Full Length Research Paper
Value Chain
Analysis of Artichoke Production in Egypt
Eman Abd
Elaziz Rabea[*], Rehab Gamal Eldin Elhaga and Nerveen Samir Yassa Gerges
Economics
Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt
Corresponding
Author: Eman Abd Elaziz Rabea Key
words: Value chain, Value Added, Artichoke, Processing station.
ARTICLE DETAILS ABSTRACT
Artichokes
are considered one of the non-traditional export vegetable crops. The
problem of the study was that Egypt produces approximately one-fifth of the
world’s artichoke production, but the volume of its exports is not
proportional to this production, and large quantities of artichoke exports
are made in the fresh form, not the processed form, thus reducing the added
value of the exports Artichoke. The study
mainly aims to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian artichokes by
tracking the various productions and processing stages and identifies the
strengths and weaknesses of all actors in the artichoke value chain by
studying the following: the chronological development and current status of
artichoke production in Egyptian agriculture and the Bahira
Governorate, They are indicators of the
external market for Egyptian artichokes, Value chain analysis of
artichokes in Kafri Elda war Center general
characteristics of the value chain, and identifying the strengths and
weaknesses of the value chain links for artichokes in Kafri
Elda war Center. The results of the study showed that Egypt
ranks first in the world as the most important producing and exporting
country, as the average quantity of Egyptian artichoke exports reached
about 26.92 thousand tons during the study period. While the value of
artichoke exports took a general increasing trend during the study period
with an annual growth rate of about 10.5% of the period average of about
421.6 million pounds. It was also found that the most important actors in
the value chain are suppliers of production inputs, farmers, importers,
Processing stations (Nawala), food factories and
exporters. The added value per acre of artichoke was about 125,150 pounds,
and the farmer’s profit for one inflorescence amounted to about 2.0 pounds,
while the importers achieved an added value estimated at about 0.50 pounds,
rising to about 0.65 pounds per inflorescence (Noura)
in the event of lending to farmers. In light of the findings of the study,
it recommends establishing an artichoke marketing unit in the study area
that includes actors in the value chain and strengthens the horizontal and
vertical links between them. Its mission will be to provide market
information, especially with regard to external prices, export
opportunities, and specifications required for export to bring together the
parties of the chain, and to strengthen the negotiating position in
particular. For farmers and owners of processing stations in the face of
the monopolistic situation of factories and exporters, concluding contracts
between the parties and following up on their fulfillment.
1. Introduction
Artichoke is
a non-traditional export vegetable crop, Artichoke derives its
importance from its nutritional and medicinal value, which is due to the fact
that its Noura contain large amounts of vitamins A
and B before they open. It is also rich in iron, phosphorus, and calcium salts,
in addition to the bile-producing substance cynarine,
which is useful in cases of liver disease (Aoun,
1997). The Kafr Eldawar
center in Beheira Governorate is considered one of
the area's most famous for its production, which is classified globally as the
most suitable environment for growing artichokes, as its cultivation excels in the
moderate climate in the regions of southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
The area
cultivated with artichoke crops in Beheira
Governorate is about 15.41 thousand feddan,
representing about 41.8% of the artichoke area in Egyptian agriculture, which
amounts to about 36.86 thousand feddan in 2022
(Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, 2022), The amount of Egyptian
exports of fresh and frozen artichokes amounted to about 39.28 thousand tons,
with a value of about 747.8 million pounds in 2022 (Ministry of Agriculture and
Land Reclamation, 2022). Artichokes are grown in Egypt mainly for export, and
the most important varieties that are widely cultivated in Egypt are local and
French artichokes. Local artichokes are grown on a large scale, representing
90% of the artichoke area cultivated in Egypt (Tamer, 2016).
There is no
doubt that studying the marketing system, methods of marketing production, and
the type of individuals dealing in the artichoke marketing process are
considered among the matters that influence the marketing decisions taken by
all parties and circles of the marketing process, starting from farmers all the
way to manufacturers and exporters. They are also considered among the vital
matters through which specific changes can be made. In this composition or
system to achieve the desired and targeted adjustments in the marketing
performance of this important crop, and from here highlights the importance of
raising marketing efficiency and overcoming the marketing problems of artichokes,
which is reflected in achieving remunerative prices for the product that lead
to increasing agricultural production and also in achieving appropriate prices
for the parties to the marketing process.
Food and
Agriculture Organization data indicate that the five most important countries
in artichoke production are, respectively, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Algeria, and
Peru, with an average production for the period (2020-2022) of about 424.4,
373.8, 302.9, 123.9, and 92.9 thousand tons for each of them, respectively. A
percentage representing about 27.2%, 23.9%, 13.1%, 7.9%, and 5.9% for each of
them, respectively, of the average global production for the same period, which
amounts to about 1.56 million tons, meaning that Egypt comes in first place in
the world in artichoke production, and its production volume exceeds a quarter
of production. Globally, Egypt comes in third place as the most important
country exporting fresh artichokes during the same period, with an amount of
exports estimated at about 4.0 thousand tons, representing about 10.9% of the
world’s total exports of fresh artichokes, after France and Italy, at a time
when both France and Italy are among the most important countries. Producing,
exporting and importing countries (Food and Agriculture Organization).
1.1 The study Problem:
Egypt produces approximately a quarter of the world's artichoke
production, but the volume of its exports is not commensurate with this
production at a time when there are great export opportunities for Europe due
to the early appearance of Egyptian production in the market. Also, large
quantities of artichoke exports are made in the fresh form and not the
processed form, thus reducing the added value of artichoke exports. The
artichoke market is characterized by fluctuation and price instability as a
result of its connection to foreign marketing, which affects the incomes of
farmers and workers in artichoke processing plants. This requires studying the process of artichoke production and marketing
to identify the most important problems facing artichoke producers and
marketers and trying to overcome them, to enhance its competitiveness in the
foreign market.
1.2 Objectives of the study:
The study mainly aims to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian
artichokes by tracking the various productions and processing stages and
identifies the strengths and weaknesses of all actors in the artichoke value
chain by studying the following:
1-
The chronological
development and current status of artichoke production in Egyptian agriculture
and the Beheira Governorate.
2-
They are indicators of the external market for
Egyptian artichokes.
3-
Value chain analysis of
artichokes in Kafr Eldawar Center.
4-
General characteristics
of the value chain, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the value
chain links for artichokes in Kafr Eldawar Center.
2.
Analytical method and
data sources: To achieve its objectives, the study
relied on the use of both descriptive and quantitative analytical methods,
using arithmetic averages and percentages, and using simple linear regression
to estimate the general trend equations, as well as estimating some economic
indicators such as profitability indicators, marketing margins and added value
used in analyzing the value chain of the artichoke crop. At Kafr
Eldawar Center.
