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Item Impacts of shocks and coping strategies of vegetable farm households in Sri Lanka during COVID-19 pandemic : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture and Rural Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-11-22) Rathnayake, Sanduni Anuththara KumariOver time, smallholders in developing countries, including those in Sri Lanka, face a variety of shocks and develop coping strategies in response. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a novel shock to many farm households in developing countries, often negatively impacting their livelihoods. This exploratory qualitative case study provides a comprehensive study on the impact of the pandemic on Sri Lankan smallholder vegetable farm households and their coping strategies. Data were collected from vegetable farm households and key informants in Nuwaraeliya and Kandy districts, mainly using the interview method and data were analysed qualitatively. Vegetable farm households in Sri Lanka faced multiple, diverse shocks characterised by cumulative, consecutive, interrelated, and ongoing events during the pandemic. This mix of shocks resulted in various impacts on vegetable farm households, but the common outcome on all households was f inancial due, in the main, to increased household costs and decreased household income. Farm households that predominantly depended on income from vegetable selling and farm households that produced only specialised types of vegetables for specialised markets were more adversely affected than others. Smallholder vegetable farm households were diverse in circumstances, production and marketing systems, household capitals, reliance on vegetables as an income source and livelihood activity. At any point in time different strategies related to production, marketing and financial hardships were being used by farm households to respond to the impacts of shocks they experienced. However, there was no consistent mix of strategies. The poorest continued to borrow, while others relied on savings and assets and then started to borrow when resources were depleted. How similar strategies were implemented varied across households depending on the social networks of households. While acknowledging the benefit of diversification for farm households during shocks, this study also illustrates that diversification does not guarantee that it will support farm households in buffering the impacts during a wide-scale shock that extends over a long period. However, market diversification supports farm households to buffer the impacts of shocks with broad-scale impacts. This study also identified the significance of individual household members’ personal characteristics such as motivation and enthusiasm in developing strategies and argues for including this attribute in human capital in the sustainable livelihood framework. Research insights strongly suggest that interventions intended to support farm households in buffering the impacts of shocks need to focus on the household level, prioritising the poorest of the poor while remaining open to addressing the needs of other farm households who might be wealthier but adversely affected by shocks. Providing direct financial support and implementing different financial services to accommodate the varied circumstances of farm households will benefit them during shocks. Interventions to build household and local community resilience will safeguard farm households as it will exclude the risk of overreliance on external government support.Item Food risk in consumers' eye and their consumption responses: evidence from Hanoi survey(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2021-06-08) Ha TM; Shakur S; Pham Do KHPurpose This paper analyses Hanoi consumers' evaluation of food risk and response to the perceived risk. Design/methodology/approach The authors employed the mixed method approach that integrates segmentation analysis on the survey data and information from group discussions. Findings Based on consumers' risk rating of six food groups and level of food safety worry, the authors identified four distinct consumer segments: low, moderate, high and very-high-risk perception. The authors found the existence of widespread food safety concerns among Hanoi consumers. Living in an urban region was associated with a higher level of food risk perception. Moderate, high and very-high-risk perception segments exhibited a very low level of institutional trust and subjective control over hazards. Response to the perceived risk differed across segments. “Very high-risk perception” was associated with the most risk-averse behaviour, putting more effort into seeking food safety information and engaging more in supermarket purchase. Consumers with a low and moderate perceived food risk participate more in self-supply of food to reduce their food safety concern. Practical implications The paper provides empirical evidence on consumers' evaluation of food risk and their risk-reducing strategies to support the risk communication in Vietnam. Social implications Enhancing institutional trust and risk communication including hazard education can improve consumer confidence in food. Originality/value This is the first segmentation study on consumer food risk perception in Vietnam.Item A risk-benefit approach to the purchase and consumption of conventional vegetables in wet markets(Elsevier Ltd, 2022-09-01) Ha TM; Hansson H; Abu Hatab A; Darr D; Shakur SThe purchase and consumption of conventional vegetables from wet markets in Vietnam are like two sides of a coin: perceived food safety risks and perceived benefits. Drawing on a sample of 463 Hanoi consumers, this study employed a risk-benefit approach to analyze the purchase intention and consumption frequency of conventional vegetables at traditional markets. A confirmatory factor analysis examined the