Cost benefit analysis of maize-based cropping patterns in Laewe township, Myanmar

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study evaluates the economic viability and comparative profitability of maize- based cropping patterns in Laewe Township, Myanmar. The cropping patterns analyzed include Maize–Maize, Maize-Rice-Cauliflower, and Maize-Rice-Chili, which represent common agricultural practices in the region. The main objective is to identify the most economically advantageous cropping system using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methodologies, providing evidence-based insights to inform smallholder farmers and policymakers on optimizing livelihood sustainability and income generation. Data were collected through structured household surveys targeting farmers practicing the respective cropping patterns. The survey captured information on input utilization, labor allocation, crop yields, market prices, and total production costs over a complete agricultural cycle. Additionally, socioeconomic characteristics such as education level, gender, and age of household heads were recorded to contextualize economic outcomes. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize household profiles, while inferential statistics, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were used to assess the significance of differences in economic performance across the cropping patterns. The economic analysis employed several indicators: Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Payback Period (PBP), and Gross Margin Analysis (GMA). The findings indicate that all three cropping systems are economically feasible within the Laewe context. However, the maize-rice-chili system demonstrated superior economic performance, achieving the highest NPV and gross margin. This system’s profitability is primarily attributed to the high market value of chili as a cash crop, coupled with effective crop diversification, which contributes to greater income stability by spreading production risks. The maize-maize cropping pattern exhibited the highest BCR and the shortest payback period, indicating faster recovery of initial investments - an appealing option for farmers with limited resources seeking quick returns. Nonetheless, this pattern showed comparatively lower profitability, suggesting a trade-off between short-term gains and long-term income maximization. The maize-rice-cauliflower system delivered moderate economic returns, falling between the other two patterns in terms of profitability. The results of the ANOVA confirmed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in economic performance among the cropping systems, with the maize-rice-chili pattern emerging as the most advantageous. Based on these findings, the study recommends promoting the maize-rice-chili cropping system as a viable strategy for improving smallholder incomes in the Laewe region. To facilitate broader adoption, the study highlights the need for strengthened agricultural extension services focusing on integrated crop management and pest control, as well as enhanced market access through better infrastructure, price information, and value chain development. Access to affordable credit and subsidized agricultural inputs is also essential to reduce barriers for small-scale farmers. This research contributes to the limited empirical literature on the economic performance of maize-based cropping systems in Myanmar, providing actionable insights into how crop diversification can support rural livelihoods, enhance income resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural development. Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis, Cropping patterns, Maize, Myanmar

목차 (Table of Contents)

• CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1
• 1.1 RESEARCH BACKGROUND 1
• 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT 6
• 1.3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 6
• CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 8
• 2.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF MAIZE-BASED CROPPING PATTERNS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 8
• 2.2 MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEMS IN MYANMAR: TRENDS AND PRACTICES 9
• 2.3 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE 10
• 2.4 PROFITABILITY OF SWEET CORN AND WAXY CORN IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 11
• 2.5. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN MYANMAR 13
• 2.6. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS: METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS 14
• CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 16
• 3.1 THE RESEARCH DESIGN 16
• 3.1.1 The Study Design 16
• 3.1.2 The Unit of Analysis 16
• 3.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 18
• 3.3 METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH 20
• 3.3.1 The Research Process 20
• 3.3.2 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size 20
• 3.3.3 Data Collection Methods 21
• 3.4 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION 22
• CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 27
• 4.1 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS OF HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS 27
• 4.1.1 Gender Distribution of Household Heads 27
• 4.1.2 Education Levels of Household Heads 28
• 4.1.3 Age of Household Heads 29
• 4.2 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF CROPPING PATTERNS 30
• 4.2.1 Economic Analysis of Maize-Maize Cropping Pattern: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Payback Period, and Gross Margin 31
• 4.2.2 Economic Analysis of Maize-Rice-Cauliflower Cropping Pattern: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Payback Period, and Gross Margin Analysis 34
• 4.2.3 Economic Analysis of Maize-Rice-Chili Cropping Pattern: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Payback Period, and Gross Margin 37
• 4.3. COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS USING ANOVA 39
• 4.3.1 One-way ANOVA Analysis for Net Present Value 39
• 4.3.2 One-way ANOVA Analysis for Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) 44
• 4.3.3 One-way ANOVA Analysis for Payback Period (PBP) 47
• 4.3.4 One-way ANOVA Analysis for Gross Margin Analysis (GMA) 50
• CHAPTER V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 54
• 5.1 CONCLUSION 54
• 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 55
• REFERENCES 57
• APPENDICES 64
• Household Survey Questionnaire 64
• 요약 69