The study relied on both secondary data published by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization
and Statistics, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Directorate of
Agriculture in Beheira Governorate, and the Kafr Eldawar Agricultural
Administration, where artichoke cultivation is concentrated, and primary data
through a simple random sample of actors in the value chain of the crop.
Artichokes in the Kafr Eldawar
Center are represented by farmers, importers, processing station, and food
factories for the agricultural season 2023/2024, with 50 forms for farmers
collected from three villages in the center, namely Sidi
Ghazi, Kom El-Baraka, and Bardala,
where the area of artichokes in those villages reached about
985,745,625. An feddan for each of them,
respectively, with a total area of about 2,355 feddan, representing about 47% of the center’s artichoke
area, which amounts to about 5,000 feddan for the
season (2023/2024) (Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Beheira Agriculture Directorate, Statistics Department),
20 forms for the bringers, 30 forms for the processing station, representing
about 5% of the number of processing station in the center, which amounts to
about 600 Nawala, in addition to 5 forms for food factories.
3.
Theoretical framework:
1.
Value Chain: Porter defines the value chain as “a set of
interconnected activities that are necessary to create goods and services from
raw materials to the final consumer” (Porter, M., 1985). The value chain is
used in the agricultural field to shed light on adding value through the
process of transforming inputs and products as they pass through the chain. The
concept of the value chain includes an integrated set of activities and
participants in the transfer of agricultural products, from input suppliers to
farmers’ fields to the consumer’s table. Each participant in the chain has a
link linking him to the next, so that it forms an integrated and successful
chain. At each stage, a process of transformation or addition to the product
takes place, ranging from simply transporting the product from point A to point
B to complex manufacturing and packaging operations. Accordingly, the value
chain is often defined as a succession of a number of value-adding activities
extending from production to consumption, through manufacturing and commercial
exploitation (Miller, C. and Linda Jones, 2013). The value chain is also
defined as the group of activities involved in manufacturing and transporting
the product from the farm to the consumer’s table (Miller. and da Silva, C.
20109). As for value chain analysis, it is the evaluation of workers and
factors that affect performance in an activity, and the relationships between
participants, which aims to identify the constraints that hinder improving
performance, productivity, and competitiveness in that activity and how to
adapt those constraints (Fries, B. 2007).
2. Value Added: Economic value added is defined as the difference
between the value of production and the value of production inputs and is
estimated through the following equation:
Value added = value of production - value of
production inputs
As for the marketing added value, it is measured by the difference
between the prices received by the primary producer and the prices paid by the
final consumer, or by the price margin that covers the marketing operations of
the product in its final form between the various marketing parties.
4.
Results and discussion
First: The chronological development and current situation of artichoke
production in Egyptian agriculture and the Beheira
Governorate during the period (2008-2022):
(1)
Development of the
area, productivity and production of the artichoke crop in Egyptian
agriculture: By
reviewing the data contained in Table No. (1) And the results of the
statistical analysis presented in Table No. (2), it was found that the area
cultivated with the artichoke crop ranged between a minimum of approximately
18.24 thousand feddan in 2008, and a maximum of
approximately 40.84 thousand feddan in 2017, and by estimating
the general trend equation. The cultivated area was shown to have taken a
general increasing and statistically significant trend with an annual increase
of about 1.16 thousand feddan, and an annual growth
rate estimated at about 3.9% of the period average of about 29.74 thousand feddan. It was also shown that the feddan
productivity of the artichoke crop ranged between a minimum of about 7.88 tons/feddan in 2018, and a maximum of about 12.25 tons/feddan in 2021, and the statistical significance of the
estimated general trend equation for feddan
productivity in its various forms was not proven, which indicates stability.
Its relative value fluctuates around the period average of
about 9.48 tons/feddan. It became clear that
the production of the artichoke crop ranged between a minimum of about 168.6
thousand tons in 2016, and a maximum of about 479.24 thousand tons in 2021. By
estimating the general trend equation for the cultivated area, it was found
that it took a general increasing and statistically significant trend with an
annual increase amounting to about 12.98 thousand tons. With an annual growth
rate estimated at about 4.6% of the average period of about 282.14 thousand
tons.
(2)
Development of the
area, productivity, and production of the artichoke crop in Beheira
Governorate: By reviewing the data in
Table No. (1), it was found that the area cultivated with artichoke crops in Beheira Governorate ranged during the study period between
a minimum of about 6.38 thousand feddan in 2016 and a
maximum of about 20.46 thousand feddan in 2017. The
statistical significance of the trend equation was not proven. The estimated
area of cultivated artichokes in their various forms, which
indicates their relative stability and fluctuation around the average period of
about 13.39 thousand feddan.
Table
1: Development of the area, productivity, and production
of artichokes in Egyptian agriculture during the period (2008-2022)
|
Year |
Egyptian
agriculture |
Beheira Governorate |
||||
|
Area |
Productivity |
Production |
Area |
Productivity |
Production |
|
|
thousand feddan |
tons/feddan |
thousand
tons |
thousand
feddan |
tons/feddan |
thousand
tons |
|
|
2008 |
18.24 |
9.67 |
176.37 |
9.67 |
9.1 |
88.04 |
|
2009 |
20 |
10.48 |
209.61 |
11.86 |
9.88 |
117.23 |
|
2010 |
20.93 |
10.16 |
212.68 |
12.45 |
9.67 |
120.33 |
|
2011 |
21.45 |
8.91 |
191.12 |
13.71 |
9.12 |
125.06 |
|
2012 |
39.23 |
9.02 |
353.87 |
16.23 |
8.82 |
143.16 |
|
2013 |
34.71 |
8.51 |
295.56 |
11.34 |
9.23 |
104.61 |
|
2014 |
35.02 |
9.23 |
266.24 |
14.23 |
9.51 |
135.19 |
|
2015 |
25.36 |
8.64 |
219.18 |
7.5 |
9.4 |
70.49 |
|
2016 |
20.94 |
8.05 |
168.61 |
6.38 |
5.99 |
38.25 |
|
2017 |
40.84 |
8.26 |
337.41 |
20.46 |
8.33 |
170.36 |
|
2018 |
34.34 |
7.88 |
270.68 |
13.96 |
8.06 |
112.42 |
|
2019 |
35.08 |
8.62 |
302.56 |
14.25 |
8.69 |
123.85 |
|
2020 |
24 |
10.75 |
257.95 |
16.16 |
8.85 |
142.95 |
|
2021 |
39.11 |
12.25 |
479.24 |
17.18 |
8.91 |
152.95 |
|
2022 |
36.86 |
11.74 |
432.64 |
15.41 |
8.96 |
138.07 |
|
Average |
29.74 |
9.48 |
282.14 |
13.39 |
8.83 |
118.86 |
Source: Compiled and calculated from: Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Economic Affairs Sector,
Agricultural Statistics Bulletin, various issues.