links among risk perception, perceived utilitarian benefits, perceived hedonic benefits, and trust. Finally, generalized ordered and Poisson regressions were performed on these psychological constructs and their identified links. We found that perceived hedonic benefits, trust in wet market actors, and the presence of homegrown vegetables determined purchase intention and consumption frequency. The joint influence of perceived hedonic and utilitarian benefits on purchase intention implies that consumers considered both benefit dimensions when thinking of their future purchase of conventional vegetables. The significant interaction between perceived risk and perceived hedonic benefits on consumption frequency supports the risk-benefit approach. The effect of perceived hedonic benefits and income on purchase intention and consumption frequency are evidence of wet markets' social and cultural relevance.Item Impact of a "vegetables first" approach to complementary feeding on later intake and liking of vegetables in infants: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial(BioMed Central Ltd, 2021-12) Rapson JP; von Hurst PR; Hetherington MM; Conlon CABACKGROUND: Vegetables as first complementary foods for infants may programme taste preferences that lead to improved vegetable intake in children. Yet few studies have investigated the impact of a "vegetables first" approach to complementary feeding, especially in New Zealand. The purpose of this randomised control trial is to investigate the effect of starting complementary feeding with vegetables only on infants' later intake and liking of vegetables, compared to those starting with fruit and vegetables. METHODS/DESIGN: One-hundred and twenty mother-infant pairs living in Auckland, New Zealand, will be randomised to receive either vegetables only (intervention) or fruit and vegetables (control) for 28 days, starting from the first day of complementary feeding at around 4-6 months of age. Infants will be presented with a brassica (broccoli), followed by a green leafy vegetable (spinach) and sweet fruit (pear) at 9 months of age. The primary outcome measures of intake of each food will be assessed using a weighed food diary. Secondary outcome measures of overall intake, liking and wanting of vegetables will be assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, liking tool and video coding tool, respectively, at 9, 12, and 24 months of age. Infant growth and iron status will be assessed as part of health screening and monitoring at baseline, post intervention and 9 months of age. Other biological samples to be collected include infant stool samples, vitamin D (mother and infant), iron status (mother), and mothers' diet. DISCUSSION: This randomised, controlled trial will be the first to our knowledge to investigate a "vegetables first" approach to complementary feeding on infants' liking and intake of vegetables in New Zealand. Comparison against standard practice (fruit and vegetables as first foods) should complement other trials underway, such as the Baby's First Bites and Nordic OTIS trial. Results may contribute to the evidence supporting complementary feeding guidelines in New Zealand and worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12619000737134 . Registered on 16 May 2019.Item Starting complementary feeding with vegetables only increases vegetable acceptance at 9 months: a randomized controlled trial(Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition, 2022-07-09) Rapson JP; Von Hurst PR; Hetherington MM; Mazahery H; Conlon CABACKGROUND: Starting complementary feeding (CF) with vegetables only may improve vegetable acceptance throughout childhood. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to test whether exposure to vegetables only during the first 4 wk of CF increases later vegetable acceptance compared with a control group receiving fruit and vegetables. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, parallel-group study, 117 Auckland infants received either vegetables only (veg-only, n = 61) or a combination of fruit and vegetables (control, n = 56) for a duration of 4 wk, starting from the first day of CF at ∼4-6 mo of age. The primary outcome measure was intake of target vegetables (broccoli, spinach) provided by the study at 9 mo of age. Daily intake of vegetables (FFQs) at 9 mo was a supporting measure. Infants' iron status (serum ferritin, hemoglobin) was examined at all time points. RESULTS: The veg-only infants consumed more broccoli and spinach than controls [mean difference (95% CI): 11.83 (0.82, 22.84) g, P = 0.036 and 10.19 (0.50, 19.87) g, P = 0.039, respectively]. Intake of pear was comparable among intervention groups (P = 0.35). At 9 mo, veg-only infants consumed target vegetables at a faster rate [mean difference (95% CI): broccoli, 3.37 (1.26, 5.47), P = 0.002; spinach, 4.12 (0.80, 7.45), P = 0.016] and showed greater acceptance for target vegetables [mean difference (95% CI): broccoli, 0.38 (0.07, 0.70), P = 0.019; spinach, 032 (0.04, 0.60), P = 0.024] than controls. The rate of eating and acceptance of pear was comparable among intervention groups (P = 0.42 and P = 0.98, respectively). Also, veg-only infants consumed more vegetables than controls [86.3 (52.5, 146.3) compared with 67.5 (37.5, 101.3) g, respectively, P = 0.042]. Introducing vegetables as the first food was not associated with 9-mo iron status. CONCLUSIONS: Providing vegetables as first foods increased vegetable intake at 9 mo of age and may be an effective strategy for improving child vegetable consumption and developing preferences for vegetables in infancy.Item Impact of a 'vegetables first' approach to complementary feeding on later intake and liking of vegetables in infants : a randomised controlled trial : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Rapson, JeanetteBackground: Most children worldwide do not meet vegetable