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on Agricultural Economics |
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Issue of 2010‒12‒04
forty-four papers chosen by |
| By: | Haggblade, Steven |
| Abstract: | Africa has inherited highly arbitrary political borders that vastly complicate current efforts to accelerate agricultural growth and reduce hunger. Because Africaâs inherited political borders arbitrarily partition agro-ecological zones and natural market sheds, current country borders serve as barriers, hampering agricultural technology transfer, hindering agricultural trade and dampening incentives for farmers and agribusinesses to invest in Africaâs many regional breadbasket zones. Feasible solutions revolve around neutralizing these deleterious effects through regional scientific networks and regional corridor development programs. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Food Security, markets, technology transfer, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Marketing, R12, Q18, |
| Date: | 2010–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:97030&r=agr |
| By: | Jayne, T.S.; Rashid, Shahidur |
| Abstract: | Crop production forecasts are widely recognized as an important input into food balance sheets and for anticipating production shortfalls. However, the role of accurate crop production forecasting systems in mitigating food price instability and transitory food insecurity is often under-appreciated. This paper explains how crop production forecasting systems affect price instability and risks, and how they can be improved to stabilize the food system. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Food security, forecasts, production, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Productivity Analysis, c10, Q11, |
| Date: | 2010–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:97032&r=agr |
| By: | Dharmasena, P. B. |
| Abstract: | Agriculture requires inputs, which can be found within the system or need to be supplied from outside. The latter, referred to as the ‘Green Revolution’ in the 1950s and developed as the high external input agriculture, has spread over the world as a solution to the food crisis that arose due to World War II. The drive embraced a special package including high- yielding crop varieties, inorganic fertilizer, agro- chemicals and farm machineries. As a result, farmers in many developing countries began to practice mono-cropping with high external inputs. This has turned traditional ecological agriculture into environmentally destructive food production systems, which provided huge amounts of produce causing serious environmental damage. During the ‘Green Revolution’ traditional crop varieties were replaced by high-yielding new improved varieties, which had higher yield potential. However, natural pest resistance of these high-yielding varieties was generally poor, while nutritive requirements were high. Increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer is a matter of concern. Some of the issues and problems due to indiscriminate use of pesticides are: a) pest resistance; b) pest resurgence; c) health hazards; d) environmental pollution; and e) lower profits to farmers. Extensive use of chemical fertilizer has created environment issues such as nitrate leaching, release of greenhouse gases and eutrophication of inland water bodies. Millennium development goals earmark the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, while ensuring environmental sustainability. This dispels the concept of achieving food security in any country through the adoption of high external input agriculture. Sri Lanka remains vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides, epidemics etc., causing substantial threats to the food security situation of the country. Challenges posed by external factors due to globalization and open- economic policies have directed the country’s agriculture to move away from self- reliance. This situation demands a firm and perfect policy for the country’s agriculture. Furthermore, present agriculture does not show any indication of sustainability as it has ignored the centuries-old wisdom of traditional agriculture. Farmers’ dependency mentality evolved due to modern agriculture and government policies, which dealt with agriculture from time to time. This should be gradually replaced by developing farmers’ self- confidence, selfmotivation and empowerment. There is a great potential to increase productivity in Sri Lanka as only 40 % of the average potential for grain yield was achieved in different ecological and hydrological regimes. By narrowing this gap between actual and potential yield, Sri Lanka will not only increase productivity but also increase the competitive advantage for rice with other countries in the region. The experiences of the present productivity improvement program of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) have clearly shown that the average yield could be increased. In achieving food security in the country, a major set back in the development process is that institutional linkage among agencies responsible for water, land, agriculture and environment is very weak, and they work in isolation, setting their own targets. The need is felt for the immediate formulation of a firm policy to implement a sustainable agricultural production program in the country in order to ensure the food security in Sri Lanka.Length: pp.47-56 |
| Keywords: | Rice; Food security; Farming systems |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042893&r=agr |
| By: | Martinez, Steve; Hand, Michael; Da Pra, Michelle; Pollack, Susan; Ralston, Katherine; Smith, Travis; Vogel, Stephen; Clark, Shellye; Lohr, Luanne; Low, Sarah; Newman, Constance |
| Abstract: | This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. There is no consensus on a defi nition of âlocalâ or âlocal food systemsâ in terms of the geographic distance between production and consumption. But defi ning âlocalâ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmersâ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Findings are mixed on the impact of local food systems on local economic development and better nutrition levels among consumers, and sparse literature is so far inconclusive about whether localization reduces energy use or greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Keywords: | local food systems, farmersâ markets, direct-to-consumer marketing, direct-toretail/ foodservice marketing, community supported agriculture, farm to school programs, Farmersâ Market Promotion Program, food miles, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2010–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersrr:96635&r=agr |
| By: | Kambewa, Emma |
| Abstract: | Malawi continues to rely on maize for household food security. Policies to enhance food security continue to target maize production. Traditionally production and use of cassava was localized in lakeshore areas until the past two decades when maize production was increasingly affected by rainfall variability. Cassava as an alternate food crop has rapidly gained popularity and commercialization of the cassava sector is steadily taking off. Policy and institutional support to diversify the food security basket and promote the diversified applications of cassava in non-food sector has propelled cassava production in nontraditional growing areas. Production has more than quadrupled over the last decade with production of sweet cassava rapidly expanding in nontraditional areas. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midiwp:97033&r=agr |
| By: | Boughton, Duncan; Kelly, Valerie |
| Abstract: | This selective brief on Maliâs agricultural sector trends and performance focuses on cereal,livestock and fisheries production. We also review recent developments in the fertilizer sector given the importance of sustainable intensification to reduce pressure on natural resources. We begin with a thumbnail sketch of Maliâs agricultural sector. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97137&r=agr |
| By: | Foltz, Jeremy |
