|
on Agricultural Economics |
|
Issue of 2016‒05‒14
77 papers chosen by |
| By: | Anonymous |
| Abstract: | This 2016 report provides an economic overview of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system using the most recent data available. It is meant to be a multi-purpose reference document that presents: • the agriculture and agri-food system in the context of the Canadian economy and international markets; and, • a snapshot of the composition and performance of the agriculture and agri-food system as it evolves in response to challenges, opportunities and market developments. The report begins with a special feature section on natural resource use and the environment. This section examines the impact of agriculture on the environment and quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by Canada’s various economic sectors, including agriculture. Historical levels of emission trends by agricultural sub-sector (e.g. livestock and crop, land use, on-farm energy use) are provided, along with emissions/removals associated with land management changes. Projected GHG emissions for the agriculture sector through 2030 are given. The remainder of the section addresses Canada’s agricultural use of land and water resources, including types of agricultural land cover, water use and consumption by sector, irrigation levels by province, farm size, farm type, and crop, as well as irrigation methods and sources of irrigation water. The rest of the report looks at the agriculture and agri-food system’s relevance to the Canadian economy, as measured by its share of the Canadian gross domestic product (GDP) and number of jobs in Canada. It also reviews the sector’s performance internationally, in terms of its share of agriculture and agri-food trade to total world trade and a snap shot of each segment of the agriculture and agri-food system covering: primary agriculture, food processing, consumers and food distribution. The report ends with an overview of government support to agriculture. The report describes the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system as a modern, integrated and competitive supply chain that is important to the Canadian economy. It is a dynamic and resilient system that constantly adapts to changing consumer demands, technological advances and globalization. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, agri-food, R&D agriculture, agri-food, R&D consumers, GDP, employment, exports, imports, innovation, young farmers, farm typology, Income, government support, trade, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade, Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaacem:235204&r=agr |
| By: | Shew, Aaron M.; Danforth, Diana M.; Nalley, Lawton L.; Nayga, Rodolfo M. Jr.; Tsiboe, Francis; Dixon, Bruce L. |
| Abstract: | Consumers’ valuation of food products derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have played a pivotal and often constraining role in the development of biotechnology advances in agriculture. As a result, agricultural companies have started exploring new biotechnologies that do not require the genetic modification of crops. One of these emerging biotechnologies is a non-GMO RNA interference (RNAi) liquid application that could be used to control specific insect pests. When ingested by a targeted sub-species of an insect during production, RNAi blocks the expression of a vital gene, which in turn kills it. RNAi is non-toxic to humans and kills only targeted sub-species of insects, which differs from most conventional pesticides. For example, RNAi could selectively eliminate a specific sub-species of caterpillar pest, while not harming a monarch butterfly caterpillar. In contrast, conventional pesticides often kill insects indiscriminately and vary in human toxicity levels. Since agricultural producers and researchers have faced opposition to GMOs, this may be an alternative to controlling commonly encountered insects; however, consumers’ valuation of traditional GM compared to RNAi derived foods has not been evaluated in the scientific literature. Thus, we conducted a Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) survey in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, and Belgium to analyze whether consumers need a premium or discount for: (1) a hypothetical GMO rice using the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene for insect control; and (2) a hypothetical non-GMO rice using RNAi for insect control. Since there is currently no commercially-available GMO rice, measuring consumers’ valuation of rice produced by alternative biotechnologies provides vital information for crop breeders and policy makers. The results suggest that consumers require a discount for RNAi and Bt rice compared to a conventionally produced rice, but the discount required for the non-GMO RNAi rice was 30-40 percent less than that needed to purchase GMO Bt rice (p < 0.01). |
| Keywords: | Biotechnology, Willingness-To-Pay, GMO, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Marketing, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea16:235110&r=agr |
| By: | Minten, Bart J.; Legesse, Ermias; Beyene, Seneshaw; Werako, Tadesse |
| Abstract: | Urbanization is quickly increasing in Africa, raising important questions on how food value chains to cities function and what the implications of urban growth are for the local food trade and farm sector. We study the rural–urban value chain of teff in Ethiopia, by value its most important staple value chain. Relying on unique large-scale surveys at different levels in this value chain, we find— in contrast to conventional wisdom—that value chains are relatively short and that average farmers obtain a high share, of about 80 percent, of the final consumer price in the major terminal market, Addis Ababa. We further find that producer prices decline in line with transportation costs the further farmers live from the city, that seasonal price movements are rather small, and that average stock release by farmers is smooth over the year. |
| Keywords: | agricultural transformation, teff, value chains, Ethiopia, Consumer/Household Economics, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212465&r=agr |
| By: | Wang, Xiaobing; Yamauchi, Futoshi; Otsuka, Keijiro; Huang, Jikun |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to examine the dynamics of land transactions, machine investments and the demand for machine services using farm panel data from China. Recently, China’s agriculture has experienced a large expansion of machine rentals and machine services provided by specialized agents, which has contributed to mechanization of agricultural production. The empirical results show that an increase in non-agricultural wage rates leads to expansion of self-cultivated land size. A rise in the proportion of non-agricultural income or the migration rate also increases the size of self-cultivated land. Interestingly, relatively educated farm households, however, decrease the size of self-cultivated land, which suggests that relatively less educated farmers tend to specialize in farming. The demand for machine services has also increased if agricultural wage and migration rate increased over time, especially among relatively large farms. The results on crop income also support complementarities between rented-in land and machine services (demanded), which implies that scale economies are arising in Chinese agriculture with mechanization and active land rental markets. |
| Keywords: | Wage growth, farm size, land rental, machine services, China, Agribusiness, Land Economics/Use, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, J31, Q12, Q15, |
| Date: | 2015–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212618&r=agr |
| By: | Braha, Kushtrim; Rajcaniova, Miroslava; Qineti, Artan |
| Abstract: | Interest on the empirical assessment of the price transmission has been extended particularly after the global food price shocks of 2007-2008. This study is focused on the spatial price transmission analysis from the world commodity markets into the agricultural commodity markets in Kosovo. Kosovo is characterized as a rural economy, where more than 60% of population is living in rural areas. Kosovo is net food importer and implications of the recent global food price hikes were affecting considerably domestic food demand as well as were raising concerns of food security. Findings of this paper suggest that Kosovo is significantly exposed to the food security risk factors. The set of causal food insecurity factors has been identified in this paper. Official records demonstrate that self-sufficiency ratio of the key food staples in Kosovo varies from 75% for wheat and meat to 82% for maize. On the other hand, annual share of household food expenditures in total consumption exceeds 40%. Empirical analysis of this paper are based on estimations of unit root tests, cointegration tests, Granger causality tests, estimation of error correction models and test of price transmission asymmetry. Spatial price transmission analysis found that Kosovo is vulnerable to the price transmitting signals from the world market. Empirical findings suggest strong evidence of asymmetry for world and domestic prices of wheat and beef and weak evidence of asymmetry for barley and chicken. Based on the results of the error correction models it can be assumed that that prices in Kosovo react with different speed to positive and negative deviations, while world prices do not react to shocks in Kosovo prices. Kosovo as a price taker in the global trade has limited policy instruments to respond to the global food price vulnerability. The main food security policy axis should be directed on productivity improvement and enhancement of the competitiveness of agriculture in those sectors in which Kosovo has comparative advantage. |
| Keywords: | spatial price transmission, food security, agricultural trade, Agricultural and Food Policy, C32, Q11, Q18, |
| Date: | 2015–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aiea15:207843&r=agr |
| By: | Kleinwechter, Ulrich; Levesque, Antoine; Havlik, Petr; Forsell, Nicklas; Zhang, Yuquan; Fricko, Oliver; Obersteiner, Michael |
| Abstract: | Concerns exist regarding potential trade-offs between climate change mitigation in agriculture and food security. Against this background, the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) is applied to a range of scenarios of mitigation of emissions from agriculture to assess the implications of climate mitigation for agricultural production, prices and food availability. The “food efficiency of mitigation” (FEM) is introduced as a tool to make statements about how to attain desired levels of agricultural mitigation in the most efficient manner in terms of food security. It is applied to a range of policy scenarios which contrast a climate policy regime with full global collaboration to scenarios of fragmented climate policies that grant exemptions to selected developing country groups. Results indicate increasing marginal costs of abatement in terms of food calories and suggest that agricultural mitigation is most food efficient in a policy regime with global collaboration. Exemptions from this regime cause food efficiency losses. |
| Keywords: | agriculture and land use, climate change, mitigation, efficiency, food efficiency, food security, partial equilibrium model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Land Economics/Use, C61, C63, Q54, Q56, Q58, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212010&r=agr |
| By: | Bonnet, Céline; Bouamra-Mechemache, Zohra; Corre, Tifenn |
