Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, (JKUAT) is one of the higher learning institutions in Kenya. At the university, different activities take place; some which have led to the changes observed. These changes have been noted in the administration, accommodation and infrastructure among other aspects of the JKUAT community. These changes have had both positive and negative effects to the university.
Five years ago, the main entrance to the university was not welcoming at all. Security was poor, contributed by the fact that there was no lighting around that region. The main gate comprised of pieces of wooden blocks nailed to each other, just to provide entrance. With the introduction of a new administration system, so many changes and developments have occurred. For instance, the main entrance was fully furnished and the stretch from the gate connecting other units of the campus was renovated.
The gate was painted and the woods replaced by metallic structures. Security at the gate was also reinforced and lighting provided. Flowers and grass were planted on the bare grounds around the campus and the place now looks green and conducive for study. With the good impact this change brought, a higher number of students was noted.
With the increased number of students admitted, there was need to increase bed space to provide more accommodation. A hostel block was constructed but after its completion, it was converted to a tuition block.
The reason behind this was that during the construction, it was realized that the building was not strong enough to accommodate a large number of people. This change had both positive and negative impacts since the tuition block could provide more learning rooms, whereas the initial problem of bed space had not been taken care of.
The campus offers mainly engineering, architectural and other technical courses. With the male chauvinism that existed before, the males therefore, had a higher admission rate as compared to females. With creation of awareness and education of the girl child, more of them began being admitted to JKUAT.
Initially, as one was walking along a street around the campus, they would come across one or two female students or even none at times. Times have changed and the female students have increased tremendously. One can come across more than ten of them in a street. This change was reinforced by the fact that a female vice chancellor replaced the former male one.
The accommodation sector at the campus has been through so many changes. Initially, accommodation was offered by following the first come first served principle. As per now, the rule does not apply for the freshmen. They are allocated rooms before their admission date. Continuing students are then supposed to apply the stated principle. For government sponsored students, they are required to pay half the accommodation fee.
In the case that a government sponsored student missed a place at the hostels, they would still pay the half fee and be given a room outside, nearby to the campus. Beginning a year ago, government sponsored students were no longer paid for accommodation outside the hostel.
Instead they were given the half fee from the government in cash form and they were to look for accommodation on their own. Accommodation offered outside is paid in monthly, whereas the cash from the government is given once for the whole semester. This change had a negative effect since students had to look for other sources of money to pay for their rent.
Initially, student ownership of electronics was minimal. This was due to the fear of theft and insecurity. With the new admission in place, security measures around the university was installed and reinforced where it existed. This confidence enabled students to bring electronics like laptops and music systems to campus.
The quiet weekends were no longer so, as loud music played from halls of residence. Being young people, the change was positive since it enabled relaxation and unwinding by the students after a week of reading.
Recreational facilities at the universities have changed too. Three years ago, there was no swimming pool for the hot afternoons. Students would go swimming in nearby campuses. A year ago, there was a swimming pool launch to officially open the recreational facility to the student body.
From then students have been noted flocking the place especially in the afternoon, following the fact that the university is situated in a relatively hot region. Inter-campus sports have been noted to take place too at to the large field in JKUAT. The introduction of fashion shows and other musical events have also been introduced. These changes have had a positive impact by uniting the student body.
Conclusion
Generally, JKUAT has grown for the better. The various changes that have occurred over a period of time have had more positive effects as compared to the negative. This was mainly enabled by the new admission system that was put forth after a long period of dormancy by the previous administration.
A large student admission has been noted both locally and internationally since JKUAT is ISO certified. Graduates from this campus are highly competitive and is a motivating factor to the continuing students.
The article, titled Why did the Communist Party Reform in China, but not in the Soviet Union? The Political Economy of Agricultural Transition, purposes to present a diverse set of arguments to demonstrate why China and the Soviet Union, along with other countries in Europe and Asia, chose different reform policies in their dramatic transition from communism to market economies. Specifically, the article looks into the agricultural reform and how various dynamics, including price policy, property rights, decentralization, and market liberalization, influenced economic reform in China and the Soviet Union1.
The article proceeds by showing how China embarked on its economic reform path by going away from collective land ownership and leaning towards household responsibility system (HRS) in agriculture, before showing how the country relied on grassroots support, local leadership, and the central leadership to drive its agricultural reform agenda2. Equally, the Soviets Unions journey to economic reform has been highlighted, with authors suggesting that the Soviet Union failed to achieve agricultural transition because of failure by grassroots farmers to adopt and implement strategies and initiatives from the countrys top leadership. In summary, the article shows that both grassroots support and supportive top leadership were important vectors in the push for an aggressive economic reform agenda3.
Other important highlights of the article include the motivations behind the actors push for economic reform in China and the Soviet Union. In particular, the authors provide an explicit explanation of how various variables, including historical legacy, wealth considerations, and technology, pushed farmers at the grassroots levels in China to embrace agricultural reform, and how the same variables pushed farmers in the Soviet Union to reject the reforms4. The motivations for embracing or rejecting these reforms have also been provided for local officials at the grassroots and also for the central leadership.
Why did property rights reform bore fruit in China and not in the Soviet Union?
There was strong grassroots support from farmers in China, while farmers from the Soviet Union refused to support the reform initiatives. Similarly, there was strong support from the local leadership. Although there was initial resistance against HRS from the top leadership in China, heavy grassroots pressures swayed the regime to change its perspective on the reform and indeed took part in drawing policy guidelines on how the reform was to be implemented. Additionally, China utilized labor-intensive costs of production, thus farmers had a higher chance of benefiting from the reforms. In the Soviet Union, farmers relied on heavy subsidies from the government, thus felt they would have lost if they adopted the reforms5.
What motivated farmers at the grassroots levels to adopt economic and agricultural reforms in China?
The three main motivators include historical legacy, wealth, and technology. In historical legacy, households in China had a recollection of the benefits of household farming as they had worked on collective farms for only around 25 years. In wealth, most rural households in China lived below a dollar per day, thus were eager for reform. In technology, farmers in China relied on labor-intensive technology with no incentives from the government. Chinese farmers also relied on simple supply channels6.
Why did grassroots local officials in the Soviet Union fail to convince farmers to embrace the economic reforms?
Grassroots local officials in China and the Soviet Union were charged with the responsibility of implementing policies, administering investments, operating commercial and social services, collecting taxes, guarding state policy, and imposing discipline. In the Soviet Union, local officials were fairly compensated, thus were not under pressure to align themselves with farmers. Second, the Soviet Union had different wealth levels and different nature of technology, implying that it was difficult for local officials to impose their will on farmers. Additionally, local officials feared the loss of financial benefits if the agricultural sector was privatized. Lastly, the centralized nature of political and economic structures in the Soviet Union made it hard for local officials to exercise influence over farmers7.
What were the effects of market liberalization on Chinas reform agenda?