It was also found that the feddan productivity
of the artichoke crop in Beheira Governorate ranged
between a minimum of about 5.99 tons/feddan in 2016,
and a maximum of about 9.88 tons/feddan in 2009. The
statistical significance of the estimated general trend equation for the feddan productivity of the artichoke crop in Beheira Governorate was not proven in Its different forms,
which indicates its relative stability and fluctuation around the period
average of about 8.83 tons/feddan.
Table
2: Estimating the general trend equations for the area
and production of the
artichoke crop in Egyptian agriculture during the period (2008-2022)
|
Items |
Equation |
F |
R2 |
growth rate % |
|
|
Egyptian
agriculture |
Area |
Ln
Y = 3.04 + 0.039 T (2.72)* |
7.38* |
0.36 |
3.9 |
|
Production |
Ln
Y = 5.23 + 0.046 T (3.04)** |
9.2 ** |
0.42 |
4.6 |
|
** Significant at 1% probability level *Significant at 5%
probability level
Source: Collected and calculated
from analysis of the data presented in Table (1).
It became clear that the production of the artichoke crop in the Beheira Governorate ranged between a minimum of about 38.25
thousand tons in 2016, and a maximum of about 170.36 thousand tons in 2017. The
statistical significance of the estimated general trend equation for the
production of the artichoke crop in the Beheira
Governorate in its various forms was not proven, which indicates... Its
relative stability and fluctuation around the period average of about 118.86
thousand tons.
Second: The most important indicators of the external market for
Egyptian artichokes:
(1) Global production of artichokes and the most important producing,
exporting and importing countries: It
is clear from the data in Table No. (3) that the average global production of
artichoke during the period (2020-2022) amounted to about 1.6 million tons, and
that the five most important countries in artichoke production are,
respectively, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Algeria and Peru, with an average annual
production of About 424.4, 373.8, 203.9, 124, and 92.9 thousand tons for each
of them, respectively, at a rate of about 27.2%, 23.9%, 13.1%, 7.9%, and 5.9%
of the average global production for each of them, in the same order. That is,
Egypt comes in first place and produces approximately one-third of global
production.
The average global exports during the same period
amounted to about 150.2 thousand tons, and the most important exporting
countries are, respectively, Spain, Egypt, Italy, France, and Tunisia, with the
number of exports amounting to about 40.6, 30.3, 23.7, 12.22, and 9.4 thousand
tons for each of them, respectively, at a rate of
26.9%, 20.2%, 15.8%, 8.1%, 6.3% of the average global exports for each of them,
in the same order. The data presented in Table No. (4) indicate that the most
important countries importing fresh Egyptian artichokes during the period
(2020-2022) are Italy, Turkey, and Lebanon, with quantities amounting to about
4353.7, 307.3, and 62.3 tons for each of them, respectively, with a percentage
estimated at about 87.7%, 6.2%, 1.3% each and in the same order of the average
total fresh Egyptian artichoke exports, which amount to about 4966.7 tons.
Table 3: Average global production and the
most important artichoke producing and exporting countries for the period
(2020-2022)
|
Item |
|||||||
|
Global production |
Quantity |
1561.6 |
Global exports |
Quantity |
150.2 |
||
|
The most important producing
countries |
Egypt |
Quantity |
424.4 |
The most important exporting
countries |
Spain |
Quantity |
40.6 |
|
Ratio (%) |
27.2 |
Ratio (%) |
26.9 |
||||
|
Italy |
Quantity |
373.8 |
Egypt |
Quantity |
30.3 |
||
|
Ratio (%) |
23.9 |
Ratio (%) |
20.2 |
||||
|
Spain |
Quantity |
203.9 |
Italy |
Quantity |
23.7 |
||
|
Ratio (%) |
13.1 |
Ratio (%) |
15.8 |
||||
|
Algeria |
Quantity |
124 |
France |
Quantity |
12.22 |
||
|
Ratio (%) |
7.9 |
Ratio (%) |
8.1 |
||||
|
Peru |
Quantity |
92.9 |
Tunisia |
Quantity |
9.4 |
||
|
Ratio (%) |
5.9 |
Ratio (%) |
6.3 |
||||
The
quantity of artichoke exports includes fresh, frozen cooked and frozen Uncooked
Thousand tons.
Source: Compiled and calculated from:
1-
The
Internet, database www.fostat.org. 2- The Internet,
database www.trademap.org
As for the most
important countries importing frozen uncooked Egyptian artichokes, they are
America, Italy, and Spain, with quantities amounting to about 7229.4, 6785.6,
and 4453.2 tons each, respectively, with a percentage estimated at about 29.3%,
27.5%, and 18.1% for each of them, in the same order, of the average total
Egyptian artichoke exports. The amount of frozen, uncooked artichokes amounted
to about 24,659.7 tons. It was also found that the most important countries
importing frozen cooked Egyptian artichokes are Italy, Spain, and Palestine,
with quantities amounting to about 249, 155.4, and 97.2 tons for each of them, respectively,
with a percentage estimated at about 27.4%, 17.1%, and 10.7% for each of them. In the same order as the average total exports of frozen cooked
Egyptian artichokes, amounting to about 30,000.5 tons. From the above it
is clear that Italy and Spain are classified as the most important producing,
exporting and importing countries, which indicates the import and re-export of
Egyptian artichokes by these countries, especially Italy, which accounts for
38% of the total exports of Egyptian artichokes in their various forms.
