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on Agricultural Economics |
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Issue of 2024‒03‒25
thirty-six papers chosen by |
| By: | Dohlman, Erik; Maguire, Karen; Davis, Wilma V.; Husby, Megan; Bovay, John; Weber, Catharine; Lee, Yoonjung |
| Abstract: | Investments in alternative food production systems by public and private entities have increased in recent years. Two systems, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and agrivoltaics (AV), have been highlighted for their potential to provide socioeconomic benefits beyond food production. CEA is the use of enclosed structures—including hydroponic and vertical farming structures—for growing crops, primarily specialty crops. CEA may provide access to local production of nutritious food in communities that lack space for traditional outdoor production, improve access to local foods in urban areas, and serve as a potential tool for adapting to or mitigating climate change. The CEA sector is expanding in large part due to technological advancements. The number of CEA operations more than doubled between 2009 and 2019. Further, more than 60 percent of production for some prominent CEA crops (primarily vegetables) were grown using nontraditional technological systems in 2019. AV is the colocation of agricultural production and solar panels. AV may allow for expanded solar development to address climate change without land use conflicts associated with traditional large-scale solar developments. As of 2021, most AV sites were solar farms planted with pollinator-friendly vegetative cover that, in some cases, were grazed by sheep. Funding for research on a variety of AV systems with specialty crop and/or livestock production continues to increase. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, International Relations/Trade, Labor and Human Capital, Land Economics/Use, Livestock Production/Industries, Marketing, Production Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:340508&r=agr |
| By: | Fiona Burlig; Amir Jina; Erin M. Kelley; Gregory V. Lane; Harshil Sahai |
| Abstract: | Climate change increases weather variability, exacerbating agricultural risk in poor countries. Risk-averse farmers are unable to tailor their planting decisions to the coming season, and underinvest in profitable inputs. Accurate, long-range forecasts enable farmers to optimize for the season ahead. We experimentally evaluate monsoon onset forecasts in India, randomizing 250 villages into control; a forecast group receiving information well in advance of onset; and a benchmark index insurance group. Forecast farmers update their beliefs and their behavior: farmers who receive “bad news” relative to their priors substantially reduce land under cultivation and certain input expenditures, while those receiving “good news” significantly increase input expenditures. The forecast also impacts crop choice, as farmers tailor their investments. These investment changes meaningfully alter ex post outcomes. In contrast, insurance, which provides no information, increases investments but does not change crops. Our results demonstrate that forecasts are a promising tool for climate adaptation |
| JEL: | D81 O12 O13 Q12 Q54 |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32173&r=agr |
| By: | Pascal Raux (AMURE - Aménagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux - Centre de droit et d'économie de la mer - IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer - UBO - Université de Brest - IUEM - Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - INSU - CNRS - Institut national des sciences de l'Univers - UBO - Université de Brest - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | This training course devoted to African students and stakeholders attending the AfriMAQUA conference is part of the MARINE AQUACULTURE TRAINING WORKSHOP held in Mombasa, Kenya, 27th – 28th October 2023, in the continuation of the AfriMAQUA Conference and is part of the International Joint Laboratory action LIMAQUA. The training workshop proposed 5 courses: - Seaweeds in integrated aquaculture - Sustainable strategies for improving health of intensive aquaculture systems - Aquaculture nutrition - Remote sensing for aquaculture and - Economics of aquaculture farms The purpose of the Economics of aquaculture farms was to propose an introduction to the economics of a farm through a self-directed exercise, especially for non economists. Objective was to acquire i) a first understanding of economic and technical performance measurement of aquaculture farms, ii) an introduction to the Costs/Benefits Analysis of production systems and iii) how collecting relevant information for economic analysis. The course was structured according to the following sections: - Introduction to Aquaculture History and its dynamics - Farms and Production systems - Farms Economics - An application to the case of shrimp farming development in the Indonesian province of Lampung, Sumatra |
| Keywords: | aquaculture, economics, Economic Development, Farms and agricultural practices, Farm Profitability, Farm Accounting, shrimp culture, sustainability |
| Date: | 2023–10–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04439181&r=agr |
| By: | Matchaya, Greenwell (International Water Management Institute); Guthiga, P. |
| Keywords: | Food systems; Policies; Stakeholder engagement; Indicators; Livelihoods; Equity; Resilience; Governance; Nutrition security; Environmental factors; Infrastructure; Agricultural productivity |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h052412&r=agr |
| By: | Valdes, Constanza; Gillespie, Jeffrey; Dohlman, Erik |