The early pricing reforms of agricultural produce and the household responsibility system assisted farmers in China to meet their preliminary objectives of enhanced agricultural productivity, sustained farm incomes, and food output. Owing to increased food security and improved standards of living, the political leaderships hold on power was reinforced. Additionally, rural and urban wages plummeted due to a rise in food production. Market liberalization also ensured the stability and progress of Chinas economy. Lastly, owing to a sudden rise in rural incomes, an instant surge in the demand for non-food products was created within the Chinese market8.
Highlight some failures of the Soviet Unions political leadership in the push for economic reforms in the country
First, the political leadership failed to read the mood of the masses and attempted to force reforms rather than use other avenues. Second, the political leadership employed a top-down approach supported by inconceivable propaganda schemes and outright deceit. Third, political leadership delayed in assisting farmers to gain access to factors of production. Lastly, the political leadership failed to employ a decentralized approach to implement reforms in the country and instead relied on the centralized approach. The authors suggest that the centralized approach was costly and brought myriad negative reactions in the event of failure9.
Bibliography
Rozelle, S., & Swinnen, J.F.M. Why did the Communist Party Reform in China, but not in the Soviet Union? The Political Economy of Agricultural Transition. China Economic Review 20 (2009): 275-287.
Footnotes
Scott Rozelle and Johan F.M. Swinnen, Why did the Communist Party Reform in China but not in the Soviet Union? The Political Economy of Agricultural Transition, China Economic Review 20, (2009): 275-276.
Oman Agriculture Development Company SAOG is a member of OMZEST Group and is based in Oman. The company is located at Sohar, where it has an 800-hectare farm. The company mainly deals in the production of dairy products. Other products of the company are vegetables, juices, and beverages. It also ventures into the trading of various products, training, services, and construction. The brand names of its different products are Sohar, Sunfarms, Moo Cow, Nakhal, Nizwa, and Sun Up.
Figure 1: Comparative chart for the last four years
A comparative chart for the last four years can be seen in Figure 1 above. After a careful study of the figures, it is clear that in terms of profitability, the year 2008 (with a ratio of 0.02) was the best for the company and the year 2009 (with a ratio of -0.60) was the worst. In 2007 and 2010, the ratios were 0.00 and -0.27 respectively. Even the sales were highest in 2008. Return on the assets is an important factor for any company. In 2008, the ratio was 0.02, whereas, in 2009, it was -0.32. In Figure 2 we can see the Sales and Net Income graphs. Although the year 2008 has been the most beneficial for the company, yet in comparison to the year 2009, the company has managed to improve the figures in 2010. There has been an increase of 39.19% in sales and the net income has also increased. In terms of Market-to-book Ratio also 2010 has been better. Even the Profit Margin Ratio has risen from -0.60 to -0.27. But the year 2009 has been good for the company in terms of its ability to cover up fixed interest charges with the current earnings. The Times Interest Earned ratio in 2009 is the highest i.e. 8.54. But in 2010, it decreased by 65.33%, to 2.96. The Total Debt Ratio has increased from 1.05 in 2009, to 1.24in 2010. The Receivable Turnover Ratio has also increased from 5.08 in 2009 to 5.33 in 2010 i.e. an increase of 4.92%.
Figure 2: Sales and Net Income graphs
So we can conclude that in comparison to the year 2009, 2010 has been a better financial year for the company.
Ratio Analysis
Ratio analysis is done to evaluate the performance of the company as compared to the previous years. It also sets the standards of performance in the future. Such analysis also helps the company management in identifying the areas where improvement is required and also the most promising areas. Investors and stockbrokers can assess the creditworthiness of the company by going through the ratios. Professor Harvey B. Lermack wrote, The performance of a firm can be assessed by computing key ratios and analyzing: (a) How is the firm performing relative to the industry? (b) How is the firm performing relative to the leading firms in their industry? (c) How does the current years performance compare to the previous year(s)? (d) What are the variables driving the key ratios?&&. (Lermack, 2003).
But there are certain limitations also to such an analysis. It is difficult to decide which ratios are favorable at times and which are unfavorable. Since the ratios are based on past performance, the future projections cannot be perfect. This is because the ratios are not stable. Further, the ratios are based on the financial statements which in turn are based on the costs and not the value. As such, financial statements dont include values such as management expertise. Comparison between the ratios of international companies is difficult because the accounting procedures and standards are different in different countries. Erich A. Helfert wrote, &.there is a wide range of choices among many individual ratios and measures, some purely financial and some economic. No one ratio or measure can be considered predominant. (Helfert, 95)
Current ratio (Total Current Assets / Total current liabilities)
This ratio is related to the companys ability to meet its short-term obligations. As a precaution, it should be high enough. As compared to 2006, the Current ratio in 2010 has decreased from 0.98 to 0.41. The reason for the decrease is that the increase in the total current assets in 2010 (as compared to 2006) is less, percentage-wise, than the increase in the total current liabilities (as compared to 2006), again percentage-wise. The current assets have increased only 8.16%, whereas the current liabilities have increased 158.15%. Owing to the formula, the ratio is thus decreased. From the computed ratios, we can see that this ratio has decreased with each passing year, except 2010. Now, this is a great cause of concern for the company.
Quick Ratio ([Cash and Equivalents Inventory] / Total Current Liabilities)
The inventories have been subtracted from the cash and equivalents because they are the least liquid. In 2006, the Quick ratio was -0.535 whereas, in 2010, it is -0.12. The main reason for this change is the change in the cash and equivalents, which has increased manifolds, to be precise, 1129.20%. The dividing factor i.e. the current liabilities has increased only 158.15%. Hence the difference is observed.
Cash Ratio (Cash / Total Current Liabilities)
If the cash ratio is high, it means that the company has enough cash which is not good. Excess cash should be invested to gain returns. However, from the table, it is evident that the Cash ratio in 2010 is at an increase of 500%, from 0.01in 2006 to 0.05 in 2010. But the increase doesnt mean that the ratio is high. It is only the comparison. The ratio is low and it means that the company must have invested its funds elsewhere. This is a good sign for the future. This increase is because the increase in the cash and equivalents is far more than the increase in the current liabilities. The percent wise increases are 1129.20% in cash and equivalents and 158.15% in current liabilities.
Total Debt Ratio ([Total Assets Total Equity] / Total Assets)
There has been an increase of 93.75% increase in this ratio. The deciding factor for this ratio is the total equity. An astronomical decrease in the total equity is the reason for the increase in the Total Debt Ratio. The increase in the debt ratio is not a good sign because it shows that the company is going into debts year after year.
Times Interest Earned Ratio (EBIT / Interest)
The increase in this ratio, from -1.16 in 2007 to 2.96 in 2010 is because the EBIT has decreased more (percentage-wise) than the interest (percentage-wise). The ratio was highest in 2009, which shows that in 2009, the company was more capable of covering its interest charges. But a decline in the ratio is 2010 (as compared to 2009) shows that the company has become less capable as far as covering the interest charges is concerned.