| Abstract: | This document reviews the potential agricultural technologies that exist or can feasibly be produced to help promote poverty reduction and food security in Mali in the next 5 to 10 years. Overall there are a plethora of good technologies either available, in the pipeline,or feasible with a small amount of research effort. In many cases succeeding in poverty reduction and increasing food security will not be about choosing the exact right technology, but about helping farmers access and know about a panoply of available technologies from which they can choose the right one to maximize their future potential. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97141&r=agr |
| By: | Horowitz, John; Ebel, Robert; Ueda, Kohei |
| Abstract: | Most U.S. farmers prepare their soil for seeding and weed and pest control through tillageâplowing operations that disturb the soil. Tillage practices affect soil carbon, water pollution, and farmersâ energy and pesticide use, and therefore data on tillage can be valuable for understanding the practiceâs role in reaching climate and other environmental goals. In order to help policymakers and other interested parties better understand U.S. tillage practices and, especially, those practicesâ potential contribution to climate-change efforts, ERS researchers compiled data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey and the National Resources Inventory-onservation Effects Assessment Projectâs Cropland Survey. The data show that approximately 35.5 percent of U.S. cropland planted to eight major crops, or 88 million acres, had no tillage operations in 2009. |
| Keywords: | Tillage, no-till, Agricultural Resource Management Survey, ARMS, U.S. crop practices, National Resources Inventory-Conservation Effects Assessment Project, NRI-CEAP, carbon baseline, carbon sequestration, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:96636&r=agr |
| By: | Blackman, Allen (Resources for the Future); Naranjo, Maria A. |
| Abstract: | Eco-certification of coffee, timber and other high-value agricultural commodities is increasingly widespread. In principle, it can improve commodity producers’ environmental performance, even in countries where state regulation is weak. However, evidence needed to evaluate this hypothesis is virtually nonexistent. To help fill this gap, we use detailed farm-level data to analyze the environmental impacts of organic coffee certification in central Costa Rica. We use propensity score matching to control for self-selection bias. We find that organic certification improves coffee growers’ environmental performance. It significantly reduces chemical input use and increases adoption of some environmentally friendly management practices. |
| Keywords: | certification, coffee, Costa Rica, propensity score matching |
| JEL: | Q13 Q20 Q56 |
| Date: | 2010–11–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-10-58&r=agr |
| By: | Burke, William J.; Jayne, T. S.; Chapoto, Antony |
| Abstract: | Zambiaâs maize crop grew by roughly 48% between the 2009 and 2010 harvests, leading to the largest crop recorded in recent history. The 2009 maize harvest was also very good, making the 48% rise in 2010 even more remarkable. The forces driving that increase,however, remain widely debated. Many in government and media have attributed the recent production increase to the governmentâs fertilizer subsidy program as well as to the stateâs recent efforts to raise maize prices through the operations of the Food Reserve Agency. Others have argued that the bumper harvest is partially due to the adoption of conservation farming techniques by farmers. Still others attribute the maize production growth mainly to favorable weather. Unfortunately, none of these claims have been backed up by solid evidence-based research. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Productivity Analysis, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97036&r=agr |
| By: | Todd, Jessica E.; Mancino, Lisa; Ephraim, Leibtag; Tripodo, Christina |
| Abstract: | The Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database (QFAHPD) was developed to provide market-level food prices that can be used to study how prices affect food choices, intake, and health outcomes. This report presents a detailed description of the methodology used to construct the QFAHPD. The database, constructed from 1999-2006 Nielsen Homescan data, includes quarterly observations on the mean price of 52 food categories for 35 market groups covering the contiguous United States. Data from 2006 indicate that cross-market price variation can be as much as three to four times greater than annual food price infl ation. |
| Keywords: | Nielsen Homescan, food prices, diet quality, market prices, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:96654&r=agr |
| By: | Burke, William J.; Jayne, T. S.; Chapoto, Antony |
| Abstract: | Key Points ⢠Zambiaâs maize crop grew by 48% between the 2009 and 2010 harvests, leading to the largest crop recorded in recent history. ⢠Yield growth accounted for 59% of the maize production growth between 2009 and 2010. Expansion of area planted to maize explains an additional 23%, while the remaining 18% can be attributed to a rise in the ratio of harvested to planted land. ⢠Favourable weather conditions contributed 47% of the maize yield growth between 2009 and 2010, whilst, 25% came from increased fertilizer use from both the private and public sectors, and 23% from area expansion. The remaining 5% can be attributed to hybrid seed use and improved management. ⢠Due to favorable weather conditions in both 2008/09 and 2009/10 growing seasons, maize yield response rates to fertilizer application rose from about 3 kg of additional maize for each kg of fertilizer applied in 2006 to nearly 4 kg in 2010. ⢠Though Zambia had a good harvest in 2010, the country remains vulnerable to weather shocks. ⢠The unpredictability of government maize policies continues to generate uncertainty for participants in the marketing system. A decrease in maize production may occur next year due to the marketing problems faced by smallholder especially those caused by FRAâs lateness in paying farmers. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:97034&r=agr |
| By: | Somaratne, W. G. |
| Abstract: | The Global Triple ‘F’ Crises (Fuel, Food and Financial) caused the escalation in food prices during last 2 years in the global food market. The crises created detrimental effects in developing countries, including Sri Lanka and her food market, in general, and her food security, in particular. The objective of this paper is to examine the opportunities and constraints in promoting System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to maintain food security among the poor at the household level in Sri Lanka. The economics of SRI, and its entailing opportunities and constraints in maintaining food security among the poor in Sri Lanka, were analyzed. The upward productivity shift and eco-friendliness of SRI and the attending saving of scarce water resources and reduction of cost of production, created opportunities for farmers to maintain food security among the poor. The constraints in promoting food security through SRI too, were analyzed. Furthermore, the strategic policy and operational options to promote SRI and maintain food security among the poor in Sri Lanka were proposed. It is absolutely necessary to promote SRI to enhance a sustainable and eco-friendly food production system and to maintain food security among the poor. It will be a new paradigm shift in the right direction to maintain increased food production and food security in the country.Length: pp.81-91 |
| Keywords: | Rice; Production costs; Food security |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042897&r=agr |
| By: | Kym Anderson (School of Economics, University of Adelaide, Australia); Signe Nelgen (School of Economics, University of Adelaide, Australia) |
| Abstract: | National barriers to trade are often varied to insulate domestic markets from international price variability. This paper explores the extent of that behavior by governments using estimates of agricultural price distortions in 75 countries. Newly estimated price transmission elasticities are quite low, albeit slightly higher since than before 1985. In the case of extreme upward price spikes, trade policy responses by food importers are as substantial as those of exporting countries. The domestic price-stabilizing effect of intervention by each group is thereby weakened by the other groupÂ’s response, suggesting more-effective domestic policy options need to be considered instead of varying trade barriers. |