| Abstract: | The production of soybeans, the fourth leading crop produced globally, is projected to reach a record level in marketing year (MY) 2023/24. Combined, soybeans and their products—soybean meal and soybean oil—are the most traded agricultural commodity, accounting for nearly 9 percent of the total value of global agricultural trade. Brazil is the world’s largest soybean producer and exporter, with the United States and Brazil jointly supplying 89 percent of soybean exports to the world in MY 2021/22 (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS], 2023). Soybeans stand out as a crucial crop in the expansion of Brazil’s farm sector and the country’s ascent as a top global supplier of agricultural products. This report focuses on the export competitiveness for soybeans in Brazil and the United States over the MY 2017/18–2021/22 periods by comparing farm-level production costs, producer returns, the cost of internal transportation, and the cost of shipping to a common export destination. With soybean production in Brazil expected to reach a record high in MY 2023/24, a weaker value of Brazil’s currency, and the country’s exporting capabilities expecting a boost (from expanding transportation infrastructure), changes in the competitiveness of Brazil will have important implications for U.S. and international agricultural markets. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, International Relations/Trade, Land Economics/Use, Livestock Production/Industries, Marketing, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2023–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:340506&r=agr |
| By: | Koopman, Robert |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, International Relations/Trade |
| Date: | 2023–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iats23:339486&r=agr |
| By: | Patrick Meyfroidt; Dilini Abeygunawardane; Matthias Baumann; Adia Bey; Ana Buchadas; Cristina Chiarella; Victoria Junquera; Angela Kronenburg Garc\'ia; Tobias Kuemmerle; Yann le Polain de Waroux; Eduardo Oliveira; Michelle Picoli; Siyu Qin; Virginia Rodriguez Garc\'ia; Philippe Rufin |
| Abstract: | Land use expansion is linked to major sustainability concerns including climate change, food security and biodiversity loss. This expansion is largely concentrated in so-called frontiers, defined here as places experiencing marked transformations due to rapid resource exploitation. Understanding the mechanisms shaping these frontiers is crucial for sustainability. Previous work focused mainly on explaining how active frontiers advance, in particular into tropical forests. Comparatively, our understanding of how frontiers emerge in territories considered marginal in terms of agricultural productivity and global market integration remains weak. We synthesize conceptual tools explaining resource and land-use frontiers, including theories of land rent and agglomeration economies, of frontiers as successive waves, spaces of territorialization, friction, and opportunities, anticipation and expectation. We then propose a new theory of frontier emergence, which identifies exogenous pushes, legacies of past waves, and actors anticipations as key mechanisms by which frontiers emerge. Processes of abnormal rent creation and capture and the built-up of agglomeration economies then constitute key mechanisms sustaining active frontiers. Finally, we discuss five implications for the governance of frontiers for sustainability. Our theory focuses on agriculture and deforestation frontiers in the tropics, but can be inspirational for other frontier processes including for extractive resources, such as minerals. |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2402.12487&r=agr |
| By: | Todd, Jessica E.; Whitt, Christine; Key, Nigel; Mandalay, Okkar |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognizes several groups of farmers who have been historically underserved by the USDA and operates several programs and policies targeting these groups. This report provides an overview of the characteristics of the farms operated by socially disadvantaged (individuals identifying as Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander), women, and limited resource producers using data from the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey. The report summarizes measures of farm financial health, credit use, agricultural program participation, and other farm-level characteristics, along with information about the principal operator and the principal operator’s household, including household income and wealth. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, Financial Economics |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:340512&r=agr |
| By: | Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Masanjala, Winford |
| Abstract: | Malawi has been at the center of the debate on agricultural input subsidies in Africa ever since it significantly expanded its fertilizer subsidy program about two decades ago. When it did so, Malawi was a trailblazer, receiving international attention for seemingly leveraging the subsidy program to move the country from a situation characterized by food deficits and widespread hunger to crop production surpluses. In this paper we trace the history of Malawi’s subsidy program over the past 70 years, describing how the country arrived at that watershed moment earlier this century and how the subsidy program has developed since. We show how donor support for the program has wavered and how external pressure to remove the subsidy has repeatedly been unsuccessful. We also demonstrate how over the years the program’s total fiscal burden has fluctuated significantly. However, we find that since the expansion of the subsidy program in 2004, the fiscal costs of the program have shown little correlation with the maize harvest that same agricultural season. We show that the subsidy program has succeeded in raising awareness about the value of the fertilizer for increased crop productivity. However, despite its continued prominence in the country’s agricultural policy, most Malawian smallholder do not manage to grow sufficient maize to feed their households throughout the year, and every year millions depend on food assistance during the worst months of the lean season. |
| Keywords: | fertilizers; subsidies; maize; food security; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Eastern Africa; Malawi |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:masspp:44&r=agr |
| By: | Gummadi Sridevi (Professor, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad India, Professor, School of Development, Azim Premji University, Bangalore, India); Amalendu Jyotishi (Professor, School of Development, Azim Premji University, Bangalore, India); Matta Srinivas (Research Assistant, UoH - IoE Project titled, “Understanding and Addressing Food and Nutrition Security issues among Vulnerable Groups: An Inter-disciplinary study in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana); Balaji (Research Associate, UoH - IoE Project titled, “Understanding and Addressing Food and Nutrition Security issues among Vulnerable Groups: An Inter-disciplinary study in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) |
