The Role of Agricultural Projects in Building Sustainable and Resilient Maize Value Chain in Burkina Faso

Comment

Response

Reviewer 1#

Open Review (I would not like to sign my review report)

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestions and instrumental comments.

Quality of English Language (English language fine. No issues detected)

We appreciate for the complement

Is the content succinctly described and contextualized with respect to previous and present theoretical background and empirical research (if applicable) on the topic? (Must be improved)

We have enhanced the theoretical background and empirical research

Are all the cited references relevant to the research? (Must be improved)

We have revised the references

Are the research design, questions, hypotheses and methods clearly stated? (Can be Improved)

We have improved and reframed the objective

Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling? (Can be Improved)

We have improved the results and discussion section

For empirical research, are the results clearly presented? (Can be improved)

We have enhanced the presentation of the results

Is the article adequately referenced? (Must be improved)

We have reworked on references

Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature? (Must be improved)

We have added limitation of the study and area of further research

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper investigates an interesting topic such as Building Sustainability and Resilience of the Maize Value Chain in Burkina Faso. The methodology is pertinent and English is good. However, some issues need to be improved.

We thank the reviewer for taking time and reviewing our manuscripts. The suggestions provided are key in elevating our manuscript to publishable standards. We have considered every comment to ensure our manuscript is of good quality and acceptable for publication

Reference style needs to be consisted with the required one.

We checked the references through the document and ensured they are 1 to the last and in line with the journal requirements. Thank you

Introduction.   This sentence: "Despite the synergies in the maize seed systems, maize productivity has generally declined in the last decade." needs to be supported by the due literature.  

The novelties of the paper need to be described in detail in order to support the originality of the paper.  

The concept of seismic resilience needs to be discussed by considering the due literature.

We have supported the sentence: Despite the synergies in the maize seed systems, maize productivity has generally declined in the last decade."

See track changes

We have inserted a section describing the originality of the paper: The project approach is essential in enhancing sustainability of crop value chain [62]. Agricultural projects support the dissemination of innovative approaches for enhanced sustainability and resilience. Value chain pro-projects addresses sustainability at each stage ranging from inputs acquisition to consumption. However, despite the novelty of the agricultural projects in fostering sustainability, there is limited information on the contribution of Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets in Burkina Faso. Therefore, this study aims to assess the role of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” project in developing resilient and sustainable maize value chain in Burkina Faso.

See track changes

We have introduced the concept of resilience: It is important to note that resilient refers to ability of the maize value chain to bounce back or absorb changes thus ensuring continued production and supply [61].

See track changes

Section 2: The title should be changed into "methodology”

We change the section to methodology.

See track changes

Section 3 (the number is wrong!): The authors simply wrote that they collected primary data using key informant interviews, without entering the due details. Please expand this part.

We have enhanced the section numbering.

We have enhanced the section on primary data collection.

We collected qualitative data from 5 extension officers, 2 representatives of seed companies’ employees and 10 input suppliers.

See track changes.

Section 4: This section is too long (non balanced with compared with the other ones). The authors should divided it in two: results and discussion.

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestion. However, the section is more informative when the results are combined with discussion. We feel comfortable with the current format. Thank you

Also, the numbering is very confusing. Please check all of them.

We have checked and harmonized the numbering.

See track changes

These sentences: "Greening maize production faces numerous challenges, including climate change, limited input access, and a shortage of chopping machines. Additionally, the intercropping was hampered by the limited access to pigeon pea seeds." Need to be supported by a discussion or some reference. Please reorganize them.

We have provided the discussion on the sentence.

See track changes

Conclusions and recommendations: I suggest to divide in two sections because this part does not cover these important points for a conclusion: limitations, applications, future work. Please re-organize it.

We have organized the section into Conclusion and recommendations

Limitations and area of further research

We assessed the role of agricultural projects in enhancing sustainability and resilience of maize value chain in Burkina Faso using qualitative approach. We underscored the role of agricultural projects in fostering sustainability of maize value chain. However, our study did not quantify the effects of the projects on productivity and profitability. Additionally, we did not assess the determinants of project participation and smallholders’ adoption of sustainable practices. Further researches are essential to assess the determinants of project participation and the effects of projects participation in adoption of sustainable practices and profitability of maize value chain.

See track changes

Reviewer 2##

Open Review (I would not like to sign my review report)

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestions and instrumental comments.