| Keywords: | Commodity price stabilization, Price transmission, Domestic market insulation, Distorted incentives, Agricultural trade policies |
| JEL: | F14 Q17 Q18 |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:adl:cieswp:2010-16&r=agr |
| By: | Hoppe, Robert A.; Banker, David E.; MacDonald, James M. |
| Abstract: | American farms vary widely in size and other characteristics, but farming is still an industry of family businesses. Ninety-eight percent of farms are family farms, and they account for 82 percent of farm production. Small family farms make up most of the U.S. farm count and hold the majority of farm assets, but they produce a modest share of U.S. farm output. In contrast, large-scale family farms and nonfamily farmsâonly 12 percent of all farmsâaccount for 84 percent of farm production. Small farms are less profitable than large-scale farms, on average, and the households operating them tend to rely on off-farm income for their livelihood. Because small-farm households receive most of their income from off-farm work, general economic policiesâsuch as tax policy or economic development policyâcan be as important to them as traditional farm policy. |
| Keywords: | Family farms, farm businesses, farm financial performance, farm-operator household income, farm operators, farm structure, farm type, Government payments, limited-resource farms, small farms, ERS, USDA, Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2010–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:96653&r=agr |
| By: | Trevor Tombe |
| Abstract: | This paper finds an important relationship between the international food trade and cross-country income and productivity differences. Poor countries have low labour productivity in agriculture relative to other sectors, yet predominantly consume domestically-produced food. To understand these observations, I describe and exploit a general equilibrium model of international trade to: (1) measure sectoral productivity and trade costs across countries; and (2) quantify the impact of low poor-country food imports on international income and productivity gaps. Specifically, I expand on Yi and Zhang [2010] and modify an Eaton-Kortum trade model to incorporate multiple sectors, non-homothetic preferences, and labour mobility costs. With this model, I estimate PPP-adjusted productivity from observed bilateral trade data, avoiding problematic price and employment data in poor countries that direct output-per-worker estimates require. I find reasonable trade barriers and labour mobility costs account for the low poor-country imports despite their low productivity. Through various counterfactual experiments, I quantify how easing import barriers and labour mobility costs increases imports and within-agriculture specialization, shuts down low productivity domestic food producers, and lowers the gap between rich and poor countries. I also find an interaction between domestic labour-market distortions and trade barriers not found in the existing dual-economy literature, which largely abstracts from open-economy considerations. Overall, I account for one-third of the aggregate labour productivity gap between rich and poor countries and for nearly half the gap in agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Food Problem, Dual Economy Model, Trade, Agriculture, Productivity |
| JEL: | F1 F41 O11 |
| Date: | 2010–11–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tor:tecipa:tecipa-416&r=agr |
| By: | Boughton, Duncan; Dembélé, Nango; Kelly, Valerie; Staatz, John |
| Abstract: | A key role for USAID and its partners is to identify how their resources can best contribute to increasing the capacity of the private and public sectors in Mali to scale up their investments, and increase the impact of those investments, in relation to the food security dimensions of availability, access, utilization and stability. To fulfill this role will involve identifying opportunities presented in the Malian agricultural sector investment plan (PNISA) to address critical needs in each of these dimensions, the types of investment that will best address the needs, and the set of resources and skills that will enable Malian organizations and entrepreneurs to implement those investments successfully and at scale. Even with increased resources, however, it is critically important that the USAID mission make strategic choices about where to focus resources. The scale and depth of rural poverty, and the complex nature of malnutrition, means that resources must be focused to have measureable impacts. The question is for whom, where and how should those resources be focused in the context of Maliâs CAADP compact and investment plan? To stimulate discussion of these questions we first highlight some key challenges and the nature of choices about resource allocation priorities, and then highlight the central role of information to achieve food and nutrition security objectives. We conclude with thoughts on two specific issues: graduating from fertilizer subsidies to free up resources for other investments, and the implications of smallholder heterogeneity for development strategies. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97139&r=agr |
| By: | Weerakoon, W. M. W.; Priyadarshani, T. N. N.; Piyasiri, C. H.; Silva, L. S. |
| Abstract: | To meet the growing demand for food and other needs from an increasing population, the rice production in Sri Lanka, which was 3.87 million tonnes in 2008, has to be increased to 4.2 million tonnes by the year 2020. This requirement could be achieved by increasing productivity and/or by increasing the cultivated extent. In 2008, about 77 % and 68 % of the total paddy land extent was cultivated with either partial or full irrigation during the maha and yala seasons, respectively. A considerable extent of paddy land was either not cultivated or cultivated for other crops due to the scarcity of water in the dry and intermediate zones. Furthermore, with increased competition for water for domestic and industrial needs and climate change, there will be further reductions in the availability of water for rice cultivation. Conserving irrigation water would increase the cultivated extent of land while reducing the probability of ate season water-stress in the cultivated rice crop. We studied the impact of different soil water regimes on water use, nutrient uptake, growth and grain yield of 3 – 3½ age lowland rice at the Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda, Ibbagamuwa. There was no significant difference in the grain yield in rice when grown under either saturated or flooded conditions, but the yield decreased significantly with alternate wetting and drying. However, under saturated conditions, the irrigation water requirement was significantly lower than the flooded condition. The lowest irrigation water requirement was recorded with saturated to dry conditions. The irrigation water requirement under flooded conditions, when compared with the saturated condition, increased by 39 % during the yala season. During the maha season, even though the total irrigation requirement was lower, when compared to saturated conditions, four times more irrigation water was required under flooded conditions. There was a significant increase in plant dry matter production and leaf N (nitrogen) under saturated conditions, when compared with conventional flooded conditions. These findings suggest that when soil water is maintained at a saturated level in lowland rice, a considerable amount of irrigation water could be saved without sacrificing grain yield.Length: pp.57-64 |
| Keywords: | Rice; Irrigated farming; Water conservation; Irrigation systems |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042894&r=agr |
| By: | Leibtag, Ephraim; Barker, Catherine; Dutko, Paula |
| Abstract: | Nontraditional stores, including mass merchandisers, supercenters, club warehouse stores, and dollar stores, have increased their food offerings over the past 15 years and often promote themselves as lower priced alternatives to traditional supermarkets. How much lower are food prices at these stores? In order to better understand nontraditional storesâ impact on the cost of food, ERS analysts evaluate food price differences between nontraditional and traditional stores at the national and market level using 2004-06 Nielsen Homescan data. Findings show that nontraditional retailers offer lower prices than traditional stores even after controlling for brand and package size. Comparisons of identical items, at the Universal Product Code (UPC) level, show an expenditure-weighted average price discount of 7.5 percent, with differences ranging from 3 to 28 percent lower in nontraditional stores than in traditional stores. Nontraditional stores in metro areas where such stores have a higher-than-average market share have smaller and less frequent price discounts than those in areas where such stores have a lower market share. |
