MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

Evaluation of Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among Street Food Vendors in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

2023-12-13T21:24:19+08:00

Street food vendors are proliferating in Malaysian communities because the foods are reasonably priced and accessible since they are typically found in crowded areas. Due to informal observation of food handling practices, street food vendors have been noted as a common cause of foodborne diseases. Hence, the objectives of this study are 1) to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of food safety among street food vendors, 2) to examine the associations between the level of food safety practices and socioeconomic characteristics of street food vendors, and 3) to investigate the relationship between level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of food safety among street food vendors, A purposive sampling method was used, and 268 street food vendors were involved in this study. Several statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, Chi-square analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis, were used to analyze the data. Out of 268 street food vendors, 219 (81.7%) had adequate knowledge, 239 (89.2%) had a favourable attitude, and 245 (91.4%) vendors implemented good practices in their food handling procedures. Street food vendors’ practices were associated with education level (p=0.069), type of stalls (p=0.030), monthly revenue (p=0.006), license (p=0.027), food safety training (p=0.001), and typhoid injection (p=0.005). The study revealed a positive correlation between the street food vendors’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding food safety. This investigation suggests that the street food vendors demonstrated a commendable proficiency in food safety KAP. However, relevant authorities must prioritize rigorous enforcement and educational interventions. This proactive approach is essential to elevate food safety standards further and effectively address the potential risks of foodborne diseases.

Empirical Analysis on Import Diversification of Major Livestock Commodities in Malaysia

2023-05-21T13:42:47+08:00

The long-standing underperforming self-sufficiency status of major ruminant commodities in Malaysia signifies that the livestock sub-sector is confronting crucial import dependency status, particularly beef and mutton. The self-sufficiency indicated stagnating and even deteriorating trends over the years, stemming from a massive gap between domestic production and the demand requirement for meat products. Various efforts and strategies are implemented to expand local beef and mutton production, yet the performance remains insignificant. This crucial situation further urges the government to implement the liberalization of import quota for the two main meat commodities, aiming to provide meat supply based on current needs either at the industry or consumer level and further facilitate market equilibrium for meat products. Nevertheless, the import tendency has concentrated on a few dominant markets, globally. Previous studies suggested trade diversification is crucial for multiple reasons towards creating a more sustainable economy and food security. Therefore, this study identifies the status of trade diversification of primary livestock commodities and measures the association between trade diversification and economic performance in Malaysia. Time series databases (2000 – 2020) were utilized and analyzed using quantitative methods to estimate the import diversification index (ID) using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), which is further used as an endogenous variable to develop the import diversification empirical model, while the exogenous variables include gross domestic product per capita, food security, and total factor productivity. The Import Diversification Index confirms beef import market demonstrates a low diversified import or highly concentrated market, whereas mutton showed more diversified import markets. The results showed that national gross per capita income and food security status are the two variables that significantly influence the country's concentrated import markets for beef and mutton import diversification status. This study also found that per capita national income, self-sufficiency, and total factor productivity significantly affect the trade diversification degree for beef and mutton imports in Malaysia. Despite being massively dependent on meat (beef and mutton) imports, none of the specific studies has attempted to measure the trade diversification circumstance in Malaysia. The findings of this study are useful in strategizing the diversification of import markets, particularly for primary ruminant livestock commodities, in line with the national food security direction and policy agenda in Malaysia.

Households’ Socioeconomic Assessments and Effects on Purchasing Decisions of Rice Types in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria

2023-03-09T15:53:29+08:00

Consumers' purchasing decisions are influenced by their demographic and socioeconomic factors. This study analyzed the effects of socioeconomic characteristics of rice-consuming household heads on purchasing decisions among alternative rice types in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 174 household heads, and data from the sample were collected through a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression were used to analyze the data. Findings show that many rice consumers have formal education, and their preference for various types of rice is highly heterogeneous. Ease of rice preparation is the most important reason for opting for imported rice. The low preference for brown local rice was mainly due to high prices, perceived poor quality, and lack of knowledge about its health benefits. Households’ choice among alternative rice types was significantly determined by marital status, total expenditure, educational status, rice market price, and access to credit. Households’ socioeconomic characteristics strongly influence the types of rice purchased. The differential effects of households’ total expenditure, education, and market prices on the choice of rice types should be taken into account when developing rice interventions aimed at changing dietary habits. In addition, policies and programmes for developing the rice sector and good consumer health should involve reorienting people's values and educating them on the best types of rice. The findings can also be used for proper policy options to address the price of the local nutritious brown rice, expand its production and ensure its full commercialization from possible export.

Exploring Consumer Awareness of Curculigo Latifolia as a Sugar Substitute

2021-09-01T16:04:47+08:00

Lemba or Pinang Puyuh, locally known as Curculigo Latifolia, is a prevalent plant species in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo Island. Belonging to the flowering plant genus Hypoxidaceae, this plant harbours a sweet protein called Curculin extracted from its fruit. Remarkably, Curculin is 500 times sweeter than sucrose, making C. latifolia a viable low-calorie sweetener for individuals with diabetes or obesity. Despite its potential, many remain unaware of this sweet herb. This paper explores consumer awareness regarding C. latifolia as a sugar substitute. Primary data was gathered through a self-administered survey by employing structured questionnaires. In the Klang Valley, Malaysia, 350 respondents were randomly selected. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive, chi-square, and factor analyses. Surprisingly, 80.9% of respondents had never encountered C. latifolia as a sugar substitute. Chi-square analysis disclosed associations between socio-demographic factors, such as gender, and awareness of C. latifolia. Further investigation via factor analysis identified four influencing factors determining consumer awareness: promotion, health concern, product, and price. Given the potential of natural sugar substitutes like C. latifolia in reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes, effective advertising and promotion are crucial. Increasing consumer awareness and knowledge about this herb will be essential for its future acceptance as a sugar substitute.

Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Energy Drinks in Malaysia

2021-01-27T11:43:24+08:00

The busy lives of people worldwide have led to the production and consumption of convenient and readily available food and drinks which can satisfy the need for energy to go on. However, some claim that these processed consumables are not necessarily nutritious and sometimes even harmful to the body, especially energy drinks loaded with a vast amount of sugar. This paper investigates consumer buying behaviour towards consuming two types of energy drinks, i.e., artificial and herbal energy drinks. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect the data from 450 respondents among the urban area residents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square analyses were conducted to see the relationship between the demographic profiles of consumer buying behaviour towards energy drinks, showing a significant value of .000 for artificial energy drinks and .023 for herbal energy drinks. Whilst factor analysis were run to examine the factors influencing consumer buying behaviour toward energy drinks. The data reveal that lifestyle, age, preferences, price, and customer trust impact consumers' energy drink purchasing decisions. To improve the production of herbal energy drinks so they may be sold at a reduced price, manufacturers should be honest about the ingredients of artificial or herbal energy drinks.

Consumers’ Preference in Online Purchasing of Ornamental Plants in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

2023-11-24T17:36:41+08:00

The internet’s growth has opened doors for global sales, particularly in Malaysia, where a rising trend in online shopping is evident. Floriculture entrepreneurs are seizing this opportunity to boost ornamental plant sales online, driven by the increasing internet-savvy Malaysian customer base. Despite the overall surge in online commerce, ornamental plants face challenges in popularity compared to items like clothing or food. Various factors influence consumer preferences for online ornamental plant purchases, including plant pricing, quality attributes, and reliable delivery services. This study aims to explore the factors influencing consumers toward purchasing ornamental plants online, assess consumer preferences, and understand how these patterns may impact future buying behaviour. The conceptual framework includes five independent variables: price, quality, time-saving, convenience, and delivery service, with consumer preferences as the dependent variable. Data was collected from 154 respondents in Klang Valley, Malaysia, who were experienced in purchasing ornamental plants online, and analyzed using descriptive and mean ranking analysis. Findings show that the critical platform s for purchases were Facebook, Shopee, and WhatsApp, with seedlings and adult plants priced under RM 20 being the preferred choices. Respondents identified price, quality, time-saving, convenience, and delivery service as crucial factors in their online purchasing decisions. Delivery service emerged as the most influential factor, earning 100% preference. Consumers were firmly willing to buy ornamental plants online if inform ed about the seller’s quality and packaging methods, as highlighted by a mean score of 4.533. The study emphasizes that consumers prioritize “quality delivery service” when making online purchases. “Convenience” is another critical factor, allowing consumers to compare prices before buying. Overall, consumers focus on price, quality, convenience, and time savings when buying ornamental plants online. Sellers are encouraged to go beyond these factors, employing diverse strategies to attract consumers to the online ornamental plant market.

Empowerment of Porang Farmers Through the Performance of Agricultural Extension in Increasing Economic Value in Rejosari Village, Bantur District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia

2023-05-12T10:07:12+08:00

This study examines the performance of Agricultural Extension Officers in empowering porang farmers in Rejosari Village, Bantur District, Malang Regency. The research involved 50 farmers and used a saturated sampling method. The data was analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis and the Likert's Summated Rating Scale measurement. The results showed high performance in facilitating, motivating, mediating, innovating, and organizing. The closeness of the relationship between performance variables and farmer empowerment was very high. Suggestions for extension agents include regular training activities and creating a guidebook for farmers to expedite extension activities. The study also suggests that farmers should create their own guidebook for extension activities to support the performance of extension workers and empower farmers.

Effects of Land Reclamation Activities on Fish Catch Among Fishermen at Merambong Shoal, Johor

2023-03-07T16:03:56+08:00

The fisheries community is a community that is highly dependent on the fisheries sector, and they usually live near the coastal area. However, land reclamation activities are conducted in the coastal area for development and urbanization due to the increasing population. Consequently, the land reclamation activities degraded the habitat of the fish and caused a decrease in their productivity. This study investigated the effects of land reclamation activities on fish catch among fishermen. Using convenience sampling, 79 fishermen in the Merambong Shoal were selected, and a structured questionnaire was constructed to get responses from these fishermen. Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the number of trips, duration of fishermen to catch fish, distance of fishing ground from the coast, number of crew, and government incentives were the factors that affected the fish catch. These factors have significant relationships with the quantity of fish catch, which directly impacts income and, at the same time, affects livelihoods. The role of the government in increasing the monetary incentives and subsidies to improve the fishermen's fishing operations was highly recommended.