| Abstract: | The causes of food insecurity are poverty (transient or chronic) and unequal access to resources. After the failure of the ‘trickle down’ approach to ensure poverty reduction, direct approach with PDS, mid- day meal, ICDS, and Urban canteens were introduced as the main safety net programs to protect the poor from potential short-run, price-induced adverse food insecurity. The direct approach of reaching food to the unreached makes the scheme effective in achieving its objective. The Telangana State Government launched GHMC Annapurna Canteens for the urban poor in GHMC region to improve the food and nutritional security in Hyderabad with eight centers in the year 2014 and has expanded to 150 centers through Hare Krishna charitable Foundation and had also expanded its prospects via. Mobile Canteens in selected areas. This initiative is appreciated by a wide spectrum of urban poor ranging from homeless to migrant workers and food delivery workers. In the beginning, the introduction of these canteens was been doubted as be effective for mitigating food insecurity and accused of being "populist". But this idea of providing inexpensive food meals in urban areas promises food security and also keeps food prices in check. Our primary data revels that urban canteens played a very crucial role during the first phase of lock down in Hyderabad. |
| Keywords: | Nutrition, food |
| JEL: | I10 I14 |
| Date: | 2023–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mad:wpaper:2023-246&r=agr |
| By: | Rana, Abdul Wajid; Gill, Sitara; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; ElDidi, Hagar |
| Abstract: | Pakistan is highly dependent on irrigated agriculture for employment, income generation and food security—around 90 percent of all food production relies on either surface or groundwater irrigation. The growing dependence of agriculture but also industries and the drinking water sector on groundwater has led to the overexploitation of groundwater resources and, in some areas, to the deterioration of groundwater quality. Fiscal incentives for solarization of irrigation/drinking water pumps are likely to further increase water withdrawals and make water governance more complex. To understand the perspectives of groundwater users, a qualitative study was conducted in the alluvial groundwater systems of Punjab as well as the hard rock systems of Balochistan. Interviews with key informants at federal, provincial, and district level were also conducted to capture insights from additional decisionmakers affecting groundwater management and governance. The study identified a series of challenges around groundwater management and use, including overexploitation of groundwater resources, worsening groundwater quality raising serious health challenges, lack of communities’ participation in decision making, particularly women, non-availability of actionable data, weak enforcement of laws and regulations relating to groundwater governance, and partisan decision-making driven by political influentials and local bureaucracies. Solarization of irrigation pumps without proper regulatory and monitoring framework is expected to exacerbate groundwater extraction and accelerate water stress. The study strongly suggests an urgent need for not only integrated water management at all levels with equitable distribution of water resources but also to engage local communities and other stakeholders, including women in water conservancy awareness campaigns, groundwater quality monitoring, and decision-making. Moreover, the management and governance of water, particularly groundwater, must be insulated from political and partisan decision making. It is equally important to look at the quality of groundwater from a wider prism, considering health and water supply, sanitation and hygiene to address the increase in water borne diseases. |
| Keywords: | agriculture; food security; groundwater irrigation; women; employment; governance |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2240&r=agr |
| By: | Kopiyawattage, Kumudu; Weerahewa, Jeevika; Roy, Devesh |
| Abstract: | Since independence, the Government of Sri Lanka has implemented various policies and initiatives to boost agricultural production. One of the enduring, costly, and politically sensitive measures aimed at promoting paddy farming has been the fertilizer subsidy program which was initiated in 1962 and continued for over six decades. Since then, the subsidy policy has undergone many changes, including the introduction of the Fertilizer Cash Grant (FCG) Program in 2016. The FCG program's key objectives were to reduce the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, promote the adoption of organic fertilizers, and empower farmers to make informed decisions regarding the use of fertilizers in appropriate quantities in their fields post soil testing. The FCG program commenced in 2016 but it lasted only for four seasons and price subsidy was reintroduced. |
| Keywords: | agricultural production; fertilizers; subsidies; farmers; cash transfers; rice; Asia; Southern Asia; Sri Lanka |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:prnote:139383&r=agr |
| By: | Anne Fournier (ERUDITE – Université Gustave Eiffel) |
| Abstract: | Feeding the expanding global population while reducing the environmental impact of farming and food supply is among the main challenges of the century. Cities, which host the large majority of the past decade demographic growth, are at the forefront. They are increasingly considering the relevance of developing policies to explicitly support less-intensive production and/or rebuild their foodshed so as to reduce their reliance on long-distance food transport. In this paper, we develop a spatial theoretical model to describe and discuss both economic and environmental implications of farming practices change and relocation strategies. We highlight that, compared to the market outcome, promoting less-intensive and local farming may improve the welfare provided that the marginal opportunity cost of urban land remains low enough. However, we also show that the conversion from conventional to alternative farming does not necessarily reduce GHG emissions and may, as a consequence, offset the positive effect on welfare. We finally conduct numerical simulations so as to illustrate the ambiguous impacts of food relocation. |