intake recommendations, which has implications for health, including an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases later in life. A ‘vegetables first’ approach to complementary feeding has emerged as a promising strategy to promote vegetable consumption in children. This approach prioritises vegetables as first foods, capitalising on young infants’ willingness to try new foods and establish food preferences that comprise healthy eating. While some authorities have started to encourage the introduction of vegetables first, more longitudinal randomised, controlled studies are needed to strengthen the evidence-base. In addition, there is a concern that a focus on vegetables as first foods may negatively impact infant iron status, which needs to be addressed. Aims and objectives: The overall aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to vegetables-only during the first four weeks of complementary feeding increases later vegetable intake and liking, compared to a control group which includes both fruit and vegetables. The primary objective was to examine whether providing vegetable-only first foods results in higher intake of vegetables at 9 months of age, compared to a control. Secondary objectives were to examine infants’ acceptance of vegetable-only first foods, to assess whether intervention effects are maintained at 12 months of age, and to describe the iron status of infants who had participated in the trial. Methods/Design: In this longitudinal randomised, controlled, parallel-group study, 117 Auckland mother-infant dyads, received either vegetables-only (veg-only, n = 61) or a combination of fruit and vegetables (control, n = 56) for a duration of four weeks, starting from the first day of complementary feeding at around 4–6 months of age. At 9 months of age all infants were offered target vegetables at home: broccoli (day 1), spinach (day 2) and pear (day 3). At 12 months of age, mothers completed infant feeding questionnaires only. The primary outcome measure was intake (grams) of vegetables at 9 months of age. Additional food acceptance variables were mother-rated liking (5-point Likert scale), frequency of positive/negative behaviours (%), rate of eating (grams/min), rate of acceptance (video coding) and daily intake/preferences of fruit and vegetables (food frequency/liking questionnaires). Infants’ iron status (n = 75) was assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 9 months of age via capillary blood samples. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed for the primary analysis. Demographic data was collected at baseline via an online questionnaire, and written consent obtained from all participants. Results: Of those who completed the 4-week intervention, 108 (92 %) provided intake data needed for the primary analysis at 9 months of age (veg-only, n = 56; controls, n = 52). Most (> 90 %) mothers had a university qualification or higher and were European ethnicity with adequate access to food. Intake of the target vegetables at 9 months was significantly higher among veg-only infants than controls: median (25th, 75th percentile) for broccoli was 47.0 (27.0, 72.0) vs 30.0 (16.0, 62.0) grams, P = 0.024, respectively; spinach was 37.0 (19.0, 55.0) vs 24.0 (12.0, 41.0) grams, P = 0.028, respectively. Daily vegetable intake was also significantly higher: veg-only group, 86.3 (52.5, 146.3) grams vs controls 67.5 (37.5, 101.3) grams, P = 0.042. Veg-only infants consumed the target vegetables at a faster rate (broccoli, P < 0.001; spinach, P = 0.004) and showed greater acceptance than controls (all target vegetables P = 0.018). Fruit intake (target and daily) was similar, as were all other acceptance variables. At 12 months of age (n = 107), these effects were maintained as daily vegetable intake was 20 % higher in the veg-only group, than controls (P = 0.021); daily fruit intake and liking of vegetables and fruit remained similar. With respect to secondary outcomes, intake, rate of eating and liking of the study foods during the 4-week intervention were similar between groups and increased significantly between week one and four (all P < 0.001). Frequency of negative behaviours in response to study foods in both groups significantly decreased over time (both P < 0.001) while positive behaviours did not change (veg-only P = 0.07; control P = 0.147). In terms of iron status, most were iron sufficient at baseline (93 %) and at 9 months of age (92 %). Conclusion: Providing vegetables as first foods increased vegetable intake at 9 months of age, and may be an effective strategy for improving child vegetable consumption and developing a preference for vegetables in infancy. Meanwhile, vegetable-only first foods were well-accepted and iron status maintained, which may be of encouragement to parents. However, given limited generalisability, more research investigating ways to support families in feeding vegetables as first foods at a population level is warranted.Item Linking smallholder producers to high-value markets through producer cooperatives : a case study of vegetable producer cooperatives in Cambodia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of AgriCommerce at Massey University, School of Agriculture and Environment, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Tray, BunthanThe emergence of supermarkets and high-value markets (HVMs) in developing countries has implications for producers and whole agri-food markets. To bring benefits of this development to smallholder producers, governments and development agencies have paid great attention to the essential roles of producer cooperatives (PCs). Many studies show that PCs succeeded in linking producers to HVMs, but numerous cases indicated that PCs did not achieve their goal. Modern retail markets and supermarkets have grown in Cambodia, but vegetable growers were unlikely to gain benefits from this HVMs. PCs