| Keywords: | retail food prices, price variation, Nielsen Homescan, supercenter, club warehouse store, dollar store, traditional food retailers, nontraditional food retailers, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, Marketing, |
| Date: | 2010–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersrr:96767&r=agr |
| By: | Boughton, Duncan; Staatz, John; Dembélé, Nango |
| Abstract: | Mali has a high incidence of malnutrition. The fourth Demographic and Health survey reports that in 2006 the incidence of wasting, stunting and underweight children under 5 years of age was 13.8%, 37.9% and 24.5% respectively in rural areas, and 12%, 24% and 25% respectively in urban areas. While malnutrition is found in all regions of Mali, the regions of Timbuktu and Sikasso have higher than average levels for all three indicators, while the region of Kidal has high levels of wasting. For a detailed analysis of food security indicators see Ward (2010). |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97138&r=agr |
| By: | Jinapala, K.; Premadasa, L.; Somaratne, P. G.; Samad, Madar |
| Abstract: | Agriculture development has been the main strategy for the socioeconomic development in the country since time immemorial, even though its contribution to GDP has been declining recently. Successive governments of Sri Lanka since independence have invested heavily in the irrigated agriculture sector to address the food security concerns of the country. The continuous investment in irrigation was required to address problems such as spatial and temporal variations in monsoonal rainfall in the country, which has a serious negative impact on food production and livelihoods of people. The need for pursuing irrigation development and management has become more important in the country in the face of rapid population growth and increasing food prices in the world market. In this context, managing irrigation schemes for productivity increase is becoming increasingly important and different irrigation management models have also emerged through attempts made in this direction by countries including Sri Lanka, where irrigation plays a leading role in food production and nation development. Farmers’ active involvement in irrigation management, especially operation and maintenance (O&M) and decision-making as well, has been identified as a key requirement to attain productivity goals and the sustainability of irrigation systems. This paper aims at reviewing participatory irrigation management approaches adopted in medium and major irrigation systems in Sri Lanka with a view to identifying their past and present trends and future directions. The review will contribute to an improved understanding by policymakers, managers of irrigation schemes and farmers of the role of participatory irrigation management, its past and present including institutional structures, responsibilities and performance and the directions it should take to meet future challenges as a dynamic institutional mechanism. As all the medium and major irrigation schemes in the country are jointly managed by farmers and government agencies, the inferences drawn from the review would be important for the agencies and farmers alike to introduce necessary changes in their programs to address future needs and requirements.Length: pp.35-63 |
| Keywords: | Participatory management; Irrigation management; Farmers organizations; Indicators; History; Irrigation schemes |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042804&r=agr |
| By: | Jinapala, K. |
| Keywords: | Irrigated farming; Food security; Climate change |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042889&r=agr |
| By: | Sivakumar, S. S. |
| Keywords: | Groundwater; Models; Calibrations; Irrigation schemes; Economic analysis |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042806&r=agr |
| By: | Basanta K. Barmon (East West University, Bangladesh); Muntasir Choudhury (East West University, Bangladesh); Saiyeeda S. Munim (East West University, Bangladesh) |
| Abstract: | Shrimp/prawn industry plays an important role in value chain in Bangladesh. Shrimp/prawn is the second largest exporting industry followed by garment industry in Bangladesh. The present study aims to explore the detail summary of the value chain, and marketing channels and systems in shrimp/prawn industry of Bangladesh. A numbers of case study and farm level data were used in this study. Various agents are involved in the shrimp/prawn industry from production to final consumption stage as well as the exporting of international markets. The information of the every stage of marking channels from production level to international was collected through comprehensive questionnaires. The findings of the study shows that a large numbers value chain activity involves in shrimp/prawn industry from production stage of shrimp/prawn to final exporting stage to aboard. All segments of mud snail trading channel, fry trading channel, shrimp/prawn exporting channel as well as agro-based industry that established using shell of mud snails and legs of shrimp/prawn add a significant value chain. Male and female labors, as well as children are engaged in various activities in the trading channels in shrimp/prawn industry. Even though the farmers bear the all production risks, they did not get the profit like other agents of the marketing channels of shrimp/prawn industry. All agents of marketing channels gain more financial benefits than the producers of shrimp/prawn of Bangladesh. |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aiu:abewps:86&r=agr |
| By: | Richardson, Robert B. |
| Abstract: | Many developing countries have managed to increase their participation in the global economy through development of international tourism. Tourism development is increasingly viewed as an important tool in promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and advancing food security. This briefing note aims to review the relationship between tourism and poverty reduction, and to explore how investment in tourism development in Mali may contribute to national development goals. Numerous studies have demonstrated that tourism can play a significant role in balanced sustainable development, and that it can be effectively harnessed to generate net benefits for the poor (UNWTO, 2002). Tourism is a principal export for 83% of developing countries, and it is the most significant source of foreign exchange after petroleum. Figure 1 illustrates that the rate of tourism growth in lower-middle income developing countries and in the 50 least developed countries (LDCs) has been approximately double the world average growth rate in recent years, and almost triple the growth rate for high income countries. Developing countriesâ share of international tourist arrivals more than doubled from 1973 to 2000 (UNWTO, 2002). Tourism comprises a significant part of the worldâs growing service sector; in sub-Saharan Africa, tourism accounts for approximately 55% of service sector exports (UNWTO, 2004). |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:97140&r=agr |
| By: | Jeorge Àlvarez; Ennio Bilancini; Simone D’Alessandro; Gabriel Porcile |
| Abstract: | In this paper we apply a model of early industrialization to the case of New Zealand and Uruguay in 1870-1940. We show how differences in agricultural institutions may have produced different development paths in two countries which were similar under many respects. While in New Zealand the active role of the Crown in regulating the land market facilitated access to land, in Uruguay land was seized by a small group of large landowners. Our model shows that land concentration may have negatively infuenced industrialization and growth by impeding the formation of a large group of middle-income landowners and, as a consequence, the development of a domestic demand for basic manufactures. We support this view with a comparative analysis of agricultural institutions and industrial development in New Zealand and Uruguay. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Institutions, Industrialization, Growth, New Zealand, Uruguay, Functional Distribution, Agricultural surplus |