| Keywords: | Urban Foodprint, Land Allocation, Food Supply Chains, Greenhouse Gas, Sustainability |
| JEL: | F12 Q54 Q56 R12 |
| Date: | 2024–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fae:wpaper:2024.04&r=agr |
| By: | Martin, Will; Vos, Rob |
| Abstract: | Progress toward reducing global hunger has stalled since the mid-2010s. In fact, hunger is on the rise again, driven by slowing economic growth and protracted conflict, intensified by the impacts of climate change and economic shocks in many low- and middle-income countries. In addition, food systems worldwide have suffered disruptions in recent years, caused by the COVID-19-related global recession and associated supply chain disruptions, and exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. These factors have also jeopardized efforts at addressing the challenges to food system sustainability. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related sustainable development goals (SDGs), defined in 2015, recognize these challenges and set ambitious targets to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition and to make agriculture and food systems sustainable by 2030. Many other fora have restated and reiterated these ambitions, including the 2021 United Nations Food System Summit (UNFSS). While governments around the world have subscribed to these ambitions, collectively they have not been very specific as to how to achieve the SDGs and related goals and targets, except for three means of implementation (MOI) involving (i) increases in research and development, (ii) reductions in trade distortions, and (iii) improved functioning and reduced volatility in food markets. This paper is part of a wider effort at assessing the international community’s follow-through on the above ambitions and the related (implicit or explicit) commitments made toward action for achieving them. While not presenting new research findings, we bring together available evidence and scenario analyses to assess the progress made toward the ambitions for transforming food systems, the actions taken in regard of the internationally concerted agenda, and the potential for accelerating progress. The number of hungry people in the world has risen from 564 million in 2015, when the SDGs were agreed, to 735 million in 2022. While declines to between 570 and 590 million by 2030 are projected, this is far above the 470 million projected in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. The share of the world’s people unable to afford healthy diets is projected to decline from 42 percent in 2021 to a still far too high 36 percent by 2030. On the means of implementation, levels of spending on agricultural research and development have increased, particularly in key developing countries such as Brazil, China and India. However, rates of investment remain too low for comfort, particularly in low-income countries. Also, little progress has been made in reducing agricultural trade distortions and many countries continue to use trade policy measures, such as export restrictions, which have proven to increase the volatility of both world and domestic food prices. We conclude that progress toward the SDG-2 targets has been dismal, and that the food system challenges have only become bigger. But we also find that it is not too late to accelerate progress and that the desired food system transformation can still be achieved over a reasonable timespan and at manageable incremental cost. Doing so will require unprecedented concerted and coherent action on multiple fronts, which may prove the biggest obstacle of all. |
| Keywords: | food security; food systems; hunger; nutrition; diet; sustainable development goals |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2237&r=agr |
| By: | Hajer Habib (University of Tunis El-Manar); Amal Jmaii (University of Tunis El-Manar) |
| Abstract: | In this study, we assess the implications of COVID-19 shocks on household income, food security, and the role of social protection in Tunisia. We used data from the four waves of the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Survey conducted by the Economic Research Forum between February 2020 and June 2021. First, the results show that lowincome and labor income-dependent households are the most vulnerable to shocks induced by COVID-19 and that their food habits deteriorated considerably. A total of 78.4 percent of respondents declared that they are in severe food insecurity. Second, we find that food insecurity showed a higher increase in urban areas than in rural areas; self-produced food by farmers who inhabit rural areas represented a food safety net during the pandemic. Finally, households that received a social transfer did not manage to overcome severe food insecurity. The study proves that government social policies have failed to absorb the harmful effects of COVID-19. This is because social protection is mainly oriented toward retired people and excludes those who are most vulnerable to economic shocks. As a result, extending social protection coverage to households that face transitory poverty poses a challenge. |
| Date: | 2023–12–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1699&r=agr |
| By: | H, Gopi; K B, Dr. Rangappa |
| Abstract: | India is predominantly an agriculture based country. Agriculture is the source of livelihood security for majority of the rural population. Among 30 states of India, Karnataka is a major state which contributes 8.2 percent in the financial year 2010-2011 and witnessed several transformations with implementations of schemes and programmes during the period of 1970-90. Ganga Kalyana Scheme is a programme which was implemented to uplift SC/STs communities by giving subsidised bore well facilities. So the study intended to compare the socio-economic status of beneficiaries with non-beneficiaries of GKS in Karnataka. The study framed multi-stage simple random sampling design to decide the sampling and collected information directly from the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries by using proper questionnaire schedule with personal interview and analysed the data with Chi-square, t-test and Extension exposure scores. Finally, this programme has induced our benefitted farmers to have a better socio-economic condition compared to non-benefitted farmers of Ganga Kalyana Scheme. |
| Keywords: | Socio-Economic, Beneficiaries, Non-beneficiaries, SC/ST, Subsidy. |