EBIT/Interest Ratio ([EBIT + Depreciation] / Interest)
The EBIT/Interest ratio has increased from -3.22 in 2007 to 2.07 in 2010 i.e. an increase of 64.28%. From the table, we know that the depreciation has been almost constant (minor fluctuations). The increase in the EBIT/Interest ratio shows the companys present ability to pay the interest from the earnings, leaving scope for paying taxes and new investments. The difference between the Times Interest Earned Ratio and the EBIT/Interest Ratio is that in EBIT/Interest Ratio, before the division, depreciation is added to the EBIT.
Inventory turnover Ratio (Cost of Sales / Inventory)
We see that there is not much of a difference in this ratio. There has been a nominal charge of 8% (from 3.50 in 2007 to 3.78 in 2010). It doesnt mean that the figures havent changed. We notice that although the ratio has increased, the figures for sales and inventory in 2010 have decreased in comparison to their respective figures in 2007. But there is a point. The decrease in sales is 22.64%, whereas the decrease in the inventory is 28.42%. The sales and inventory both have decreased means that the company products are not in that much demand. The management should take some remedial actions immediately.
Inventory Days Ratio (Calendar days / Inventory Turnover Ratio)
This ratio depicts the number of days for which stocks were held. There is a decrease in this ratio from 104.36 in 2007, to 96.56 in 2010. Its a good sign because the more days stocks are held, the cost keeps on increasing.
Receivable Turnover Ratio (Net Sales / Account Receivables)
This ratio tells us how many times of the accounts receivables the money is collected from the debtors. The ratio has decreased from 6.74 in 2007 to 5.33 in 2010. A decrease in this ratio means that the collection from the debtors has decreased. This is not a good sign because late collections mean more interest on the amount.
Days Receivables Ratio (Calendar days / Sales Receivable Ratio)
This ratio tells us in how many days the payments are collected from the debtors. The ratio has increased from 54.13 in 2007 to 68.54 in 2010. Again an increase is seen here. It means the company is not paying attention to the collection part. Giving more days to the debtors means piling up more interest.
Total Asset Turnover Ratio (Sales / Total Assets)
This ratio tells us how professionally the company is utilizing its assets. The figures denote the number of dollars being earned for each dollar of the assets. This ratio has decreased from 1.07 in 2007 to 0.69 in 2010. The decrease in this ratio shows that the company is not properly utilizing its assets.
Profit Margin Ratio (Net Income / Sales)
This ratio has decreased from zero in 2007 to -0.27 in 2010. This is a matter of great concern for the company management. It means that the company is going into losses. If the same approach goes on, the stakeholders will withdraw their money and the company will be in the doldrums.
Returns on Assets Ratio (Net Income / Total Assets)
This ratio has also decreased from zero in 2007 to -0.19 in 2010. This shows that the company assets do not help generate income. The company should think of acquiring some new profitable assets.
Return on Equity Ratio (Net Income / Total Equity)
This ratio has increased from 0.02 in 2007 to 0.79 in 2010. But in 2009, the figure was 6.01. It means that the year 2009 was best for the shareholders. For each dollar of their investment in the company, they earned 6.01 dollars. But in 2010, there was a drastic plunge.
PE Ratio (Price per share / Earnings per share)
There has been a drastic decrease in this ratio. It has dipped from 63.40 in 2007 to -1.39 in 2010. This shows that the company shares have lost ground in the share market. By this, the credibility of the company is affected.
Market to Book Ratio (Market value per share / Book value per share)
This ratio has decreased from 0.942 in 2007 to -1.223 in 2010. It means that the company has been unsuccessful in creating value for its shareholders.
Description
Balance Sheets (USD 000)
Year
2007
2008
2009
2010
Market Value Per Share
1.10
1.30
1.56
1.56
Book Value Per Share
1.168
1.351
-0.270
-1.276
Market to Book Ratio
0.942
0.962
-5.778
-1.223
Note: The code of Oman Agriculture Development Company is OADI.
References
Helfert, E. A. (2001). Financial analysis: tools and techniques: A guide for managers. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Lermack, H. B. (2003). Steps to a Basic Company Financial Analysis.
The primary goal of the public engagement initiative is to come up with practical solutions to the challenges facing the adoption of GMOs in Canadian agriculture. The engagement activities will entail consistent interactive deliberations between specialists and non-specialists to establish conditions for sharing information about GMOs (Moore para. 5). The project will inform and consult the citizens to enhance their comprehension the complexity of the GMO issue. In particular, it will focus on the risks and benefits of GM crops to the Canadian agriculture. The project will run for six months beginning in April through September 2016.
Why Engage the Public
Anti-GMO proponents often feed consumers with misinformation, which creates concerns over the safety of GMOs. Therefore, proper communication is required to educate the public and support informed decisions by the Canadian policy makers. The engagement initiative will define the complexity of the GMO issue, build consensus, and promote the understanding of the risks and benefits of GM crops. The anticipated roles of the public include:
Inform educate the citizens about GMOs, issues being addressed, and areas that require their opinions.
Consult collect information and views from the public.
Collaborate work with stakeholders to develop and adopt identified solutions.
Who are the Stakeholders?
This public engagement will seek to capture the perspectives and sentiments of stakeholders from diverse groups, including the public (consumers), academia, anti-GMO proponents, Agri-biotech firms, local authorities, and farmers. Each stakeholder category has distinct interests in the issue.
Public Engagement Tools
This project will use a multi-faceted public engagement approach to engage the public. The rationale for the choice of an integrated approach is to use a variety of media that support collaboration between stakeholders to develop a consensus on the GMO issue. As the OMSSA notes, public engagement is a collaborative exercise that provides participation opportunities to all citizens (12). A multidisciplinary approach will support the publics roles in the project, i.e., inform, consult, and collaborate.
Rowe and Frewer state that educating the citizens empowers them to participate effectively in a two-way communication (252). Therefore, the tools selected will promote the publics understanding of the technical details underlying the GMO technology and provide a platform for information exchanges. They include:
Public meetings
The aim is to involve stakeholders from industry, academia, and health care to inform the public about GMOs and how they are produced. According to Scheufele, at this level of engagement, one aims to educate the public through open houses, local media, factsheets, brochures, and information displays (56). The public will be called upon to participate in awareness campaigns in community settings. In this case, the citizens will function as the consumers of information about GMOs while the participants from industry, academia, and research will be the disseminators. The inclusive engagement techniques will include translation of the material into the French language to ensure that everyone benefits from the information.
Integrated Face-to-face Discussions
The goal of participation in discussions is to gather and document information, individual experiences, and viewpoints of the public on the place of GMOs in Canadian agriculture. The selected tools/activities for this engagement include public meetings, workshops, focus groups, and internet platforms (OMSSA 16). Engagement is essentially a group action that depends primarily on social connections (Besley 209).
