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on Agricultural Economics |
| By: | Amare, Mulubrhan; Ambler, Kate; Bamiwuye, Temilolu; Bloem, Jeffrey; Misra, Rewa; Wagner, Julia |
| Abstract: | Smallholder farmers in northeastern Nigeria face interrelated challenges of food insecurity, climate volatility, and conflict. Northeastern Nigeria has some of the highest levels of food insecurity in Nigeria (UNICEF, 2023), and more volatile rainy seasons have led to massive floods, depleted soil quality, and disrupted agricultural growing seasons. The changing climate, therefore, presents challenges for improving agricultural productivity and addressing food insecurity. Additionally, millions in the region have fled their homes due to conflict between pastoralist livestock herders and settled agricultural communities over land use and extremism (International Crisis Group, 2023; McGuirk and Nunn, 2023). Exposure to conflict itself contributes to reduced agricultural production (Adelaja and George, 2019) and increased food insecurity (George et al., 2020). Studies also indicate a decade-long increase in conflict levels, where poverty is associated with sustained conflicts. Northeast Nigeria is notably affected, with 49 per cent of households experiencing conflict between 2010 and 2017 (Azad et al., 2018). |
| Keywords: | biofortification; farm inputs; smallholder; food insecurity; climate variability; growth chambers; conflicts; agricultural production; Nigeria; Africa; Western Africa |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:cgiarp:149338 |
| By: | Maruejols, Lucie; Jaiswal, Ritu K.; Sibhatu, Kibrom T. |
| Abstract: | Global warming-induced climate change presents a significant threat to agriculture and food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like India. This study explores whether home-produced food can act as a source of resilience or vulnerability in the face of climate change. Using comprehensive national data from the National Sample Survey (NSS) 68th round and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the paper quantifies the food consumption and security role of home-produced food across various Indian regions and examines the implications of climate-induced yield changes on food security. The study employs a deep learning approach to model the complex, non-linear relationships between climate change, agricultural yields, and household food consumption. Preliminary findings suggest that home produced food plays a critical role in food consumption and security, especially in rural areas. However, increased dependence on home production could heighten vulnerability to climate anomalies. While home-produced food has the potential to enhance resilience, its role must be carefully supported through policies that provide tools and knowledge for better agricultural practices. Conversely, if market participation increases, ensuring effective market functioning and affordable nutritious food becomes crucial. The study findings provide valuable insights for policymakers on balancing home production and market reliance in the context of climate change. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344295 |
| By: | Happy, Fardous Ara; Hess, Sebastian |
| Abstract: | Dairy production is an important income generating activity for smallholders in Bangladesh. However, milk production in Bangladesh is known to be of poor average quality and high losses due to limited and heterogeneous milk hygiene and food safety practices on farms and during milk collection. Dairy farmers in three agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh were surveyed in order to analyze their choice of dairy markets in relation to their food safety practices. After controlling for farm and household characteristics, physical infrastructure, type of delivery relationships and nominal milk prices received, we find that a particular group of farmers tends to maintain relatively high levels of food safety practices while receiving above average milk prices. Surprisingly, these farmers tend to choose local or traditional markets due to the absence of formal incentives for high food safety practices in cooperatives or among private dairy processors. Instead, informal institutions likely enable dairy farmers with above average food safety standards to negotiate higher prices in the local village surroundings. Regarding the transformation of Bangladesh’s dairy sector towards more productivity, this finding highlights the importance to implement formal testing procedures and establish price related incentives that will reward above average food safety and milk hygiene. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Marketing |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344304 |
| By: | Sakketa, Tekalign Gutu; Nkonde, Chewe; Nkonde, Mwelwa; Herrmann, Raoul |
| Abstract: | Nucleus-outgrower schemes (NOSs) are supposed to be a particularly effective private-sector mechanism to support smallholder farmers and contribute towards mitigating the problematic aspects of pure large- scale agricultural investments. Using two rounds of panel household surveys in Zambia, this study examines the impacts of the NOS of one of the largest foreign land-based investments in agriculture, Amatheon Agri Zambia (AAZ) Limited, on smallholder agricultural technologies adoption, sustainable land management (SLM) and productivity. The findings indicate that participation in the NOS increased the adoption of full- suite conservation agriculture (CA) practices. However, the impact on the adoption of other technologies, specifically the use of improved seed varieties, is less obvious and depends on the type of support provided and scheme design details such as crops promoted. The results also indicate that even if the impact on overall productivity is modest, the programme improves maize productivity during its initial phase compared to the later phase when the programme shifted its focus towards oilseed crops. In sum, the study suggests that NOSs, despite associated risks, have the potential to make substantial contribution to sustainable agricultural practices and to some extent improve productivity of smallholder farmers. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344286 |
| By: | Ngango, Jules; Musabanganji, Edouard; Maniriho, Aristide; Nkikabahizi, Ferdinand; Mukamuhire, Anitha; Ng’ombe, John N. |
| Abstract: | This study utilizes an endogenous switching regression model, complemented with coarsened exact matching, to ascertain the effects of adopting agroforestry on household food security. Our analysis employs data from a sample of 615 farms in Southern Rwanda. The findings indicate that the main determinants of agroforestry adoption include secure land tenure, membership in cooperatives, access to credit, household size, and farmers' awareness of agroforestry practices. Findings highlight the substantial contributions of agroforestry to food security, with adopters experiencing 19.81 percentage points higher food consumption scores compared to non-adopters. Moreover, the results reveal potential benefits for non-adopters through agroforestry adoption, thereby suggesting that even individuals who do not currently engage in agroforestry could enhance their food security by considering adoption. These insights emphasize the long-term potential of promoting agroforestry for current and prospective adopters. Policies reinforcing land security, supporting cooperatives, providing accessible credit, and promoting farmer sensitization are crucial for encouraging agroforestry adoption and improving food security. By identifying key determinants and quantifying impacts, this study offers targeted guidance for interventions that leverage agroforestry as a sustainable solution to enhance household food security |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344269 |
| By: | Yadav, Nishi |
| Abstract: | Sustainability is threatened by the changing climate, especially in the agricultural sector. The consequences of this changing climate can have strong repercussions on food security by affecting productivity through hazards like droughts and floods. The study employs a climate risk assessment, considering hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, aligning with SDG 13's goals. The study creates a climate risk index for 26 major states of India which correspond to different agro climatic zones. The study also explores the relationship between climate risk and rice productivity in Indian states using a panel data regression analysis. The results show that states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are most susceptible to climate risks. Whereas states such as Bihar, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand are least susceptible to climate risk. The regression analysis results show a negative relationship between climate risk and rice yield, indicating that an increase in climate risk can severely affect rice productivity and India’s food security. Since India is the second largest exporter of rice, climate risk can have global consequences. The results indicate immediate region-specific adaptation measures and advocate for sustainable mitigation practices. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344338 |
| By: | Diro, Samuel; Mohammed, Ali; Getahun, Wudineh; Mamo, Tadele |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to estimate the technical efficiency measures of wheat-producing farmers in Ethiopia using the stochastic frontier panel model. Data from 3482 farm households collected in two rounds of panels (2011 and 2014) was used to estimate the Translog stochastic frontier production function and factors influencing technical efficiency with a one-step maximum likelihood estimator. The production frontier function involves land, seed, inorganic nitrogen, pesticide, oxen power, and labor. The model showed that more than 95% of the total variation in output was a result of factors within the control of the farmer. The result also indicated that land, seed, nitrogen, and pesticide had significant positive effects on wheat output. Most sustainable agricultural practices and plot characteristics included in the production frontier had positive effects on wheat production. The covariates such as gender and education of the household head, credit access, and livestock holding were important in reducing the inefficiency of the wheat producers. However, land size was found to increase the inefficiency of wheat producers. The mean technical efficiency of 2011 and 2014 was 65.3 and 65.4 which was not significant implying limited technological and institutional progress in the wheat sector between the study time. Results revealed that on average wheat output can be increased by 35 percent without additional inputs. Improved access to direct inputs and identified environmental and socioeconomic factors are important in attaining a higher frontier in wheat production in Ethiopia. |
