Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project researchers specified the income range to be used in selecting farmers to be surveyed.The Department of Agriculture selected the farmers to be surveyed using appropriate sampling methodology. The project objectives covered both research and outreach issues. The survey was mailed to a total 250 small farmers in the three regions of the state. Ninety two completed surveys were received.The data was carefully organized and entered into the computer. Analyses shows that small farmers face various risks including production and financial risks as most do not have insurance coverage for their products. Such risks impact their income. A graduate student used a portion of the data to write his thesis on the subject. Another work done using the data relates to marketing channels used by small farmers. A third publication pertains to their training preferences. The marketing study showed the overwhelming majority use direct marketing which is consistent with findings by others. This will minimize transaction costs by eliminating intermediaries. In terms of outreach they indicated their preference for an in-depth training provided by people with expertise in risk management. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who worked on the project at Tennessee State University were: F. Tegegne, S.P. Singh, E. Ekanem and R. Bullock.Our collaborator at Alabama A and M University is Duncan Chembezi who also conducted a survey similar to what we did. We were able to bring in risk management issues when discussing other related topics. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small and minority farmers, extension professionals, risk management experts,students,researchers, entrepreneurs and policy makers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None
Impacts
The project enhanced knowledge of small farmers and extension agents' regarding the different sources of risk and some measures that can be adopted to mitigate its impact including introduction of alternative enterprises. Presentations made at several forums including small farm conferences and expos at the national and state levels using results of the survey have bolstered such knowledge. Best Management Practices can be discerned from the project findings and adopted by small farmers in the state and beyond.Availability of funding was important in supporting students over the years, pay for the survey and travel expenses to make presentations.
Publications
- Tegegne, F., Pasirayi, S., Singh, S.P. and Ekanem, E. 2012. Marketing Channels used by Small Farmers in Tennessee. Proceedings of the 6th National Small Farm Conference, Memphis, TN.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Completion of risk management needs assessment survey of small and minority farmers identified key issues on which to focus in conducting analyses and consideration of various risk management strategies. PRODUCTS The data collected on the characteristics of the farmers surveyed, their farm operations and other related aspects can provide an important input to build future database of small and limited resource farmers. Findings and materials developed from this project can be used beyond the life of the project. DISSEMINATION A number of presentations have been made at local, regional and national meetings involving various risk management strategies such as diversification using niche crops that can be adopted by small and minority farmers. As a result of attendance at the different meetings diverse stakeolders have been reach. In addition, more stakeholders can access the findings from on line posting of the peer reviewed publication. FUTURE Training workshops for small and limited resource farmers in Tennessee on risk mangement strategies will be conducted. Best Management Practices will also be shared with other farmers and those working with them including extension agents in the state and beyond at national conferences including the upcoming 2012 National Small Farm Conference in Memphis. Additional publications and presentations will also be developed and disseminated to stakeholders. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results of this project provided some insights in developing an integrated, collaborative and multi-disciplinary proposal to leverage funding involving underserved small frmers and rural communities. Collaboration with the state Agricultural Statistical Service was instrumental in using data base of farmers only accessible to the agency to select farmers surveyed.The adequate response rate to the survey made it possible to conduct various types of analyses. Collaboration with Alabama A and M also provided synergy. The project generated data used for writing Master's thesis used to develop a peer reviewed publication, oral and poster presentations. Student involvement in the project has provided them with experiential learning opportunity in data entry, anlysis and other aspects of applied research. IMPACTS Part of the data collected is used by a student to write his thesis, to present competetive student paper and faculty poster presentations at the 2011 conference of the Association of 1890 Research Directors. Use of findings from this project is expected to enhance knowledge and action by small and minority farmers in general and those in Tennessee in particular.
Publications
- Pasirayi, S., Tegegne, F., Singh, S. P. and Ekanem, E. 2011. Assessing Preference of Small Tennessee farmers for Risk Management Training. Journal of Food Distribution Research, Volume XLII, Number 1, March 2011.