Therefore, face-to-face discussions will help generate the interactions necessary for information exchanges between the public and various interest groups. In this regard, the discussions will not only inform the public, but they will also serve a consultative role. The citizens will be active participants of interactive debates, contributing their input to the GMO discussions. The key issues raised will help in the formation of strategic approaches for adopting GMOs in agriculture.
Online Tools
Online consultation forums will be held to obtain the views and feedback from citizens who may not attend the public meetings. The visitors will be able to raise and respond to questions about the benefits and risks posed by GMOs. It will also involve experts (academics and researchers) interacting with users to moderate the discussion. In this regard, the public will share their concerns about the GM crops.
Webinar Sessions
Regional representatives drawn from consumer groups, farmers, research institutions, and local government will participate in webinar sessions on ethical and social issues surrounding GMOs. Over 1,000 participants will access presentations and give their feedback on the engagement activities. They will be able to give directions as well as their views and priorities concerning the cultivation GMOs.
How this Approach Satisfies the Interactive Component of Public Engagement
An effective public engagement approach has an interactive component. It entails speaking and listening to others for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders involved (Ahteensuu and Siipi 131). Different forms of activities may be required to promote interactivity during the engagement process. Face-to-face discussions through public meetings are necessary when close interactions are needed. The public meeting, workshops, and focus groups will provide an opportunity for building personal relationships between the stakeholders. On the other hand, the webinar sessions and online forums will be appropriate for obtaining input and feedback from the public.
The approach also creates favorable conditions for networking and collaboration between stakeholders drawn from the biotech industry, academia, and health care. The fact that the project activities will be held within community settings addresses the barriers to accessibility. In addition, the translation of the materials into French will ensure that the engagement process is inclusive.
Evaluating the Outcome
The initiative will be evaluated based on four milestones. First, the participants role in the engagement process will be assessed based on their responses. The role must reflect a positive influence on the citizens throughout the project. The citizens can be active participants, practitioners, advisors, or users of information. Additionally, the stakeholders roles during the engagement must reflect their interests in the GMO issue. The second evaluation criterion will involve the efficiency and timeliness of the engagement process. An effective engagement should yield a mutual decision within the proposed timeframe.
The stakeholders, including the public, agri-biotech firms, policy makers, and farmers, among others, must indicate that they are satisfied with the process. A survey will be conducted to determine the participants views on the fairness and accessibility of the project. The success of this process will depend on its inclusivity. The policy makers must also use the public engagement results to inform regulatory policies. It is expected that the proposals and recommendations put forward by the public during the engagement will inform decisions and policies on GMO cultivation and consumption in Canada. It is further anticipated that people from different ethnic backgrounds, ages, and occupations will participate in the project.
Works Cited
Ahteensuu, Marco and Helena Siipi. A critical assessment of public consultations on GMOs in the European Union. Environmental Values 18.2 (2009): 129-152. Print.
Besley, John. What do scientists think about the public and does it matter to their online engagement. Science and Public Policy 42.2 (2015): 201-214. Print.
Moore, Gemma 2011, Engaging members of the public in research and teaching: purpose, examples and practice at UCL. Web.
Ontario Municipal Social Services Association [OMSSA]. Guide to accessible public engagement. Ontario: OMSSA, 2013. Print.
Rowe, Gene and Lynn Frewer. A Typology of public engagement mechanisms. Science Technology Human Values Spring 30.2 (2005): 251-290. Print.
Scheufele, Dietram. Science communication as political communication. New York: National Academy of Sciences, 2013. Print.
The procedure of combining DNA in genetic design or genetic change and the living life forms made is called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The procedure is not straightforward as removing one quality and placing another DNA since genes are encompassed by structures that decide if a gene of one organism can work in another life form (Brookes and Peter 65). A cautious investigation of genetic engineering is required to make sure it is safe for humans and the environment. Genetic engineering is viewed as exceptional because the procedure manipulates genes in ways different from a natural occurrence. Improvements in genetic engineering have given the agricultural sector a technique for controlling plant characteristics. Such manipulation would ease the overbearing nature of population increase. The rate of starvation and malnutrition is increasing at an alarming pace (Bawa and Khanum 1040). Therefore, it is morally right to modify plants for better yield, nutrition, and food availability. Surveys reveal that underdeveloped countries live below the poverty benchmark (Brookes and Peter 65). This accounts for the high rate of starvation and famine in developing and underdeveloped nations. Support reliefs cannot adequately help impoverished nations. It is economical to transfer genetic engineering to poorer nations to alleviate hunger and starvation.
Based on this definition, genetic engineering refers to the arrangement of innovations that control life form, genes, or activities that switches the hereditary makeup of cells and includes at least one new attribute not found in that life form (Peacock 100). DNA characterizes the hereditary make-up of organisms. Genetic engineering has an immense array of uses, for example, medical procedure, farming, drug prescription, and horticulture. With the genetic design, numerous plant species have created insusceptibility to the most deadly diseases. It has likewise made a difference in producing crop yields while lowering the cost of production. Today, various crop species are genetically altered to accomplish high nutritive value, quicker, and higher efficiency. Studies reveal the increasing number of nations accepting modified engineering to battle food shortage, offer nutritious foods, and develop crops insusceptible to different infections and nuisances. Genetic engineering, from many points of view, has stimulated a horticultural revolution, which many expectations will be enabled to wipe out hunger and starvation. Thus, to alleviate the problem of world hunger, it is morally right to modify plant traits through engineered crops to increase production.
Genetic Engineering and Food Shortage
Genetic manipulation was established with the agrarian business in the 1980s (Peacock 113). The most widely recognized application offers innovative fertilization and pest administration techniques that support high production levels while diminishing costs. Such outcomes are conceivable because these strategies consider more motorized work while decreasing the requirement for human labor. This is profitable for measured mechanical activities where a little section of land could have a huge harvest. Cases of such manipulations include reducing developing cycles of crop species and expanding protection from unfavorable climatic conditions (Peacock 115).
This innovation likewise incorporates alterations beyond those identified with crop generation that intends to create species with improved quality as opposed to just deliver progressively or effectively. Examples include species manipulation to increase shelf life, crops containing more supplements, or yields that contain a more prominent measure of starch or different segments in the food industries. These achievements have not come without debate, lawful, and moral difficulties encompassing them incorporate inquiries concerning the responsibility for life (Environmental Encyclopedia 1000). A significant part of the populations concern regarding the creation and utilization of genetically engineered harvests rotates around the perceived danger to human and ecological wellbeing and additionally a purchasers entitlement to know how his or her food is developed (Peacock 54).