| Keywords: | Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344277 |
| By: | Cavalcanti, Francisco; Helfand, Steven M.; Moreira, Ajax |
| Abstract: | Climate change is likely to impact the occurrence of natural disasters such as drought. This paper calculates a standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and uses it to analyze the frequency, duration and severity of drought in Brazil (1901-2020). Second, the study uses annual panel data to estimate the causal effects of drought on agricultural production (1974- 2019), and calculates the distribution of impacts across municipalities. Third, the paper compares annual panel and long difference estimates to shed light on adaptation/intensification over a longer period. Finally, by combining the panel estimates with seven CMIP6 global climate models, the study provides a range of projections for drought impacts (2025-2075). Results indicate that drought severity increased substantially in the second half of the 20th century and again in the 2010s. Estimates show that ten percent of the time droughts reduced municipal production by about 25% or more, with considerable spatial heterogeneity. Long difference estimates indicate intensification in response to more extreme droughts, and (statistically insignificant) adaptation at the median. A substantial risk to agricultural production is identified in the 21st century, especially under more pessimistic global warming scenarios, with annual losses rising to over 35% by 2075. Policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344267 |
| By: | Crawford, Eric; Weber, Michael T.; Staatz, John M. |
| Abstract: | The history of agricultural economics and related international activities in AEC/AFRE has roots all the way back to faculty activity in the early 1920s and 1930s in the agricultural economics section of the Economics Department, and in the Department of Farm Management in the College of Agriculture. When the standalone Department of Agricultural Economics (AEC) (now called Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE)) was formed in 1949 by joining these two groups, activities began to increase with new faculty interests, resources and changing international problems and opportunities. From the outset, AEC/AFRE tenure-stream as well as fixed-term faculty, graduate students and host-country research collaborators have been instrumental in carrying out high-quality and relationship-building outputs, and in gaining resources for these efforts. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Crop Production/Industries, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2024–08–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midasp:344559 |
| By: | Ume, Chukwuma; Ume, Sunny |
| Abstract: | This study, conducted in Southeast Nigeria, investigates the impact of Smart Alternate Wetting and Drying (SAID) on sustainable rice farming, using a randomised controlled trial and focusing on water use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. The research involved a pilot project with 15 rice farms, categorized into three groups employing SAID, manual Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and continuous irrigation methods. The results revealed that SAID led to a 30% reduction in water usage compared to continuous irrigation and significantly lowered methane emissions. These findings corroborate global research advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. The integration of digital technology in SAID resolved the limitations associated with manual AWD, potentially making agriculture more appealing to younger generations. This study not only confirms SAID's effectiveness in enhancing water conservation and reducing environmental impact but also suggests its applicability as a scalable solution for rice cultivation. The research supports the advancement of climate-smart agricultural technologies, which are crucial for addressing global challenges of water scarcity and environmental sustainability in farming. |
| Keywords: | Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344260 |
| By: | Rutledge, Zachariah; Taylor, J. Edward; Whitney, Edward |
| Abstract: | Recent studies reveal that the supply of farm workers from rural Mexico, the main source of labor for California agriculture, is decreasing (Charlton and Taylor, 2016). Because the vast majority of hired farm workers in the United States are from Mexico, a negative trend in farm labor migration from Mexico creates challenges for California farmers. For example, Rutledge and Mérel (2022) find that the declining farm labor supply could have economically significant impacts for California’s specialty crop producers, with potential losses in the billions of dollars over the course of a decade. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Labor and Human Capital, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midasp:344496 |
| By: | Weerahewa, Jeevika; de Alwis, Tharakabhanu; Dharmakeerthi, Saman; Nagarajan, Latha; Stewart, Zachary |
| Abstract: | The government of Sri Lanka has introduced a mix of controversial fertilizer policies amid its economic crisis. The objective of this study is to assesses economic feasibility of a range of fertilizer technologies and strategies being introduced for paddy based dry zone agricultural systems of the country. A linear programming model was developed for a small paddy land holder considering maximization of profits as the objective and lowland and highland extents, labor, irrigation water, subsistence consumption, and financial resources allocated for fertilizers as constraints. The simulation scenarios included tax on urea-based fertilizers, increase in the cash grant provided to farmers, innovative marketing arrangements for environmentally friendly products and innovative fertilizer technologies. The results of the simulation experiments provide some quantitative estimates on the magnitude of changes in farm enterprise profits, nitrogen usage by the crops, and wastage of nitrogen from the system owing to the policy changes. The simulation exercises underscored the positive impact of incorporating slow-releasing fertilizer types on farm enterprise profits and nitrogen wastage from the system, contingent upon the financial viability of such fertilizers. The study offers insights into the interplay of policy interventions in shaping the profitability and environmental dynamics of dry zone farming in Sri Lanka. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344278 |
| By: | Sahoo, Dukhabandhu; Behera, Jayanti; Biswas, Chandrima |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to explore the determinants of the use of climate smart agriculture technology (CSAT) among agrarian households of Odisha, India. The effect of climate change and the consequent unpredictability of weather patterns make agricultural production vulnerable. It calls for a solution wherein it is required to transform the existing agricultural practices to make it more efficient, more productive and less prone to climate change. So, the farm inputs should be more adaptive that can be ushered in by adopting CSAT by the practitioners. It is a smart agriculture process that minimizes the negative effect of climate change on agricultural production and contributes towards sustainable agricultural system. The result of the Fractional and Beta regression reveals that higher the level of social capital, higher is the intensity of the use of CSAT by the households. The use of CSAT is less in households that are female headed and belong to the scheduled tribes in comparison to the households that are male headed and belong to the scheduled castes. However, the households having knowledge about the technology use it more than the households with no knowledge of CSAT. The households who think that CSAT is not women-friendly use the technology more in comparison to households that think that women do not have the skills to use the technology. The intensity of the use of CSAT is higher for households where the female takes agricultural decisions. Further, the use of CSAT is less in families where land is owned by the male members only. This calls for institutional arrangements to ensure wider usage of social capital, land ownership by the female members and their economic empowerment by providing them better wages and livelihood so that agrarian households will be interested to use CSAT in agriculture that can ultimately cater to the growing demand of food. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaewp:344215 |
| By: | Ashok Gulati (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Purvi Thangaraj (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)) |
| Abstract: | This brief discusses that the budget for the rural-agrarian sector is heavily skewed towards welfare measures and raises questions whether this is the most effective use of these funds. Despite Union government's focus on rural areas through various schemes to build toilets, and houses, and provide drinking water, rural roads, electricity supply, and free rations, rural incomes are not improving at a rate that can create significant demand for non-agri products at a scale. Therefore, augmenting rural incomes should be the main concern. To improve rural incomes, there is a need to shift to higher productivity, non-farm jobs. This could involve building rural infrastructure or urban development, requiring massive investments in skill development for higher productivity jobs. Industry participation is crucial for training people for meaningful employment. Within agriculture (engaging 45.8 percent of the workforce in 2022-23, PLFS), the focus should move from basic staples, like rice, to high-value agriculture such as poultry, fishery, dairy, and fruits and vegetables. With the rise in climate change-induced extreme weather events, India needs to invest in agriculture research and development (agri-R&D) and agri-extension towards climate-smart agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Re-aligning Agriculture Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, Subsidy, Agriculture R&D, Union Budget, Fertilizer Subsidy |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdc:ppaper:22 |
| By: | Elia Moretti; Michael Benzaquen |