| Abstract: | After fossil fuels, agricultural production and fisheries are industries with the largest impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially in the production of ruminant meats such as beef, veal or lamb. In order to reduce this environmental impact, consumers can change their food consumption habits to utilize less polluting products such as white meats or vegetable food products. We analyze whether or not a CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) tax policy can change consumer habits with respect to meat and marine purchases, and using different indicators, we examine the effect of such a tax policy on the environment. We also infer the implications of such a tax on nutritional indicators as well as on consumer welfare. First, to evaluate the impact of a variation in the price of meat and marine products on consumption, we estimate a random coeficients logit demand model using purchase data from the French household panel Kantar Worldpanel. We define 28 meat and marine products, and divide them into eight meat and marine product categories. This model allows us to estimate flexible own- and cross-price elasticities of meat and marine products' demand. Results on the consumer purchase behavior model suggest that the demands for these products are fairly inelastic, and substitutions occur both within and between categories for all products. Moreover, using two levels of a CO2-eq tax (€56 and €200 per tonne of CO2-eq per kilogram of product) applied to either all meat and marine products, only ruminant meats, or only beef, we show that a tax of €56 leads to a very small change in GHG emissions, even if all meat and marine products are taxed. The most efficient scenario would be to tax only the beef category at a high level since it would allow a 70% reduction in the total variation of GHG emissions, and would be responsible for only 20% of the consumer welfare damages generated when all products are taxed. |
| Keywords: | meat, demand analysis, environment, greenhouse gas, CO2-eq tax, consumer diet |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:30419&r=agr |
| By: | Pambo, Kennedy |
| Abstract: | In Kenya agriculture contributes 24% to the GDP yet lending to the sector is only about 4%. A major constraint to increasing efficiency in smallholder enterprises in rural areas is therefore, limited access to financial services. Lack of working capital for traders in rural areas inhibits the purchase, trade and processing of agricultural produce. This limits the amount of produce a farmer can market and acts as a disincentive to reaching his/her productive potential. Furthermore, most Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) lack a value chain approach to financing and are unable to remove the financial constraints along a specific value chain. Appropriate financing services along the value chain can help to enhance the productivity and profitability of various small-scale rural stakeholders. Therefore, the study assessed the prospects for financial innovations and access in improving dairy farmers’ livelihoods through a case study approach. The findings provide a strong evidence that appropriate financial innovation is the missing link in agricultural productivity paradigm and the food security equation in African countries including Kenya. |
| Keywords: | Agriculture, Financial access, Innovations, Farmers, Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, Q14, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212608&r=agr |
| By: | Lyu, Kaiyu; Zhang, Xuemei; Xing, Li; Zhang, Chongshang |
| Abstract: | Using unique rural household panel data in 2005–2010, this study estimates nutrient elasticity for rural households by income group and evaluates the impacts of rising food prices on food consumption and nutrition of the rural poor. The results show that the shocks of income and rising food prices have adverse impacts on the nutrition of rural households, especially for low-income groups, purely poor farming groups, and minorities who are not capable of self-adjustment and are more vulnerable to rising food prices. Interestingly, we found that the rural poor could consciously adjust food consumption structure to adapt to rising food prices. In this regard, future research would help to provide effective policy implications for preventing shocks to the rural poor. |
| Keywords: | Rural household, Rural poverty, Food consumption, Nutrition, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Development, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211861&r=agr |
| By: | Kafle, Kashi; Pullabhotla, Hemant |
| Abstract: | The "food vs. fuel" debate may be difficult to resolve without letting the data ’speak’. We investigate the short and long-run relationships between food and fuel prices. Our analysis spans the period 1989-2013, covering the lead-up to the 2007-08 price spike, the sharp downward movement in the aftermath, as well as the period thereafter. This provides a more complete picture of the interaction between agriculture and fuel markets. Our results indicate the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between the prices in these markets. A closer examination of the dynamics between ethanol and corn, soybean, and sugar prices shows that the corn-soybean linkage plays a key role in shaping the long-run relationship between food and fuel prices. Although ethanol prices Granger cause corn prices, no individual agricultural commodity Granger causes ethanol prices. However, corn and soybean as a single group has an impact on the ethanol market |
| Keywords: | fuel, food, agricultural commodities, cointegration, VECM, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q02 Q11 Q13 Q41, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211822&r=agr |
| By: | Hussain, Safdar; Ahmed, Wasim; Rabnawaz, Ambar; Jafar, Rana Muhammad Sohail; Akhtar, Haseeb; GuangJu, Wang; Ullah, Sana; JianZhou, Yang |
| Abstract: | Agriculture is likely to require further strengthening ties between farmers and citizens to improve the efficiency of market systems and their saturation with modern technology. Increasing globalization of agriculture and the ensuing hegemony of supermarkets have brought significant profits and losses. Those on whom the state of the global market of the 21st century, should strive for a just distribution of its burdens, without encroaching on the real fruits of progress, through which millions of people have access to a healthy, diverse and affordable food. Supply chain management can be defined as the integration of key business processes from end user to the original suppliers that provide products, services and information that add value for customers and stakeholders. The integration of all business processes with all stakeholders in the supply chain seems to make no sense apart from being, of course, a major waste of resources. In fact, in certain cases, the enormity of the task may make it impossible to overcome for a company whose supply chain presents a great complexity. Thus, it seems important that companies of all sizes find a way to manage more easily and effectively chains in which they operate. However, particularly in agricultural sector, integration of supply chain process has really brought significant impact on the efficiency of the overall procedures. |
| Keywords: | Supply Chain; Efficiency Measurement; Globalization; Agriculture Sector |
| JEL: | O3 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70380&r=agr |
| By: | Lee, Jaehyeon |
| Abstract: | This study reexamines the classical notion of the agricultural adjustment problem in Japan. First, we explain the current conditions of Japanese agriculture and show why structural reform in the land-intensive agriculture sector has become an important policy agenda. Next, we review the historical development of farmland policy and examine the policy effort to promote structural changes of agriculture. Furthermore, we conduct an econometric analysis on rice production and show that scale economies of rice production have emerged since the mid-1960s owing to continuous farm mechanization. In addition, we propose statistical analysis for why the structural adjustment of Japanese agriculture has been very slow even with scale economies. This analysis indicates that transaction costs related to farmland, such as those associated with expectations of farmland conversion for non-agricultural use, are the main obstacles for farmland consolidation. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212593&r=agr |
| By: | Larson, Donald; Savastano, Sara; Murray, Siobhan; Palacios-Lopez, Amparo |
| Abstract: | African governments and international development groups see boosting productivity on smallholder farms as key to reducing rural poverty and safeguarding the food security of farming and non-farming households. Prompting smallholder farmers to use more fertilizer has been a key tactic. Closing the productivity gap between male and female farmers has been another avenue toward achieving the same goal. The results in this paper suggest the two are related. Fertilizer use and maize yields among smallholder farmers in Uganda are increased by improved access to markets and extension services, and reduced by ex ante risk-mitigating production decisions. Standard ordinary least squares regression results indicate that gender matters as well; however, the measured productivity gap between male and female farmers disappears when gender is included in a list of determinants meant to capture the indirect effects of market and extension access. |
| Keywords: | Smallholder farmers, productivity, gender, maize, Uganda, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, D13, O12, 013, Q12, Q18, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212032&r=agr |
| By: | Pasaribu, Katryn; He, Lixia L.; Boyer, Christopher N.; Lambert, Dayton M.; English, Burton C.; Clark, Christopher D.; Lieb, Brain; Waldron, Brian |
| Abstract: | Conflict over water use in the southeastern US is increasingly common as communities and industries fund themselves without adequate water supplies. However, agricultural water use in the southeastern states has received relatively little attention despite rapid growth in the use of irrigation by the region’s farmers. This study determines the breakeven prices for dryland and irrigated crops produced in the Tennessee River Basin and Hiwassee-Mississippi watersheds. The analysis focuses on five major crops produced in the region: corn, soybean, cotton, wheat and sorghum. Tillage practices considered are conventional, reduced, and no-till. Irrigation technologies include furrows, center pivot, and big-gun/traveler systems. Water sources include surface and wells. Center pivot systems are currently the dominant irrigation practice in the region. We hypothesize that gravity-based systems are more profitable under certain conditions. Well installation costs largely determine the profitability of irrigation practices in the study area. Key differences will be driven by the relative price of commodities, the production portfolio of producers, and energy, labor, and installation costs. Repair expenses for irrigation systems are insensitive to different well depths, but sensitive to the type of irrigation system implemented. These findings will be useful for producers augmenting their operations with irrigation systems. |
| Keywords: | Irrigation, Corn, Cotton, Soybean, Breakeven Price, Simulation, Farm Management, Production Economics, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230072&r=agr |