| JEL: | I31 I38 J1 J18 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 R23 R5 R51 R53 R58 |
| Date: | 2023–04–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:120255&r=agr |
| By: | Nigussie, Likimyelesh (International Water Management Institute); Minh, Thai Thi (International Water Management Institute); Schmitter, Petra (International Water Management Institute) |
| Keywords: | Gender mainstreaming; Small-scale irrigation; Institutional development; Irrigation development; Development projects; Gender-transformative approaches; Strategies; Women farmers; Gender equality; Equal rights; Participatory approaches; Decision making; Smallholders; Farmer-led irrigation |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h052414&r=agr |
| By: | Kevin Randy Chemo Dzukou (SMART - Structures et Marché Agricoles, Ressources et Territoires - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Rennes Angers - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement); Sabine Duvaleix (SMART - Structures et Marché Agricoles, Ressources et Territoires - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Rennes Angers - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement); Karine Latouche (SMART - Structures et Marché Agricoles, Ressources et Territoires - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Rennes Angers - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the relationship between innovation and export performance. More specifically, we highlight the effect of the introduction of new products on the quality and prices charged by firms in international markets. Based on Hallak and Sivadasan (2013)'s theoretical work, we develop a model to explain the mechanism underlying the relationship between innovation and product quality. Using a unique database of new product launches combined with data on production and trade in the French dairy industry, we tested this mechanism in several ways. Our results show that the export prices charged by the firms increase after the introduction of a new product in a given market. We also show that the projected quality of the new product increases after its introduction in a given market. This confirms the quality-upgrading effect of innovation at product level. These results are highly robust econometrically. |
| Keywords: | New product introduction, Export prices, Quality upgrading, Quality differentiation |
| Date: | 2023–05–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04452985&r=agr |
| By: | Edge, Brittani (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign); Mieno, Taro; Bullock, David S. |
| Abstract: | This work summarizes the challenges brought to data processing in the context of on-farm precision experiments (OFPE). We review the errors and proposed data cleaning from previous literature on cleaning agricultural data and discuss how these previous methods can or cannot be applied to agricultural data from an OFPE. Finally, we present the details of the DIFM data processing protocol and where it can be improved based on the literature. |
| Date: | 2024–02–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:n9rgu&r=agr |
| By: | Mikhail Miklyaev (Cambridge Resource International Inc.); Alan S. Wyatt (Cambridge Resources International Inc.); Ridha Drebika (Cambridge Resources International Inc.); Owotomiwa (Christiana) Olubamiro (Cambridge Resources International Inc.); Glenn P. Jenkins (Department of Economics, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, CARBET, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus, and Cambridge Resource International Inc.) |
| Abstract: | The study delves into the economic valuation of water supply projects, assessing not just traditional cost components but also the broader implications of non-market externalities. By employing contingent valuation, it gauges the public's willingness to pay for investment in the reliability and quality of water services. Furthermore, the approach includes a detailed examination of water supply variability, using statistical methods to model and predict the stability of different water sources. An application of the analytical framework is carried out for Morocco. In this study Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is applied to water resource management. It forges a nuanced balance between ensuring a reliable water supply and maintaining economic efficiency in water projects. At a time when water scarcity and climate uncertainty pose complex challenges, the use of the Simulation and Portfolio Optimization Tool (SPOT) developed in this study provides a sophisticated framework for the evaluation and selection of water source portfolios. SPOT equips policymakers with a robust tool for developing water management strategies that are both adaptable to changing environmental conditions and grounded in economic reality. The insights provided by this research contribute to the strategic planning and economic efficiency in the design of water systems, highlighting the critical intersections of cost, reliability, and supply variability. It marks a pragmatic progression in resource management, aiming to align the stewardship of water resources with both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. |
| Keywords: | water supply projects, contingent valuation, willingness to pay, water service reliability, water service quality, water supply variability, Morocco, Modern Portfolio Theory, water resource management, economic efficiency, water source portfolios, policymaking, strategic planning, resource management, environmental sustainability. |
| Date: | 2024–02–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qed:dpaper:4614&r=agr |
| By: | Antoine Castet (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, UMR D&S, Paris, France); Racha Ramadan (Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University) |
| Abstract: | The COVID-19 pandemic may have threatened food security, an important issue for economic development. In this paper, we use surveys on five MENA countries to assesses the food insecurity situation during the pandemic. Using descriptive statistics and the logit method, we show that characteristics such as age, income, and being employed increase/decrease the level of food insecurity of an individual. We also examine the government policies implemented during the period, such as stay-at-home requirements. To this end, we use a new instrument variable for COVID-19, the Google Trends index. We show that these policies have no significant effect on food insecurity. |