Genetic manipulation or modification is a broad term that incorporates orthodox and modern rearing advancement. Perplexity encompassing these terms regularly emerges because they are utilized reciprocally, which is incorrect. Biotechnology is another general term that is used to portray recombinant-DNA techniques. In fact, biotechnology refers to the utilization of living life forms by humans. Food applications of biotechnology incorporate the utilization of yeast in bread, alcoholic compounds, and organisms used to make cheddar, neither of which modifies the life form in any capacity (Peacock 90). The terms biotechnology and bioengineering are used to mean recombinant types of biotechnology. Genetically engineered crops (GEC) are characterized into one of three categories using the goal of the modification. The first category incorporates changes that affect input characteristics of the plant, including, however, not constrained to, herbicide resilience, bug obstruction, and resistance over upsetting natural conditions. The second category incorporates the first generation classification and nutritious traits. The third category comprises plant species that have been manipulated for pharmaceuticals and biofuels.
The pervasiveness of Genetically Engineered Crops
Since the presentation of the first hereditarily designed crop, the FlavrSavr tomato, manipulated to have a more extended shelf life, genetically engineered yields have immersed the market and have been the quickest embraced trim innovation in agriculture (Zhang et al. 119). Their predominance in hectares in 2010 was eighty-seven times that of 1996. Since 1987, over 11,600 GEC has been submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture for field- testing, ninety-two percent of which have been endorsed (Bawa and Khanum 1037). These incorporate over 5,000 assortments of corn, 6,600 seeds engineered to endure herbicides or be impervious to pesticides (Bawa and Khanum 1040). In 2006, 28% of corn land, 39% of soybeans, and 48% of cotton developed in the United States were genetically modified (Bawa and Khanum 1038).
Discussion
Improvements in genetic engineering have given the agricultural sector a technique for controlling plant characteristics. Such manipulation would ease the overbearing nature of population increase. The rate of starvation and malnutrition is increasing at an alarming pace. Therefore, it is morally right to modify plant traits for better yield, nutrition, and food availability. Surveys reveal that underdeveloped countries live below the poverty benchmark. This accounts for the high rate of starvation and famine in developing and underdeveloped nations. Support reliefs cannot adequately help impoverished nations. It is economical to transfer genetic engineering to poorer nations to alleviate hunger and starvation.
A significant part of the industrialized farming industry and administrative specialists engaged with the production of genetically designed crops have grasped the innovation despite persevering concern regarding its utilization. The drawback is that these strategies may negatively affect dietary content and the environment where the harvest is developed through the generation of poisons and other conceivably hazardous pathogens undermining human health. The contention incorporates moral issues on consumers right to know how GMOs are developed and to provide assurance of their safety.
Benefits of GM Food
The advantages of genetic engineering vary significantly and depend on the attribute presented. Thus, it is difficult to discuss the advantages of GE other than to recognize the immense outcomes empowered by the innovation and the desire for surplus yield by farmers. The benefit credited to genetic manipulation is influenced through the utilization of herbicide-tolerant and pest-safe traits. Herbicide-tolerant harvests consider the use of herbicides keeping in mind the goal to kill pests and weed. Traditional pesticide technique requires exact utilization of a wide range of herbicides, each focusing on an alternate gathering of vermin and performing best under climatic conditions and coordinated applications.
Insect-resistant species lessen yield misfortunes in a comparable way. Using the PIP, enables the plant to create a pesticide as protein, which is lethal to specific insects (Wexler 45). Pests are destroyed when they consume the plant, thus, protecting the crop from harm and taking out the requirement for topical pesticides. Based on this technique, world hunger can be alleviated using genetic engineering. Baccillus Thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces protein dangerous to many insects. Transfer of quality into a scope of products including corn, cotton, and potatoes make yields deliver similar protein species, which improves a self-preservation mechanism. Transgenic uses of quality became accessible in 1995, which demonstrated to give a viable and cost-efficient pesticide alternative (Wexler 67). The reduction of topical pesticides offers huge funds for farmers in yields that would require constant pesticide applications, likewise decreasing their duties and related work requirements. Other modified changes also reduce input costs by lessening farm requirements. Consumer support for the benefits of genetic engineering is created with the possibility that decreased production expenses will lower market costs.
It is believed that golden rice genetically manipulated to contain beta-carotene reduces deadly nourishment challenges in underdeveloped countries where insufficiency causes death and visual deficiency. With rice as a staple food diet of the impoverished nation, nutritious supplements could be provided with genetic engineering. Critics of GM golden rice complain about the distribution chain. The effective utilization of genetically modified crops relies on whether the dissemination techniques exist for it to be available to the target population. For example, the FlavrSavr tomato and golden rice are cases of target advancement where the focused consumer is recognized (Zhang et al. 117). GE likewise targets modern customers looking for a quality help for food processing. These factors make genetic manipulation a promising innovation for expanding agricultural production or expanding nourishing content in countries with high starvation rates. In summary, the accomplishment of the innovation depends on its capacity to diffuse into the regions it would be profitable. The rise of genetic engineering and the theory of conceivable achievements have controversies. However, to alleviate the problem of world hunger, it is morally right to modify plant traits through engineered crops to increase production.
Annotated Bibliography
Bawa, Amarinder, and Khanum Anilakumar. Genetically Modified Foods: Safety, Risks, and Public Concerns. Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 50, no. 6, 2013, pp. 10351046.
Genetic manipulation is a special arrangement of quality innovation that modifies the hereditary properties of humans, plants, or microorganisms. Joining quality of various life forms is known as recombinant DNA innovation, and the subsequent organism is said to be genetically modified or transgenic. Bawa and Khanum (2013) reviewed previous literature on genetic engineering. The main transgenic crops developed economically in the field are resistant to herbicides and bugs. The authors emphasized that different yields produced commercially, such as sweet potato, are resistant to notable pesticides. Consequently, genetic engineering has modified the golden rice species with iron and vitamins that may alleviate global malnutrition.
The article revealed there are banana species used to produce vaccines against irresistible ailments like hepatitis B, fish that develop more rapidly, crops that yield in a short time, all of which improve the nutritive value of staple food. Innovation for genetic engineering offers benefits for underdeveloped countries. Like every innovation, they additionally create hazards, both known and obscure. Discussions and concerns are encompassing GM crops center on human and natural wellbeing, consumer value, licensed innovation rights, morals, nourishment security, destitution decrease, and ecological preservation. With this innovation on quality control, the authors evaluated the danger of modifying natural traits. The authors also analyzed its impact on the ecosystem and consumers. The survey also addressed concerns about nature, environmental danger, and wellbeing perils required to genetically modified crops and recombinant innovation.
The book gives an intensive examination of concerns by the various human-right advocates, environmental activists, and naturalists to make authoritative legislative controls for genetic engineering. The source provides an account of biotechnology, genetic engineering, and its impact. It also provides statistical analysis suitable for this research. The book gives insight on ethical and health concerns, which are the focal point of this research.