| By: | Sekabira, Haruna; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Mobile money (MM) services can contribute to welfare gains in smallholder farm households. Previous research showed that one important pathway is through higher remittances received from relatives and friends. Here, the role of other impact pathways is examined, especially focusing on agricultural marketing and off-farm economic activities. The analysis builds on panel data from smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda. Regression models show that the adoption of MM technology has contributed to higher household incomes and consumption levels. Off-farm income gains are identified to be an important pathway, also beyond remittances. Typical off-farm income sources are small businesses in trade, transport, and handicrafts, which benefit from novel savings and money transfer opportunities through MM. In terms of agricultural marketing, MM users sell a larger proportion of their coffee as shelled beans to buyers in high-value markets, instead of selling to local traders immediately after harvest. MM services help reduce cash constraints and facilitate transactions with buyers from outside local regions. In conclusion, MM can contribute to rural development through various important pathways. Analysis of adoption patterns suggests that MM services are socially inclusive. |
| Keywords: | mobile phones, rural banking, smallholder farmers, impact evaluation, Africa, Agricultural Finance, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Financial Economics, Food Security and Poverty, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, O12, O16, O33, Q12, |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gagfdp:234998&r=agr |
| By: | Ma, Xingliang; Smale, Melinda; Spielman, David J.; Zambrano, Patricia; Nazli, Hina; Zaidi, Fatima |
| Abstract: | Bt cotton remains one of the most widely grown biotech crops among smallholder farmers. Numerous studies, including those previously conducted in Pakistan, attest to its yield and cost advantages. However, the effectiveness of Bt toxin, which depends on many technical constraints, is heterogeneous. Furthermore, in Pakistan, the diffusion of Bt cotton varieties occurred despite a weak regulatory system and without seed quality control; evidence demonstrates that varieties sold as Bt may not contain the genes or express them effectively. We use data collected from a sample that is statistically representative of the nation’s cotton growers to test the effects of Bt cotton use on productivity in a damage control framework. Unlike previous studies, we employ five measures of Bt identity: name, official approval status, farmer belief, laboratory tests of Bt presence in plant tissue, and biophysical assays measuring Bt effectiveness. Only farmers’ belief that a variety is Bt affects cotton productivity. Although all measures reduce damage from pests, the biophysical indicators have the largest effect, and official approval has the weakest. For applied economists, findings highlight the importance of getting the data right concerning Bt. For policy makers, they suggest the need, on ethical if not productivity grounds, to monitor variety integrity closer to point of sale. |
| Keywords: | cotton, hybrids, biotechnology, genetically engineered crops, genetically modified organisms, smallholders, intensive farming, Bt cotton, damage abatement, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1520&r=agr |
| By: | Thath, Rido |
| Abstract: | Using the data from the Cambodia Socio-Economic Survey (CSES) 2009, the study examined the impact of agricultural labor and land productivity on poverty among Cambodian rice farming households. The results showed that improving productivity of land and, especially, that of labor reduced poverty in two of Cambodia’s rice producing regions, the Tonle Sap and the Plain. There was no evidence of such impact in two other regions, the Mountain and the Cost. When the productivity of the less productive farming households were raised up to the mean level of productivity, only labor productivity was found to have an impact on poverty reduction in the Tonle Sap and the Plain, indicating that improving agricultural labor productivity is the key to poverty reduction. In Cambodia, improving rice productivity in the Tonle Sap and the Plain region is the most poverty reducing. |
| Keywords: | Land productivity, labor productivity, Cambodia, rice production, rural poverty |
| JEL: | I32 Q12 |
| Date: | 2016–04–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:70920&r=agr |
| By: | Ahmad, Khalil; Ali, Amjad |
| Abstract: | Specific amount of food and safe drinking water are basic necessities of living human-beings. The human population of the universe is touching its highest level and counted more than seven billion, it is going towards facing a great famine as predicated by Malthus (1798) . The positive and preventive checks of Malthus (1798) can be observed empirically in different parts of the world (Swaminathan and Feng 1994). The study has tested the population theory of Malthus in case of Pakistan. For investigating the long run relationship among the variables of the model Johanson cointegration technique is applied. For examining the short run dynamic Error Correction Model (ECM) is applied. The results of the study of the study supported that the Malthusian theory about the population and income growth in the case of Pakistan. Furthermore, higher population growth rate increases the food insecurity not only in long run but also in short run in case of Pakistan. |
| Keywords: | population growth, food insecurity, gross domestic product, consumer price index |
| JEL: | E01 E31 Q18 Q56 |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:71131&r=agr |
| By: | Marmai, Nadin; Franco Villoria, Maria; Guerzoni, Marco (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | Climate change constitutes a rising challenge to the agricultural base of developing countries. Most of the literature has focused on the impact of changes in the means of weather variables on mean changes in production and has found very little impact of weather upon agricultural production. Instead, a more recent stream of literature showed that we can assess the impact of weather on production by looking at extreme weather events. Based on this evidence, we surmise that there is a missing link in the literature consisting of relating the extreme events in weather with extreme losses in crop production. Indeed, extreme events are of the greatest interest for scholars and policy makers only when they carry extraordinary negative effects. We build on this idea and for the first time, we adapt a conditional dependence model for multivariate extreme values to understand the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production. Specifically, we look at the probability that an extreme event drastically reduces the harvest of any of the major crops. This analysis, which is run on data for six different crops and four different weather variables in a vast array of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, shows that extremes in weather and yield losses of major staples are associated events. |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:201605&r=agr |
| By: | Li, Zongzhang; Ma, Yanan |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impacts of rural education on agricultural productivity in China. The approach we take involves two-stage process. First, we use DEA_Malmquist method to measure total factor productivity change, technical change and efficiency change in China over the period 1985 to 2011. We find that China has experienced an increase in total factor productivity, and that productivity growth was mostly attributed to technical progress, rather than to improvement in efficiency. And then, with a panel dataset covering 30 provinces, we investigate the impact of rural education on productivity growth of China. The results indicated that the development of rural education plays positive role on China’s agricultural productivity growth. Moreover, empirical results of regression models show that rural education enhances agricultural total factor productivity through technological progress rather than by promoting technical efficiency. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212048&r=agr |
| By: | Lema, Daniel; Gallacher, Marcos |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes agricultural policy in Argentina and calculates the degree of support received by producers and consumers. We present a summary of developments in the agricultural policy environment that have occurred in the last decades in Argentina, as well as the resulting performance of the agricultural sector. The concepts of Producer Support Estimates, Consumer Support Estimates, General Services Support Estimates, Producer Nominal Assistance Coefficient and Nominal Protection Coefficient are used to analyse different dimensions of transfers occurring between agricultural producers, consumers and taxpayers in the period 2007-2012. Total transfers from producers have averaged US$ 11.000 million annually or 26% of total gross farm receipts. Support flowing from the public sector to producers in the form of R&D, infrastructure and other “public good” type of inputs totalize some 500 million annually. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Policy, Agricultural Prices, Producer Support Estimates, Agricultural and Food Policy, Q18, Q11, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212040&r=agr |
| By: | Rifin, Amzul; Suprehatin; Suryana, Rita Nurmalina; Akbar, Indra Dilana |
| Abstract: | The cocoa value chain developments in Indonesia are still promising and challenging as there are continuing emerging market opportunities and grown largely by smallholder farmers. However, there is limited attention on cocoa value chain in term of smallholder farmers who potentially to be promoted with respect to their marketing channel choice. The objective of this study is to understand the types of beans preferred and the factors of buyers chosen by farmers. This study shows that farmers still prefer unfermented beans rather than fermented beans. Using multinomial logit analysis, the results indicate that age and farming experience influenced farmers in selling to sub-regency and regency traders compare to village traders. Meanwhile, number of trees and price is affecting the farmers to sell to regency level traders to village level traders. Understanding what farmers’ preferences when they sell cocoa beans and why farmers choose certain selling channels help to design a better policy to improve farmers’ livelihood and cocoa value chain development. |
| Keywords: | cocoa value chain, marketing channel choice, multinomial logit, Crop Production/Industries, International Development, Marketing, Q13, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212290&r=agr |
| By: | Zhang, Ruojin |
| Abstract: | Pesticide use can mitigate production risks from pest and disease infestations. However, intensive pesticide use may result in large amount of pesticide residues, causing hop-quality damages and raising food safety issues. Pesticide use also leads to sizable negative ecological and environmental externalities. In respond to food safety and other socio-economic issues, policy makers, such as national governments and international organizations, pursue low pesticide residues by implementing tolerance which permits only a maximum concentration of agrichemical residues. This paper examines the social-economic impacts of the residue tolerance. To this end, a four-stage game theoretic model is outlined to characterize the stylized attributes of both domestic hop production and marketing. The model highlights the strategic interactions between hop growers, hop merchant and the government. Multiple market equilibria are characterized. The analysis contributes to a better understanding of social welfare which accommodates the environmental externalities of pesticide use. Simulations are conducted based on hop production information in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. |
| Keywords: | Expected utility, hop production, input decision, production risk, social welfare, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, D81, D04, Q16, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea16:235155&r=agr |
| By: | Materia, Valentina; Pascucci, Stefano; Dries, Liesbeth |
