alpha between 0.440 to 0.967 in the final instrument questions. It can be concluded that the instrument was developed to identify relevant characteristics of the food distribution system and can be used in epidemiological studies and public policies to evaluate increase access to healthy foods.Key words:Validation Studies; Urban Health; Food Environment

Kerala State, India: Radical Reform as Development

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Franke ◽  
Barbara H. Chasin
Keyword(s):  
Land Reform ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Equal Distribution ◽  
Radical Reform ◽  
Farmer Organizations ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Small Holders ◽  
Kerala State

Kerala State in southwestern India has achieved some of the third world's best rates of life expectancy, literacy, and infant mortality, despite one of the lowest per capita incomes. Especially notable is the nearly equal distribution of development benefits to urban, rural, male, female, high-caste, and low-caste sections of the populations. An even population distribution, a cosmopolitan trading history, and the development of militant worker and small farmer organizations led by dedicated activists provide the main explanations for Kerala's achievements. Land reform has redistributed wealth and political power from a rich elite to small holders and landless laborers. Public food distribution at controlled prices, large-scale public health actions, accessible medical facilities, and widespread literacy combine with and reinforce each other to maintain and expand Kerala's achievements. Serious unemployment threatens the Kerala experiment, but Kerala nonetheless offers important lessons to development planners, policymakers, and third world activists.

Distribution of Food in a Specialized Hospital Using Ambient Intelligence to Improve a Model of Macroergonomics

2019 ◽  
pp. 231-241
Author(s):  
Alberto Ochoa Zezzatti ◽  
Juan Luis Hernandez Arellano ◽  
Gilberto Rivera ◽  
Daniel Azpeitia ◽  
Luis Fernando Maldonado
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Ambient Intelligence ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Food And Agriculture Organization ◽  
Specialized Hospital ◽  
United Nations Food ◽  
Latin American Countries

SIDA (Intelligent Food Distribution System, for its acronym in Spanish) is a proposed tool for the distribution of food that can be personalized depending on the medical characteristics of each patient. The target of the tool is to provide foods that contain higher nutrients in the diet set by a hospital. A model of decision trees was based on data from the organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and used for decision making in the simulated three basic foods based on the diet of Latin American countries typically integrated by rice, potatoes, and lentils from the parameters of fat, energy, and protein, respectively, that contains every type of food.

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