Table
4: The most important countries importing fresh and
frozen Egyptian artichokes as an average for the period (2020-2022)
|
Country |
Fresh |
Frozen uncooked |
Frozen cooked |
Total |
||||
|
amount |
rate |
amount |
rate |
amount |
rate |
amount |
rate |
|
|
Tons |
% |
Tons |
% |
Tons |
% |
Tons |
% |
|
|
Italy |
4353.7 |
87.7 |
6785.6 |
27.5 |
249 |
27.4 |
11388 |
38 |
|
America |
0 |
0 |
7229.4 |
29.3 |
95.7 |
10.5 |
7325 |
24.4 |
|
Spain |
35.8 |
0.7 |
4453.2 |
18.1 |
155.4 |
17.1 |
4644 |
15.5 |
|
France |
61.8 |
1.2 |
1401.9 |
5.7 |
40.3 |
4.4 |
1504 |
5 |
|
Belgium |
0 |
0 |
1169.8 |
4.7 |
17.8 |
2 |
1188 |
4 |
|
Greece |
18.1 |
0.4 |
1033.3 |
4.2 |
71 |
7.8 |
1122 |
3.7 |
|
Turkey |
307.3 |
6.2 |
575.8 |
2.3 |
82.3 |
9 |
965 |
3.2 |
|
Israel |
8.1 |
0.2 |
343.3 |
1.4 |
50.7 |
5.6 |
402 |
1.3 |
|
Palestine |
0 |
0 |
61.9 |
0.3 |
97.2 |
10.7 |
159 |
0.5 |
|
Lebanon |
62.3 |
1.3 |
27 |
0.1 |
0 |
0 |
89 |
0.3 |
|
the total |
4847.1 |
97.6 |
23081.3 |
93.6 |
859.4 |
94 |
28787.8 |
96 |
|
Rest of the world |
119.6 |
2.4 |
1578.4 |
6.4 |
50.9 |
5.6 |
1212.7 |
4 |
|
Total |
4966.7 |
100 |
24659.7 |
100 |
910.3 |
100 |
30000.5 |
100 |
Source:
Compiled and calculated from:
1-
The Internet, database www.fostat.org. 2- The Internet, database www.trademap.org.
(2) Development of the quantity and value of
Egyptian artichoke exports during the period (2008-2022): By reviewing the data contained in Table No. (5), and
the results of the statistical analysis presented in Table (6), it was found
that the total amount of artichoke exports ranged between a minimum of
approximately 15.41 thousand tons in 2014, and a maximum of approximately 44.57
thousand tons in 2022, and by estimating the equation The general trend for the
total amount of artichoke exports in its various mathematical forms shows that
it is not significant, which indicates its fluctuation around the period
average of about 26.92 thousand tons, although the value of the coefficient of
non-variation indicates its instability during the study period, as it reached
30.1%.
It was also found that the total value of artichoke exports ranged
between a minimum of about 148.8 million pounds in 2008, and a maximum of about
824.84 million pounds in 2022. By estimating the general trend equation for the
total value of artichoke exports, it was found that it took a general
increasing and statistically significant trend with an increasing amount.
Annually, it amounted to about 44.26 million pounds, with an annual growth rate
estimated at about 10.5% from the average period of about 421.55 million
Pounds.
By studying the quantity of exports for both fresh and frozen
artichokes, it was found that they ranged between a minimum of about 1.08 and
12.29 thousand tons for each, respectively, in 2016 and 2008 in the same order,
and a maximum of about 12.5 and 40.91 thousand tons for each in 2013, 2016 in
the same order. By estimating the trend equation for the total quantity of
exports for each of them, it is revealed that the estimated function for each
is not significant, which indicates its fluctuation around the average period,
although the value of the coefficient of non-difference indicates that neither
of them was stable during the study period, even though the instability was
greater for the quantity of fresh artichoke exports, as It reached 62.1% and
43.2% for each of them, respectively.
It turned out that the value of exports for both fresh and frozen artichokes
ranged between a minimum of about 20.1 and 95.25 million pounds for each,
respectively, in 2014 and 2008, and a maximum of about 185.01, 732.7 million
pounds for each, respectively, in 2019 and 2022, by estimating the trend
equation. The estimated function for the value of fresh artichoke exports
showed no significance in the year for the total value of exports for each of
them, while the value of frozen artichoke exports took a general increasing
trend with an annual increase amounting to about 37.26 million pounds, with an
annual growth rate estimated at about 10.9% from the average period of about
341.87 million pounds.
By studying the degree of stability of the value of fresh and frozen
artichoke exports, it was found that they were characterized by a high degree
of instability and instability during the study period, although the
instability was greater in the value of fresh artichoke exports, as the value
of the coefficient of variation reached about 64.6% and 57.3% for each of them,
respectively.
Table
5: Development of the quantity and value of Egyptian
artichoke exports During the period (2008-2022)
|
Year |
Total artichoke exports |
Fresh artichokes |
Frozen artichokes |
|||||||
|
amount |
value |
amount |
% |
value |
% |
amount |
% |
value |
% |
|
|
2008 |
23.29 |
148.8 |
11 |
47.2 |
53.55 |
36 |
12.29 |
52.8 |
95.25 |
64 |
|
2009 |
22.15 |
316.09 |
2.2 |
9.9 |
144.4 |
45.7 |
19.95 |
90.1 |
171.7 |
54.3 |
|
2010 |
29.75 |
302.39 |
11.1 |
37.3 |
86.06 |
28.5 |
18.65 |
62.7 |
216.3 |
71.5 |
|
2011 |
24.79 |
245.92 |
6 |
24.2 |
63.17 |
25.7 |
18.79 |
75.8 |
182.8 |
74.3 |
|
2012 |
18.59 |
224.37 |
6.3 |
33.9 |
56.13 |
25 |
12.29 |
66.1 |
168.2 |
75 |
|
2013 |
26.84 |
203.01 |
12.5 |
46.6 |
35.95 |
17.7 |
14.34 |
53.4 |
167.1 |
82.3 |
|
2014 |
15.41 |
185.24 |
2.3 |
14.9 |
20.1 |
10.9 |
13.11 |
85.1 |
165.1 |
89.1 |
|
2015 |
31.06 |
259.48 |
1.93 |
6.2 |
20.08 |
7.7 |
29.13 |
93.8 |
239.4 |
92.3 |
|
2016 |
41.99 |
396.61 |
1.08 |
2.6 |
33.56 |
8.5 |
40.91 |
97.4 |
363.1 |
91.5 |
|
2017 |
31.16 |
811.21 |
8.51 |
27.3 |
168.47 |
20.8 |
22.65 |
72.7 |
642.7 |
79.2 |
|
2018 |
18.44 |
502.88 |
2.96 |
16.1 |
57.62 |
11.5 |
15.48 |
83.9 |
445.3 |
88.5 |
|
2019 |
28.65 |
717.67 |
10.12 |
35.3 |
185.01 |
25.8 |
18.53 |
64.7 |
532.7 |
74.2 |
|
2020 |
23.92 |
589.65 |
4.98 |
20.8 |
74.17 |
12.6 |
18.94 |
79.2 |
515.5 |
87.4 |
|
2021 |
23.12 |
595.04 |
5.16 |
22.3 |
104.82 |
17.6 |
17.96 |
77.7 |
490.2 |
82.4 |
|
2022 |
44.57 |
824.84 |
4.76 |
10.7 |
92.06 |
11.2 |
39.81 |
89.3 |
732.8 |
88.8 |
|
Average |
26.92 |
421.55 |
6.06 |
18.7 |
79.68 |
18 |
20.9 |
75.0 |
342 |
78.9 |
|
C.V. |
30.1 |
55.5 |
62.1 |
64.6 |
43.2 |
57.3 |
||||
Amount with thousand-ton, Value with million
pounds.