Quality of English Language (Minor editing of English language required)

We appreciate for the complement

Is the content succinctly described and contextualized with respect to previous and present theoretical background and empirical research (if applicable) on the topic? (Must be improved)

We have enhanced the theoretical background and empirical research

See track changes

Are all the cited references relevant to the research? (Can be improved)

We have revised the references

Are the research design, questions, hypotheses and methods clearly stated? (Must be Improved)

We have improved and reframed the objective

Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling? (Can be Improved)

We have improved the results and discussion section

For empirical research, are the results clearly presented? (Must be improved)

We have enhanced the presentation of the results

Is the article adequately referenced? (Can be improved)

We have reworked on references

Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature? (Can be improved)

We have added limitation of the study and area of further research

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

We thank the reviewer for taking time and reviewing our manuscripts. The suggestions provided are key in elevating our manuscript to publishable standards. We have considered every comment to ensure our manuscript is of good quality and acceptable for publication

1. The abstract should simplify the description of the background of the study, focusing on the research methodology, the research process and the main conclusions reached.

We have enhanced the abstract.

See track changes

2. The keyword "village-based advisors" is repeated.

We have deleted the repeated keyword

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3. The "Introduction" section should describe the research gap and the innovation of this thesis.

We have included the research gap

The project approach is essential in enhancing sustainability of crops value chain [62]. Agricultural projects support the dissemination and adoption of innovative approaches for enhanced sustainability and resilience. Value chain pro-projects address sustainability at each stage ranging from inputs acquisition to consumption. However, despite the novelty of the agricultural projects in fostering sustainability, there is limited information on the contribution of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” in Burkina Faso. Therefore, this study aims to assess the role of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” project in developing a resilient and sustainable maize value chain in Burkina Faso.

See track changes

4. "2. Approach" as a separate chapter is rather short, and it is suggested to merge it with the research method.

We have merged the approach with methodology.

See track changes

5. Conclusions and recommendations should be presented in a structured manner and in a layered manner.

Thank you for the suggestion.

We have improved the conclusions and recommendations by including Limitations of the study and area of further research.

See track changes

6. The literature does not cover all the studies. Please review the literature systematically. In this regard, please refer to the latest research by searching for keywords such as "agricultural supply chain".

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010184

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101575

Thank you for the suggestion. We have improved the literature by including the studies.

See track changes

7. Most of the references lack doi information.

Comments on the Quality of English Language: Minor editing of English language required

Thank you for the comment. We have included doi in all the references.

We have proofread the manuscript to enhance the quality of English.

See track changes

Reviewer 3###

Open Review (I would like to sign my review report)

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestions and instrumental comments.

Quality of English Language (English language fine. No issues detected)

We appreciate for the complement

Is the content succinctly described and contextualized with respect to previous and present theoretical background and empirical research (if applicable) on the topic? (Can be improved)

We have enhanced the theoretical background and empirical research

See track changes

Are all the cited references relevant to the research? (Yes)

We have revised the references

Are the research design, questions, hypotheses and methods clearly stated? (Must be Improved)

We have improved and reframed the objective

Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling? (Can be Improved)

We have improved the results and discussion section

For empirical research, are the results clearly presented? (Can be improved)

We have enhanced the presentation of the results

Is the article adequately referenced? (Can be improved)

We have reworked on references

Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature? (Can be improved)

We have added limitation of the study and area of further research

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper presents an important topic on enhancing the sustainability and resilience of maize value chain.

We thank the reviewer for taking time and reviewing our manuscripts. The suggestions provided are key in elevating our manuscript to publishable standards. We have considered every comment to ensure our manuscript is of top-notch quality and accepted for publication

The title of this paper is value, what kinds of sustainability and what kinds of resilience? Resilience to what? Moreover, the title is too broad, and I suggest authors have to make it specific.

We have refined the title to: The Role of Agricultural Projects in Building Sustainable and Resilient e Maize Value Chain in Burkina Faso

The introduction does not present a clear research gap. I did not see the research aim and objectives. Please highlight the research gap and deepen your research motivation.

We have enhanced the manuscript to depict the research gap and motivation.

The project approach is essential in enhancing sustainability of crops value chain [62]. Agricultural projects support the dissemination and adoption of innovative approaches for enhanced sustainability and resilience. Value chain pro-projects address sustainability at each stage ranging from inputs acquisition to consumption. However, despite the novelty of the agricultural projects in fostering sustainability, there is limited information on the contribution of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” in Burkina Faso. Therefore, this study aims to assess the role of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” project in developing a resilient and sustainable maize value chain in Burkina Faso.

See track changes

A framework is needed to showcase the solution of the sustainability and resilience of maize value chain. It includes a lot of information such as seed, sow, irrigation, technique. Please also showcase the drivers that increase the vulnerability of the maize value chain.

We have highlighted this in the introduction. The challenges facing maize value chain and the potential solutions.

See introduction.

Overall, I do not think the intervention of new techniques and strategies. Please check:

Zhao, D., Eyre, J. X., Wilkus, E., de Voil, P., Broad, I., & Rodriguez, D. (2022). 3D characterization of crop water use and the rooting system in field agronomic research. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 202, 107409.

