Kwamena K. Quagrainie

A Latent Structure Approach to Measuring Reputation

The present study provides estimates of reputation as a dynamic latent variable that is determined by price premiums and market data. Further, it analyzes the effect of extrinsic factors on reputation. Specifically, this study seeks to (i) quantify the reputation of Washington apples over time, (ii) study the dynamic nature of reputation, and (iii) analyze the effect of the label “Washington Apple.” The model adopted in this study is the dynamic multiple-indicator multiple-cause (DYMIMIC) modeling approach, which is a special case of the general latent variable modeling scheme called “state-space” models. Both DYMIMIC and hedonic approaches are applied to the data on Washington apples, and results from the two approaches are compared.

Aquaculture marketing handbook

Forewrod. Preface. CHAPTER 1. Seafood and Aquaculture Markets. CHAPTER 2. Demand and Supply of Seafood and Aquaculture Products. CHAPTER 3. Aquaculture Marketing Concepts. CHAPTER 4. Aquaculture Growers and their Marketing Choices. CHAPTER 5. Seafood and Aquaculture Product Processing. CHAPTER 6. Participation and Leadership In Marketing. CHAPTER 7. Marketing by Farmer Groups. CHAPTER 8. Wholesaler Marketing. CHAPTER 9. Market Trends. CHAPTER 10. The International Market for Seafood and Aquaculture Products. CHAPTER 11. Policies and Regulations Governing Aquaculture Marketing in the United States. CHAPTER 12. Planning Marketing Strategies (Identifying Target Markets). CHAPTER 13. Marketing Research Methodologies. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF AQUACULTURE MARKETING INFORMATION SOURCES. ANNOTATED WEBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES OF DATA AND INFORMATION FOR AQUACULTURE MARKETING. GLOSSARY. Name Index. Subject Index

A LATENT CLASS MODEL FOR ANALYZING PREFERENCES FOR CATFISH

ABSTRACT Using a latent class model of structural heterogeneity in the multinomial logit framework, this study examined catfish preferences of Arkansas restaurateurs from stated choice data. The results suggest two latent classes of restaurateurs that are fairly distinct and have some degree of overlap. Managers in both classes are sensitive to prices and prefer catfish products that have mild flavor and soft texture. When preference for dryness, flavor and texture are assumed equal for both classes, one class becomes very sensitive to price but unconcerned with color while the other class becomes insensitive to price but very concerned with color.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FREQUENCY OF PURCHASE OF CATFISH BY U.S. HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED CITIES

Increased understanding of the factors that influence the frequency of purchase of catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) by U.S. households would provide guidance for catfish marketing programs. A household survey was conducted to analyze consumer preferences and consumption trends of U.S. farm-raised catfish in Birmingham, Memphis, Chicago, Jackson (MS), New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. An ordered probit model was developed to examine the variables influencing frequency of catfish purchase. Household respondents in all cities except Jackson, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio were found to be more frequent buyers of catfish products. Respondents who preferred fresh catfish had a greater likelihood of frequent catfish purchase while buyers of frozen catfish were less likely to purchase catfish frequently. Method of preparation and serving had no influence on catfish purchase frequency. Buyers purchasing from supermarket outlets had a higher probability of being more frequent buyers of catfish products than those who purchase from other market outlets. Product origin labels and vacuum-sealed packaging influenced the frequency of catfish purchase. Caucasians and African Americans were found to be more frequent buyers of catfish products while Hispanics were found to be significantly less frequent buyers of catfish products. Married couples had a greater likelihood of purchasing catfish more frequently than unmarried couples. Age of the respondents as well as number of household members had no significant effect on frequency of catfish purchase. The results from this study support the importance of country of origin labeling, supplying high-quality fresh products, and alternative packaging to enhance sales of U.S. farm-raised catfish in supermarkets.