| Abstract: | Biodiversity loss driven by agricultural intensification is a pressing global issue, with significant implications for ecosystem stability and human well-being. We design an integrated bio-economic agent-based model, informed by historical data from the French agricultural sector, to project future biodiversity trends and evaluate policy interventions. Our model predicts further biodiversity decline under a business-as-usual scenario, primarily due to intensified land consolidation. We evaluate two policy options: reducing pesticide use and subsidizing small farmers. While pesticide reduction rapidly benefits biodiversity in the beginning, it eventually leads to increased land consolidation and further biodiversity loss. In contrast, subsidizing small farmers by reallocating a small fraction of existing subsidies, stabilizes farm sizes and enhances biodiversity in the long run. The most effective strategy results from combining both policies, leveraging pesticide reduction alongside targeted subsidies to balance economic pressures and consistently improve biodiversity. |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2407.19749 |
| By: | Santeramo, Fabio Gaetano; Jelliffe, Jeremy; Hoekman, Bernard |
| Abstract: | The evolution of agricultural value chains is influenced by numerous societal and economic dynamics, including trade and servicification of the economy. In this paper we analyze margins along agrifood value chains, proxied by the share of the Global Food Dollar accruing to farmers, controlling for differences in GDP and economic development levels. International trade and the increasingly diverse roles played by services in upstream and downstream activities shape the distribution of the value-added generated along the value chains. Trade regimes and services that favour domestic processing of agricultural products increase the farm share. |
| Keywords: | Farm share; agri-food value chains; vertical linkages; structural transformation |
| JEL: | F14 O13 Q13 Q17 Q18 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121610 |
| By: | Dam, Adrita; Chatterjee, Soumitra; Kumar, Pramod |
| Abstract: | In India large proportion of population (54.6%) depends on agriculture for their livelihood contributing 17.4% of the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term performance of the Rice-Wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India over five decades (1970-71 to 2019-20). Assessing Total Factor productivity (TFP) across major states, the study reveals a troubling stagnation and decline in TFP for Rice, Wheat and the combined cropping system. Factors such as rising input costs, changing labour dynamics, ground water depletion and state-specific practices significantly impact productivity. Punjab benefits from progressive labour and mechanization, while Haryana faces declining productivity due to groundwater depletion. Uttar Pradesh realizes positive impacts from fertilizer use, while Bihar and west Bengal’s reliance on traditional practices hampers productivity. Socio-economic factors like Net National Income and rural electrification affect TFP, highlighting complex influences on agricultural productivity. The study recommends institutional and structural changes, suggesting privatization through contract farming to enhance efficiency and knowledge among cultivators. Addressing these challenges is crucial for revitalizing agricultural productivity in the region, demanding a multifaceted approach encompassing technological innovation, sustainable practices and inclusive policy interventions. |
| Keywords: | Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344317 |
| By: | Murunga, Powel |
| Abstract: | he study examined the determinants of fertilizer adoption among small scale crop farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa's regions using a probit regression model and propensity score matching (PSM) technique to assess productivity impacts. Variables analyzed include land tenure, access to credit, access to fertilizer, gender, age, farm size, education, household size, expenditure, and other income sources. Data was obtained from households’ survey data for selected sub-Saharan countries. The countries were also categorized as arid, semi-arid, and non- arid regions. Findings indicated that access to fertilizer increases adoption across all zones, for example by 36.1% in arid areas at 95% confidence level. Access to credit is also significant at 95% confidence level in arid regions, boosting adoption by 6.2%. Land tenure positively affects adoption in semi-arid regions but is insignificant in arid and non-arid areas. Education levels and household expenditure show mixed effects; secondary education negatively affects adoption in arid zones, while higher household expenditure reduces adoption likelihood in semi-arid regions. The PSM analysis conducted showed that fertilizer adoption leads to increased productivity, with adopters experiencing yield increases between 195 kg/acre and 261 kg/acre compared to non- adopters. Policy recommendations to improve fertilizer adoption include enhancing supply chains for timely and affordable access, expanding financial services for smallholder farmers, securing land tenure, and providing targeted education and training programs. These strategies are expected to boost agricultural productivity and smallholder’s farmer livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions. The study emphasizes on the critical role of fertilizer access in boosting productivity for smallholder farmers and provides actionable insights for policymakers to improve agricultural outcomes in challenging environments. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344322 |
| By: | Gupta, Disha |
| Abstract: | There has been a declining trend in groundwater depths in India and subsidies on farm electricity contributes to over-extraction of groundwater raising concerns about its sustainability for irrigation. In this paper, we estimate the reduction in groundwater pumping under volumetric pricing of farm electricity for Punjab where farm electricity is free. We use parcel-level cost of cultivation data from Ministry of Agriculture for 2011-12 to 2013-14 to estimate the production function for paddy using instrumental variable approach. We find that the estimated marginal product of water function is relatively flat at the level of the average water application. The average marginal product of water is 32 kilograms for additional thousand cubic meters of water per hectare, which is very low. Simulations show that increasing the price of electricity from current level of zero to the true cost of electricity supply leads to sharp cutbacks of 59 percent in water extraction using electric pumps. However, the decline in average paddy yields is 11 percent. We show welfare gains in terms of reduction of the deadweight loss under volumetric pricing. Finally, we quantify average lump-sum subsidy that can be given to farmers as direct transfers to keep their surplus unchanged and we show that this can be financed using collections done by state electricity board from pricing electricity. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344328 |
| By: | Zantsi, Siphe; Mack, Gabriele; Möhring, Anke; Cloete, Kandas; Greyling, Jan C; Mann, Stefan |
| Abstract: | This paper wants to make the case that agent-based modelling may contribute to provide support for the difficult process of South Africa’s land reform by running scenarios that then do not need to be explored in practice. An agent-based model (ILUPSA) was developed from a database of 605 commercial farmers and 833 commercially oriented smallholders, which are the potential land redistribution beneficiaries. Three scenarios are simulated (1) when a willing buyer- willing seller mechanism (WB-WS) is used to acquire land (baseline scenario), (2) WB- WS whereas redistributed land is subdivided into viable emerging farm parcels and (3) when less productive farms are expropriated. Simulation results shows that under WB-WS only 14% of commercial farmland becomes available for redistribution. Ninety-nine percent of this land is for grazing and the remainder is field crop and horticultural land. The redistribution becomes even more marginal when only farmland with low productivity is expropriated (less than a quarter of the land that becomes available in the baseline scenario). An estimated amount of R50 billion will be required to implement land redistribution. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344233 |
| By: | Yuan, Zhiming; Fan, Shenggen; Zhang, Yumei; Wang, Jingjing; Meng, Ting |
| Abstract: | In the current Chinese diets, merely 14% of residents adhere to the recent dietary guidelines. The excessive consumption of red meat presents significant health and environmental challenges, leading to increased pressure on protein feed imports. This study proposes a pragmatic solution wherein the entire population partially replaces red meat with soybeans in China, and evaluates the impacts. Employing meta-analysis and counterfactual analysis, we investigate the correlations between food intake and disease risk, calculating avoidable mortality and the associated disease burden. Consuming 50g/day of soybeans may prevent 1.2 million deaths annually, saving $250.74 million indirect costs and $3.52 billion in direct medical expenses. Through substituting, completely eliminating the population exceeding 100g daily red meat intake in China could preventing 0.28 million deaths, and saving $247.66 million indirect and $2.06 billion direct medical costs. Furthermore, utilizing a partial equilibrium model, we projected the regional impacts and costs of following the recommended soybean consumption on water use, land use, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus emissions. Through dynamic data validation, estimating a 19.6% reduction in carbon emissions, 5.4% less water use, 26.2% lower nitrogen footprint, and 24.6% less phosphorus footprint. These findings offer valuable evidence for improving agricultural economic policies and strategies in China. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344309 |
| By: | Hirsch, Stefan; Barissoul, Ayoub; Möhring, Niklas; Koppenberg, Maximilian |
| Abstract: | Organic agriculture is a widely established production system that contributes to various sustainability goals. The European Commission has set the goal of 25% organic agriculture in 2030 in its Farm to Fork strategy, putting it further in the spotlight. However, in most European countries, progress towards this goal is still limited, and some farmers even move back to conventional production. The further expansion of organic farming will crucially depend on the development of organic markets and its financial competitiveness. However, evidence on the economic performance of organic farmers in the EU and the decision to revert back to conventional production is lacking. We analyze the causal effect of dairy farmers’ decision to produce organically on farm competitiveness measured by price markups and profitability. Moreover, we investigate the decision of organic farmers to revert back to conventional farming using survivorship analysis. Our results reveal that organic farms achieve higher markups and profitability. But, there is a high probability of exiting the organic market in the early phase after transition - especially for farms with highly volatile economic performance. The results provide insights that may help to reach the political targets with regards to the market share of organic agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, Industrial Organization, Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344258 |