| JEL: | D33 O14 P52 Q15 |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mod:recent:053&r=agr |
| By: | Vasant P Gandhi |
| Abstract: | Information on brand-variety performance is critical for small farmers in India since every year they need to make crucial decisions on which brand-variety seeds to plant. The livelihoods from their small farms and returns on all the inputs used depend critically on this decision. Yet no systematic information is available to them on this, and year after year the farmers are forced to decide based on guesses, hearsay and opinions which are frequently imperfect or even biased. Even companies and governments need to know about the actual performance of brand-varieties in different areas so as to be able to recommend correctly. [W.P. No. 2009-09-03] |
| Keywords: | Information systems, Knowledge management |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:3215&r=agr |
| By: | Harischandra, K. H. J. K. |
| Abstract: | The lack of food security is caused by the disruption of agrarian systems, land fragmentation, lack of irrigable land, indebtedness and poor post harvest technology. The additional factors that are shown in secondary data are variable and erratic precipitation of farmer communities, poor development of hydraulic infrastructure and lack of access to water for domestic and productive uses, all of which further exacerbate poverty levels. The economy of dry zone Sri Lanka is principally dependent on agriculture, on which over 85% of its population depend. As the rainfall distribution is largely unpredictable and uneven, communities have to rely, in addition to rainfall, on a system of complex cascade systems consisting of interdependent reservoirs (called ‘tanks’). This ancient system strikes a delicate balance between water management and the physical and social environment. The condition of the cascades is vital for improving the availability of water in the community throughout the year. Tanks support the irrigation needs of farming households, and a variety of other uses – drinking, bathing and other domestic uses. It is a deep rooted idea that irrigation infrastructure development is vital to address water related development issues. But, it is only a part of a broader range of necessary actions that need to be taken. In addition to physical improvement or physical capital improvements, the provision, retention and management of water in a water scarce environment depends on social, financial, natural and human capital that requires equal priority in development and protection. Having realized the integrated nature of the systems of survival, ‘Plan Sri Lanka’ has designed and is implementing a holistic community development approach to cascade rehabilitation in the Anuradhapura District. The program involves restoration activities in five cascades covering 29 irrigation tanks that were selected based on hydrological viability .Farmer organizations that carry out tank restoration activities were provided technical support to ensure continuing follow-up operation and maintenance. They were also given training on appropriate farm technology and watershed management. Cascade management committees composed of stakeholder representatives were also organized to coordinate development activities and resolve conflicts. Integrated agriculture schemes that incorporate suitable farming systems and improved cropping practices were introduced. The approach identified the challenges that needed to be addressed and learning that was required by conventional approaches to water and food scarcity. These aspects could be addressed through comprehensive strategies that address a more holistic spectrum of issues. The paper discusses Plan Sri Lanka’s experiences and lessons learned in implementing social, financial, physical and natural capital interventions that put the cascade as the operational unit for development. It will examine practical constraints and limitations that are faced in the implementation stage and the institutional and operational requirements which are to be discussed for further improvement in this kind of approach.Length: pp.101-108 |
| Keywords: | Tanks; Watersheds; Development projects; Food security; Fisheries |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042899&r=agr |
| By: | Sivarajah, P.; Ahamad, A. N. |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to estimate the economic value of irrigation water used in a crop farm (paddy and chilies) using a Linear Programming approach in the Senanayake Samudra (Gal-Oya Irrigation Scheme) Right Bank System area in the Ampara District.Length: pp.89-94 |
| Keywords: | Irrigation schemes; Irrigation water; Pricing; Models |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042807&r=agr |
| By: | Arndt, Channing; Msangi, Siwa; Thurlow, James |
| Abstract: | Many low income countries in Africa are optimistic that producing biofuels domestically will not only reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, but also stimulate economic development, particularly in poorer rural areas. Skeptics, on the other hand, view biofuels as a threat to food security in the region and as a landgrabbing opportunity for foreign investors. As a result of this ongoing debate, national biofuels task forces have been asked to evaluate both the viability of domestic biofuels production and its broader implications for economic development. To guide these complex evaluations, this paper presents an analytical framework that prioritizes different aspects of a comprehensive national assessment and identifies suitable evaluation methods. The findings from recent assessments for Mozambique and Tanzania are used to illustrate the framework. While these two country studies found that biofuels investments could enhance development, their experiences highlight potential tradeoffs, especially at the macroeconomic and environmental levels, where further research is needed. |
| Keywords: | biofuels, economic development, food security, poverty, Africa |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp2010-110&r=agr |
| By: | David Adamson (Risk and Sustainable Management Group, University of Queensland) |
| Abstract: | Helicoverpa spp. (heliothis) are a major insect pest of cotton, grains and horticulture in the Murray‐ Darling Basin. Climate change is likely to make conditions more favourable for heliothis. This could cause regional comparative advantages in irrigation systems to change as management costs increase and yields decrease. Irrigation in the Murray Darling Basin produces 12 percent of Australia’s total gross value of agricultural production. If producers fail to consider climate change impacts on heliothis they may misallocate resources.Adamson et al. (2007 and 2009) have used a state contingent approach to risk and uncertainty to illustrate how producers could allocate irrigation resources based on climate change impacts on water resources. This is achieved by separating environmental risks and uncertainties into defined states of nature to which the decision makers have a set of defined responses. This approach assumes that the decision makers can achieve optimal allocation of resources as they have perfect knowledge in how they should respond to each state of nature (i.e. producers know how to manage heliothis now). Climate change brings a set of new conditions for which existing state parameters (mean and variance) will alter. Consequently a decision maker will have incomplete information about the state description; and the relationship between state allocable inputs and the associated state dependent output, until they have experienced all possible outcomes. Therefore if producers ignore climate changes to heliothis they may lock in resources that may prove to be unprofitable in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework that could be used for determining climate change impacts of heliothis (i.e. density), illustrate that management costs rise as density increases and how a stochastic function could deal with incomplete knowledge in a state contingent framework. |