Direct Quotation
In a related article, Bawa and Khanum write:
Some of the foods that are available in the market include cotton, soybean, canola, potatoes, eggplant, strawberries, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cantaloupe, carrots, etc. GM products, which are currently in the pipeline, include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers. Locating genes for important traits, such as those conferring insect resistance or desired nutrients-is one of the most limiting steps in the process. (1036)
Works Cited
Brookes, Graham, and Peter Barfoot. Economic Impact of GM Crops: The Global Income and Production Effects 1996-2012. Genetically Modified Crops Food, vol. 5, no. 1, 2014, pp. 65-75.
Peacock, Kathy. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Facts on File, 2010.
Wexler, Barbara. Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Gale, 2014.
Zhang, Chen, et al. Genetically Modified Foods: A Critical Review of their Promise and Problems. Food Science and Human Wellness, vol. 5, no. 3, 2016, pp. 116-123.
The position analyzed in this paper is a construction control inspector working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Based on the provided job diary, it is evident that this position fulfills a variety of supervisory and inspection roles. Job duties include working with contractors on project development and construction through quality control. This includes closely following construction schedules, examining engineering schematics, and gathering data to be used in surveys. An inspector works collaboratively with the contractor crew to examine the geology of the site and design specifications of the project. A control inspector closely reviews measured data (such as density and moisture in a foundation) and ensures that all regulations are followed. Cooperation with the foreman is required to correct any construction deficiencies which may violate regulations or design specifications.
The job position requires the enforcement of safety at the site, which may include personnel management and problem resolution. It may be necessary to cooperate with the superintendent, third-party contractors, and ones immediate supervisor to report and find viable solutions to safety concerns and regulation violations. The job includes several administrative duties including filing reports and making daily records of measurements and quantity of work accomplished. This position follows a shift schedule with a significant amount of time spent on site. It falls within the administrative operations job family and can be considered a specialist profession.
The job description by the Natural Resource Conservation Service for the construction control inspector position is accurate in the description of the duties and tasks that may be required. The responsibilities are laid out based on categories of planning, contractor work, observance of regulations, recordkeeping, and supervisory roles. There is legal protection by providing the FLSA nonexempt claim. Also, there are clear statements on the mental skills, knowledge, and physical abilities the candidate must possess. The description is detailed and does not need to be rewritten. It would be helpful to include logistical information such as shift scheduling. Also, the description does not contain the job family or pay grade of the position which may be of interest to applicants.
If one follows the job diary of a construction control inspector, it is evident that it involves a wide variety of responsibilities daily. The provided job description covers all of the involved aspects of the position. However, the description lacks any time frames for the completion of the tasks (U.S. Department of Agriculture, n.d.). Based on the job diary, it seems that being in a supervisory position, the inspector sets his schedule based on the construction progress and the numerous parties he must cooperate with to fulfill all of the duties. Unprecedented or unexpected situations may arise at any point which must be addressed by the inspector and checked for quality control afterward. It is rare for positions of such complexity to set time standards.
The sheer number of duties may suggest the necessity to split the position amongst two people. However, many of the responsibilities are interconnected and require overarching knowledge of all the project specifics. If the position is split, it would require constant communication between the employees (which can break down) for effective performance. Although high maintenance, the job can be done by one person with careful planning and time management. The job is critical to the safety of important watershed infrastructure projects. It is important to hire a competent individual who will fulfill the numerous duties in planning, construction, and evaluation of the final project. The provided job description is thorough and lists the necessary qualifications and specifications that the professional must possess to fulfill the numerous duties performed in the job diary.
Reference
United States Department of Agriculture (n.d.). Construction control inspector. Web.
Agricultural enterprises seeking to employ management accounting techniques
Proper management accounting strategy is crucial for effective cost and price control in an organization. Farming, like any other industry, requires proper accounting for a rewarding business. In the case of John and Mary, the partnership needed to have an effective accounting system that can handle their business. Farming is unique in its way thus it requires a customized managerial accounting system to address its issues. When other companies in the farming industry engage such a system, it will be a breakthrough in proper accounting in the sector.
The main strength of the system is that it recognizes different income and expenses heads that farmers have to incur when arriving at their gains. The system has assisted to forge their way forward in the business (Horngren 2008). When doing business especially in small and medium-sized businesses, it has always been a challenge for managers to separate business and personal activities. It is rare to find an entrepreneur in such a business separating his income and expenses from that of the business. The farming industry of the nature of John and Mary falls in this category however with such a management accounting system like the one portrayed, then the management is likely to be more easy and effective.
The main benefit that farmers are likely to get from the managing accounting system is control of activities in their business; when professional managerial accounting systems are implemented in farming then there will be the practical improvement of linkage between financial analysis and strategic decision making. Managerial accounting is likely to assist farmers to identify different cost drivers and understand a broad range of technical issues and concepts that can assist them to improve their businesses (Horngren 2008). One area that has been quoted to have been the source of business failures is the lack of proper accounting methods. With an effective managerial accounting system, it will improve the design of record keeping and management information systems to mirror the management structure of the farm (Horngren 2008).
The main challenge likely to face farmers in their trade and the adoption of managerial accounting policies is the costs associated with the system. To maintain an effective system requires the management to keep track of issues and deploy highly competent staff, this might be seen as an extra cost to the management.
Main dysfunctional decisions of using traditional costing method over and above activity-based costing
When using the traditional method, the company is likely to misunderstand how costs should be distributed across different products. When such misunderstanding occurs, then it happens that some products will be sold lower than their actual price. This might lead to losses (Horngren 2008). On the other hand, some products might be sold at a high price than what they should be priced; this is likely to lead to loss of customers and competitiveness.
According to the Farm Council Case, it was better than decisions that were made using an activity-based costing approach. The reason lies with the advantages that the method has over the traditional method of costing, the following are the benefits that the firm enjoyed:
The method offers a better understanding of overheads and thus it ensures that all costs incurred during production have been accounted for when costing the commodity. The method does not only considers the costing element but involves other areas like efficiency, performance management and scorecards
The approach of unit cost rather than bunch cost ensures that costs are allocated to the specific units they have incurred thus a better costing method.
The final suggestion is superior in that it will have addressed all areas necessary for making effective strategic decisions.
Discussion on the assertions in terms of variable and fixed costing and why ABC may make more sense in these types of settings
According to the author, contemporary business management should go further than just classifying costs of operation on a fixed and variable cost basis. They should adopt an effective method through which different areas will be addressed; the suggested method by the author is activity-based costing: under the system, the costs associated with a certain product is calculated by addicting up the apportionment of the costs of all activities that have been incurred in the production of the commodity (Horngren 2008).
Under the system, every cost that has been incurred that can be attributed to certain sections, departments or activity is considered to be the cost of the products as a result. The method is more common in those companies that produce different products under the same roof, but the costs can hardly be disintegrated into different areas.