play critical roles in assisting smallholder producers in strengthening market competition, but only a very few PCs achieved their business goals. The purpose of this research is 1) to examine the role of producer cooperatives (PCs) in linking vegetable producers to (HVMs) and 2) analyse the factors affecting successful participation in (HVMs). This study applied mixed research methods by integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine vegetable value chains, the roles of PCs, and factor affecting smallholder producers’ participation in HVMs. With this study, the primary data was collected by using a face-to-face interview with PCs’ managers and a survey interview with PCs’ members. This study used Qualitative Data Analysis, descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, chi-square test, and independent samples T-Test to address research objectives. The research indicated that the vegetable value chain in Cambodia consisted of two main marketing channels, such as traditional markets (TMs) and high-value markets (HVMs). The value chain of TMs was long and complicated with a number of chain actors, while the value chain of HVMs was short and high integration of the intermediaries. The research suggested that the value chain of HVMs provided a better price for producers, but volume supplied to supermarkets remains relatively small. In terms of the roles of PCs, all selected PCs provided agricultural input support, financial support, extension services, and market support to their members. However, PC-HVMs focused on both production and markets, while PC-TMs paid great attention to production. Based on these results, governments, and development agencies, and PCs should assist producers in both production technologies and business skills. The study examined factors that influenced smallholder producer groups’ participation in HVMs. The results indicate that the majority of respondents considered external factors, such as political, economic, social, environmental, and technological factors, as important factors affecting their participation in HVMs. This study suggested that wide ranges of supports provided to producers may help them to participate in HVMs. However, there is a need for favourite supporting policies and a macroeconomic environment from the government in the country. These could open up broader market opportunities for smallholder vegetable producers. The binary logistic regression results indicate that some internal factors, such as a vegetable farming experience, volume of vegetables, and average vegetable prices had a statistical significance with a positive sign. However, a vegetable farm size showed a negative sign.Item Consumer perception and behavior toward food safety risk in Vietnam : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Massey University, Manawatu Campus New Zealand(Massey University, 2020) Ha, Thi Thanh MaiPerception of food safety risk is heightened in Vietnam. The main objective of this thesis is to gain an understanding of consumer perception of food safety risk and the relationship between risk perception and behaviour toward food safety risk in Vietnam. The thesis used the primary data that comes from our survey of 498 consumers and group discussions. Data were collected during 2017 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Results from Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis confirmed that extensive media coverage of food safety scandals decreased trust in institutions and heightened risk perception of common food and risk perception of hazards directly. Negative food safety information indirectly amplified perception of food safety risk in general. Using the mixed method, we found that risk perception was shaped by the fear of hazards, risk perceived from common foods, and food risk information. This finding was supported by those generated from SEM. Region was the most important determinant of risk perception, where urban consumers perceived a higher food safety risk than their rural counterparts. Applying Principle Component Analysis and ordered logit regression, we found differences and similarities in the determinants of vegetable risk perception between the rural and urban regions. The Kruskal-Wallis test shows that higher risk perception was associated with a larger decline in vegetable consumption. To reduce the perceived risk, consumers avoided eating vegetables that were believed to be unsafe and switched to safer ones. We used the contingent valuation method to predict the willingness to pay (WTP) for organic vegetables. Results show that the WTP of urban consumers was higher than that of rural respondents. Perceived values of organic food, trust in organic labels, and income increased the WTP across the regions. Growing own vegetables reduced the WTP in the rural region only. Our findings suggest that regional differences need to be considered when designing risk communication and food safety policy. Urban farming should be encouraged as a mean to reduce food safety concerns in cities.Item An analysis of the price behaviour of selected vegetables at a New Zealand auction : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies at Massey University(Massey University, 1987) Wright, Stephen JohnThe immediate and short run behaviour of prices and volumes of eighteen vegetables at auction are examined. The objectives were to describe the behaviour of weekly prices and volumes and to investigate various relationships. The data analysed are weekly volume and turnover for eighteen vegetables at a Palmerston North auction for a three year period. Various climatological variables relating to the same period were also analysed. Much of the descriptive analysis relies on the techniques of Exploratory Data Analysis; boxplots, letterplots, and a resistant smoother are used extensively. These methods facilitate the analysis of the