Information-based approaches to addressing risk and vulnerability in agriculture: evidence from the Republic of Moldova

Valeriya Timoshenko

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis examines factors and constraints influencing farmers’ decision to use the internal Weather Forecasts Information Module of the Moldovan Agricultural Marketing Information System (AMIS). Field survey took place in three specific districts of Moldova: Singerei, Telenesti and Anenii Noi. In addition, online survey was conducted with collected responses from fourteen various districts. Using a Binary probit model it was found that gender of farmer, level of education and experienced hail in years 2015-2017 played a significant role in farmers’ decision of Weather Forecast Services (WFS) adoption. It was suggested that female farmers were less likely to subscribe for WFS utilization, whereas farmers with more high education attainment and experienced hail over the last three years, they were more likely to adopt WFS of the AMIS. Majority of farmers subscribed for WFS evaluated its information as useful and very useful. Applying the Pearson’s Chi-square two sample test indicated that the main constraint to the use of WFS depended on high service price, particularly from SMS-subscribers’ perspectives. Descriptive statistics results showed that farmers in the study area searched agricultural information from a range of sources. Based on this thesis, extension services (consulting agencies), the Internet and mass media (radio, television and printed media) were the most used information sources. Farmers became aware of WFS mainly through the Internet and contact with consultants from National Agency for Rural Development (ACSA-NGO).

Keywords

Weather forecasts, Agricultural Marketing Information Services (AMIS), Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), The Republic of Moldova, Agricultural producers

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 27. 4. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Alexander Kandakov, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / field:
Tropical Agriculture / International Development and Agricultural Economics