| Date: | 2023–12–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1701&r=agr |
| By: | Greehy, P.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah (International Water Management Institute); Nortje, Karen (International Water Management Institute) |
| Keywords: | Gender equality; Social inclusion; Strategies; Frameworks; Agribusiness; Women farmers; Youth; Capacity development; Training; Women's empowerment |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h052419&r=agr |
| By: | Shahe Emran, M.; Ferreira, Francisco; Jiang, Yajing; Sun, Yan |
| Abstract: | We extend the Becker-Tomes model to a rural economy with farm-nonfarm occupational dualism to study intergenerational educational mobility in rural China and India. Using data free of coresidency bias, we find that fathers’ nonfarm occupation and education were complementary in determining sons schooling in India, but separable in China. Sons faced lower mobility in India irrespective of fathers’ occupation. Sensitivity analysis using the Altonji et al. (J. Polit. Econ. 113(1), 151–84, 2005) approach suggests that genetic correlations alone could explain the intergenerational persistence in China, but not in India. Farm-nonfarm differences in returns to education, and geographic mobility are plausible mechanisms behind the contrasting cross-country evidence. |
| Keywords: | educational mobility; rural economy; occupational dualism; farm-nonfarm; complementarity; coresidency bias; China; India; This project was partially funded by World Bank RSB.; Springer deal |
| JEL: | O12 J62 |
| Date: | 2023–11–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:120490&r=agr |
| By: | Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica |
| Abstract: | The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented the Nigeria Value Chain Development Program (VCDP) across six Nigerian states with the objective to improve farmer organizations’ collective efficacy, and alleviate poverty via improving rice and cassava production, farmers’ incomes, and value chain integration. The VCDP incorporated a gender-sensitive design to target women beneficiaries and improve empowerment by expanding access to training, opportunities, and resources. The VCDP also aimed to improve local infrastructure. This study presents qualitative findings from the VCDP impact evaluation. Four communities from two of the six treatment states were selected for this study: Niger and Anambra. Across study areas, sex disaggregated key-informant interview were conducted with 10 service providing agents (technical and capacity building), 8 farmer organization leaders, 14 producers, 13 processors, and 15 marketers. And 8 sex disaggregated FGDs were conducted with members of farmer organizations; 2 FGDs were also conducted with youth-only farmer organizations. Service providing agents found general success in delivering services to beneficiaries and benefitted themselves by working for the VCDP. Agents developed new skills that better enabled them to deliver services, and they benefitted from higher social standings as a result of their work. The VCDP was generally well received and improved target farmer organizations’ collective efficacy. These factors lead to improved rice and cassava production and processing, increasing access to necessary resources for value chain actors, and fostering cross node integration. Beneficiaries found that the different VCDP technical trainings that supported linkages to buyers were particularly useful for improving their outcomes within the value chains. Additionally, VCDP supported infrastructure development positively impacted value chain actors, particularly women, by reducing the time they spent on certain domestic chores and facilitated their ability to better participate in value chain activities. Some challenges persisted. Cultural norms restricted interaction between men and women in Niger state. Weak governance of participating farmer organizations, high levels of corruption, and security concerns that limited mobility and access to remote areas were especially challenging. Beneficiaries also noted that access to suitable financing was a significant challenge; the VCDP is rolling out a new financial linkages component to address this directly in 2020. Finally, beneficiaries were sometimes frustrated with what was perceived as unmet expectations or slow delivery of services by VCDP. In future iterations of VCDP and similar programs, it is recommended to continue strengthening the capacity building services to improve organizations’ collective efficacy, embed anti-corruption measures to ensure all intended beneficiaries have access to program resources, ensure appropriate and timely delivery of services to meet beneficiaries’ needs, and to strengthen the gender component of the program by increasing gender-sensitization trainings for beneficiaries, further targeting women beneficiaries for inclusion, and delivering context-specific solutions that enable all women beneficiaries have equal access to program support and resources. |
| Keywords: | agricultural development; collective action; farmers organizations; value chains; poverty |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2234&r=agr |
| By: | Nina Graveline (UMR Innovation - Innovation et Développement dans l'Agriculture et l'Alimentation - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement); Jean-Marc Touzard (UMR Innovation - Innovation et Développement dans l'Agriculture et l'Alimentation - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) |
| Keywords: | Démarche participative, Adaptation au changement climatique, Echelle locale |
| Date: | 2022–06–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03723720&r=agr |
| By: | Galarza, Francisco (Universidad del Pacífico); Kámiche Zegarra, Joanna (Universidad del Pacífico); Gómez de Zea, Rosario (Universidad del Pacífico) |
| Abstract: | We study the role of subnational institutions in forest conservation in a context in which areas near roads are prone to deforestation. We develop an index of institutionalism to examine the extent to which local institutions can contribute to mitigate the road infrastructure’s adverse effect on deforestation. Using a large dataset from Peru, home to the second largest portion of the Amazon rainforest, we find that a higher value of our index of local institutions is significantly correlated with lower deforestation. However, the effect of our institutions index is not sufficiently large to offset the deforesting effect that closeness to roads has, at least not for relatively short distances to road. These results are robust to different specifications of our institutions index and to the inclusión of a large set of control variables. |