| Abstract: | The paper investigates the determinants of innovation strategies in the agri-food sector and the potential complementarity of these strategies. Innovation strategies are distinguished as in-house and outsourcing. The choice between strategies is motivated by transaction cost minimization, property rights appropriation and optimization of firms’ resources and competences. A bivariate probit model is implemented using cross-section data on 1,393 agri-food firms in seven EU countries. Results show that: decisions to innovate in-house or to outsource are not interlinked; high quality human resources and the use of ICT influence both the decision to innovate in-house and outsourcing, while organizational aspects, especially those related to decision-making within the firm, are relevant only for in-house innovation. Finally, we also find that large and internationalized firms are more likely to innovate in-house. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212449&r=agr |
| By: | Howry, Sierra; Rosana, Ashley-Beth; Brellenthin, Joseph; Blades, Jarod; Trechter, David; Monroe, A. Dean |
| Abstract: | The Kinnickinnic River, designated as a Class I trout stream and “Outstanding Resource Water” by the Wisconsin Legislature, is now facing several challenges related to land use, population growth, and environmental degradation. In response, a variety of scientific research projects have been initiated in the watershed in an effort to understand these challenges and promote sustainability. However, the projects spanning multiple fields of inquiry and completed by different stakeholder organizations has made it difficult to coordinate research interests, and inform the community about the magnitude of work being completed. Until now, there has not been research on what the public thinks about the opportunities and challenges facing the watershed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management actions within the Kinnickinnic watershed utilizing qualitative analysis. A household survey was sent to 1,200 residents in the watershed. The survey included topics on the watershed value, perceived conflict or threats, possible opportunities for the communities, and future management actions such as removal of two dams. Dam removal was expected to be a major concern; however, the data showed that invasive species and agricultural runoff were of greater concern to the general public and they valued protected areas and recreational opportunities highly. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230110&r=agr |
| By: | Bosello, Francesco; Davide, Marinella; Alloisio, Isabella |
| Abstract: | The EU has a consolidated climate and energy regulation: it played a pioneering role by adopting a wide range of climate change policies and establishing the first regional Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). These policies, however, raise several concerns regarding both their environmental effectiveness and their potentially negative effect on the economy, especially in terms of growth and competitiveness. The paper reviews the European experience in order to understand if these concerns are supported by quantitative evidence. It thus focuses on key economic indicators, such as costs, competitiveness and carbon leakage as assessed by quantitative ex-ante and ex-post analyses. A dedicated section, extends the investigation to the potential extra-EU spillover of the EU mitigation policy with a particular attention to developing countries. The objective of the paper is to highlight both the limits and the opportunities of the EU regulatory framework in order to offer policy insights to emerging and developing countries that are on the way to implement climate change measures. Overall, the European experience shows that the worries about the costs and competitiveness losses induced by climate regulation are usually overestimated, especially in the long term. In addition, a tightening climate policy regime in the EU might in fact negatively impact developing countries via deteriorated trade relations. Nonetheless it tends to facilitate a resource relocation that if well governed could be beneficial to those countries where the poor are mainly involved in rural activities. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Climate Policy, Mitigation, Economic Impacts, GDP, Competitiveness, Environmental Economics and Policy, F64, H23, O44, O52, Q54, R11, |
| Date: | 2016–04–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:feemei:234938&r=agr |
| By: | Liverpool-Tasie, L. S. L. S.; Omonona, B.T.; Sanou, A.; Ogunleye, W. |
| Abstract: | Increasing the use of modern inputs including fertilizer is key for raising agricultural productivity and reducing poverty in Nigeria, particularly and Africa more generally. However, based on recent empirical evidence from Nigeria, simply increasing the quantity of fertilizer used by smallholders is not likely to successfully drive this process. A more holistic approach that addresses the constraints to fertilizer profitability in Nigeria with appropriate consideration of the factors which will increase the efficiency of fertilizer use is necessary. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:234952&r=agr |
| By: | Eriksson, Mathilda (CERE and the Department of Economics, Umeå University) |
| Abstract: | This paper develops the FRICE, a framework that determines optimal levels of forest climate tools in the context of global climate policy. The paper integrates afforestation and avoided deforestation into the well-known global multi-regional integrated assessment model, RICE-2010. The paper finds that climate forest tools can play an essential role in global climate policy and that this role is increasingly important under stringent temperature targets. Under a 2C temperature target, the model reveals that emission reductions from avoided deforestation are quickly exhausted whereas afforestation is capable of substantially reducing emission reductions in both the medium and long run. The model also indicates that the most significant reductions in emissions from avoided deforestation and afforestation can be achieved by focusing policy efforts on tropical forests. |
| Keywords: | Climate change; Integrated assessment; Carbon sequestration |
| JEL: | C61 Q23 Q54 |
| Date: | 2016–03–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:slucer:2016_005&r=agr |
| By: | Lokossou, Jourdain; Arouna, Aminou; Diagne, Aliou; Biaou, Gauthier |
| Abstract: | This study examines the relationship between adoption of NERICA varieties and the Total Factor Productivity among men and women. Data were collected from 342 rice farmers randomly selected in the central and northwest Benin. Total Factor Productivity was estimated using a Cobb-Douglass production function. The impact was estimated using the Local Average Treatment Effect. Results show that the adoption of NERICA variety improves Total Factor Productivity of potential adopters and it benefits men and women differently. Potential women adopters got a higher gain on their Total Factor Productivity than men. This finding suggests that targeting women with NERICA increase significantly rice productivity more than the case where men are targeted. |
| Keywords: | Impact assessment, NERICA Rice adoption, Total Factor Productivity, Gender, Benin, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, C13, C36, O33, Q12, Q16, R20, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212056&r=agr |
| By: | Rahaman, Sk. Mahidur; Halder, Surajit; Pal, Subhadip; Ghosh, Abhishek |
| Abstract: | The study was conducted in the coastal region of West Bengal, India to document the prevalent farming systems and explore the opportunity of nonfarm activities in generating income and livelihood for the rural households. This paper concentrates in finding out the key determinants of participation in nonfarm income and employment generation activities across rural households. The analytical framework yields different activity choices as optimal solutions to a simple utility maximization problem. The empirical inquiry reveals that education, family size and access to land assets plays major role in accessing more remunerative nonfarm employment. The region is quite underdeveloped such that traditional rural self-employment activities still contributes 30.94 percent of household income and provide employment to 40.71 percent rural household. The number of working men, number of working women, age and education level are the other important determinants of nonfarm activities for the rural households. |
| Keywords: | Education, household income, nonfarm employment, rural households., Community/Rural/Urban Development, Financial Economics, International Development, J43, J62, Y90, |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212697&r=agr |
| By: | Thiemo Fetzer; Samuel Marden |
| Abstract: | Weak property rights are strongly associated with underdevelopment, low state capacity and civil conflict. In economic models of conflict, outbreaks of violence require two things: the prize must be both valuable and contestable. This paper exploits spatial and temporal variation in contestability of land title to explore the relation between (in)secure property rights and conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. Our estimates suggest that, at the local level, assignment of secure property rights eliminates substantively all land related conflict, even without changes in enforcement. Changes in land use are also consistent with reductions in land related conflict. |
| Keywords: | property rights, land titling, conflict, deforestation |
| JEL: | O12 Q15 D74 Q23 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:sercdp:0194&r=agr |
| By: | Sweitzer, Megan; Levin, David; Okrent, Abigail; Muth, Mary K.; Brown, Derick; Capogrossi, Kristen; Karns, Shawn A.; Siegel, Peter; Zhen, Chen |
| Abstract: | Commercial scanner data on retail food purchases are an integral resource for a broad range of food policy research. ERS has acquired proprietary household and retail scanner data from IRI, a market research firm, including novel data on nutrition information and health and wellness claims for a large number of products. This report provides a detailed description of the methodology, characteristics, and statistical properties of these datasets and summarizes the limitations and considerations for using these data for food economics research. The report shows that the IRI data are an extensive, complex data source and provides an introduction to the data for new users and important considerations for advanced users. |
| Keywords: | IRI, Consumer Network, InfoScan, scanner data, food at home, FAH, food prices, food expenditures, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uerstb:234905&r=agr |
| By: | Feinerman, E.; Yaron, D. |
| Abstract: | Linear programming models, deterministic in the short run and stochastic (random rainfall) in the long run, aimed at guiding annual decision-making with regard to crop mix and saline irrigation water mixing from various sources within a farm framework, are presented. The short run model incorporates the physical, biological and economic relationships involved in one endogenous system and enables an in-depth analysis of them, but is limited to a single year. The long run model considers the effects of the short run decisions on the future but several relationships are incorporated exogenously. The short run model's results are utilized for the determination of some of these predetermined relationships. The models are applied to a potential farm situation in southern Israel. The results provide priorities in the allocation of water and soil plots of varying salinity levels and empirical estimates of the shadow prices and the rates of substitution between the limited resources. |
| Keywords: | Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:huaewp:232610&r=agr |
| By: | Liana O Anderson; Samantha De Martino; Torfinn Harding; Karlygash Kuralbayeva; Andre Lima |