| By: | Jinbaani, Alhassan Nuhu; Wale, Edilegnaw |
| Abstract: | Employing two rounds of pooled data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS), a sample of 4, 355 maize growing households across the former 10 regions of Ghana, the study evaluates the causal effects of participation in Ghana’s Fertilizer Subsidy Program (GFSP) on all the four dimensions of household food security (availability, access, utilization, and stability) for maize growing households. This was done using propensity score matching techniques. The overall average treatment effect of the GFSP is positive and statistically significant for food availability and food access. The GFSP increased maize yield/ Ha between 29 to 34 percent at p < 0.01, among program beneficiaries. For food access, the GFSP increased household consumption expenditure by 37 percent at p < 0.01. The effect of GFSP on the stability dimension of food security was also positive, though weaker statistically against robustness checks. There was, however, negative effect of GFSP on food utilization. The study points out a not-straight forward relationship between participation in the GFSP and household food security, as food availability may not necessarily leads to better utilization or nutrition. The less impressive performance of GFSP on utilization and stability dimensions imply that maize growing households who benefited from the program are still food insecure. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344271 |
| By: | Bi, Afrin Zainab; KB, Umesh |
| Abstract: | Vegetable production is an important constituent in Indian agriculture and has a vital role in achieving nutritional security. Factors such as perishability, high value and good yield response to external inputs has led to intensification of vegetable production. Measuring the sustainability of vegetable production and factors influencing it by employing suitable indicators will be helpful in designing of policy instruments and production practices for economically viable and environmentally sustainable production. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the plot level sustainability in Karnataka, a major vegetable growing state in India. Both the economic and environmental sustainability scores were low, proving the existence of ample opportunity to improve the sustainability of the vegetables in the state. Overall composite sustainability indicator for the economic pillar had better accomplishment than the environmental pillar for both the vegetables. The results show that the size of the holding, preference for higher incomes, years of experience in growing vegetables had significant and positive impact on economic sustainability. Flood irrigation decreases the economic sustainability in comparison to rainfed farming system. The low scores of sustainability reflects the crucial role of farmers’ productive decisions, which finally Determine the level of sustainability of each individual farm. Thus, there is room to incentivize producers to modify the way they manage their resources through appropriate policy instruments in order to upgrade their sustainability performance. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344307 |
| By: | Paudel, Gokul P.; Chamberlin, Jordan; Nguyen, Trung Thanh |
| Abstract: | Sustainable intensification (SI) has been promoted within smallholder farming systems to improve agricultural productivity and reduce negative environmental externalities associated with agri-food systems. However, existing studies are concentrated towards the productivity effects of SI and input use efficiency impacts of SI are scant. This study assesses the impact of early sowing of wheat on productivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and combined fertilizer use efficiency in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains. We use the two-stage least squares instrumental variable approach to control the potential endogeneity that arises from both observed and unobserved sources of heterogeneity. We find that early sowing improves all resource use efficiency measures, as well as productivity. However, these impacts are unevenly distributed. Early sowing of wheat on large farms and farms applying doses of fertilizers exceeding the state recommendations are weakly associated with productivity and fertilizer use efficiency. Our findings suggest that while SI has potential to boost wheat productivity and fertilizer use efficiency, significant policy initiatives are required to minimize the over-application of fertilizers and mitigate the negative environmental externalities associated with agri-food systems in India. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344263 |
| By: | Tamirat, Tseganesh W.; Pedersen, Søren M.; Ørum, Jens E.; DeJonghe, Luc |
| Abstract: | Increasing demand for food with minimal traces of chemicals is challenging viticulture to move away from chemical weeding. In France, there is increasing trend towards mechanical weeding, but it is repetitive, labour intensive, and costly to farmers. Autonomous robotic systems may help tackle the labour challenge while also providing opportunities to improve input use efficiency and minimize CO2 emission. This study provides a cost benefit analysis of robotic mechanical weeding relative to conventional practices of chemical weeding and mechanical weeding using tractor based on a case study in France. The results show that the robotic system generates a little less net present value but considerably reduces labour and fuel use compared to conventional practice. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaepa:344214 |
| By: | Ariffin, H.; Ahmed, O.H.; Jalil, C. |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to review recent literature on bio-fertilizer production in Brunei and identifies different types of food wastes to be utilized for bio-fertilizer production and their benefits to Brunei Darussalam’s agricultural industry. The Systematic Literature Review was carried out through the use of electronic search engines, specifically the Scopus database and Google Scholar for non-Scopus databases. A combination of carefully chosen keywords was done in order to enhance the efficacy of the search. Initially, a total of 19 papers were retrieved on the subject of bio-fertilizer production in Brunei, and 2, 647 papers on organic bio-fertilizer made from food waste. However, after a rigorous screening process, only 2 papers were found to be relevant to bio-fertilizer production in Brunei and 26 papers concerning organic bio-fertilizer made from food waste were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. Current research indicates that there is a dearth of information about Brunei Darussalam's use and production of biofertilizer, especially organic biofertilizer made from food waste. As a result, there is a need for extensive studies and field research in Brunei Darussalam. Hence, the presented review creates awareness on the need for adopting or introducing bio-fertilizers from food wastes for improving the soil and crop productivity without degrading the quality of the environment in Brunei Darussalam. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344450 |
| By: | Pardeshi, Shefali; Loughrey, Jason; O’Connor, Declan |
| Abstract: | After the milk quota removal in 2015, the Irish dairy industry has expanded dramatically. Various economic, social and environmental considerations are part of farmer’s choice to invest and to expand. This study evaluates selected factors contributing to recent dairy farmer’s investment decisions and examines the relationship between the adoption of Fixed Milk Price Contracts as a risk management tool and farm investments. This research applies the two-stage residual inclusion approach to address this research question using Teagasc NFS data from 2016 to 2021. This approach is applied to control for potential endogeneity including risk aversion. The results point to the economic relevance of the FMC adoption towards farm investment decisions although the magnitude of the association is limited. Subsidies play an important role in the investment decision although they are a small proportion in the overall specialised dairy farm income and provide a relatively stable source of income in Ireland. We finally conclude that, there is scope to improve the design of these FMCs in terms of protecting farmers from drastic margin volatility and to increase the adoption rate. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Risk and Uncertainty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344291 |
| By: | Pracht, Wyatt; Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob |
| Abstract: | In Sub-Saharan Africa, off-farm employment opportunities in agri-food systems are rapidly increasing, yet young people in rural areas continue to be plagued by high levels of underemployment. To combat this issue, policymakers have started encouraging rural youth to undertake entrepreneurial opportunities along agricultural value chains. But there is scant evidence on the effectiveness of these types of programs to generate economic benefits for rural youth. The current study provides insight on this issue by evaluating a randomized control trial in Eastern Kenya where rural youth were trained in business concepts and linked with agricultural input suppliers to become resellers of post-harvest inputs to smallholder farmers. We found that after one season the intervention generated large increases in income on average. However, quantile regressions revealed that these large impacts disproportionately accrued to youth at the top of the income distribution and failed to significantly generate income for the majority of youth in the treatment group. Disaggregating income sources further showed that these gains were most likely being driven by a crowding in of farming income relative to baseline. Marginal treatment effects also demonstrated that heterogeneity in varying levels of grit and age contributed to the gains in income. |
| Keywords: | International Development |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344276 |
| By: | Emokpae, O. P.; Okoruwa, V.O. |