| Keywords: | Environment and development, deforestation, infrastructure, institutions. |
| JEL: | D02 O18 Q56 |
| Date: | 2023–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pai:wpaper:23-03&r=agr |
| By: | Meelad, A.; Shah, Muhammad Azeem Ali (International Water Management Institute); Lautze, Jonathan (International Water Management Institute) |
| Keywords: | Transboundary waters; River basins; Sustainability; Water resources; Water sharing; Methodology |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h052168&r=agr |
| By: | Headey, Derek D.; Venkat, Aishwarya |
| Abstract: | Climate change is resulting in increased frequency of extreme weather events, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) already characterized by highly vulnerable malnourished populations. Unsurprisingly, there are many empirical studies of the linkages between extreme weather events and undernutrition, especially stunting and wasting in early childhood, and several existing reviews of this literature. However, the quality of empirical studies in this highly multi-disciplinary literature is uneven, and existing reviews do exhaustively illustrate the potential pitfalls of climate-nutrition analyses. In this more critical review, we therefore have five objectives. First, to map out the existing literature, particularly in terms of the types of dependent and independent variables used, the geographies in which different studies focus their analysis, and the types of statistical methods used. Our second objective is to illustrate the empirical limitations and pitfalls of this literature through a more critical review. Our third objective is to be critically constructive, by developing a checklist of good practices for analytical studies in this literature, which we hope will be formalized and broadly adopted. Our fourth objective is to illustrate the usefulness of these good practices through a deep dive into what we consider an exemplary study in the literature from Blom et al. (2022). Our final objective is to identify possible steps for new types of survey methods and data collection, actions for the adoption of best-practice analytical methods and identify important research questions for future research. |
| Keywords: | capacity development; climate change; nutrition; undernutrition; extreme weather events; stunting; wasting disease (nutritional disorder) |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2236&r=agr |
| By: | J V M Sarma ((Corresponding Author)Professor in charge of the Centre for Public Finance, Madras School of Economics, Chennai) |
| Abstract: | Non-tax revenues in the form of cost recoveries of public services provided by governments are the most important source of revenue for urban local governments in India. However, most governments lack rational pricing policy for these services and generally charge token prices, which may hardly relate to their supply and distribution costs. The financial sustainability of the drinking water supply system involves ‘cost recovery’ principle, and the tariff rate structures should be designed in such a way that revenue yield should compensate the operation and maintenance cost. However, the current water pricing practices are deficient in the sense that often the price of urban water supply is lower than the costs incurred for its provision. In this paper it is attempted to design an objective tariff system that is efficient, adequate, equitable and is suitable for recovery of the costs involved in the drinking water sector. The model basically aims at linking the water tariff rates to the volumetric consumption of water, with adequate progressivity. |
| Date: | 2023–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mad:wpaper:2023-244&r=agr |
| By: | Bao-We-Wal Bambe; Jean-Louis Combes; Pascale Combes Motel; Chantale Riziki Oweggi |
| Abstract: | We investigate the impact of climate change on firms’ investment in research and development (R&D) in developing countries. The paper relies on two contrasting hypotheses. In the first hypothesis, we speculate an optimistic situation where climate change could induce firms to spend on R&D to both reduce their environmental impact and curb the effects of future climate shocks. In the second hypothesis, we propose a pessimistic scenario where climate change would reduce firms’ incentives to invest in R&D. This second hypothesis would mainly be due to tighter conditions for access to finance from lenders, given the increased uncertainty about the firm’s future returns in the face of climate change. The empirical results support the second scenario, small firms being more severely affected. Furthermore, we examine the underlying mechanisms and identify financial access as the key channel through which climate change reduces R&D investment. |
| Keywords: | Climate change • Firm innovation • Developing Countries |
| JEL: | D22 O3 Q54 |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ise:remwps:wp03122024&r=agr |
| By: | Jean Marie Cardebat (BSE - Bordeaux Sciences Economiques - UB - Université de Bordeaux - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Keywords: | Vin, Consommation, Marketing, Alcool, Industrie viticole, Dry January |
| Date: | 2024–01–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04452617&r=agr |
| By: | Chagas, André Luis Squarize (Departamento de Economia, Universidade de São Paulo); Andrade, Luiza (Departamento de Economia, Universidade de São Paulo) |