| Abstract: | To reduce deforestation rates in the Amazon, Brazil established in the period 2004-2010 conservation zones covering an area 1.5 times the size of Germany. In the same period, Brazil experienced a large reduction in deforestation rates. By combining satellite data on deforestation with data on the location and timing of the conservation zones, we provide spatial regression discontinuity estimates and difference-in-difference estimates indicating that the policy cannot explain the large reduction in deforestation rates. The reason is that the zones are located in areas where agricultural production is likely to be unprofitable. We also provide evidence that zones reduce deforestation if the incentives for municipalities to reduce deforestation are high. We rationalize these finding with a spatial economics model of land use, with endogenous location of conservation zones and imperfect enforcement. Our findings point to the need for other explanations than the conservation zones to explain the sharp decline in deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon since 2004. |
| Keywords: | regulation, conservation policies, deforestation, Brazil |
| JEL: | Q28 Q58 R11 R14 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:oxcrwp:172&r=agr |
| By: | Thiemo, Fetzer (University ofWarwick); Marden, Samuel (University of Sussex) |
| Abstract: | Weak property rights are strongly associated with underdevelopment, low state capacity and civil conflict. In economic models of conflict, outbreaks of violence require two things: the prize must be both valuable and contestable. This paper exploits spatial and temporal variation in contestability of land title to explore the relation between (in) secure property rights and conflict in the Brazilian Amazon. Our estimates suggest that, at the local level, assignment of secure property rights eliminates substantively all land related conflict, even without changes in enforcement. Changes in land use are also consistent with reductions in land related conflict. |
| Keywords: | property rights, land titling, conflict, deforestation JEL Classification: O12, Q15, D74, Q23 |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:285&r=agr |
| By: | Acharya, Ram N. |
| Abstract: | The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of income, capital, natural shocks and other individual and household attributes on food security and stunting. A recursive bivariate probit models is estimated using household survey data from Tanzania. Results show that factors such as ownership of cattle and education help in reducing food insecurity. On the other hand, more targeted programs to educate mothers and increase awareness of health and sanitary practices are likely to be more effective in reducing the incidence of stunting. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230136&r=agr |
| By: | Liverpool-Tasie, L. S. O. |
| Abstract: | This brief presents empirical results that revisit a conventional wisdom that inorganic fertilizer use across sub-Saharan Africa is too low. This expectation that more farmers should be using inorganic fertilizer and at higher rates implies it is profitable to use rates higher than observed if farmers are rational expected profit maximizers. This study exploits the political economy of fertilizer access in Nigeria to get consistent estimates of the effects of applied nitrogen on rice production. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:234950&r=agr |
| By: | Meza-Pale, Pablo; Yunez-Naude, Antonio |
| Abstract: | This paper presents results of the rainfall impact on agricultural production and net income for rural households in Mexico using a two-year panel data set. We construct a metric on rainfall variation using historical data from weather stations across Mexico. The relationship between our rainfall measure and agricultural production indicates a consistent negative effect on maize production, specially for rain-fed and small farmers. Moreover, there is mixed evidence for non-maize crops production and non-significant rainfall impact for household’s net income. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212457&r=agr |
| By: | Wang, Zidong; McCarl, Bruce A.; Kapilakanchana, Montalee |
| Abstract: | Crop yields tend to be spatially and temporally correlated due to the systemic nature of land and weather conditions. Recent concern has been focused on whether climate change such as increasing extreme weather events would affect crop yield and yield volatility (Goodwin 2001, Ozaki, et al. 2008). In this paper, a spatio-temporal Conditional Autoregressive Model (ST-CAR model) (Mariella and Tarantino, 2010) will be used to analyze the impact of climate change on crop yield and yield volatility. State level crop yield data from 1950 to 2014 is collected for this study. As an extension of the standard CAR model, a space-time autoregressive matrix will be used in the ST-CAR model to handle both spatial dependence between states and temporal dependence among the examined period. Specifically, the spatial correlation parameter in ST-CAR model varies along time, making it possible to reveal the potential impact of climate change on spatial correlation. Future yield projections will be generated and used in the FASOM model to conduct a welfare analysis. Preliminary results of segment regression shows that breakpoints exist for many states in the US for the last few decades, indicating the potential impact of climate change on yield and yield volatility. |
| Keywords: | Yield, Spatial-temporal analysis, climate change, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Q51, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230043&r=agr |
| By: | Fofana, Ismael; Goundan, Anatole; Magne Domgho, Lea |
| Abstract: | Rice is a strategic commodity for food security in West Africa. Its consumption has grown rapidly over time and dependency on imported rice exposes the region to external shocks stemming from the global market. Given its economic and social importance, national and regional strategies have been developed to boost rice production and meet the challenge of rice self-sufficiency in West Africa by 2025. Our analysis projects total rice consumption to reach around 24 million metric tons by 2025, increasing by 74 percent over the period 2011–2025. The required average annual increase in production (8 percent) is estimated to be twice that of consumption (4 percent) to achieve the self-sufficiency goal by 2025. As a consequence, the regional GDP growth rate is expected to increase by an average of 0.4 percentage point per year relative to the baseline scenario over the period 2015–2025. |
| Keywords: | Rice self-sufficiency, Food security policies, ECOWAS, elasticity, ECOSIM., Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty, Q17, Q18, E27, D58, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212211&r=agr |
| By: | Bounmy Somsoulivong (Soakpaluang Road, Ban Wattnak Noi, Noy no.9, Sisatanak district, Vientiane, Lao PDR.) |
| Abstract: | This study used the Rapid Rural Appraisal Technique (RRAT) to examine the socio-economic situation of the rural community in Bokeo Province, Laos.It assesses the contribution of theforest resources to the rural community household’s economy and addresses theproblems associated with this forest dependency. This study aims to estimate the quantity and monetary value of various timber and non-timber forest products (TFPs & NTFPs), and the products cultivated and harvested from forestlands (CFLPs) on an annual basis. It also measured the rural household’s income derived from these products and those intended for annual household consumption needs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and measure the rural community’s forest dependency in the 12 villages of the Nam Nhou and Nam Choam areas, Bokeo province, Laos. Three kinds of nature of forest dependency were discussed in this study: (1) dependency for subsistence (2) dependency for inputs into the household production system and (3) dependency for income and employment. |
| Keywords: | stated preference survey |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:tpaper:tp201604t1&r=agr |
| By: | Peri, M.; Vandone, D.; Baldi, L. |
| Abstract: | This is a preliminary version. Please do not cite without authors’ permission. |
| Keywords: | water, food, energy, nexus, M-GARCH, volatility spillover, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q02, Q25, Q11, G15, C58, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212627&r=agr |
| By: | Haenel, Hans-Dieter; Rösemann, Claus; Dämmgen, Ulrich; Freibauer, Annette; Döring, Ulrike; Wulf, Sebastian; Eurich-Menden, Brigitte; Döhler, Helmut; Schreiner, Carsten; Osterburg, Bernhard |
| Abstract: | The report at hand (including a comprehensive annex of data) serves as additional document to the National Inventory Report (NIR) on the German green house gas emissions and the Informative Inventory Report (IIR) on the German emissions of air pollutants (especially ammonia). The report documents the calculation methods used in the German agricultural inventory model GAS-EM as well as input data, emission results and uncertainties of the emission reporting submission 2016 for the years 1990 - 2014. In this context the sector Agriculture comprises the emissions from animal husbandry, the use of agricultural soils and anaerobic digestion of energy crops. As required by the guidelines, emissions from activities preceding agriculture, from the use of energy and from land use change are reported elsewhere in the national inventories. The calculation methods are based in principle on international guidelines for emission reporting and have been continuingly improved during the past years. In particular, these improvements concern the calculation of energy requirements, feeding and the N balance of the most important animal categories. In addition, technical measures such as air scrubbing (mitigation of ammonia emissions) and digestion of animal manures mitigation of emissions of methane and loughing gas) have been taken into account [...]. |
| Abstract: | Der vorliegende Berichtsband einschließlich des umfangreichen Datenanhangs dient als Begleitdokument zum National Inventory Report (NIR) über die deutschen Treibhausgas-Emissionen und zum Informative Inventory Report (IIR), über die deutschen Schadstoffemissionen (insbesondere Ammoniak). Er dokumentiert die im deutschen landwirtschaftlichem Inventarmodell GASEM integrierten Berechnungsverfahren sowie die Eingangsdaten, Emissionsergebnisse und Unsicherheiten der Berichterstattung 2016 für die Jahre 1990 bis 2014. Der Bereich Landwirtschaft umfasst dabei die Emissionen aus der Tierhaltung und der Nutzung landwirtschaftlicher Böden sowie aus der Vergärung von Energiepflanzen. Emissionen aus dem Vorleistungsbereich, aus der Nutzung von Energie sowie Landnutzungsänderungen werden den Regelwerken entsprechend an anderer Stelle in den nationalen Inventaren berichtet. Die Berechnungsverfahren beruhen in erster Linie auf internationalen Regelwerken zur Emissionsberichterstattung und wurden in den vergangenen Jahren beständig weiterentwickelt. Letzteres betrifft im Wesentlichen die Berechnung des Energiebedarfs, der Fütterung und der tierischen N-Bilanz bei den wichtigen Tierkategorien. Zusätzlich wurden technische Maßnahmen wie Abluftreinigung (Minderung von Ammoniakemissionen) und die Vergärung von Wirtschaftsdünger (Minderung von Methan- und Lachgasemissionen) berücksichtigt [...]. |
| Keywords: | emission inventory,agriculture,animal husbandry,agricultural soils,anaerobic digestion,energy crops,renewable primary products,greenhouse gases,air pollutants,methane,loughing gas,ammonia,particulate matter,Emissionsinventar,Landwirtschaft,Tierhaltung,landwirtschaftliche Böden,anaerobe Vergärung,Energiepflanzen,nachwachsende Rohstoffe,Treibhausgase,Luftschadstoffe,Methan,Lachgas,Ammoniak,luftgetragene Partikel |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:jhtire:39&r=agr |