Source: Compiled and calculated from: Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Economic Affairs Sector,
Bulletin of Foreign Trade Statistics for Agricultural Exports and Imports,
various issues.
Table
6: Estimating the general time trend equations for the
quantity and value of Egyptian exports during the period (2008-2022)
|
Items |
Equation |
F |
R2 |
growth rate % |
|
|
Total
artichoke |
Quantity |
Ln
Y = 3.09 + 0.020 T (1.06)n.s |
1.35n.s |
0.09 |
- |
|
value |
Ln
Y = 5.06 + 0.105 T (5.3)** |
27.9 ** |
0.68 |
10.5 |
|
|
Fresh
artichokes |
Quantity |
Ln
Y = 1.76 + 0.023 T (0.5)n.s |
0.25n.s |
0.01 |
- |
|
value |
Ln
Y = 3.9 + 0.033 T (0.78)n.s |
0.60n.s |
0.04 |
- |
|
|
Frozen
artichokes |
Quantity |
Ln
Y = 2.67 + 0.037 T (1.7)n.s |
3.10n.s |
0.19 |
- |
|
value |
Ln
Y = 4.75 + 0.109 T (6.14)** |
37.6** |
0.73 |
10.9 |
|
Significant at the 1% probability level.n.a. Not significant.
Source: Collected and
calculated from analysis of the data presented in Table No. (5)
Third: Analysis of the artichoke value chain for the study sample at Kafr Eldawar Center: Figure No. (1)
indicates a diagram of the artichoke value chain and identifies the actors in
it, starting from suppliers of production inputs to the final consumer, and by
examining the most important links in this chain by analyzing costs and
revenues and estimating the added value of each, and identifying strengths and
weaknesses to identify the obstacles and problems affecting each of them. Show
the following:
(1)
Farmers: Artichokes are
grown during the months of July and August, and the delay in planting leads to
not catching the appropriate time for export (December, January) before
production appears in European countries. The harvest begins in early
cultivations in November with a small number of Noura and then increases gradually until the months of
April and May.
By analyzing the items of production costs per feddan
of artichoke in the farms of the study sample, presented in Table No. (7), it
was found that the total production costs amounted to about 76,350 pounds. The
fixed costs, represented by land rent, constitute about 52.39% of the total
costs, with a value of about 40,000 pounds, and the variable production costs
constitute about 47.61% of it, with a value of about 36,350 pounds. The
variable costs are divided into the costs of conducting agricultural operations
and the costs of production inputs, at a value of about 15,000 and 21,350
pounds for each, respectively, with a rate of about 19.65% and 27.96% for each
of them in the same order.
The most important items of agricultural operations costs were
harvesting, pest control, and hoeing operations, at a value of about 7,650,
1,600, and 1,500 pounds for each of them. respectively, by a rate of about 10.02%, 2.10%, and 1.96% for each of
them in the same order of total production costs, while the most important
items of production input costs were the costs of Breeding mind and foliar
fertilizer costs, with a value of about 9600 and 3000 pounds for each of them,
respectively, with a percentage They amounted to about 12.57% and 3.93% each in
the same order of the total production costs.
Fig 1. The value chain of fresh and
prepared artichokes for the study sample at the Kafr Eldawar Center
Table 7:
Productive cost items and their relative importance
per feddan of artichoke in the study sample
|
Items |
the value |
Relative
importance (%) |
|||
|
(pound) |
|||||
|
First: Variable costs |
|||||
|
(a)
Costs of agricultural operations |
15000 |
19.25 |
|||
|
Plowing |
400 |
0.52 |
|||
|
Creeping |
350 |
0.46 |
|||
|
Planning |
200 |
0.26 |
|||
|
Erase fonts |
300 |
0.39 |
|||
|
Agriculture |
1200 |
1.57 |
|||
|
Irrigation |
1200 |
1.57 |
|||
|
Spreading manure |
600 |
0.79 |
|||
|
He hoed |
1500 |
1.96 |
|||
|
Pest control |
1600 |
2.1 |
|||
|
Harvest |
7650 |
10.02 |
|||
|
(b) Production input costs |
21350 |
27.96 |
|||
|
Breeding mind |
9600 |
12.57 |
|||
|
Manure |
2750 |
3.6 |
|||
|
Nitrogen fertilizer |
2500 |
3.27 |
|||
|
Phosphate fertilizer |
500 |
0.65 |
|||
|
Potassium fertilizer |
1000 |
1.31 |
|||
|
Foliar fertilizer |
3000 |
3.93 |
|||
|
Pesticides |
2000 |
2.62 |
|||
|
Total variable costs |
36350 |
47.61 |
|||
|
Second: Fixed costs |
|||||
|
Feddan
rent |
40000 |
52.39 |
|||
|
Total costs |
76350 |
100 |
|||
Source: Collected and calculated from questionnaire data for the study sample.
Table
8: Feddan productivity and profitability indicators
for artichoke feddan in the study sample.
|
Item |
Unit |
unit price (pounds) |
Quantity |
value |
|
Main output |
Noura |
3.5 |
35000 |
122500 |
|
By-product* |
carat |
1200 |
20 |
24000 |
|
Total revenue |
pound |
146500 |
||
|
Net return |
pound |
70150 |
||
|
Value Added |
pound |
125150 |
||
|
Relative profitability |
% |
192.98 |
||
|
Ratio of revenue to costs |
% |
191.88 |
||
|
Return on invested pounds |
Piasters. |
91.88 |
||
|
The farmer's profit per Noura |
Pound/Noura |
2 |
The by-product is the
value of the artichoke plants after the end of the crop harvest season for use
as breeding mind the following year.
- Value added = value of production -
value of production inputs
- Relative profitability = (net
revenue / total variable costs) x 100
- Revenue to Cost Ratio = Total
Revenue / Total Costs
- Return on invested pounds = net
return per feddan / total costs
- Farmer's profit per inflorescence =
net yield / feddan productivity
Source: Collected and calculated from questionnaire data for the study sample
With regard to feddan revenues, it became
clear that the harvest season begins 4-5 months after planting and continues
for about 5 months, at a rate of once a week, as the main inflorescence is
harvested first at the beginning of the season and then the side Noura after that. It is clear from the data in Table No.
(8) That the average production of a feddan of
artichoke in the study sample was about 35 thousand Noura the average price of one inflorescence for the season amounted to about
3.5 pounds/inflorescence, with a value of about 122,500 pounds/feddan. It was also found that the by-product of the
artichoke crop, represented by artichoke plants sold for use as seeds in the
following season (artichokes reproduce vegetative by dividing mothers), amounts
to about 20 Carat/feddan, with an average price of
about 1,200 pounds/carat, with a value of about 24,000 pounds/feddan, representing about 16.38% of the total revenue per feddan, amounting to about 146.5 thousand pounds/feddan.