| Keywords: | Murray Darling Basin, Heliothis, Irrigation |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rsm:murray:m10_1&r=agr |
| By: | Eriyagama, Nishadi; Smakhtin, Vladimir |
| Abstract: | Climate is changing world-wide, and the science community in Sri Lanka has come up with ample evidence to suggest that the country’s climate has already changed. During 1961-1990 the country’s mean air temperature increased by 0.016 0C per year, and the mean annual rainfall decreased by 144 mm (7 %) compared to the period 1931-1960. In addition, mean annual daytime maximum and mean annual night-time minimum air temperatures increased. However, the bigger question of national importance is what Sri Lanka’s climate will look like in 50 or 100 years and how prepared is the country to face it. Apart from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections at the coarse global scale, few studies have attempted to project future climate scenarios for Sri Lanka and to identify climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, the sea level, the plantation sector, the economy and health. Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change are the least studied areas. This paper reviews the status of climate change research and activities in Sri Lanka with respect to future climate projections, impacts, climate change mitigation and the country’s ability to adapt, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. Messages emerging from this review suggest that Sri Lanka’s mean temperature during the North-East (December-February) and South-West (May-September) monsoon seasons will increase by about 2.9 0C and 2.5 0C, respectively, over the baseline (1961-1990), by the year 2100 with accompanying changes in the quantity and spatial distribution of rainfall. Extreme climate events are expected to increase in frequency. These changes will bring about widespread impacts on the country’s agriculture and economy For example, an increase of 0.5 0C in temperature can reduce rice yield by approximately 6%; extended dry spells and excessive cloudiness during the wet season can reduce coconut yield resulting in annual losses between $32 and $73 million to the economy. Pilot studies in the Galle District suggest that sea level rise could inundate about 20 % of the land area of Galle’s coastal District Secretariat Divisions. Adaptation measures already undertaken in the agriculture sector include the development of low water consuming rice varieties and the use of micro-irrigation technologies. Tools have been developed for predicting seasonal water availability within the Mahaweli Scheme and annual national coconut production. However, Sri Lanka is yet to undertake a comprehensive national study on the vulnerability of her water resources and agriculture to climate change. The formulation of detailed and reliable future climate scenarios for the country is therefore, urgently required.Length: pp.99-117 |
| Keywords: | Climate change; Impact assessment; Water resources; Agriculture; Adaptation |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042863&r=agr |
| By: | Weligamage, Parakrama; Butcher, W. R.; Blatner, K. A.; Shumway, C. R.; Giordano, Mark |
| Abstract: | Water is a multiple use resource. Increasing scarcity and competition from various sectors is an important dimension to be considered in its management. Understanding the value of water to different water uses is, therefore, necessary to assist decision-making in water allocation among sectors. Although water used in agriculture can be valued using production function approaches, such direct valuation methods are not available for the environmental uses of water. This paper uses non-market valuation methods to estimate the economic value of a committed flow through a unique ecosystem, the Yala Protected Area Complex (YPC). The Yala Protected Area Complex is an important wildlife refuge situated in south-eastern Sri Lanka. Its large land extent, undisturbed nature, and abundance and diversity of fauna contribute to its uniqueness. The fact that the YPC is also the most visited national park in Sri Lanka is partially a result of this uniqueness. However, maintenance of the park’s ecosystem depends on the flow of the Menik Ganga. This flow is regulated by the Veheragala Reservoir Project, and there is now discussion of reducing flow into the park by about half of the current level. The proposed plan ensures dry season flow into the YPC and, therefore, has been deemed acceptable. However, there is a possibility that farmers will demand further water releases during the dry season which could in turn endanger the planned downstream water releases. So there is a potential trade-off between environmental and irrigation uses of water. A willingness to pay (WTP) survey was conducted in ten districts in Sri Lanka during the fourth quarter of 2008 to estimate the WTP of the general population of the country towards maintaining this important environmental resource. In the hypothetical market presented, participants were told of the need for financial contributions from the general public to ensure the release of a minimum downstream flow commitment of 50 MCM. Participants were also informed of how this flow would enhance the ecosystem of the YPC. A single bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach was used as the elicitation format. Nonobligatory voluntary contributions were solicited towards a trust fund that could be used to ensure release of the required quantity of water downstream during dry months. According to the results of a binary logistic regression, income, age, and religious attachments are important factors affecting the decision to contribute to environmental flow maintenance to the YPC. Sixty-five percent of respondents were willing to pay something to ensure the maintenance of an adequate environmental flow in the YPC. The estimated mean WTP for water releases to enhance the YPC is Sri Lankan Rupees (SLR) 435 per year. Over the requested payment horizon of 10 years, the present value of aggregate WTP from the Sri Lankan population to enhance the ecosystem of the YPC is SLR 12 billion. This quantity greatly surpasses the present value of net benefits from rice farming estimated at SLR 0.64 billion, which would be generated if the same quantity of water was used for irrigation for 10 years (assuming current prices and input intensities). Thus, there is a clear opportunity for national welfare gain by ensuring adequate flow in YPC.Length: pp.37-47 |
| Keywords: | Water use; Multiple use; Wildlife; Habitats; Ecosystems; Irrigation water; Water allocation |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042857&r=agr |
| By: | Swenson, Andrew L. |
| Abstract: | The performance of over 500 North Dakota farms, 2000-2009, is summarized using 16 financial measures. Farms are categorized by geographic region, farm type, farm size, gross cash sales, farm tenure, net farm income, debt-to-asset, and age of farmer to analyze relationships between financial performance and farm characteristics. Five-year averages, 2004-2008, are also presented. In 2009, median and average acreage per farm was 1,995 and 2,516, respectively. Median and average cash farm revenue was $430,321 and $558,305, respectively. Over 70% of farms were crop farms and 42 percent of farms had gross sales exceeding $500,000. Median age of farm operators was 47. Median net farm income in 2009, $47,547, was down sharply from $114,520 in 2008 and $127,791 in 2007. Financial measures for 2007-2008 were much superior to those in other years for the 2000-2009 period. The Red River Valley and crop farms typically had stronger profitability, solvency, and repayment capacity from 2000 to 2009 than other regions and farm types, respectively. Exceptions were 2007 and 2009 when the north central region had the best regional performance and 2005 when the south central region and livestock farms had better performance. The 2009 median net farm income was $70,912 for crop farms and $11,392 for livestock farms. Farms with sales less than $250,000 were over twice as likely to have debt-to-asset higher than 70 percent than were farms with sales greater than $250,000. Farms that own some crop land, but less than 40 percent were more likely to be crop farms, farm more acreage, have larger sales, and be more profitable. As expected, solvency and percent of crop land owned increased with farmer age. Rate of return on equity greater than rate of return on assets, which indicates that debt capital was employed profitably, was achieved nine years in the past decade by farms with greater than $500,000 gross cash income but never by the farm group with less than $100,000 gross cash income. Median net farm income as a percent of gross revenue was the lowest of the decade in 2009, 13.4 percent, after peaking at 30.6 percent in 2007. It ranged from 14.0 to 19.6 percent from 2001 to 2006. |