| By: | Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob; Lunduka, Rodney; Shively, Gerald; Jayne, Thom |
| Abstract: | Benefit and cost estimates of the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) indicate that the program often does not generate high enough returns to cover its costs. This has led to an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of fertilizer subsidies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this brief we evaluate effectiveness of the FISP in Malawi under the following four criteria: 1) benefits vs. costs at the household level; 2) impact on the private input sector; 3) impacts on funding for other agricultural development programs; and 4) Macro-level and foreign exchange impacts. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:234944&r=agr |
| By: | Jaimie Kim B. Arias (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Jefferson A. Arapoc (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management,University of the Philippines Los Baños); Hanny John P. Mediodia (College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas) |
| Keywords: | adaptation, climate change, Philippines |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160415&r=agr |
| By: | Nguyen, Duc Loc; Grote, Ulrike |
| Abstract: | The New Economics of Labor Migration (NELM) hypothesizes that migration is a strategy to reduce risks and financial liquidity constraints of rural households. This paper tests this hypothesis for the case of Vietnam. The impacts of migration on agricultural production and diversification are estimated in fixed effects regression models based on a panel data set of about 2,000 households in Vietnam. The findings suggest that rural households who receive remittances from their migrants reduce the share of their income from rice, increase their land productivity and become more specialized in labor allocation. However, migration also decreases labor productivity and crop diversification of rural households. Overall, the NELM hypothesis is only supported in cases migrant households receive remittances. |
| Keywords: | Migration, Remittances, Agricultural Productivity, Diversification, Vietnam, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Labor and Human Capital, J62, D13, O13, Q12, |
| Date: | 2015–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:229379&r=agr |
| By: | Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob; Lunduka, Rodney; Shively, Gerald; Jayne, Thom |
| Abstract: | Malawi has made the Farm Input subsidy Program (FISP) the major pillar of both the country’s agricultural development strategy and its social protection policies since 2005/06. Expenditure on the FISP has been high, ranging from 5.6% of the national budget in 2005/06 to 16.2% of the national budget in 2008/09. The general findings on FISP impacts are that the program has made a relatively small positive contribution to maize production and farm income. However, the program’s impact on rural poverty remains unclear. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:234942&r=agr |
| By: | Bryan Leonard; Gary D. Libecap |
| Abstract: | We analyze the economic determinants and effects of prior appropriation water rights that were voluntarily implemented across a vast area of the US West, replacing common-law riparian water rights. We model potential benefits and test hypotheses regarding search, coordination, and investment. Our novel data set of 7,800 rights in Colorado, established between 1852 and 2013 includes location, date, size, infrastructure investment, irrigated acreage, crops, topography, stream flow, soil quality, and precipitation. Prior appropriation doubled infrastructure investment and raised the value of agricultural output beyond baseline riparian rights. The analysis reveals institutional innovation that informs contemporary water policy. |
| JEL: | K11 N51 N52 Q15 Q25 Q28 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22185&r=agr |
| By: | Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio (State University of New York) |
| Abstract: | In this research, I endeavor to understand the economic and environmental perceptions of upland farmers in the context of biofuels and natural rubber production regimes in Palawan. I also endeavor to understand how these economic and environmental perceptions explain the behavioral intents of upland farmers, especially regarding intensification of production and cooperation in such partnership regimes. Research findings are drawn from seven months of field research in Metro Manila and Palawan, which included surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observations and acquisition of secondary materials. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed and modeled using non-parametric logistic regression models.On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed by coding transcripts and field notes and identifying emergent themes. Theoretically, this research endeavors to contribute to the scholarship on contract farming and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. |
| Keywords: | Philippines, Natural rubber, Biofuel |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:report:rr2016045&r=agr |
| By: | Jin Jianjun (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Gao Yiwei (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Wang Xiaomin (College of Resources Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University); Pham Khanh Nam (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) |
| Keywords: | Farmer, climate change |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160427&r=agr |
| By: | Maurer, Jacob; Griffin, Terry; Sharda, Ajay |
| Abstract: | Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been applied to agricultural decision making units (DMU) such as individual farmers, groups of farmers, or other firms. Rather than firms as the DMU, each sub-field region within a farmer’s field can be evaluated as the DMU such that the efficiency of different management practices are evaluated. A hypothetical grid superimposed upon a field creates the DMU’s so that scale efficiency can be visually assessed in a map. Input variables include as-applied maps of inputs, geospatial data on soil characteristics, and remotely sensed imagery. Output variables are based upon yield monitor sensors from harvest equipment from one or more years and therefore one or more crops grown in rotation. Both bio-physical agronomic relationships and economic characteristics are evaluated. Based on our novel technique for evaluating geo-referenced technical efficiency scores, tests for global and local spatial autocorrelation indicate presence of spatial effects; thereby providing insights into natural versus man-made variability. |
| Keywords: | data envelopment analysis, technical efficiency, precision agriculture, variable rate, Production Economics, Q10, Q15, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230115&r=agr |
| By: | Filipski, Mateusz; Aboudrare, Abdellah; Lybbert, Travis J.; Taylor, J. Edward |
| Abstract: | Access to international markets provides smallholders with unprecedented opportunities, but also exposes them to market whims of unprecedented amplitude and can trigger substantial changes in the local economy. In Morocco’s mountainous Taliouine-Taznakht region, saffron production drives the local economy and is the major source of female employment. The global market for saffron has been excessively volatile lately. We use a local economy-wide impact evaluation (LEWIE) approach to reveal how saffron price shocks reverberate through the local economy, with a particular focus on gender impacts. We find that saffron price shocks dramatically affect saffron production and labor demand, particularly for female harvest labor. Investments in yield-enhancing technologies create harvest labor bottlenecks that disproportionately affect women. Using Monte Carlo methods show that variability in female wage income is especially sensitive to variability in global saffron prices. Appreciating local inter-linkages is critical to understand household and regional impacts of export price volatility. |
| Keywords: | Impact evaluation, price shocks, price volatility, agricultural household, gender, saffron, Morocco., Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, D58, O13, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:229066&r=agr |
| By: | L.H.P. Gunaratne (Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.) |
| Abstract: | Indiscriminate river sand mining, due to the recent boom in the construction industry in Sri Lanka, has created a number of environmental and social problems. Within this context, this study attempts to identify policy options for sustainable river sand mining that minimize environmental degradation while meeting the requirements of the construction industry and local people. The study followed four separate analyses: comparison of annual costs and the benefits of selected mining sites, analysis of miners’ views and preferences using choice modeling, evaluation of expert opinion using multi-criteria analysis, and a comparison of alternative sources of river sand. The comparison of the costs and benefits of sample mining sites revealed that the social cost of river sand mining exceeds the private costs; however, the fact that social benefits were still found to be non-negative at the study sites may be due to the under-reporting of environmental effects and the exclusion of off-site costs. It was observed that although the increased costs of restoration and other costs of overmining are borne by government institutions, government income has remained at a very low level. The results of the discrete choice experiment with the miners indicated that they believe the negative effects of sand mining can be partly mitigated by increasing government revenue towards an environmental trust fund (ETF) with some level of co-management. Strict rules, regulations and awareness programs, as suggested by the media and environment groups, were not found to be productive. Alternative policies for sustainable sand mining in three major rivers were ecologically, economically, socially and technically evaluated using multi-criteria analysis. The restriction of mining at vulnerable sites was found to be the best management alternative followed by the establishment of an ETF for the Ma Oya River, where there are more than 70 mining sites. Community-based management was found to be the best option for the Mahaweli and Deduru Oya rivers. Using off-shore sand was found to be the best way to decrease pressure on rivers for sand. However, at present, the price of off-shore sand is slightly higher than that of river sand and it is less popular because there is the possibility that shells and chlorides are present in it. Prices could be brought down further by expanding offshore sand mining operations because off-shore dredging is sensitive to economy of scale. This could be achieved by mandating the compulsory use of off-shore sand for large construction projects and landfilling, especially in Western Province. |
| Keywords: | Sand mining, policy, cost-benefit analysis |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160412&r=agr |
| By: | Lubungu, Mary; Sitko, Nicholas J.; Hichaambwa, Munguzwe |
| Abstract: | Beef markets are highly seasonal, thinly traded, and extremely concentrated. The combination of these factors limits the effectiveness of cattle markets to achieve transformation impacts on rural poverty reduction. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2016–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcpb:234946&r=agr |
| By: | Saowalak Roongtawanreongsri (Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University); Prakart Sawangchote (Prince of Songkla University); Sara Bumrungsri (Prince of Songkla University); Chaisri Suksaroj (Prince of Songkla University) |