The profitability indicators presented in Table No. (8) Indicate that
the net per-feddan return on the farms of the study
sample amounted to about 70.15 thousand pounds, and that the added value per feddan amounted to about 125.15 thousand pounds, while the
relative profitability amounted to about 192.98%. The ratio of revenues to costs is about 191.88%, achieving a high return
on the invested pound, amounting to about 91.88 piasters. The farmer’s profit
margin for each inflorescence produced was estimated at about 2.0 pounds per
inflorescence. From the above, it is clear that the artichoke crop generates a
profitable return for the farmer when compared to alternative crops that can be
grown, taking into account the duration of the crop’s stay in the field, which
may extend to approximately ten months.
(2)
Brokers: The importers represent the link between the farms and
the processing station (artichoke processing stations), as they buy artichoke Noura each pick (almost every week) from the farms and
supply them to the processing station. The
study showed that Al-Broker does not pay the full purchase price to the farmer,
but rather pays a cash amount on account until the price is determined and the
account is settled, which may be delayed until the end of the season. In some
cases, Al-Broker lends money to the farmer before planting to spend on growing
artichokes in exchange for a guarantee to purchase the crop at a preferential
price. While the average purchase price from farmers was about 3.5 pounds/Noura, it decreased to about 3.35 pounds/Noura if a loan was provided to the farmer from Al-Broker.
The broker bears marketing costs estimated at approximately 150 pounds
per 1,000 Noura, including 60 pounds of loading costs
and 90 pounds of transportation costs. The average selling price of the loom
was about 4.0 pounds/ Noura, so the marketing margin amounted to about 0.50 pounds/ Noura, and the net
profit of the broker was about 0.35 pounds/Noura,
noting that the marketing margin and the net profit of the broker increase in
the event of providing a loan to the farmer to 0.65 and 0.50 pounds/Noura for each, respectively. It was also found that a
small percentage of the importers, about 10% of the study sample, marketed to
the wholesale market, with an average price of about 4.2 pounds/Noura, with a marketing margin of 0.65 pounds/Noura, and a net profit of about 0.44 pounds/Noura, each of which increases in the event of providing a
loan to the farmer for about 0. .80, 0.59 pounds/Noura respectively, Table No. (9).
Table 9: Marketing costs, added value, and net profit of Broker for Noura Artichoke in the study sample.
|
Marketing entity |
Purchasing price |
Marketing costs in pounds |
selling price |
Marketing margin |
Net profit |
|||
|
In case |
pound |
loading |
transport |
Wholesale |
pound |
pound |
pound |
|
|
Nawala |
Farm lending |
3.35 |
0.06 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
4 |
0.65 |
0.5 |
|
Not lending to farms |
3.5 |
0.5 |
0.35 |
|||||
|
Wholesale market |
Farm lending |
3.35 |
0.06 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
4.2 |
0.8 |
0.59 |
|
Not lending to farms |
3.5 |
0.65 |
0.44 |
|||||
Source:
Collected and calculated from questionnaire data for the study sample.
(3)
Processing Station
(Nawala): Processing station for preparing artichokes rely on
the use of simple tools consisting of a set of plastic boxes and barrels,
knives for peeling and cutting, wooden tables, water basins, in addition to
chemicals used in preservation such as citric acid, ascorbic acid, and table
salt.
The artichoke processing process requires both male
and female workers, as there is a clear division of labor
and a different role for each of them in the processing process. The average
number of workers in the loom reached about 36 workers/day, and the average
ratio of females to males reached about 3:1, as they are among the activities
are labor-intensive for females, and taking into
account the number of processing station in the study area, which is about 600,
they provide about 21,600 job opportunities during the artichoke season, in
addition to the fact that 20% of the processing station work in preparing other
vegetables and some fruits after the end of the artichoke season. The daily
wage of the workers is estimated at production. For females, it was about 100
pounds for peeling 1,000 Noura, and the average
female productivity reached 2,500 Noura/day, with an
average daily wage of about 250 pounds/day, while for males, the wage was
calculated on the basis of 110 pounds for preparing (cutting, pitting) one
barrel of artichokes, and the average worker’s productivity was 3 barrels/day,
with an average daily wage of about 330 pounds/day.
Work on processing station in the first two months (December and January)
of the beginning of the artichoke season is limited to preparing fresh
artichokes for export by shortening the inflorescence holder to a length of 10
to 15 cm. The Noura are packed in plastic boxes and
transported in refrigerated vehicles, and they are exported in this form
without carrying out manufacturing operations. Work during this period is
limited to male workers only. Starting in February (the beginning of production
in European countries), artichokes are processed and prepared for export in
their various forms, which are:
(A) Cups:
This operation is performed by female workers only for small-sized Noura, where the outer inflorescence leaves are removed,
the rest of the inflorescence
leaves are trimmed, and the inflorescence holder is trimmed to a length of 15
cm and preserved in a salt solution until it is supplied to the factory.
(B) Tablets:
for large Noura, in two stages. The first stage is
carried out by the workers, in which all the leaves of the inflorescence are
removed along with the inflorescence holder being cut off,
and the disks are placed in the preservation solution. The second stage is
carried out by the workers, in which the disk is rounded by removing the small
hairs from inside the disk and re-placed in a solution. Preservation
until supply to the factory.
(C) Cutting: By removing all the outer leaves and trimming the inner leaves and
cutting off the inflorescence holder, then the discs are placed in the
preservation solution by the workers. Then comes the carving process by the
workers, where the Noura are cut into pieces whose
thickness varies according to the required specifications and are returned to
the preservation solution until, they are supplied to the factory.
(d) Stuffing: This is done on small Noura at the end of the
season due to the low quality of the Noura and the
dryness and roughness of their leaves. All the inner and outer leaves are
removed, the inflorescence holder is cut, and the inflorescence is placed in
the preservation solution by the workers. Then, by the workers, the
inflorescence is deeply pruned and put back in the preservation solution. Until supply to the factory.