| Abstract: | The welfare of smallholder farmers in developing economies is often compromised by a dearth of basic livelihood amenities. This resource constraint problem even among beneficiaries of inputs subsidy interventions may override their incentives to adequately utilize improved agricultural technologies for better livelihood outcomes. We therefore explored the technology utilization pattern and the corresponding welfare outcomes of a cross-section of rice farming households in Nigeria under the auspices of the Anchor Borrower Programme. Data analysis was accomplished via mixed methods. Inferential statistics was employed to provide an extensive overview of their technology utilization patterns and welfare outcomes. The instrumental-variable probit regression model was used to consistently analyze the factors that influence rice farmers’ probability of participating in the ABP. Lastly, thematic analysis was used to analyze ancillary qualitative information. Our findings show that rice farmers utilize various mix agricultural technologies and the highest proportion was observed for those who opted for inorganic fertilizers and crop protection chemicals marginally and jointly. Their welfare outcomes appear to vary contingent on the choices of technologies utilized. While social group membership is the strongest factor that influences rice farmers’ decision to participate in the ABP, diversification of cropping activities proved to be the strongest impediment. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344266 |
| By: | Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Kishore, Avinash; Kumar, Anjani |
| Abstract: | The fertilizer response of yield has been one of the major indicators of agricultural productivity in both developed and developing countries. Filling the evidence gap remains vital regarding fertilizer response in Asia, particularly in South Asia, given the evolution and emergence of new challenges, including intensifying climate shocks. We aim to partly fill this knowledge gap by investigating the associations between climate shocks and fertilizer response in Bangladeshi rice production. Using three rounds of nationally representative farm household panel data with plot- level information, we assess fertilizer response functions regarding rice yield and how the shapes of these response functions are heterogeneous in relation to anomalies in temperatures, droughts, and rainfall. We find robust evidence that climate anomalies have adverse effects on fertilizer responses, including higher temperatures for the Boro and the Aman irrigated systems and higher temperatures and droughts for the Aman rainfed systems. These findings hold robustly under various fertilizer response function forms, i.e., polynomial function and stochastic Linear Response Plateau. Furthermore, results for stochastic Linear Response Plateau are also consistent for both switching regression type models and Bayesian regression models. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344280 |
| By: | Soe, T.T.; Myint, T.; Aye, H.M.; Moh, M.; Hnin, C.H. |
| Abstract: | The health crisis has posed a threat not only to people’s health but also to their well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic. It has prompted a shift in dietary patterns and drinking habits based on people’s preference toward healthier behaviour and items with affordable prices. The objective of this research is to assess the drinking water and beverage intake among selected households in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Based on the selected respondents (n=400), majority of selected households were from the public sector, with a high level of education. On the average, food costs constituted 70% of the total expenditure and 60% of the income. An observed intake is that a significant percentage of households allocate spending to drinking water, coffee, and tea mix, excluding alcohol. In contrast to the average monthly per capita consumption, drinking water, coffee and tea mix and alcohol are commonly consumed. The commonly purified drinking water among the selected respondents leans toward a healthy food system and signifies a positive preference. Consequently, it is proposed that preferences and for various types of drinking water and coffee and tea mix be strengthened to meet local demand, thereby enhancing household health and nutrition. This behavioural and preference could also accelerate a healthy lifestyle for everyone. For further research and development, the accessibility of purified drinking water and beverages could be promoted to improve a healthy lifestyle and sustainable intake. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344454 |
| By: | Tho, Le Canh Bich; Umetsu, Chieko |
| Abstract: | The Vietnamese government has developed a strategy for rice production with the goal of reducing export volumes and concentrating on the quality of aromatic and high-quality rice. There are approximately 1 million hectares of aromatic paddy cultivation in the Mekong Delta (MKD) provinces each year, which accounts for about 25% of the total paddy area. Understanding the overall efficiency of aromatic rice in VMKD becomes essential due to the potential development of both domestic and export markets for aromatic rice. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine how MKD's farmers produce aromatic rice and determine the factors determining its production efficiency. Primary data were collected through a survey of 247 aromatic rice cultivators. The non-radial data envelopment analysis, a slack-based measure (SBM), was employed to consider the overall efficiency and agrochemical overutilization of each rice farm. In general, aromatic rice production in the MKD achieved an overall efficiency of 63%. In this regard, the RVT variety has the highest SBM score at 0.72, while Jasmine 85 has the lowest SBM score at 0.61. The factors that contribute to household efficiency include obtaining a larger farm size, participating in cooperatives, and practicing eco friendly farming. In addition, aromatic rice producers still use much more than the required amount of inputs for production. The aromatic rice sector should follow climate-smart agricultural practices in order to comply with export standards. This includes a significant reduction in the use of seeds, agrochemicals, and water. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344329 |
| By: | Dhaka, Surjeet Singh; Kyire, Samuel Kwabena Chaa; Asare, Jeffery Kofi |
| Abstract: | Climate change has become a global burden. In part, technological innovations (TIs), foreign direct investments (FDIs), and agricultural growth are potential factors contributing to overall emissions. However, empirical evidence on the interplay of these variables on CO2 emissions is rare in literature, particularly for BRICS countries, which is essential to investigate. In this quest, we sourced panel data obtained from World Development Indicators and FAO repositories. We found cross-sectional dependency in the panel data. Hence, the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (Pooled Mean Group regression) was used to analyse the short-run and long-run relationship. We found a long-run negative effect of TI on CO2 emissions, but no short-run effect was observed. Likewise, agricultural growth had positive significant effect on CO2 emissions only in the long-run. The Granger Causality test confirmed a causal relationship between agricultural growth, TI, and CO2 emissions in the BRICS countries. We recommend that BRICS countries should invest in innovative technologies, especially those that facilitate green production and renewable technologies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, there is a need to embrace sustainable agricultural practices like tree-crop plantations, sustainable production technologies, and less-carbon-emitting inputs used to minimize the emissions from agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344316 |
| By: | Lin, E.T.; Than, T.; Tun, Y.Y.; Thu, Y.M.; Myint, T. |
| Abstract: | As rice is the most important income crop in Myanmar and the direct seeded rice production method is the most commonly used in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. The objectives of the study were to observe economic analysis and factor shares of direct seeded rice production and examine the reasons and constraints of the farmers for using direct seeded rice methods in the study area. The survey was conducted in August 2023. A total of 75 direct-seed farmers from three village tracts in Zeyarthiri Township were selected by using the purposive sampling method, only DSR farmers. Descriptive, economic analysis and factor shares were used to fulfill the objectives of the study. In terms of cost and return analysis, the benefit-cost ratios were 1.79 for wet DSR, 1.74 for dry DSR and 2.21 for DSR with drum seeder indicating that the sampled farmers profit from their DSR methods. Higher input costs were the major constraints faced by the DSR methods of the sampled farmers. The reasons for changing DSR methods are low cost than transplanting, labor scarcity at peak season. The major constraints were loss of seeds in the fields, high price of fertilizers and labor scarcity at peak season. To achieve increased productivity DSR with drum seeder method should be encouraged for getting more profits and farm mechanizations also should be supported in time to farmers who are faced with labor scarcity problem. And the availability of adequate irrigated water sources should be provided for rice production. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, Labor and Human Capital, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344457 |
| By: | Naik, Sunil; Srivastava, S. K.; Kishore, Prabhat; Ray, Mrinmoy; Nithyashree, M. L.; Kingsly, I. T. |
| Abstract: | The present study examined trends and growth patterns in farmers' income across districts in Odisha. It identified the determinants of farmers' income and delineated least developed regions in Odisha based on farmers' income and its correlates. The study is based on the data form a nationally representative survey, commonly known as Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households. Odisha witnessed highest growth in income (8.29 per cent) during 2002- 03 to 2012-13 mainly because of the increased income from the livestock and non-farm business sectors. However, in the recent periods Odisha witnessed a negative growth rate of -3.58 per cent (lowest among the states). Higher farm income is correlated with large land holding size, higher productivity, improved market and institutional access, and, better price realisation for produce. Districts were delineated into homogenous regions using K-means clustering technique to identify the least developed regions for prioritisation and targeted policy intervention. Mean values of income and its correlates such as operational land holding, share of crop income, marketed surplus, proportion of paddy farmers sold at MSP, and paddy price received by farmers were found to be lowest in the least developed regions. Targeting these least developed regions would have higher marginal positive impact on overall farmers income in the state. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Finance |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344285 |