| Abstract: | Difference-in-differences (DID) has long been a staple in estimating treatment effects in applied econometrics, with recent advancements relaxing traditional assumptions to explore heterogeneous and spillover effects. While heterogeneous effects analysis examines causal impacts across diverse groups and periods, spillover effects analysis delves into the influence of treatments on neighboring units. Incorporating spatial dependence within the DID framework, Spatial Difference-in-Differences (SDID) models have emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing such effects, particularly in settings where observations represent fixed geographical units. This study contributes to the literature by explicitly formalizing underlying assumptions and employing an SDID model to analyze the impact of Brazil’s Priority Municipalities List on deforestation in the Amazon region. Utilizing both traditional DID and SDID methodologies, we uncover significant reductions in deforestation odds ratios within listed municipalities and neighboring unlisted municipalities. Furthermore, we introduce an event study approach linked with SDID to explore the policy’s anticipatory effects. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of the Priority Municipalities List in curbing deforestation and highlight the importance of spatially explicit methodologies in environmental policy evaluation. This article advances methodological discussions surrounding SDID estimation and provides empirical insights into the efficacy of targeted environmental policies in combating deforestation in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon. |
| Keywords: | Spatial diff-in-diff; spillover effects; spatial event study; causal inference; deforestation; Brazilian Amazon |
| JEL: | C21 C23 K32 Q50 R11 |
| Date: | 2024–03–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:nereus:2024_002&r=agr |
| By: | Apondi, M.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah (International Water Management Institute); Nortje, Karen (International Water Management Institute) |
| Keywords: | Gender equality; Social inclusion; Strategies; Frameworks; Agribusiness; Women; Youth; Empowerment; Capacity development; Decision making; Markets; Agrifood systems; Policies; Innovation; Civil society |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwt:bosers:h052418&r=agr |
| By: | Andre, Peter; Boneva, Teodora; Chopra, Felix; Falk, Armin |
| Abstract: | We document the individual willingness to act against climate change and study the role of social norms in a large sample of US adults. Individual beliefs about social norms positively predict pro-climate donations, comparable in strength to universal moral values and economic preferences such as patience and reciprocity. However, we document systematic misperceptions of social norms. Respondents vastly underestimate the prevalence of climate-friendly behaviors and norms. Correcting these misperceptions in an experiment causally raises individual willingness to act against climate change as well as individual support for climate policies. The effects are strongest for individuals who are skeptical about the existence and threat of global warming. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, climate behavior, climate policies, social norms, misperception, beliefs, economic preferences, moral values, survey experiments |
| JEL: | D64 D83 D91 Q51 Q54 Z13 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:safewp:284397&r=agr |
| By: | Zakary Rodrigue Diakit\'e |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the demand for lamb, beef, pork, and poultry in Canada, both at the national level and in disaggregated provinces, to identify meat consumption patterns in different provinces. Meat consumption plays a significant role in Canada's economy and is an important source of calories for the population. However, meat demand faces several consumption challenges due to logistic constraints, as a significant portion of the supply is imported from other countries. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the causal relationships underlying lamb, beef, pork, and poultry consumption in Canada. Until recently, there have been no attempts to estimate meat consumption at the provincial level in Canada. Different Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) models have been applied for testing specifications to circumvent several econometric and theoretical problems. In particular, generalized AIDS and its Quadratic extension QUAIDS methods have been estimated across each province using the Iterative Linear Least Squares Estimator (ILLE) estimation Method. Weekly retail meat consumption price and quantity data from 2019 to 2022 have been used for Canada and for each province namely Quebec, Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), Ontario, total West (Yukon, Northwest Territory and Nunavut), Alberta, Manitoba-Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as British Columbia. Consistent coefficients and demand elasticities estimates reveal patterns of substitution and/or complementarity between the four categories of meat. Meat consumption patterns differ across each province. Results show that the demand for the four categories of meat is responsive to price changes. Overall, lamb expenditure was found to be elastic and thus considered a luxury good during the study period, while the other three categories are considered normal goods across Canada. |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2402.13439&r=agr |
| By: | Chabé-Ferret, Sylvain; Le Coent, Philippe; Lefebvre, Caroline; Salanié, François; Subervie, Julie; Thoyer, Sophie; Préget, Raphaele |
| Abstract: | Nudges are increasingly used to alter the behavior of economic agents as an alternative to monetary incentives. However, little is known as to whether nudges can backfire, that is, how and when they may generate effects opposite to those they intend to achieve. We provide the first field evidence of a nudge that is designed to encourage pro-environmental behavior, which instead backfires. We randomly allocate a social comparison nudge inviting winegrowers to adopt biological pest control as an alternative to chemical pesticide use. We find that our nudge decreases by half the adoption of biological pest control among the largest vineyards, where the bulk of adoption occurs. We show that this result can be rationalized in an economic model where winegrowers and winegrower-cooperative man-agers bargain over future rents generated by the adoption of biological pest control. This study highlights the importance of experimenting on a small scale with nudges aimed at encouraging adoption of virtuous behaviors in order to detect unexpected adverse effects, particularly in contexts where negotiations on the sharing of the costs of adoption are likely to occur. |
| Keywords: | Nudges; Behavioral Economics; Pesticides; Government Policy |
| JEL: | D90 Q25 Q58 |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:129130&r=agr |