By reviewing the data in Table No. (10), it is clear that the costs incurred by Al-Nawala
are the price of purchasing artichokes, workers' wages, the value of
preservatives, and transportation costs to food factories and exporters. The
highest processing costs for a ton of artichokes prepared in the form of
tablets, pieces, and stuffing amounted to about 8.64 thousand Pounds, followed by
the costs of processing artichokes in the form of cups at about 5.12 thousand
pounds, while the costs of processing a ton of fresh artichokes were the
lowest, amounting to about 2.055 thousand pounds. The
added value (marketing margin) of the processed ton in its various forms was
highest for the stuffed artichokes and then the pieces, with a value of about
21, 15 thousand pounds for each, respectively, followed by the artichoke discs,
then cups, and the least of them was the fresh artichokes, with a value of
about 14.5, 14.25, and 10.5 thousand pounds for each. Of them in order. The net profit per ton processed also
reached its maximum in the case of artichokes prepared in the form of stuffing,
followed by cupped artichokes and then pieces, at a value of about 12.36, 9.13,
and 6.36 thousand pounds for each of them, respectively, with a net profit per
inflorescence of about 0.88, 0.76, and 0.64 piasters for each of them, in the
same order. While the net profit for artichokes prepared in
the form of tablets amounted to about 5.86 thousand pounds, with a net profit
of 0.45 piasters per inflorescence, and finally a ton of fresh artichokes, with
a net profit of about 8.45 pounds per inflorescence, about 0.84 piasters.
Table 10: Average processing and marketing
costs and the added value of Artichoke processing station in the study sample
|
Item |
Unit |
Type of processing of artichoke Noura |
|||||
|
Fresh |
cups |
Tablets |
cutoff |
stuffing |
|||
|
Number of Noura per ton |
Noura |
10000 |
12000 |
13000 |
10000 |
14000 |
|
|
Noura price |
Pound/Noura |
5.5 |
3.8 |
3.5 |
3.0 |
3.5 |
|
|
The value of Noura |
Pound |
55000 |
45000 |
45500 |
30000 |
49000 |
|
|
Processing
costs |
Workers'
wages |
pound/ton |
4800 |
4800 |
8320 |
8320 |
8320 |
|
Value of
preservatives |
pound/ton |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
|
|
transportation
fees |
pound/ton |
200 |
200 |
200 |
200 |
200 |
|
|
Total
processing costs |
pound/ton |
5120 |
5120 |
8640 |
8640 |
8640 |
|
|
Total costs |
pound/ton |
57055 |
50120 |
54140 |
38640 |
57640 |
|
|
Selling price per ton |
pound/ton |
65500 |
59250 |
60000 |
45000 |
70000 |
|
|
Value added per ton |
pound/ton |
10500 |
14250 |
14500 |
15000 |
21000 |
|
|
Net profit per ton |
pound/ton |
8445 |
9130 |
5860 |
6360 |
12360 |
|
|
Net profit for Noura |
Pound/Noura |
0.84 |
0.76 |
0.45 |
0.64 |
0.88 |
|
Source: Collected and
calculated from questionnaire data for the study sample.
(4) Food factories and exporters: Factories receive artichokes from loom owners in their various forms by
weight after filtering them from the preservation solution and deducting
approximately 5% of the absorption rate with the preservation solution. They
record the weight in the supply card without specifying a price, which is
determined in light of external demand on a weekly or monthly basis and
sometimes at the end of the season. The artichokes are boiled and then
preserved by freezing, pickling, or canning in containers of different
capacities according to export requirements, after grading the artichokes into
discs according to their diameter, cutting artichokes according to the
thickness of the slice, and stuffing artichokes according to the number of Noura per kilogram. As for cupped artichokes, they are not
processed. The grading process and the percentage of loss during the
manufacturing stages is estimated at about 2% of the
weight supplied to the factory.
It is clear from the data presented in Table No. (11) That the marketing
costs borne by food factories and exporters per ton of artichoke produced are
represented in the costs of sorting and grading, boiling, packing, refrigerated
transportation to the export port, and export fees. The highest costs were for
the prepared artichokes, at about 8,355 thousand
pounds, followed by the artichokes. Prepared as tablets cost about 6.28
thousand pounds, then stuffed and fresh artichokes cost about 5.73 and 3.68
thousand pounds each, respectively, while marketing costs were lowest in the
case of artichokes prepared in cups at about 2.88 thousand pounds. It was also
found that export prices were highest for stuffed artichokes, followed by disks
and then cups, at a value of about 1.80, 1.71, and 1.6 thousand dollars/ton for
each of them, respectively. They decreased to about 1.52 and 1.51 thousand
dollars/ton for cut and fresh artichokes, respectively. The highest added value
was for artichokes in pieces, followed by disks, then artichokes in cups, at a
value of about 26.68, 20.61, and 15.95 thousand pounds per ton for each of
them, respectively. It decreased to about 14.6 and 5.7 thousand pounds/ton for
stuffing and fresh artichokes, respectively. The results indicate that the net
profit per ton of artichoke reached its maximum for artichokes prepared in
pieces, followed by discs and then cups, at a value of 18.32, 14.32, and 13.07
thousand pounds/ton for each of them, respectively. It decreased to about 8.87
thousand pounds/ton for stuffed and fresh artichokes, respectively.
Table
11. Average
processing and marketing costs and added value per ton of artichoke for food
factories and exporters in the study sample
|
Item |
Prepared artichoke type |
|||||
|
Fresh |
cups |
Tablets |
cutoff |
stuffing |
||
|
Cost of purchasing artichokes |
65500 |
59250 |
60000 |
45000 |
70000 |
|
|
Marketing costs |
Sorting and grading |
1155 |
0 |
2200 |
2475 |
1650 |
|
Boiling |
0 |
0 |
600 |
600 |
600 |
|
|
Packing |
2040 |
2400 |
3000 |
4800 |
3000 |
|
|
Refrigerated transportation |
350 |
350 |
350 |
350 |
350 |
|
|
fees |
130 |
130 |
130 |
130 |
130 |
|
|
Total marketing costs |
3675 |
2880 |
6280 |
8355 |
5730 |
|
|
Total costs |
69175 |
62130 |
66280 |
53355 |
75730 |
|
|
Export price in dollars |
1515 |
1600 |
1715 |
1525 |
1800 |
|
|
Export price in pounds* |
71205 |
75200 |
80605 |
71675 |
84600 |
|
|
Value Added |
5705 |
15950 |
20605 |
26675 |
14600 |
|
|
Net profit per ton |
2030 |
13070 |
14325 |
18320 |
8870 |
|
The average exchange rate for the
dollar is 47 pounds in 2024.
Source: Collected and calculated from
questionnaire data for the study sample.
Fourth: General characteristics of the value chain of the artichoke crop
in the study sample: Analysis of the
artichoke value chain in the study sample showed that it has the following
characteristics:
(1)
The main players in the
artichoke value chain include: suppliers of production inputs (seeds,
fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), farmers, importers, processing station, food
factories and exporters, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
(2)
There are significant
differences and differences between the artichoke value chain links in prices
and value added by actors in the chain.
(3)
The price of artichoke
is subject to fluctuations during the season, and the prices are set by major
exporters and manufacturers who raise or lower the price according to the
situation of domestic supply and external demand. Major exporters and
manufacturers are the organizers of the value chain, and the role of farmers in
managing the value chain is minimal.