Factors Influencing the Purchase of Live Seafood in the North Central Region of the United States

Abstract This study assesses the preferences of shoppers of live seafood products in the North Central Region of the US accounting for heterogeneity in their preferences. The results suggest that quality assurance considerations and high incomes are factors that would increase the probability of higher expenditures on live fish/shellfish. The purchase of saltwater fish and shellfish also increased the probability of higher expenditures. The North Central Region produces freshwater seafood, and maintaining fish quality through the production process is important to this niche market. Shoppers also purchased live seafood frequently, signifying the importance of availability. JEL Classification Code: Q11, Q21, Q22

Analysis of the use of credit facilities by small-scale fish farmers in Kenya

The government of Kenya encourages aquaculture development by offering credit facilities through the government agricultural finance institution, Agriculture Finance Corporation. Nevertheless, the level of credit use in fish farming is very low. Access to credit is among several factors that affect farmers’ decision of whether to use particular technology or services. The study examined factors that affected the decision of fish farmers in Kenya to utilize credit facilities in fish production using a probit model. The analysis suggests that farmers in the Western province will have a 19% more probability of using credit facilities for their fish farming operations than farmers from the other provinces such as the Rift Valley, Central, and the Eastern province. The effect of tilapia sales on the probability of credit use by fish farmers is more than three times that of catfish sales. Total pond acreage owned by fish farmers had a positive effect on credit use but the effect was very small and negligible. The level of fish farmers’ use of credit facilities is very low, and there is probably the need to educate farmers on credit use and for the government agricultural lending agency and other commercial agricultural lenders to invest in this enterprise. Kenyan lending institutions have financed traditional agricultural enterprises, and with the growing production of farmed fish, more research is needed to document the aquaculture business model to assist in assessing the profitability potential in aquaculture.

Potential restaurant markets for farm‐raised tilapia in Nicaragua

Abstract This study assessed the potential to increase sales of farm‐raised tilapia through domestic restaurants in Nicaragua. Direct personal interviews were conducted with 118 restaurant managers. Information was collected on tilapia and other seafood sales, restaurant and market characteristics, attitudes towards tilapia characteristics, and willingness to add tilapia to the menu. The results from logit analyses suggest that the most promising restaurant markets for tilapia are older restaurants that offered a variety of food and those that served steaks. Larger restaurants that considered tilapia to be a high‐quality product and that offered “ceviche” (fish marinated in lime juice) on the menu were those that tended to sell tilapia. Tilapia farmers and processors in Nicaragua will need to guarantee and ensure the flavor, quality, and safety of their product, and promote these attributes.

A dynamic almost ideal demand model for US catfish

Abstract The study applies a dynamic model of the almost ideal demand system to derive long‐run estimates of demand for catfish products. Adjustment coefficients towards long‐run equilibrium for purchasers of catfish are estimated. The hypothesis that catfish buyers fully adjust to changes in real price and expenditure instantaneously is rejected. Following a deviation from equilibrium, about 16% of the adjustment takes place instantaneously while full adjustment is completed within the subsequent two‐month period. Purchasers of catfish adjust fairly quickly to a new equilibrium after disequilibrium movements suggesting a low cost of adjustment. Elasticity estimates obtained from the model indicate that the dynamic model is well behaved, with negative own‐price effects in the compensated and uncompensated form. In the uncompensated form whole fish is found to be less own‐price inelastic while fillet is found to be own‐price elastic. The sensitive nature of the products to changes in own prices suggests the need for processors to make whole fish and fillets more price‐competitive through efficient production and marketing processes. Expenditure elasticities obtained from the model are also consistent with economic theory.

Remote sensing applications for sustainable aquaculture in Africa

The authors review the current state of the science with respect to remote sensing applications for aquaculture, including site location, aquaculture facility mapping, market proximity analysis and associated roadway infrastructure, epizootic mitigation, meteorological event and flood early warning, environmental pollution monitoring, and aquatic ecosystem impact, primarily for catfish (Clarias spp.) and tilapia (Tilapia spp.; Oreochromis spp.), inter alia. The potential of technology transfer from the controlled environment aquaculture research facilities at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA to partnering institutions in Ghana and Kenya are explored. The potential for multi-sensor remote sensing deployment to support sustainable fish production in these environments and subsequently in other African countries is evaluated.

ARKANSAS CATFISH FARMERS AND MARKETING CONTRACTS: SOME INSIGHTS INTO MOTIVATIONS

Interest in sales contracts in the catfish industry increased in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a result of increased import pressures and lower product prices. The study uses survey data fitted to a probit model to examine the motivations for contracting sales, and whether farm size is an important determinant of sales contracts usage. The article concludes that Arkansas catfish farmers with large acreages and therefore large volumes of production have a high probability of utilizing contracts to handle their sales but not necessarily with privately-owned independent processors. The farmers are not motivated to engage in sales contracts by reduction in income or price risks. They are motivated by production and management issues, which appear consistent with reductions in transactions costs relating to asset specificity and quality measurement as the reason for contracting.