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
The project continues to focus on opportunities that can enhance risk management capabilities of small farmers. The majority of farmers surveyed indicated that they will stay in farming and diversify their operations. This is a positive trend especially under the current difficult economic situation and increasing competition in the marketplace. The pace of diversification, however, has been slow as farmers weigh their options before making the transition. This is especially the case for those who used to produce tobacco earning relatively high income. It is also found that a very high proportion of the farmers surveyed had off farm employment. This phenomenon is common and represents one tool of risk management. Despite recognition of the existence of risk the overwhelming majority of farmers did not have crop insurance due to various reasons including lack of coverage for crops they produce PRODUCTS: Data on characteristics of small farm operators including their risk taking behavior and characteristics of their operations was collected using mail survey. Masters' theses and other publications will be prepared using the survey data collected OUTCOMES: Established risk management training needs of small farmers in the following areas: marketing and value addition; farm financial analysis and business planning; alternative enterprises and diversification. Farmers expressed preference for in depth training by risk management experts followed by extension agents. Partnership with the Tennessee Agricultural Statistical Service, which assisted in administering the mail survey, is enhanced Collaboration with Alabama A&M is also strengthened as a result of working together on the project. The project provided experiential learning opportunity for students at Tennessee State University and Alabama A&M University by engaging them in different activities DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The presentation at the 5th National Small Farm Conference, which focused on adopting alternative enterprises to manage risk, reached a large number of diverse stakeholders including farmers, extension professionals, researchers and policy makers A presentation was also made at the 2010 Tennessee State University annual Small Farm expo where field demonstration of an alternative crop was made to farmers, extension agents, researchers and representatives of agricultural agencies such as the state Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Farm Service Agency FUTURE INITIATIVES: Disseminate findings widely to stakeholders using various methods including presentations at farmers' meetings, workshops, field days and regional conferences Acquire feedback on research, education and outreach needs of stakeholders to initiate new endeavor
Impacts
Enhanced awareness among small farmers about risk and strategies to manage it Identified factors that impact farm income as being credit availability; market access; product price variability and changes in input cost
Publications
- Tegegne, F., E. Ekanem, S. P. Singh, R. Bullock, A. Amenyenn, D. Chembezi and E. Chaverest. 2010. Risk Management Training Needs of Small and Minority Farmers in Tennessee and Alabama, 5th National Small Farm Conference Proceedings, USDA, NIFA, available at: http://www.conferences. Uiuc.edu/resources/20033/5th|pct|20small|pct|20farm|pct|conf|pct|20pr oceedings|pct|20-|pct|205-5-10.pdf
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
Results of small farmers' survey regarding small farmers' risk management education and training needs was summarized and presented at a small farm conference. The meeting was attended by over 500 people including small farmers, extension agents, representatives of various USDA agencies, and researchers. It is found that the farmers are concerned about risk they face. The farmers indicated that Marketing and value added activities are the top areas of training desired. They indicated that the training should be offered by experts. PRODUCTS: Outreach publications on risk management will be developed and distributed to farmers at various forums. Training workshops will also be held both in Tennessee and Alabama. This would be achieved using a mix of project personnel, state and USDA experts in the field of risk management. In addition to farmers and extension agents representatives of agencies such as the Farm Service Agency will be invited to the workshops. The small farm unit at CSREES, and NARCS, USDA would help in disseminating outreach material to various stakeholders. OUTCOMES: Those who participated in the risk management training workshops are expected to use them in improving profitability of their farm operations. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Dissemination of project activities was undertaken using face to face meetings as well as printed material. FUTURE INITIATIVES: More training workshops will be conducted.
Impacts
The project can enhance the risk management knowledge of small farmers and help make their operations economically viable
Publications
- Tegegne, F., Ekanem, E., Singh, P. S., Bullock, R. and Akuley, A., Chembezi, D., Chaverest, E. 2009. Risk Management Training needs of Small Farmers in Tennessee and Alabama.
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Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/08
Outputs
A planning meeting with Dr. Duncan Chembezi, project collaborator at Alabama A&M University, was held in the School of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Tennessee State University. We have been conducting review of literature and secondary data search. Researchers also completed preparing risk management education needs assessment survey instrument and pre-tested it. Graduate Research Assistant has been hired to help in various tasks. Sub-contract budget for Alabama A&M University was prepared and sent out. Note: The current Project Director took over the project on January 2, 2008 with approval of CSREES, USDA, replacing the original Project Director who left the University. PRODUCTS: Develop various types of risk management education and outreach material relevant to small and minority farmers. Provide information on risk management assistance programs available through public and private agencies. OUTCOMES: Make small and minority farmers aware of the importance of risk management. Enhance their participation in risk management education. Help farmers to diversify their farm operation to manage risk. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Disseminate project results by making presentations at farmers' conferences and professional meetings. Electronic means will also be used to make the results widely available. FUTURE INITIATIVES: Needs assessment survey of small and minority farmers regarding risk management education will be conducted and material to be used for training small and minority farmers will be developed. In addition to making presentation at farmers' conferences and professional meetings, project results will be disseminated to various stakeholders using electronic and other means. Reports and peer reviewed articles will also be prepared for publication in applied journals such as Journal of Extension.
Impacts
The training given to farmers is expected to improve their income from farming. Increase assistance and working relationship between small and minority farmers and USDA agencies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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