(4)
Exporting prepared
artichokes achieves a higher added value than exporting fresh ones, which is
reflected in all parties of the value chain. Therefore, the export of prepared
artichokes must be expanded, as it provides more job opportunities in the
processing and manufacturing processes, and preventing the exploitation of
Egyptian artichokes in some countries. Which imports it, then
manufactures it and re-exports it, thus occupying a large percentage of the
market and achieving huge profits at the expense of the Egyptian product “like
Italy.”
(5)
Real information about
the market, prices and specifications is not available and is not available to
all parties of the chain on a regular and updated basis, and there is no system
for communicating this information to all parties.
(6)
The means of
transportation used to transport prepared artichokes from processing station to
food factories are mostly inappropriate or not equipped with transport coolers
to preserve the goods from spoilage.
(7)
The average number of
workers at the station is 36 workers per day, which means that the artichoke
sector accommodates about 18 thousand workers, and there is a clear division of
labor between males and females in the artichoke
processing operations, which are considered one of the female labor-intensive products, and the average percentage of
male workers ranges from Females between 1:3.
(8)
Women play a clear and
effective role in the processing of artichokes and other vegetables, which
clearly demonstrates that women clearly contribute to the value chain. However,
the environment and working conditions in some artichoke processing plants may
not be suitable for female work, and their means of transportation may expose
them to many risks.
(9)
Some stations work
outside the artichoke season to pre-process some other vegetables, as well as
prepare some fruits for juice, due to their availability in the region and do
not require a lot of labor and do not pose any risks.
(10) About 50% of the stations do not prepare vegetables
other than artichokes, especially small ones, which indicates
that there are untapped potentials and idle capacities throughout the year in
those stations.
(11)
Artichoke processing operations
in general are not well developed, as stations for processing artichokes and
other vegetables rely on the use of primitive tools, and there are a limited
number of large stations that own a semi-truck that is not equipped with a
refrigerated container.
(12) Value chain financing for artichokes is characterized
by internal financing, that is, it takes place within the chain, where the
importers provide financing to the farmers, and the processing station lend to
the importers.
(13) High returns to all actors in the artichoke value
chain.
(14) Marketing Window for Egyptian artichokes; it depends
mainly on the beginning of production in competing European countries, which
begins at the end of January. The length of the fresh artichoke export season
also depends on the weather conditions in these countries, as frost waves
affect artichoke production there, which leads to an increase in the export
share of artichokes. Egyptian.
(15) Artichoke prices are sensitive as they are subject to
fluctuations during the season. Prices during the current season were higher
compared to the prices of the previous year due to the decrease in cultivated
area and lack of local production, on the one hand, as well as the frost wave
that swept European countries, on the other hand.
(16) The artichoke market has a limited number of exporters
and factories (10-15), which makes them enjoy a controlling position in setting
prices (they are considered price leaders) for both fresh and manufactured
artichokes, guided by their contracts with the external market (especially
external demand in the market). Italy, which is the main market for Egyptian
artichoke exports), and in light of the competition between them.
(17) Lack of transparency in dealings between factories and
station owners, as:
· Major exporters do not announce prices at the
beginning of the season or before supplying agreed-upon quantities.
· Prices are not recorded in the factory’s supply
documents (card), but only the quantities supplied from the station are
recorded. Indicative (initial) prices are announced weekly.
· Settlement of accounts and payment of remaining dues
takes place at the end of the season, and sometimes this settlement is delayed
until the beginning of the next season, in addition to its impact on the cash
liquidity available during the season, especially for small stations.
Fifth:
Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the artichoke value chain links in
the study sample:
1.
General indicators:
|
Strength Aspects |
Weaknesses |
|
1.There
is a large population in the region that depends on artichoke cultivation and
processing and other related economic activities. 2.The
reputation and fame of markets Egyptian artichokes in foreign. 3.Market
growth and expansion. 4.Increase
sales volume and increase revenues. 5.There
is a noticeable increase in foreign demand for artichokes and an increase in
the volume and value of its foreign trade. 6.
Providing new job opportunities. 7.
There is potential for organic
products market. 8.
There are opportunities in other
sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical and feed industry. |
1-
The activity requires more
investments. 2-
Prices are less stable 3-
Artichoke marketing needs
improvement in terms of management and brand development. 4-
Negotiation skills are very
limited. 5-
Failure to meet international
standards and standards. 6-
Lack of research directed at
improving productivity 7-
Lack of linkage between research centers, farmers, artichoke processing stations and
factories to identify and produce types of artichokes suitable for
processing. |
2.
Farmers:
|
Strength
aspects |
Weaknesses |
|
1. Controlling
the quantity of production and the timing of its appearance. 2. Controlling
quality requirements related to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. |
1.
Poor financial capacity. 2.
He has no role in determining the
price. 3. The link in the chain most affected by price fluctuations |
3.
Broker:
|
Strength
aspects |
Weaknesses |
|
1.Fulfilling agreements. 2.Financial capabilities. 3.Low risk. |
1.
Sometimes inability to supply the
required quantities on time. 2.
Failure to strictly adhere to
quality specifications. |
4.
Processing station:
|
Strength aspects |
Weaknesses |
|
1.
Tey
have more financial resources. 2.
They have good abilities to
monitor their activity. 3.
Their workers are more trained. 4.
The possibility of continuing to
work after the end of the artichoke season by preparing other vegetables and
fruits. |
1. Increased
competition. 2. Competition
with other producers to obtain the services of trained female workers. 3. Most
production facilities lack the basic needs of female workers and hygiene. 4. Water
management problems resulting from processing. 5. Unprofessional
management systems. 6. Not
taking advantage of the most effective modern technologies. 7. Lack
of experience for some loom owners. 8. Most
processing station are not licensed 9. Licensing
processing station exposes their owners to more taxes. 10. Difficulties
in meeting station licensing requirements. 11. Low
levels of formal adoption and accreditation of food safety standards,
standards and quality systems. 12. Failure
to strictly adhere to quality specifications. 13. Failure
to follow methods to preserve the environment. |
5.
Food factories and exporters:
|
Strength aspects |
Weaknesses |
|
1. They
can accommodate large volumes of production. 2.
They have access to export market
channels. 3. The
possibility of opening new marketing channels. 4. Limited
number of exporters. 5. The
possibility of introducing new ideas or new technology into production. |
1. Failure
to adhere to agree upon prices. 2. Failure
to record prices and quantities in supply documents. 3. Lack
of transparency and exchange of market information. 4. .
Postponing the payment and settlement of loom dues until the end of the
season. |
5.
Conclusion
6. Reference
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