| By: | Akalu, Lingerh Sewnet; Wang, Huashu; Walelign, Solomon Zena; Kassie, Workineh Asmare |
| Abstract: | Large-scale land investments are often pursued as pro-poor investments by governments in developing countries. However, research on their actual impact on local communities offers a mixed picture. This meta-analysis, drawing on estimates of 37 primary studies, sheds light to understand the overall impact of these investments on local communities. Our analysis finds a modest positive average impact (standardized mean effect size of 0.043) of large-scale agricultural investments on local communities' welfare and livelihoods. This suggests that, on average, large- scale agricultural investments can contribute to positive outcomes. Some potential pathways for this benefit include asset building, increasing income and enhancing food security. However, the sub-group analysis show that the average impact is heterogenous across host countries of these investments. For most of the countries the positive significant impact is robust. We discussed the source of these heterogeneity, the impact pathways and publication bias in the primary studies. The overall positive impact, albeit modest, suggests potential for large-scale agricultural investments to contribute to development outcomes. However, the smaller mean effect size and the observed heterogeneity highlight the need for further research to fully understand the nuances of large-scale agricultural investments. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344402 |
| By: | A Samuel Pottinger; Lawson Connor; Brookie Guzder-Williams; Maya Weltman-Fahs; Timothy Bowles |
| Abstract: | Climate change not only threatens agricultural producers but also strains financial institutions. These important food system actors include government entities tasked with both insuring grower livelihoods and supporting response to continued global warming. We use an artificial neural network to predict future maize yields in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding alarming changes to institutional risk exposure within the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Specifically, our machine learning method anticipates more frequent and more severe yield losses that would result in the annual probability of Yield Protection (YP) claims to more than double at mid-century relative to simulations without continued climate change. Furthermore, our dual finding of relatively unchanged average yields paired with decreasing yield stability reveals targeted opportunities to adjust coverage formulas to include variability. This important structural shift may help regulators support grower adaptation to continued climate change by recognizing the value of risk-reducing strategies such as regenerative agriculture. Altogether, paired with open source interactive tools for deeper investigation, our risk profile simulations fill an actionable gap in current understanding, bridging granular historic yield estimation and climate-informed prediction of future insurer-relevant loss. |
| Date: | 2024–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2408.02217 |
| By: | Blockeel, Johan; Grovermann, Christian; Finger, Robert |
| Abstract: | The European Union (EU) aims to increase the adoption of organic farming as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy. However, farmers face various adoption hurdles, such as the efficacy of crop protection, as well as implications for crop yields, costs, labour and ultimately farm income. Yet, we currently lack comprehensive large-scale empirical evidence on the economics of organic farming in the EU. Therefore, this study assesses the economic performance of organic farming in the EU using a large-scale cross-country dataset. It consists of an unbalanced panel of 151, 560 non-organic and 10, 531 organic farms from the European Farm Accountancy Data Network, covering seven different farm types and 16 EU countries. Our analysis specifically focuses on crop protection expenditures, total crop specific costs, as well as labour and gross farm income on a per hectare basis. We find that organic farming adoption significantly reduces crop protection expenditures as well as total crop specific costs across all farming types. Differences in farm-level labour inputs between organic and non-organic farms turned out to be only minor. Farm income is smaller for organic farms without subsidies but higher when accounting for subsidies. However, all effects are highly heterogeneous across farm types and across space. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the economic implications of organic farming within the EU. These insights can inform both practitioners and policy decision-makers and facilitate the achievement of regional organic farming targets. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344254 |
| By: | Molist , Adrià Menéndez i; Kallas, Zein; Fuentes , Omar Vicente Guadarrama |
| Abstract: | Effectively implementing innovations in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is contingent upon stakeholders’ preferences. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the objective of this research was to ascertain the degree of willingness among farmers, consumers, and various stakeholders (including processing companies, restaurants, and retailers) in the tomato supply chain of Catalonia (Spain) to shorten the chain and promote local procurement. Based on a set of social, economic, and environmental criteria encompassing sustainability in AFSCs, the results showed that economic factors, particularly profitability and affordability, were the key driving factors in the decisions of stakeholders. However, the considerable importance placed on strategic attributes, including local production, environmental sustainability, and product quality, particularly among consumers, seemed to present a chance to advocate for sustainable alternatives, such as short food supply chains (SFSCs). The AHP methodology facilitates differentiation with respect to the criteria of the decision-making process and serves as a valuable instrument for evaluating the reception of innovations within the AFSC and categorizing the stakeholders who exhibit the greatest interest in them. In order to improve the sustainability of agri-food systems, our findings may be incorporated into strategic plans developed by policymakers. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Industrial Organization |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344299 |
| By: | Sharma, Purushottam; Meena, Dinesh Chand; Anwer, Md. Ejaz |
| Abstract: | The study examines the asymmetric dynamic relationship between food price inflation and its determinants in both the short and long run, evaluates the impact of asymmetry on Indian food prices, and explores the pass-through effect from non-food to food price inflation and vice versa. The ARDL and NARDL models were used to explore the dynamics of food inflation and its drivers using monthly data from January 2011 to December 2022. The DOLS method was also used to estimate the pass-through effect between non-food and food inflation, to better understand how inflationary pressures are transmitted. The ARDL results confirm that international food prices, wage rates, agricultural GDP, and weighted average call money rate are major contributors to food inflation in the long run. The NARDL results show the significant asymmetric effects of money supply, wage rate, crude oil prices, international food prices, real effective exchange rate, and weighted average call money rate on food inflation in the long run. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders in developing effective policies and strategies to manage food price inflation and ensure food affordability. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344332 |
| By: | Sakketa, Tekalign Gutu; Maggio, Dan; McPeak, John |
| Abstract: | Droughts are among the leading causes of livestock mortality and conflict among pastoralist populations in East Africa. To foster climate resiliency in these populations, Index Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) products have become popular. These products, which allow herders to hedge climate risk, often utilize remote-sensed data to trigger indemnity payouts, thus ameliorating moral hazard issues associated with standard insurance products. We study how one such program, implemented in southern Ethiopia, impacted the experience of violent conflict among participating households. Using a causal mediation analysis, we show first that there is a strong link between rangeland conditions and violent conflict; a one- unit decrease in a standardized version of the normalized difference vegetation index (zNDVI) in the previous season is associated with a 0.3-3 percentage point increase in the likelihood of conflict exposure. Within the mediation framework, we leverage a randomized encouragement experiment and show that insurance uptake reduces the conflict risk created by poor rangeland conditions by between 17 and 50 percent. Our results suggest that social protection programs, particularly index insurance programs, may act as a protective factor in areas with complex risk profiles, where households are exposed to both climatic and conflict risks, which themselves may interact. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344274 |
| By: | Randriamarolo-Malavaux, Marie Rose |
| Abstract: | In a context of increased milk price volatility and dairy farm modernization, our study aims to shed light on whether the costs associated with the financial investments made when acquiring technologies and their maintenance costs exacerbate the damage suffered when the price becomes volatile, or whether the expected productivity gains actually help to cope with this market hazard. To do this, we distinguish three farm categories according to three separate variables that approximate the level of technological tools used. Then, we estimate the variation in the level of viability of each group when price volatility changes. We apply fixed effect ordered logistic regression on data gathered from the French farm accountancy data network from 2002 to 2020. Sample is divided into three categories according to their levels of intensification and use of technological tools. We estimated separately the viability models of each category to check for heterogeneity. Our results show positive roles of low intensification and moderate use of technological equipment in mitigating the impact of an increase of milk price volatility on dairy farm viability. These contribute to provide insights on farmers’ coping strategies effectiveness and the extent to which modernization is advantageous. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Dairy Production/Industries, Financial Economics, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaewp:344217 |