| Keywords: | Farm financial management, farm management, farm income, liquidity, solvency, profitability, repayment capacity, financial efficiency, financial benchmarks, tenure, North Dakota., Farm Management, Financial Economics, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:nddaae:96655&r=agr |
| By: | Thiruchelvam, S. |
| Abstract: | Over the past decades public investment in major, medium and minor irrigation systems has not yielded the expected results. The solution to the growing water crisis lies in the institutional reform of existing social systems so as to manage the demand for water. In recent times, there has been an emphasis on capacity-building of farmer organizations (FO) in irrigation projects. This study focuses on investigating the institutional capacities of FOs in irrigation systems in the Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts. Primary data was collected from a stratified random sample of 48 FOs selected from major, medium and minor irrigation systems in the Anuradhapura and Kunurnegala districts during 2008. The Group Dynamics Effectiveness Index (GDEI) of FOs was developed by weighing the significance of important parameters and employed in the calculation of the overall effectiveness of FOs. Most of the FO members in both districts were landowners and there was a powerful dominance from farmers. Generally, the marginal participation in FO activities was about 38 % in both districts. The most common causes for the low participation were the lack of accountability and transparency of the functions of FOs. Farmer organizations (FOs) in major and medium irrigation systems had 51 % and 29 % higher GDEI, respectively, than FOs in minor irrigation systems. The values of ‘Gini Coefficients’ in major, medium and minor irrigation systems were 0.38, 0.43 and 0.48, respectively, thus indicating that FOs play an important role in minimizing inequalities among farmers. There was no significant difference in water productivity (0.19–0.20 $/m3) between major and medium irrigation systems, but the water productivity was low (0.07 $/m3) in minor irrigation systems. Farmer organizations (FOs) with medium size (30–40 members) and economically homogeneous members had better irrigation management. Chi-square results show that while the income equity had no significant effect on the overall GDEI, the participation rate and water productivity that reflects the success of operation and maintenance (O & M) had a significant impact of 5 % and 10 % probability levels to the GDEI of FOs. There is a need to establish strong linkages between the FOs and the Irrigation Department for successful irrigation management. The behavioral change that is required to facilitate the adoption of technology can be effected through institutional changes. It is recommended that FOs need a lot of capacity building in technical and institutional issues to sustain the irrigation systems.Length: pp.7-17 |
| Keywords: | Farmers organizations; Capacity building; Irrigation systems |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042802&r=agr |
| By: | Amarasekara, M. G. T. S.; Kumarihamy, R. M. K.; Dayawansa, N. D. K.; De Silva, R. P. |
| Abstract: | The results of many studies have revealed that intensive farming on steep slopes, coupled with over application of fertilizers and accumulation of nutrients in downstream water bodies due to soil erosion, have contributed to environmental hazards in the Upper Mahaweli Catchment Area (UMCA) of Sri Lanka. The encroachment of riparian zones for exotic vegetable cultivation has aggravated this situation. In view of this, a study was conducted in the Kurundu Oya catchment, a micro-catchment of the UMCA, to investigate the soil management practices within the farming systems and their impacts on river water quality. Three villages were selected along the Kurundu Oya: Mahakudugala, Kumbalgamuwa and Batagolla. The study consisted of a survey of 150 households in 2007 and 2008, to gather information on the characteristics of householders and on soil management practices. A soil survey was carried out to analyze the soil fertility of farmlands. Water quality parameters were measured periodically in different sections of a selected stream. The results revealed that nearly 50 % of the riparian zones in the upper catchment of the Kurundu Oya stream are encroached to cultivate potato and other exotic vegetables. In addition, it was observed that over application of fertilizers on the vegetable plots was causing nutrient accumulation and the plots also recorded high levels of phosphorous (P) (above 75 ppm). Results of the water quality analysis showed that nitrate and available P levels were within the standard limits, but nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) levels were close to the upper level of the standard limit. Therefore, in order to minimize water pollution, it is strongly recommended that fertilizer application is based on soil tests. In addition, encroachment of sensitive lands has to be addressed. Priority should be given to strengthening institutional capacity in order to facilitate the implementation of existing environmental legislation.Length: pp.49-60 |
| Keywords: | Soil management; Soil degradation; Catchment areas; Erosion; Sedimentation; Water pollution; Fertilizer application; Nitrogen; Vegetable growing |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042858&r=agr |
| By: | David Guerreiro |
| Abstract: | Despite the vast literature dealing with the impact of the subsidies on world cotton prices, there is no consensus regarding the quantification of these effects. The aim of this paper is to contribute to this literature through the implementation of a meta-regression analysis. This methodology allows us to: (i) identify the main sources of heterogeneity between the primary studies, (ii) give some tracks to improve the modeling, (iii) provide a reliable quantification of the removal of subsidies on world cotton prices. Relying on the estimation of various models to derive robust results, our findings show that a withdrawal of US subsidies would increase the world cotton price by around 10%. |
| Keywords: | Meta-Regression Analysis, Mixed Effect Sizes, Cotton, Subsidies, Agriculture |
| JEL: | Q17 Q18 C82 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:drm:wpaper:2010-26&r=agr |
| By: | Abeywickrama, W. D. S. |
| Abstract: | The environment is an important water user, and one that often finds itself at the bottom of the list of priorities when supplies become scare. This research studied how the needs of wetlands can coexist in parallel with irrigation demands and other human activities. Sri Lanka is a signatory to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for Migratory Waterfowl, known as the Ramsar Convention and Bundala Lagoon was declared Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance for migratory waterfowl, in 1990, because of its high bird species richness. The delicate ecological balance of these lagoons will be severely affected by the on-going Weheragala Reservoir project, which is designed to divert excess water from Manike Ganga River basin to Kirindi Oya River basin and the Malala Oya River basin development project. The main negative impacts are eutrophication, accumulation of pesticides and insecticides in the lagoons and siltation, and that lagoons will be converted to fresh water bodies. This research studied how to minimize these negative impacts using social, economic and engineering tools. The research findings are useful for researches, policymakers and decision-makers, who must find opportunities to improve farmers’ incomes and national food production, while and at the same time ensuring sustainable management of wetland ecosystems in Sri Lanka.Length: pp.1-6 |