For example, a farm may incur some research and development costs to advice on the best products that they should undertake; however when though the costs are incurred for the benefit of the entire company, there may be more costs attributed to the research of the performance of particular crops/produce (Horngren 2008). The idea behind activity costing is that the company will apportion the costs and attribute those associated with laptops to laptops and have the portion on phones the same. The methods are superior as it does not assume that the cost is common thus should be attributed to all commodities at the same rate. (Please see appendix for a comparison of ABC and traditional form of costing)
Reference
Horngren, T. (2008). Cost accounting: a managerial emphasis, New York, Pearson Prentice Hall.
Appendix
Comparison o Activity-based costing with traditional costing methods.
Libya is normally considered as the main gate between Europe and Africa. Research shows that it enjoys a varied climate. This permits desert and Mediterranean crops. Libya produces quality vegetables and fruits that are of better quality than that which is produced in the neighboring countries. A look at the weather conditions in Libya shows that the weather is very conducive to the production of quality products which makes this nation to be advantaged over the others. This nation can make good use of climatic diversity in the production of crops. They include olives, date palms, and citruses. This nation also grows potatoes, vegetables, peppers, and squash.
History of Libya agricultural infrastructure development
Research shows that since the early 8th millennium BC, Neolithic people inhabited the coastal plain in Libya. This group of people was quite skilled in crop cultivation and the domestication of cattle. For thousands of years, this culture continued to flourish. This continued until the barbers came in. It was later occupied by Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians. This group of people was the first one to establish various trading posts in Libya.
Rail infrastructure in Libya does not exist. There hasnt been any railroad operating since the year 1965. This is when the rail services that existed were destabilized. Research shows that plans have been there to construct a new rail. The Libyan government has identified that this area needs immediate attention. It has allocated a sizeable amount of the budget for the upgrading of this sector. The rail sector is part of agricultural infrastructure. The telecommunications network in Libya is in the process of being modernized. There is only one internet service provider in this nation. Irrigation schemes are in operation and others are still in the process of development. In this nation, there is irregular rainfall which is not enough to support agriculture. Currently, there is a great man-made river project which has the potential of bringing approximately four hundred thousand acres of land to be cultivated. There is the installation of farm power in farms so that agricultural production is enhanced. Road network is part of the agricultural infrastructure that has been developed in Libya. This development has been done even in the rural areas. Libya is at the heart of Northern Africa and has got the fastest growing telecoms market. This is in the region of MENA. By the year two thousand and eight it is set to reach the United States $ 13.4 billion. Research shows that the Mahgreb area shows the fastest growth. Agricultural infrastructure development has gone through a major transition since the eighteenth century.
The role of Libyan agriculture infrastructure in the economy
Libyan agricultural infrastructure is essential in economic growth. This plays a big role in rural development in this nation. This is because agricultural infrastructures like irrigation schemes help to increase the agricultural produce in the rural areas. Farmers in the rural areas are in a position to produce more than they can consume hence sell the extra. Through this, the rural areas are developed. Agricultural infrastructure also plays a role in poverty alleviation in Libya.
Improved agricultural infrastructure in Libya has played a big part in increasing productivity therein. An increase in productivity in this nation has become a very effective driver of economic growth. It has played a big part in poverty alleviation within and also outside the agricultural sectors in Libya. An increase in productivity largely depends on access to appropriate technology, well-functioning domestic markets, and rural infrastructure.
The core of the economy in most countries is based on the agricultural sector. Research shows that due to the existing agricultural infrastructure in Libya, the agricultural sector generates thirty-three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This constitutes fifty-two percent of total merchandise exports in the year two thousand and two. The agricultural sector accounts for forty-six percent of the employment in Libya. The development of agricultural infrastructure has played a big role in alleviating poverty in this nation.
Rural agricultural infrastructure has played a big role in enhancing semi-subsistence and subsistence agriculture in Libya. This results in a productivity increase which also increases the farmers incomes. Farmworkers incomes are also increased through this. The purchasing power of citizens, in this case, is enhanced. Research carried out on Libya shows that each dollar of income from agriculture generates approximately $ 2.50 of the overall economic growth in this nation.
Irrigations schemes have been widely incorporated in Libya because this nation does not receive adequate rainfall. Irrigation schemes have been installed in the rural areas and they have enabled farmers to grow various crops like.
Role of Libyan Agricultural infrastructure in the agricultural sector
Libyan agricultural infrastructure plays a big role in enhancing the increase in the product in the agricultural sector. These infrastructures include roads, telecommunications, and electricity supplies. These are key in the stimulation of agricultural growth and investment. The availability of better communications helps in reducing market margins, increasing competition, and reducing transportation costs. Through this, there is a direct improvement of private investment opportunities and farm incomes in Libya. The current government in Libya is developing the agricultural infrastructure which is increasing farmers access to output and input markets.
The agricultural infrastructure in Libya helps in the stimulation of the rural nonfarm economy. It also helps in the vitalization of rural towns such that consumer demand for agricultural products therein is increased. This plays a big role in the facilitation of the integration of un-developed rural areas into international and national economies. Agricultural infrastructure like irrigation, telecommunication, energy, and transportation sectors have got positive effects on the agricultural sector either directly or indirectly.
An example of the improved road in Libya network has got positive effects on the agricultural sector. This is because farmers can easily transport perishable farm products like horticultural products from the farms to the markets. This helps to minimize loss through damage to the products. Research shows that the improved road network in this country helps in the fast transportation of farm inputs like seedlings, manure, and also farm machinery. Through improved road networks farmers are in a position of getting preventive pesticides on time. This leads to an increase in the production of agricultural products like potatoes, vegetables, peppers, and squash.
Analysis in this nation reveals that solar power is used in the farms. This is sometimes referred to as wind power. This has played a big role in improving the agricultural sector. Solar power helps in the preservation of farm products. This is especially on the perishables like horticultural products that are normally exported to other nations. Such products include vegetables, flowers, oats, olives, date palms, and citruses.
Solar power is also used to dry up some of these agricultural products which need to be dried up before processing. This has made it very easy to install agricultural machinery that uses solar power. This machinery makes farm preparation for planting very easy and also the period taken for carrying out such farm activities is shortened.
Another role of the agricultural infrastructure is to ensure that there is provision for certain necessities such as farm input, pesticides, irrigation water, etc. This will therefore enhance the agricultural sector especially in the arid areas of the country. Libya for example is a semi-arid country that is just next to the Sahara desert and therefore it needs to utilize the external water available for irrigation purposes which can only be provided by an efficient agricultural infrastructure.
Conclusion
Agricultural infrastructure in Libya is one of the best developed in North Africa and it is the backbone of the economy after oil. It has significant contributions to the agricultural sector and the economy of the country in general especially the provision of employment to the low-income population. This improved agricultural infrastructure leads to increase in production in the agricultural sector. It has played a big role in the enhancement of the economy that is worth emulating.
Reference:
Adair, M. (200): Agriculture in North Africa; Publications on Economics; Lawrence; University of Kansas.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Donkin, M. (2005): Libyas Agriculture; How It Works; New York; Macmillan Press.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.