| By: | Alulu, Joseph; Muendo, Kavoi; Mbeche, Robert; Mithöfer, Dagmar |
| Abstract: | Rapidly expanding population, increasing urbanization, climate change and declining arable land pose a threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Efficiency in agricultural production thus becomes an integral aspect. Seed is a fundamental input, however, seed systems in SSA, more so in underutilized crops such as African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV) remain to be constraining. Using household-level data from 445 AIV producing households in Kenya, this study sought to assess the association between seed innovations and performance, as measured by efficiency and income. The study employs bias-corrected Stochastic Meta-Frontier Approach to estimate technical efficiency (TE), allocative efficiency (AE), economic efficiency (EE) and technology gap ratios (TGRs) while accounting for potential technological heterogeneity as well as self-selection bias. We also implement Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) for association between seed innovations and income. Results suggest that adopters of seed innovations outperform their non-adopter counterparts on average in both meta-technical, allocative and economic efficiencies and income. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344235 |
| By: | Kubitza, Christoph; Eckert, Sandra; Lay, Jann |
| Abstract: | Despite the numerous ‘Western’ initiatives to improve the sustainability of global agricultural supply chains, there is little evidence on whether these initiatives can effectively reduce environmental degradation in tropical cultivation areas at scale. In our study, we analyze patterns in the establishment of oil palm plantations and deforestation on peatlands in Indonesia. We compare plantations established by investors from high-income countries (HIC), many of which are covered by sustainability certification, with plantations established by domestic investors or by investors from other low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Our dataset comprises 386 concessions in Kalimantan and Papua with their investment structure, annual satellite imagery on forest loss and oil palm cultivation, and spatial maps on peatlands. Our results show a divergence in production practices in global agricultural supply chains after 2011, with actors tied to HIC reducing degradation of peatlands within their concessions, while actors from LMIC continued to show no specific protection of these high conservation value areas. While this is good news in terms of the effectiveness of ‘western’ initiatives for sustainable supply chains, companies linked to HIC comprise only 10% of the concession area in the research region compared to companies from LMIC which will limit the overall impact of ‘western’ supply chain initiatives. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344268 |
| By: | Spykman, Olivia; Gabriel, Andreas |
| Abstract: | Technology plays an important role in the transition towards more sustainable agriculture. The associated costs for farmers may be lowered through government investment support programmes. The German federal state of Bavaria runs such a programme for various technologies, including crop robots that help to reduce chemical plant protection input. Based on official funding application data, an economic model relying on field trial data, and results from an early adopter focus group discussion, the case of the crop robot FD20 (FarmDroid ApS) in sugar beet is evaluated in detail. The funding application data indicates that applicants manage larger farms and work according to organic standards more often than the Bavarian population of farmers. The applicants’ counties of residence match areas of sugar beet production, suggesting a use of the robot mainly in sugar beets. The economic evaluation indicates a shift in minimum area of sugar beet production necessary for economical use of the robot caused by the government investment support. The minimum necessary area varies by field size and number and points to the importance of setup times and agricultural structures for robot profitability. The focus group discussion highlights the relevance of the government investment support scheme for farmers’ investment into a new type of technology shortly after its market entry. This multi-method approach has provided complementing conclusions from its three components that would not have been possible from each piece of research individually. Overall, the government investment support appears to have been integral to the success of crop robots in Bavaria and may thus serve as an example for other policymakers looking to create similar technology investment support schemes to move forward the digital transition in agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries, Public Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaewp:344216 |
| By: | Rutledge, Zachariah; Taylor, J. Edward; Whitney, Edward; Kim, Dahye |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Labor and Human Capital, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midasp:344497 |
| By: | Mgomezulu, Wisdom Richard; Machila, Kennedy; Edriss, Abdi-Khalil; Pangapanga-Phiri, Innocent |
| Abstract: | Different scholars have modelled the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) with a goal of improving farmer’s adaptive capacity to climate change. Nonetheless, through the conventional way of defining adoption decisions as one-time survey decisions, many scholars have failed to understand inconsistencies in adoption decisions and dis-adoption of such practices. Through a survey of 2100 maize farming households, the current study employed multivariate probit models to understand and compare one-time survey season adoption decisions and sustained (consistent) adoption decisions. The study notes that dis-adoption rates of SAPs range from 20 to 27 percent. As such, the determinants of dis-adoption were estimated to build a case for going beyond one-time adoption survey decisions. Furthermore, the study employed a Cox Proportional hazard model to understand the relative risk to adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices over time. The findings reveal the need for a modelling paradigm shift in understanding adoption decisions for sustainable benefits. Lastly, the findings reveal the need for intensifying knowledge and information dissemination on SAPs through field demonstrations, extension visits, trainings and radio programs in order to reduce dis-adoption and ensure sustained adoption. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344289 |
| By: | Mercedes Campi; Masayasu Asai; Jonathan McFadden; Emilio Pindado; Alicia Rosburg |
| Abstract: | New entrants into agriculture are critical for the transformation of food systems. New entrants in OECD countries are younger, have higher levels of education and entrepreneurial skills, and are more likely to adopt new technologies than those already working in the sector. Yet, negative perceptions of farming, limited access to capital and land, lower access to services and regulatory complexities can all deter the entry to the sector. Digital technologies can make agriculture more attractive by reducing arduous tasks and health risks, enhancing working conditions, and supporting on-farm income diversification. Foresight analysis of macro trends and challenges to a digitalised, sustainable and inclusive future can be a useful tool to help anticipate farmer skills needs and transform mindsets. Governments can facilitate new entrants in agriculture, including by investing in human capital, improving digital infrastructure services, promoting innovation systems and removing barriers to entry. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural entrepreneurs, Agricultural innovation, Barriers to entry, Generational renewal |
| JEL: | O13 Q12 Q15 Q16 O33 |
| Date: | 2024–08–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:agraaa:209-en |
| By: | Tsvakirai, Chiedza Zvirurami; Nalley, Lawton Lanier |
| Abstract: | Consumers’ willingness to contribute to the development of sustainable food systems has led to a growth in the use of faux meat in producing hamburger patties. This study investigates whether consumers’ explicit and implicit perceptions of cultured meat will assist in encouraging the acceptance of cultured meat in this market. We measured consumers’ perceptions using opinion statements and the level of agreement was ranked on a Likert scale. Composite indices were extracted from this data and these were regressed against consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat burger patties. The study found that the implicit perceptions (worldviews) promoted both neophobic and neophilic attitudes while explicit (product-specific) perceptions indicated that consumers’ rejection may be driven by concerns of anticipated social, cultural and economic disruptions. The study’s results suggest tactful marketing approaches that can utilise implicit perceptions to promote consumer acceptance. Other results indicated the areas of concern that should be addressed to facilitate acceptance and the population groups that could be targeted as early adopters. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Marketing |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344257 |
| By: | Ashok Gulati (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Raya Das (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Alex Winter-Nelson |
| Abstract: | India suffers a food loss of about Rs. 1.53 trillion (USD 18.5 billion) every year as per the latest large-scale study conducted by NABCONs during 2020 to 2022. Reducing post-harvest losses (PHL) is much more cost effective and benign to nature's basic resource endowment, namely soil, water, air, and bio-diversity than producing more and losing more. This policy brief goes beyond the quantitative loss and put forward a pioneer effort to estimate both quantitative and qualitative losses for paddy in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab, and for wheat, maize, and soybean in Madhya Pradesh based on primary survey of 1200 farmers. While at farmer level, mechanization and use of proper storage techniques are crucial to reduce losses, it is imperative for the government to reduce losses in the grain management at the center and state levels as well, during the process of procurement, storage, and distribution. In this regard, the policy brief also analyses factors of losses in the food grain management system in India through secondary data analysis and case studies of different storage types and the role of private investment in storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. |