| Keywords: | Wetlands; Lagoons; Habitats; Irrigated farming; Environmental degradation |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042854&r=agr |
| By: | R. Quentin Grafton; Tom Kompas; Ngo Van Long |
| Abstract: | Conventional wisdom suggests that subsidising biofuel production will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper shows that in many cases, and for a wide range of parameter values, this is not true. Biofuel subsidies can generate supply-side response by fossil fuel producers that accelerates their rate of extraction, even in the case where fossil fuel extraction costs are stock dependent. Thus, policies designed to reduce GHG emissions may, perversely, hasten climate change. |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:idc:wpaper:idec10-01&r=agr |
| By: | Ricardo H. Cavazos Cepeda; Douglas C. Lippoldt; Jonathan Senft |
| Abstract: | The past two decades have witnessed an active period of global reform with respect to policies concerning Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). This paper examines – from an empirical, economic perspective – policies that complement the generally strengthened framework for IPRs in developing countries. The analytical approach involves three complementary levels of analysis: macro, micro and country case studies. Across all three approaches, the results point to a tendency for IPR reform to deliver positive economic results. Reforms concerning patent protection have tended to deliver the most substantial results, but the results for copyright reform and trademark reform were also positive and significant. Overall, the policy complements that were found to be most important in facilitating positive results were those related to inputs for innovative and productive processes and to the ability to conduct business. These include policies that influence the macro-environment for firms as well as the availability of resources (e.g. related to education), the legal and institutional conditions and the fiscal incentives. |
| Keywords: | economic development, innovation, intellectual property rights, patents, policy reforms, copyrights, trademarks |
| Date: | 2010–09–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:104-en&r=agr |
| By: | Munasinghe, J. U.; Dilhan, M. A. A. B.; Sundarabarathy, T. V. |
| Abstract: | Heavy infestations of aquatic plants in a water body cause considerable economic and ecological losses. Many seasonal tanks in the Anuradhapura District suffer from this problem and cannot be neglected in water resource development and management schemes. This study was focused on the uses of aquatic plants and the problems caused by huge manifestations of aquatic plants in the selected seasonal tanks in the Anuradhapura District. The study was conducted in four seasonal tanks viz., Galkulama, Thirappane Maradankadawala and Thibbatuwewa in the Anuradhapura District. Information on the utilization of aquatic plants, exploitation level and harmful effects were gathered by using a structured questionnaire to interview people who were residing close to the study sites. The attitudes of the public towards the aquatic plants i.e., conservation of aquatic plants, the potential uses of native plants and harmful effects of invasive aquatic plants were collected. Twelve species were identified as economically important aquatic plants through the questionnaire survey. Among the 50 respondents, 92 % utilized aquatic plants for food, 58 % utilized flowers for offerings and decorations, 52 % utilized aquatic plants for medicinal purposes, 42 % utilized them as ornamental plants, 30 % used them as bio-fertilizers and 28 % utilized them for weaving. The edible aquatic plants consumed by the rural community in the Anuradhapura District are Ipomoea aquatica (72 %), Alternanthera sessilis (66 %), Nelumbo nucifera (64 %), Nymphaea pubescens (60 %) and Aponogeton spp. (52 %). Some edible aquatic plants, namely Neptunia oleracea, Ottelia alismoides and Ceratopteris thalictriodes, which are present in the Anuradhapura District, are not consumed, although these are consumed in many other countries. N. nucifera is the most commonly used flower for offerings in the temples and for decorations. In addition, N. pubescens, Nymphaea nouchali are also used for flowers. Bacopa monnieri, N. nucifera, Acanthus illicifolia, N. nouchali and Aponogeton spp. have been recorded as medicinally important plants. Though there are many ornamentally important aquatic plants, only N. pubescens, N. nouchali, B. monnieri, Nymphoides hydrophylla are used. Salvinia molesta and Eichhornia crassipes are the two aquatic plants commonly used as bio fertilizers. With reference to the questionnaire survey, there were seven major problems that were discovered to exist due to heavy infestations of aquatic weeds in the water bodies viz., sedimentation and unsuitability for domestic use, interference with navigation, effects on fisheries, blocking irrigation canals and evapotranspiration. The most problematic plants in the Anuradhapura District include E. crassipes, N. nucifera, S. molesta, Pistia stratiotes and Ceratophyllum demersum. Economically important aquatic plants available in the shallow water bodies of the Anuradhapura District, are marginally utilized, when compared with the utilization of aquatic plants in the global scenario. There appears to be a lack of a well organized action plan to cope with this situation. The public suffer a lot from the problems created by the heavy mass of aquatic plants, which covered the village tanks. The public are, however, willing to get organized and to engage in a participatory approach to restore their water bodies. There is a need for research and development of management strategies for the sustainable utilization of these valuable resources. Awareness programs should be conducted to promote sustainable utilization of aquatic plants. Creating awareness among the people about the nutritional and economic benefits of these natural resources will be useful for Sri Lanka, as a developing nation.Length: pp.23-32 |
| Keywords: | Aquatic plants; Tanks |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:conppr:h042891&r=agr |
| By: | Gehlhar, Mark; Somwaru, Agapi; Somwaru, Agapi |
| Abstract: | Achieving greater energy security by reducing dependence on foreign petroleum is a goal of U.S. energy policy. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) calls for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2), which mandates that the United States increase the volume of biofuel that is blended into transportation fuel from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Long-term technological advances are needed to meet this mandate. This report examines how meeting the RFS-2 would affect various key components of the U.S. economy. If biofuel production advances with cost-reducing technology and petroleum prices continue to rise as projected, the RFS-2 could provide economywide benefits. However, the actual level of benefits (or costs) to the U.S. economy depends importantly on future oil prices and whether tax credits are retained in 2022. If oil prices stabilize or decline from current levels and tax credits are retained, then benefits to the economy would diminish. |
| Keywords: | Bioenergy, economywide, ethanol, petroleum, trade, macroeconomic factors, RFS-2, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2010–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersrr:96758&r=agr |
| By: | Kenneth Baltzer (Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen) |
| Keywords: | Minimum Quality Standards, International Trade, Oligopoly, Consumer Heterogeneity |
| JEL: | F12 L12 |
| Date: | 2010–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:foi:wpaper:2010_15&r=agr |
| By: | Kusmin, Lorin; Hertz, Thomas |
| Abstract: | Rural America At A Glance, 2010 Edition highlights the most recent indicators of social and economic conditions in rural areas for use in developing policies and programs to assist rural areas. The 2010 edition focuses on the U.S. rural economy, including employment trends, poverty, and demographics. |
| Keywords: | Rural indicators, population, employment, rural unemployment, nonmetropolitan, nonmetro, rural economy, metro, rural America, Census data, population growth, unemployment, poverty, demographics, ERS, USDA, Community/Rural/Urban Development, |
| Date: | 2010–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:96637&r=agr |