| Keywords: | Value, forest conservation, Thailand |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160439&r=agr |
| By: | Jones, DeDe; Amosson, Steve; Jones, Michelle |
| Abstract: | The Agricultural Act of 2014 is considered by many to be the most complicated farm bill in history, requiring both landlords and tenants to make multiple strategic choices and understand a great deal of information. This poster outlines the methods, challenges, and impacts of a successful Extension effort to provide timely educational and technical support to thousands of Texas Panhandle producers facing policy implementation decisions. |
| Keywords: | Farm Bill, Texas A&M Extension, Farm Policy, Texas Panhandle, Texas High Plains, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229771&r=agr |
| By: | Kim, GwanSeon; Schieffer, Jack; Mark, Tyler |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229880&r=agr |
| By: | Ilukor, John; Birner, Regina |
| Abstract: | The study uses a role play experiment to analyze how the interaction of farmers and service providers influences the quality and the demand for clinical services. The game was played in four rounds, and the quality of clinical services was measured by scoring the accuracy of a service provider prescribing the appropriate drug for selected animal diseases. The results show that the accuracy of prescriptions by veterinarians is not significantly different from that of paraprofessionals trained in veterinary science. However, the ability of service providers who are not trained in veterinary medicine is significantly lower than that of service providers trained in veterinary science. The continued interaction between paraprofessionals and veterinarians gradually leads to an improvement in the ability of paraprofessionals not trained in veterinary sciences to perform correct diagnosis and drug prescription. However, farmers’ inability to punish poor quality service providers limits interaction between paraprofessionals and veterinarians. |
| Keywords: | Belief updating, lemon market, role play game, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211781&r=agr |
| By: | Medwid, Laura J.; Lambert, Dayton M.; Clark, Christopher D.; Hawkins, Shawn A.; McClellan, Hannah A. |
| Abstract: | Government subsidy programs incentivize livestock managers to adopt best management practices (BMPs), such as rotational grazing, water tank systems, stream crossings, and pasture improvement to prevent or reduce soil erosion. This paper addresses the challenge of integrating socio-economic data on BMP adoption behavior with hydrologic/biophysical models to analyze the association between incentives, BMP adoption, and changes in soil erosion rates. Using primary survey data of livestock producers in an East Tennessee watershed, this research estimates willingness to adopt BMPs among livestock producers. The propensity to adopt one or multiple management technologies, given an incentive, is estimated with a multivariate probit regression. The likelihood producers adopt one or a combination of practices is then integrated into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic model to generate soil loss abatement curves for the watershed. Abatement curves specific to each hydrologic response unit (HRU) comprising the watershed are estimated and then aggregated to determine an aggregate abatement curve for the watershed. Based on the abatement curves, HRU are ranked according to cost efficiency. |
| Keywords: | willingness to adopt, best management practices, sedimentation, abatement curve, hydrologic model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Land Economics/Use, Q52, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230052&r=agr |
| By: | Bernard, Kévin; Bonein, Aurélie; Bougherara, Douadia |
| Abstract: | We aim to elicit consumers’ preferences for attributes of consumer supported agriculture (CSA) contracts and their determinants, especially risk and fairness preferences. We combine two incentivized field experiments with a stated choice survey. Risk preferences are structurally-elicited from several binary lottery choices and fairness preferences from a modified dictator game. We use a stated choice survey to determine consumers’ preferences for three attributes of CSA contracts: duration, loss in basket size due to production risks and price change. We face-to-face interviewed 162 CSA members. In line with fairness theory, we find consumers are averse to advantageous inequality (AI) toward CSA and non CSA farmers and averse to disadvantageous inequality (DI) toward non CSA farmers; but, we also find evidence of DI seeking toward CSA farmers. In the stated choice survey, we find consumers prefer longer contracts and that it is risk-driven rather than fairness-driven. As expected, consumers exhibit a dislike for losses and for share price increases. We find a high willingness to pay to avoid losses. High AI averse consumers tend to be less sensitive to losses. High DI seeking consumers tend to be less sensitive to losses and price increase. |
| Keywords: | CSA, Stated choice, Field experiment, Risk preferences, Fairness preferences, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty, C93, D63, D81, Q18, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea16:234904&r=agr |
| By: | Enrique Calfucura; Eugenio Figueroa |
| Abstract: | Despite the relevance of protected areas as biodiversity conservation tools, indicators of cost-benefit analysis of both public and private protected areas has been scarce in the literature. In this paper, we estimate and evaluate the ecosystem benefits and the management and opportunity costs of the protected areas of Chile´s National System of Protected Areas (SNASPE). We found that annual social benefits provided by SNASPE, of almost USD 2 billion, outweigh by far its annual management and opportunity costs, of USD 177 million. However, a large heterogeneity of costs and benefits is observed across the different categories of protected areas as well as among the protected areas within each category located in different geographical zones. Most of the benefits are concentrated in the South and Austral zones of Chile, zones that also exhibit the largest extension of land in SNASPE. Moreover, benefit-cost ratios vary extensively across protected areas; but, on average, the benefit-cost ratio is 11.3:1 for the entire SNASPE, which provides large opportunities to increase public investment in protected areas in Chile. Our results also shed lights on how detailed studies of benefits and costs indicators of SNASPE can improve conservation planning and conservation efficiency. |
| Date: | 2016–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:udc:wpaper:wp418&r=agr |
| By: | Allard, Scott W.; Ruggles, Patricia |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, |
| Date: | 2015–06–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212724&r=agr |
| By: | Singh, Mrinila; Maharjan, Keshav Lall; Maskey, Bijan |
| Abstract: | Premium price is one of the most attractive features of organic farming but having access to one possess various difficulties, especially in the context of developing countries. The objective of this study is to analyze factors impacting involvement in marketing of crops and intensity of income generation therein between organic and conventional farmers by taking into consideration the existence of premium market. It was conducted in semi-urban Chitwan district of Nepal where group conversion to organic farming exists. Data from 285 respondents, selected using stratified sampling method, were analyzed using probit and ordinary least square model. This study finds that income from organic farming is less than conventional farming because production per hectare, commercialization rate and price at which the crops are sold per unit is higher for conventional farm, and access to premium market is very limited. This should be the primary focus for making organic farming monetarily attractive. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, International Development, Livestock Production/Industries, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212234&r=agr |
| By: | McKendree, Melissa G.S.; Tonsor, Glynn T.; Wolf, Christopher A. |
| Abstract: | The U.S. livestock industry is increasingly faced with pressure to adjust practices in response to societal concerns. A specific area of growing concern surrounds how production practices impact the welfare of farm animals. The objective of this analysis is to use best-worst scaling (maximum difference) to determine which practices the U.S. public and cow-calf producers view as the most effective and most practical practices to improve the welfare of beef cattle in the U.S. In meeting this objective, we determine similarities and differences in the public and producer views. Random parameters logit and latent class models are used to better understand heterogeneity within and across both the public and producers. Results indicate that both the U.S. public and cow-calf producers viewed providing access to fresh, clean feed and water appropriate for the animal’s physiological state, and providing adequate comfort through the use of shade, windbreaks, and ventilation assuring clean, dry, sanitary environmental conditions for cattle as both the most effective and most practical practices to improve the welfare of beef cattle. The practices which were viewed as the least effective and least practical were to castrate male calves either within the first three months of age or with pain control, and dehorn/disbud calves either before horn tissue adheres to the skull or with pain control. Implications for future research, possible verification programs, and related debates regarding beef cattle welfare are provided. |
| Keywords: | animal welfare, beef, best-worst scaling, cattle, demand, economics, supply, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Livestock Production/Industries, Marketing, Production Economics, Q00, Q11, Q13, Q16, Q19, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:230018&r=agr |
| By: | Mekonnen, Daniel Ayalew; Gerber, Nicolas |
| Abstract: | This paper identifies the effect of aspirations on the adoption of agricultural innovations in the context of rural Ethiopia. While most studies on agricultural innovations have focused on identifying observable and resource-related deprivations or ‘external’ constraints, a related stream of literature suggests that ‘internal’ constraints, such as the lack of aspirations, could reinforce external constraints and lead to self-sustaining poverty traps. Since both aspirations and the adoption of innovations are forward-looking, they are likely to be intimately linked. Aspirations are motivators that can enhance innovations or their adoption not only in their own right but also through their determinants, including self-efficacy, locus of control and other internal traits that may be unobserved. This implies that aspirations may affect innovations through multiple channels and hence may be endogenous. On the other hand, aspirations are also affected by a person’s level of achievement, implying that aspirations and innovations are simultaneously determined. To identify the effect of aspirations on the adoption of agricultural innovations, we conducted both plot-level and household-level analysis using purposely collected data from households in rural Ethiopia. Using econometric strategies that account for the endogenous nature of aspirations, we found that a narrow or a very wide gap between aspirations and achievement in a farming household is strongly associated with low levels of innovativeness and low adoption rate of innovation products such as chemical fertilizers. |
| Keywords: | Aspirations, innovations, agriculture, Ethiopia, Agribusiness, Consumer/Household Economics, Farm Management, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, D1, O1, Q1, Q12, Q16, |
| Date: | 2016–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:ubzefd:235106&r=agr |
