Open AccessBenefits of crop diversification in Fiji's sugarcane farming
Author(s) -
Singh Amar
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
asia and the pacific policy studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.529
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2050-2680
DOI - 10.1002/app5.291
Subject(s) - profitability index , diversification (marketing strategy) , agricultural diversification , agriculture , business , agricultural economics , production (economics) , sugar industry , crop , agricultural science , economics , agroforestry , sugar , agronomy , geography , biology , marketing , finance , biochemistry , archaeology , macroeconomics
Abstract The sugar industry has shaped the development of Fiji's economy for over a century; but, for the past 15 years, sugarcane production has been declining. A study was undertaken of over 300 sugarcane farmers in Fiji to determine the benefits of crop diversification and to compare the level of profitability for farmers fully dedicated to sugarcane farming and sugarcane farmers who have diversified. The findings demonstrate that a farmer in the latter group was able to achieve 45% higher profitability than one in the former. Fiji has the potential to increase farm output from diversification, but the relevant stakeholders need to help farmers secure markets and provide appropriate guidance and training.