An Analysis of the Status of Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties
Date of Award
Summer 7-10-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Program Option
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Advisor
Nii O. Tackie, PhD
Co-advisor/Committee Member One
Youssouf Diabate, PhD
Committee Member Two
Franklin Quarcoo, PhD
Committee Member Three
Jannette R. Bartlett, PhD
Comittee Member Four
Tej Gautam, PhD
Abstract
AN ANALYSIS OF THE STATUS OF SMALL PRODUCERS IN SELECTED ALABAMA BLACK BELT AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
by
Mamnenge Gbim-Gbande
The purpose of this study was to analyze the status of small producers in selected Alabama Black Belt and surrounding counties. The specific objectives were to (1) describe demographic information, (2) examine farm, economic, marketing, and other information, and (3) examine relationships between specific demographic information and farm, economic, marketing, and other information. The data were obtained from a convenience sample of 24 producers, and were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and correlation analysis. The results showed that there were more part-time producers than full-time producers (54% versus 42%); more males than females (80% versus 17%); more Blacks than other races (83% versus 16%); more producers of ages 55 years and higher compared to below 55 years of age (54% versus 42%); more producers with a four-year college degree or higher compared to a two-year/technical degree or some college education (38% versus 33%), and more producers with an annual household income of less than $40,000 (54%) than $40,000 and above (38%). Also, 29% owned their farms, while 71% were in other arrangements; 38% had been farming for 10 years or less and 71% had been for more than 10 years; 75% owned more than 10 acres of land and 21% owned 10 acres or less land. However, 54% farmed 10 acres or less, while 46% farmed more than 10 acres. The average net income by year, for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were, respectively, -$527.05, -$1,077.05 and -$2,326.92. The correlation results showed that gender, race/ethnicity, and age each had a statistically significant relationship with one selected farm information indicator, such as years in farming. Further, annual household income had a statistically significant relationship viii with two selected farm information indicators, such as ownership status. Also, farming status and annual household income had a statistically significant relationship with, at least, one selected marketing information indicator, for instance, where livestock is normally sold. Yet, age and education had a statistically significant relationship with one other information indicator, where educational and technical assistance is received. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the producers should be encouraged and assisted, being that most of them are small and part-time producers. Additionally, special assistance should be given to them such as giving them some income support, helping them to farm more than 10 acres, assisting them to improve on their marketing strategies, and helping them to improve record keeping practices.
Recommended Citation
Gbim-Gbande, Mamnenge, "An Analysis of the Status of Small Producers in Selected Alabama Black Belt and Surrounding Counties" (2023). College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 6.
https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/caens_etds/6