behaviour of prices and volumes over time. The auction marketing system is discussed at length, with particular emphasis on the effect of length of run on supply response. Various relationships are examined predominantly using stepwise reqression. These include: current price and quantity; current quantity and lagged price; quantity and month of the year; price and month of the year; price and various weather variables; quantity and various weather variables; current price and lagged price. Some transformations are used to try to get a more linear relationship between price and quantity. This relied on fitting several resistant lines, another EDA technique. The interdependence or interrelationship of prices examined using Principal Components Analysis, and principal components were extracted and described. Some useful insights into the behaviour of the market are gained. Immediate run price variation, that is from week to week, is quite large and this is reflected in low R-squared values for the price-volume relationships. The relationship between current marketed volume and lagged prices was also investigated. The results indicate that in the immediate run, using weekly prices, this relationship is weak. Arguably the most useful analysis was the monthly price boxplots which give a clear graphic display of the behaviour of prices. These and the other plots give indications as to when prices were highest and lowest. They may be useful to growers in planning production and harvesting. It was discovered that weekly prices were more variable than weekly volumes for 10 vegetables, less variable for six vegetables, and equally variable for two vegetables. 0ften the highest weekly price did not coincide with the lowest weekly supply, and the lowest price did not correspond to the highest supply. This suggests that bidders under or over estimate the quantity on the floor and each other's requirements.Item Evaluation of Massey twist tester for textural assessment of fruits and vegetables : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Agricultural Engineering at Massey University(Massey University, 2000) Tautakitaki, Tevita PasinamuThe Massey Twist Tester is an instrument developed to assess the texture of fresh fruit and vegetables rapidly. Since its original development in 1990, the Twist Tester has been modified extensively and numerous prototypes have been developed. In principle a small rectangular flat blade is rotated inside the fruit, and the torque required is measured. The current version incorporates a motor driven unit rotating inside a set of needles which hold the fruit firmly. Although measurements of fruit properties have been reported in previous studies, these have all been based on earlier designs, and no data on the new version of the Twist Tester have yet been published. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the new version of the Twist Tester by comparing it to the standard penetrometer, which has been widely used in many parts of the world for several years. Samples of fruit and vegetables were stored in different conditions to vary the level of firmness in order to expose how well each instrument performed in detecting the changes of textural properties. Generally, both Twist Tester and Penetrometer readings declined with storage time. In the testing of Braeburn apples, the Twist Tester has highly correlated with storage time as compared to penetrometer, The Twist Tester and Texture Analyser produced results for the Royal Gala apples which were highly correlated with those obtained from the penetrometer, suggesting that this test could be used, as it is more reliable for determining the maturity of apples. For plums, the correlation of the Twister with storage time at three storage conditions were high (r =0.92, 0.95 and 0.92), compared to the correlated of penetrometer with storage time which was (r = 0.83, 0.44 and 0.77). The penetrometer has a slightly higher degree of correlation with storage time for pears, compared to the Twist Tester. Pears declined in crushing strength and penetrometer readings with storage time, but over the last 7 days the value of firmness increased. The literature review showed that when water loss from the fruit is extreme, it forms a rubbery texture, produces a higher degree of firmness. Further research work would need to be done to obtain a more reliable result. The Twist Tester performed well in predicting the changes of textural properties of nashi, which showed a stronger correlation with storage time than the penetrometer relationship with storage time. During storage of kiwifruit, the penetrometer could not detect any changes after 14 days, while Twist Tester obtained a reliable result. This showed that penetrometer could not test the firmness of texture of any soft fruits. The relationship between the crushing strength and storage time produced a high coefficient in all three storage conditions (r = 0.91, 0.89, 0.80) while the penetrometer readings showed the following correlations with storage time (r =0.77, 0.76, 0.44). Thus the Twist Tester can determine the maturity of kiwifruit as well as any soft tissue products. Changes in the textural properties of potatoes also were well detected by the Twist Tester, which showed a stronger correlation with storage time than did the penetrometer. Firmness and crispness as measured by both the Twist Tester and penetrometer readings were highly correlated, while other variables showed only a poor relationship with instrumental measurement. Further research is needed to improve these results by using a well-trained taste panel. Changing the speed of Twist Test has no significant effects on the crushing strength of fruit and vegetables within the range of 5-10 rpm. The Twist Tester is more accurate, easy to operate and may be used to determine the quality and maturity of a wider range of products than penetrometer.