Adair, M. (200): Agriculture in North Africa; Publications on Economics; Lawrence; University of Kansas.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.
The hunting and gathering society is considered the most equitable of all seven types, while the agricultural community gives rise to the development of civilization. The societies vary in their structure: the former exists in small nomadic groups to search for food supply, and the latter forms larger groups characterized by possessions and control of resources ( Chapter 6, n.d.). One can refer to hunters and gatherers as to the main formal groups in the corresponding society; however, its basic unit is family. Thereby, people within one tribe or an extended family create in-groups when they encounter a rival unacquainted out-group. On the other hand, the agricultural society distinguishes an elite class, usually including political and religious leaders. The community demonstrates social ranking and collection of taxes from those deprived of power ( Chapter 6, n.d.). The existence of strong armies indicates a clear division on in-groups and out-groups because of the need to protect own city or invade those appealing to the leaders (Brown, n.d.). Thus, the agricultural society is based on the concept of ownership, which contrasts with the hunting and gathering one.
The two societies also differ in the peoples activities and their impact on individuals. The hunting and gathering societys feature is a strict division of labor. Women focus on gathering as they care for children, and men are supposed to take risks and hunt animals ( Chapter 6, n.d.). As land is not owned, the society enjoys equality, and each individual is encouraged to share. People build the culture of cooperation and support; their environment facilitates animism, totemism, polytheism, and shamanism as the society aims at maintaining harmony with nature and relies on it to survive (Starbuck & Lundy, 2015). In the agricultural community, the most common occupations are farming and trade, although specialized jobs appear as well, and people often engage in warfare (Starbuck & Lundy, 2015). Political and spiritual leaders with inherited power suppress others and increase inequality because they control resources, which prevents lower social classes from improving their position. Males considerably dominate and undervalue females because men are in charge of plowing ( Chapter 6, n.d.). Unlike peaceful and egalitarian hunters and gatherers, people from the agricultural society cannot overcome the oppression and need to fight for resources.
References
Brown, C. S. (n.d.). Introduction to agrarian societies. Khan Academy. Web.
Chapter 6: Societies to social networks. (n.d.). California State University Northridge. Web.
Starbuck, G. H., & Lundy, K. C. (2015). Families in context: Sociological perspectives (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Information technology (IT) has been useful in transforming different sectors of modern economies. Business entities have integrated innovation in management and operational roles for effectiveness. Similarly, academic institutions have adopted online information systems for enhancing students performance. Many communities practiced farming and cattle rearing as a traditional way of life. IT implementation in farming operations has been useful in improving both the quality and quantity of harvests. Food products reaped using technology equipment and software are richer in nutrient and mineral constitution than indigenous crops (Kromdijk et al., 2016). Nevertheless, this discussion addresses the application of technology innovation in agriculture. Moreover, technology has also improved farming production quantity, as evidenced in animal and grocery food production. Most importantly, the technology integration of information management systems in agricultural operations guarantees food security and advanced harvesting evidenced in the quality and quantity of crops.
The application of IT in farm operations is depicted in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Ideally, food products reaped using the technology are cost and time effective. For instance, groceries production using genetic modification takes relatively less time to mature than that of traditional crops. The growth period is continuously facilitated to ensure uninterrupted germination. As a result, crops are harvested periodically and contain high nutrient content. Public initiatives for guaranteeing sustainable food production facilitate the access to resources such as seedlings and farming areas. Modern farmers in towns and cities have adopted GMOs for food security purposes, evidenced in developed and developing economies (Bardin et al., 2017). For instance, advanced economies have integrated smart-farming in residential areas for small-scale production. GMO innovation has been useful in reducing expenses in competitive markets. Fundamentally, the quality and quantity of harvests has improved the health of many individuals by ensuring nutritional commodities.
Additionally, technological innovation has aided large-scale cattle-keepers to manage their livestock efficiently. Communities which domesticated animals such as cows, sheep, and goats moved across regions for water and pasture. Managing a large herd of these animals was challenged with instances of insecurity and losses. However, the application of IT systems in livestock improves rearing by regulating movement and controlling reproductive behavior (Ronald & Adamchak, 2017). For instance, advanced information systems help dairy farmers to monitor milk production from cows. Controlling the movement of livestock is useful for promoting environmental sustainability. The details obtained from the farm, most importantly, aid in the equitable distribution of resources such as food and water. The practice is common among the farmers deploying GMO technology in food production (Bardin et al., 2017). For instance, poultry farmers use the innovation to regulate food consumption rate depending on chicken age. The application of IT in agriculture has improved the quantity and quality parameters of livestock products.
Moreover, agricultural assets are critical for successful farming in modern contexts. Technology constitutes a fundamental resource for ensuring sustained competitiveness in food production. It is objective to optimize farming resources as they determine food sustainability. Modern application systems, nevertheless, are instrumental in controlling the availability of resources to growing crops. For instance, the data collected on moisture in the soil determines the amount of water required at specific periods (Kromdijk et al., 2016). Big data has been critical in advancing automating decisions based on the details collected in real-time. For example, the innovation of sensors has ensured that farmers obtain accurate data regarding a growing product. Inaccurate information can result in the products with substandard nutrients as stipulated by the regulators such as the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Non-compliance can threaten an agricultural firms existence as most markets ensure strict compliance with the laws from the authorities.
Satellite technology has also been useful in enhancing agricultural practices in contemporary farmlands. Developed economies have integrated innovation for land management purposes. For instance, the data collected from the space regarding soil quality allows farmers to assess the harvest quality. Assessing the characteristics of land with poor soil properties is instrumental in evaluating how long it needs to recover. Farming areas with rich soil nutrients allow farmers to capitalize on production by ensuring quality and quantity in the crops with high demand (Ronald & Adamchak, 2017). Ideally, satellite technology is significant in meeting agricultural objectives of sustainability. Current information indicates that uncontrolled farming practices have degraded the land quality required for successful farming. Similarly, the continuous use of pesticides has caused land and water pollution as captured in satellite images. Through the integration of satellite images, modern farmers adopt informed agricultural practices aimed at food security.
In conclusion, IT application in agriculture has contributed to food security in most modern communities. Farming has become easier than before as new inventions are made. The quality and quantity of agricultural production have improved with the accurate integration of IT in farming. The adoption of GMO production has been useful in ensuring adequate food reserves for a rising global population. Livestock-keepers have also benefited from the innovations intended for resource management in large plantations. Optimizing farming assets through the information systems in big data has ensured cost-saving among farmers. Owners of cattle and plantations make informed decisions regarding agricultural capital input. Application systems have been useful in controlling and regulating movement and plantation practices for land sustainability goals. Satellite technology allows farmers to collect real-time data for effective decisions. Consequently, technology has been useful in guaranteeing food security in a rising global population.