Panda, R. K., Behera, S. K., & Kashyap, P. S. (2004). Effective management of irrigation water for maize under stressed conditions. Agricultural Water Management, 66(3), 181-203.

Xu, P., Tan, Q., Zhang, Y., Zha, X., Yang, S., & Yang, R. (2022). Research on maize seed classification and recognition based on machine vision and deep learning. Agriculture, 12(2), 232.

Thank you for the proposed literature. We have included Xu, P., Tan, Q., Zhang, Y., Zha, X., Yang, S., & Yang, R. (2022). Research on maize seed classification and recognition based on machine vision and deep learning. Agriculture, 12(2), 232.

Comment

Response

Reviewer 1#

Open Review (I would not like to sign my review report)

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestions and instrumental comments.

Quality of English Language (English language fine. No issues detected)

We appreciate for the complement

Is the content succinctly described and contextualized with respect to previous and present theoretical background and empirical research (if applicable) on the topic? (Must be improved)

We have enhanced the theoretical background and empirical research

Are all the cited references relevant to the research? (Must be improved)

We have revised the references

Are the research design, questions, hypotheses and methods clearly stated? (Can be Improved)

We have improved and reframed the objective

Are the arguments and discussion of findings coherent, balanced and compelling? (Can be Improved)

We have improved the results and discussion section

For empirical research, are the results clearly presented? (Can be improved)

We have enhanced the presentation of the results

Is the article adequately referenced? (Must be improved)

We have reworked on references

Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature? (Must be improved)

We have added limitation of the study and area of further research

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper investigates an interesting topic such as Building Sustainability and Resilience of the Maize Value Chain in Burkina Faso. The methodology is pertinent and English is good. However, some issues need to be improved.

We thank the reviewer for taking time and reviewing our manuscripts. The suggestions provided are key in elevating our manuscript to publishable standards. We have considered every comment to ensure our manuscript is of good quality and acceptable for publication

Reference style needs to be consisted with the required one.

We checked the references through the document and ensured they are 1 to the last and in line with the journal requirements. Thank you

Introduction.   This sentence: "Despite the synergies in the maize seed systems, maize productivity has generally declined in the last decade." needs to be supported by the due literature.  

The novelties of the paper need to be described in detail in order to support the originality of the paper.  

The concept of seismic resilience needs to be discussed by considering the due literature.

We have supported the sentence: Despite the synergies in the maize seed systems, maize productivity has generally declined in the last decade."

See track changes

We have inserted a section describing the originality of the paper: The project approach is essential in enhancing sustainability of crop value chain [62]. Agricultural projects support the dissemination of innovative approaches for enhanced sustainability and resilience. Value chain pro-projects addresses sustainability at each stage ranging from inputs acquisition to consumption. However, despite the novelty of the agricultural projects in fostering sustainability, there is limited information on the contribution of Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets in Burkina Faso. Therefore, this study aims to assess the role of “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso – from research to markets” project in developing resilient and sustainable maize value chain in Burkina Faso.

See track changes

We have introduced the concept of resilience: It is important to note that resilient refers to ability of the maize value chain to bounce back or absorb changes thus ensuring continued production and supply [61].

See track changes

Section 2: The title should be changed into "methodology”

We change the section to methodology.

See track changes

Section 3 (the number is wrong!): The authors simply wrote that they collected primary data using key informant interviews, without entering the due details. Please expand this part.

We have enhanced the section numbering.

We have enhanced the section on primary data collection.

We collected qualitative data from 5 extension officers, 2 representatives of seed companies’ employees and 10 input suppliers.

See track changes.

Section 4: This section is too long (non balanced with compared with the other ones). The authors should divided it in two: results and discussion.

We appreciate the reviewer for the suggestion. However, the section is more informative when the results are combined with discussion. We feel comfortable with the current format. Thank you

Also, the numbering is very confusing. Please check all of them.

We have checked and harmonized the numbering.

See track changes

These sentences: "Greening maize production faces numerous challenges, including climate change, limited input access, and a shortage of chopping machines. Additionally, the intercropping was hampered by the limited access to pigeon pea seeds." Need to be supported by a discussion or some reference. Please reorganize them.

We have provided the discussion on the sentence.

See track changes

Conclusions and recommendations: I suggest to divide in two sections because this part does not cover these important points for a conclusion: limitations, applications, future work. Please re-organize it.

We have organized the section into Conclusion and recommendations

Limitations and area of further research

We assessed the role of agricultural projects in enhancing sustainability and resilience of maize value chain in Burkina Faso using qualitative approach. We underscored the role of agricultural projects in fostering sustainability of maize value chain. However, our study did not quantify the effects of the projects on productivity and profitability. Additionally, we did not assess the determinants of project participation and smallholders’ adoption of sustainable practices. Further researches are essential to assess the determinants of project participation and the effects of projects participation in adoption of sustainable practices and profitability of maize value chain.

See track changes