| By: | Makombe, Wilfred; Kropp, Jaclyn |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, |
| Date: | 2016–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:scc016:233762&r=agr |
| By: | Maples, William; Harri, Ardian; Riley, John Michael; Tack, Jesse; Williams, Brian |
| Abstract: | This research investigates the use of commodity exchange traded funds (ETFs) as a price risk management tool for agriculture producers. The effectiveness of using ETFs to hedge price risk will bfffe determined by calculating optimal hedge ratios. This paper will investigate the southeastern producer’s ability to hedge their price risk for not only outputs, like corn and feeder cattle, but also for inputs, like diesel fuel and fertilizer. These ratios will be calculated using ordinary least squares (OLS), error correction model (ECM), and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) regression models. Being able to use ETFs to hedge price risk would provide a significant tool to small and mid-sized producers who are unable to take advantage of current price risk management practices, such as the use of futures, because of the large size of the futures contracts. ETFs also present a potential tool to manage a producer’s input price risk. A majority of producers are unable to protect themselves from the rising costs of inputs due to producers’ small production size and unavailability of protection methods. |
| Keywords: | ETFs, input price, output price, risk management, Risk and Uncertainty, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229979&r=agr |
| By: | Pienaar, Louw; Traub, Lulama |
| Abstract: | Smallholder agriculture in South Africa has been identified as the vehicle through which the goals of poverty reduction and rural development can be achieved. To fulfill such potential, the need arise to understand diversity among these households to formulate effective policy interventions. This paper develops a farm typology of smallholder households according to their dominant livelihood strategies. Using multivariate statistics, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA), farming households are grouped in 7 distinct, homogeneous clusters. Results show the importance of social grants, specifically old age pensions and child support grants, in determining livelihood strategies of many smallholder farmers in the former homeland regions. Further evidence suggests that only a small number of households are able to market their produce. Essential characteristics of this group are the prevalent labor market attachment, higher usage of family labor and access to credit. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212633&r=agr |
| By: | Phouphet Kyophilavong (National University of Laos) |
| Keywords: | Trade liberalization, developing countries, Laos |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160459&r=agr |
| By: | Nemati, Mehdi |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the relationships among the prices of gasoline, ethanol, and agricultural products that includes soybeans and corn. By increasing production of ethanol using corn, concerns about emerging new relationship between agricultural products price and energy price increased. The result indicates that, without considering structural breaks, there is no long-run relationship between energy and agricultural products prices. However, after consideration of structural breaks not only, long-run relationship between energy and agricultural products exist, but also this relationship intensified during last decade. Also, energy price can be transmitted to agricultural products prices from the indirect and direct channel. |
| Keywords: | Ethanol, Agricultural commodities, Structural changes, VECM modeling, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty, Q11, Q13, Q42, Q48, |
| Date: | 2016 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:saea16:229793&r=agr |
| By: | Nijiraini, Georgina; Thiam, Djiby |
| Abstract: | Water is a complex economic good and requires optimal management to control its rising scarcity and competition for use. South Africa is in the process of implementing market based water policy reforms to attain equity, efficiency, and sustainability. However, these reforms have not been entirely successful and water allocation problems persist. This could be due the associated transaction costs arising from the transition of the policy process among other factors. Previous research lacks to explain the complete interplay of issues. Transaction costs constitute a large component of total policy costs yet remain generally unmeasured. This study identifies and quantifies transaction costs incurred by various stakeholders in the Olifants basin. Further, determinants of irrigation farmers’ transaction costs are assessed using regression methods. Results from this study feed back into the water policy process through allowing comparisons between policy alternatives ex ante and evaluation of existing policies ex post for improvement purposes |
| Keywords: | transaction costs, water policy reforms, South Africa, Olifants river basin, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212585&r=agr |
| By: | Enrique Llopis (Universidad Complutense de Madrid,Spain); José Antonio Sebastián (Universidad Complutense de Madrid,Spain); Vanesa Abarca (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain); José Ubaldo Bernardos (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain); Ángel Luis Velasco (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain) |
| Abstract: | This work quantifies the growth of agricultural product and per capita agricultural product in four provinces of Castile between the late sixteenth century and the third quarter of the eighteenth century. For this purpose we have resourced to tithe documentation generated by the dioceses of Avila, Burgos, Salamanca and Segovia for the distribution of the Subsidio and the Excusado. Our most noticeable conclusion is that the negative image shown by some of the recent literature on the evolution of the primary sector in Castile in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is at odds with the evidence. Between 1588-1592 and 1771-1775, both the agricultural product and per capita agricultural product, far from declining, grew in the aforementioned region. |
| Keywords: | Agrarian Product; Tithes; Castile; Europe; Early Modern Period |
| JEL: | N13 N53 Q11 |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ahe:dtaehe:1611&r=agr |
| By: | Herminia A. Francisco (EEPSEA); Canesio D. Predo (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Areeya Manasboonphempool (Kasetsart University); Phong Tran (Hue University); Bui Dung The (Hue University); Linda M. Peñalba (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Nghiem Phuong Tuyen (Vietnam National University); Tran Huu Tuan (Hue University); Dulce D. Elazegui (University of the Philippines Los Baños); Yueqin Shen (Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University); Zhen Zhu (Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University) |
| Keywords: | climate change, household, Southeast Asia |
| Date: | 2016–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eep:pbrief:pb20160455&r=agr |
| By: | Takahashi, Ryo; Todo, Yasuyuki |
| Abstract: | Shade coffee certification programs that aim to conserve the forest have attracted an increasing amount of attention. However, there is heated debate whether certification programs create an incentive for producers to expand their coffee-growing areas. This study conducted in Ethiopia aimed to evaluate the impact of a shade coffee certification on forest degradation. Additionally, to provide empirical evidence for the debate, we examined the spillover effects of certification to surrounding forest. We used remote sensing data to identify the forest quality and applied matching methods to compare forest coffee areas with and without the certification. We found that the certified areas significantly conserved forest quality compared with the areas without certification. Furthermore, our empirical results revealed that the certification had a positive impact on the forest areas within a 100 m radius. These results indicate that the certification program is effective in alleviating forest degradation. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, International Development, Land Economics/Use, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:211939&r=agr |
| By: | Maredia, Mywish; Reyes, Bryon |
| Abstract: | Identifying and measuring the area under improved varieties and assessing varietal turnover plays a central role in varietal adoption and impact assessments. These studies have mostly relied on farmers’ responses in household surveys to estimate these indicators. This method of ‘farmer elicitation’ to estimate varietal adoption can be fairly accurate when the varietal turnover is high and the seed system is well-functioning. However, when the formal seed system is non-existent or ineffective, and farmers mostly rely on harvested grain as the main source of planting material, the reliability of estimating varietal adoption using farmer or expert elicitation method can be challenging. This symposium brings together researchers who have used the DNA-fingerprinting method for varietal identification. It provides a forum for exchange of ideas and sharing new insights on the challenges and potential of using this innovative method for estimating varietal adoption and increasing the accuracy of results of impact assessments. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, C81, C83, O3, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212226&r=agr |
| By: | Barath, Lajos; Ferto, Imre; Bojnec, Stefan |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates farm technical efficiency (TE), taking into account technological heterogeneity among farms in the case of the Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network sample of farms in the 2007-2010 period. A random parameter model is used to analyse inter- and intra-sectoral heterogeneity of farms. The empirical results confirmed that it is important to handle both inter- and intra-sectoral heterogeneity. Additionally the estimations based on propensity score matching (PSM) demonstrated that farms in less favoured areas (LFAs) are slightly technically less efficient than farms in non-LFAs. However, combined PSM and difference in difference estimator cast serious doubts that LFA farms are less efficient in terms of TE. Both groups of farms are able to adopt technologies to natural and other conditions for their operation. |
| Keywords: | technical efficiency, type of farming, less favoured areas, random parameter model, propensity score matching difference in differences, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, G22, L25, Q12, Q14, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:229061&r=agr |
| By: | Scalco, Paulo R.; Braga, Marcelo J. |
| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of market power in the wholesale market for UHT milk. The structure of this market is an oligopoly characterized as bilateral and uses the model proposed by Schroeter et al. (2000), which allows testing the hypothesis of market power without assuming the restrictive hypothesis of price-taking behavior on one side of the market. The system of nonlinear simultaneous equations that determines quantity, wholesale and retail prices of UHT milk was estimated by nonlinear generalized method of moments. Estimation of conduct parameter was 0.638, rejecting the hypothesis of a perfectly competitive market. Evidences suggest that retailers exert oligopsony power on the dairy industry; however, the distortions caused by such market power could not be quantified. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Development, Marketing, |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae15:212278&r=agr |