http://hdl.handle.net/10468/399 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:08:35 GMT 2017-09-12T14:08:35Z http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4680 Reducing consumption of confectionery foods: A post-hoc segmentation analysis using a social cognition approach Naughton, Paul; McCarthy, Mary; McCarthy, Sinéad N. Considering confectionary consumption behaviour this cross-sectional study used social cognition variables to identify distinct segments in terms of their motivation and efforts to decrease their consumption of such foods with the aim of informing targeted social marketing campaigns. Using Latent Class analysis on a sample of 500 adults four segments were identified: unmotivated, triers, successful actors, and thrivers. The unmotivated and triers segments reported low levels of perceived need and perceived behavioural control (PBC) in addition to high levels of habit and hedonic hunger with regards their consumption of confectionery foods. Being a younger adult was associated with higher odds of being in the unmotivated and triers segments and being female was associated with higher odds of being in the triers and successful actors segments. The findings indicate that in the absence of strong commitment to eating low amounts of confectionery foods (i.e. perceived need) people will continue to overconsume free sugars regardless of motivation to change. It is therefore necessary to identify relevant messages or ‘triggers’ related to sugar consumption that resonate with young adults in particular. For those motivated to change, counteracting unhealthy eating habits and the effects of hedonic hunger may necessitate changes to food environments in order to make the healthy choice more appealing and accessible. Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4680 2017-06-27T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4195 Optimising contract design in modern food supply chains: The case of paprika sector in central Malawi Repar, Lana A.; Onakuse, Stephen; Bogue, Joe; Afonso, Ana Contract farming remains one of the most efficient tools for integrating small-scale farmers into modern food markets. However, the literature lacks evidence on best practices in designing contracts for food supply chains in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to analyse the design of an existing contract in the emerging Malawian paprika sector using a qualitative analytical approach. The study compared a contract design in Malawi’s paprika supply chain with four similar contracts from the horticultural sector in Malawi, India, Zambia and Cape Verde. This study employed a thematic qualitative analysis and developed 17 categories for analysing contracts. The findings showed that the Malawian contract contained in total eleven defined clauses. There were missing clauses that influenced the risk and power distribution between parties in the contract. The comparison of the Malawian contract with other contracts revealed that none of the analysed contracts included all clauses necessary for a sustainable and fair relationship. The study proposed improved contract design and future actions to contribute to decreasing inequalities between parties engaged in the Malawi’s paprika supply chain. The implications of the study include initiation of changes in public policies related to contract farming strategies as the findings suggest that vulnerable small-scale farmers might be left unprotected and generate low gains through supply contracts due to poorly formulated contract clauses. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4195 2017-04-21T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4051 The role of meat in strategies to achieve a sustainable diet lower in greenhouse gas emissions: A review Hyland, John J.; Henchion, Maeve M.; McCarthy, Mary; McCarthy, Sinéad N. Food consumption is responsible for a considerable proportion of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Hence, individual food choices have the potential to substantially influence both public health and the environment. Meat and animal products are relatively high in GHGE and therefore targeted in efforts to reduce dietary emissions. This review first highlights the complexities regarding sustainability in terms of meat consumption and thereafter discusses possible strategies that could be implemented to mitigate its climatic impact. It outlines how sustainable diets are possible without the elimination of meat. For instance, overconsumption of food in general, beyond our nutritional requirements, was found to be a significant contributor of emissions. Non-voluntary and voluntary mitigation strategies offer potential to reduce dietary GHGE. All mitigation strategies require careful consideration but on-farm sustainable intensification perhaps offers the most promise. However, a balance between supply and demand approaches is encouraged. Health should remain the overarching principle for policies and strategies concerned with shifting consumer behaviour towards sustainable diets. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10468/4051 2017-04-21T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10468/3764 The impact of a values-based supply chain (VBSC) on farm-level viability, sustainability and resilience: case study evidence Hooks, Teresa; Macken-Walsh, Áine; McCarthy, Olive; Power, Carol The ‘Agriculture of the Middle’ (AotM) development paradigm emphasises that in order tosurvive, family farms must transition from a supply chain approach to a values-based supply chain (VBSC) approach, involving amendments to both product type and actor dynamics within the chain. This paper presents a qualitative case study of a beef co-operative integrated to a VBSC. We use an analytical framework of viability, sustainability and resilience to analyse impacts at farm-level. Our analysis highlights a number of positive effects on farm-level viability, sustainability and resilience. These benefits stemmed largely from improvements to market orientation, price stability, and members’ capacities in responding to problems. However, the autonomy of the co-operative was challenged by VBSC chain members, which impacted negatively on the stability of the co-operative. Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10468/3764 2017-02-14T00:00:00Z