| Keywords: | post-harvest loss, market, infrastructure, farmer |
| Date: | 2024–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdc:ppaper:20 |
| By: | Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Fatima; Rosati, Adolfo; Hasnain, Syeda Aleena; Turchetti, Luca |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the interaction among potential and revealed resilience capacities, technical efficiency, and total factor productivity (TFP) in Italian olive farms using FADN data from 2013-2019. To achieve this objective, we use principal component analysis for evaluating potential resilience indicators and a stochastic frontier model (SFM) to assess farms' competitiveness and evaluate the impact of resilience measures on farms' efficiency and productivity. Results show that Italian olive farms exhibit higher resilience in transformability, followed by robustness and adaptability. Resilience indicators negatively impact technical efficiency. TFP growth is notably influenced by adaptability. Results suggest that balancing competitiveness and resilience is crucial to achieving a sustainable farming system. To face climate change challenges, policies should facilitate transitions to a climate-resilient farming system by incentivizing investments in climate adaptive technologies and designing careful subsidy programs that emphasize the long-term resilience benefits of sustainable farming practices rather than considering immediate efficiency gains. Farmer support through training and collaborative networks is vital to strengthening farms' adaptability and transformability capacities. |
| Keywords: | Production Economics, Productivity Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344256 |
| By: | Otieno, Wycliffe A.; Nyikal, Rose Adhiambo; Mbogoh, Stephen G.; Rao, Elizaphan J. O. |
| Abstract: | Attempts to manage poultry diseases through clinical treatment are both costly and increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study was motivated by the need to tackle the dual challenge of diseases leading to AMR and low poultry productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. It assesses the cost efficiency of farmers who use varying levels of biosecurity measures. We employ a three-step estimation procedure: first, a latent class analysis (LCA) model to describe adoption patterns. Secondly, a stochastic frontier analysis is used to generate cost efficiency scores and inefficiency effects. Lastly, a one-way ANOVA is used to compare cost efficiency by adoption categories. The LCA model reveals three uptake patterns for biosecurity measures with low, moderate, and high adoption behaviors. The average cost efficiency scores are 49.5%, 61.6%, and 68.6%, respectively, for the low, moderate, and high adoption categories. The overall score of 60.4% indicates that poultry farmers in Nyanza are largely cost-efficient. We demonstrate from the observed pattern that there is room to improve cost performance through increased use of biosecurity measures. Years of experience in poultry farming and larger stock sizes reduce farm cost inefficiency. These findings form the basis for the promotion of biosecurity measures. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344298 |
| By: | Fisher, Ian; Maredia, Mywish K.; Tschirley, David |
| Abstract: | This paper addresses the pressing policy issue of food access and availability in low-income urban settings, particularly in the context of the nutrition transition, urbanization, and evolving food systems. By regressing food expenditure data against proximity-to-outlet measures for various outlet types, the study focuses on estimating distance elasticities—quantifying the responsiveness of household food shopping expenditure to variations in distances to different food outlets. The key finding underscores the significance of household location characteristics over average distance to outlets in predicting the healthiness of food purchases. The research further identifies variations in distance elasticities based on factors such as the main shopper's age, household poverty probability, and location. This study introduces a novel application of distance elasticity, paving the way for future investigations into food environment metrics within urban and peri-urban settings of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The insights gained aim to enhance the understanding of factors influencing food shopping behavior and guide strategies for promoting healthier food options through increased expenditures. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, International Development |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344303 |
| By: | Kiratu, Nixon Murathi; Aarnoudse, Eefje; Petrick, Martin |
| Abstract: | Though the suggested pathways of achieving nutrition through irrigation are production, income, water sanitation and hygiene and women’s empowerment, the linkages to nutritional outcomes are not understood well and often, nutritional measurement approaches neglect the households’ most vulnerable members; women and children. This study took the standpoint that irrigation is diverse and different irrigation arrangements (i.e. socio-technical set-ups in which irrigation takes place) affect household nutritional outcomes through different pathways. Using a simultaneous equation model and data from Kenya, the results showed that the different irrigation arrangements have different nutrition outcome pathways. The results revealed that overall irrigation affects production diversity, farm income and women empowerment and nutrition-outcomes were improved through production diversity and income pathways. The farm households in the public irrigation scheme arrangements attained better nutritional outcomes through the production diversity pathway even though this irrigation arrangement positively affects production diversity, income and women empowerment. The farmer-led irrigation arrangement was found to positively affect farm income and women empowerment and these two pathways were found to lead to improved household nutritional outcomes. Consequently, there is need for specific policy interventions based on irrigation arrangements as opposed to a unilateral policy encompassing irrigation. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344347 |
| By: | Lumumba, Brian Omondi; Otieno, David Jakinda; Nyikal, Rose Adhiambo |
| Abstract: | While desert locust invasions threaten agricultural production and household incomes, a common understanding of how to implement integrated control is missing. This study aimed to provide new insights on targeted policies that address the heterogeneity of perspectives held by farmers. To do so, the study compared both R and Q-methodologies to identify perspectives on desert locust management from a sample of 473 farmers. Based on internal consistency checks, the Q-methodology was found to better explain farmers’ perspectives through ranking and identification of distinguishing statements. The four different perspectives were labelled as "threat-aware but unprepared, " “enthusiasts of indigenous control methods, " “proponents of information access, ” and “advocates of timely control and post-recovery assistance." The study also linked the various socio-economic and institutional factors that distinguish farmers across the four perspectives. A key finding is that farmers holding different perspectives agreed that integrated desert locust control is the best strategy. Considering the diversity in farmers' opinions, a mixed-policy framework is essential. Such policies should focus on information access, engagement of community members in desert locust control teams, and targeted post- recovery assistance, which would facilitate the implementation of integrated desert locust management. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344320 |
| By: | Victoria Junquera; Daniel I. Rubenstein; Simon A. Levin; Jos\'e I. Hormaza; I\~naki Vadillo P\'erez; Pablo Jim\'enez Gavil\'an |
| Abstract: | Spain is the largest producer of avocado and mango fruits in Europe. The majority of production is concentrated in the Axarqu\'ia region in the south, where subtropical fruit plantations and associated water demands have steadily increased over the last two decades. Between 2019-2024, the region underwent an extreme water crisis. Reservoir reserves became nearly depleted and groundwater levels dropped to sea level in several locations, where seawater intrusion is likely, causing large socioeconomic impacts including short-term harvest losses and a long-term loss in economic centrality. We examine the causal pathway that led to this crisis using a mixed-methods approach, combining data from key informant interviews, an exhaustive review of legal documents, and quantitative analysis of time series and spatially explicit data. In particular, we analyze dam water use for irrigation and urban use, meteorological data, reservoir and groundwater levels, and irrigation land cover maps. Our findings show that an unusual meteorological drought was the immediate cause for the decline in reservoir and groundwater reserves (hydrological drought), but the underlying cause was a chronic and structural long-term imbalance between water demand and resources resulting from several structural governance shortcomings: large uncertainties in water resource availability and use hampering effective planning, lack of enforcement of individual water quotas, and the absence of regulatory mechanisms to flexibly impose resource use restrictions at both micro and macro levels based on the overall resources of the system. We propose concrete policy interventions aimed at sustainably enhancing the resilience of the system that can be useful to efficiently manage water shortages in other regions with similar problems. |
| Date: | 2024–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2408.00683 |
| By: | Vuillemey, Guillaume (HEC Paris) |
| Abstract: | I show that home ownership decisions across countries and individuals are shaped by a cultural heritage from agriculture. For centuries, dominant assets in pre-industrial economies were either land or cattle. Consequently, the type of farming prevailing locally shaped preferences and believes about the relative value of immovable and movable assets. This cultural heritage had long-lasting consequences. Today, individuals originating from societies with a history of crop agriculture - where the dominant asset was land - are more likely to be homeowners. For identification, I rely both on home ownership decisions of second-generation immigrants in the US and on instrumental variables. |
| Keywords: | Homeownership; Culture; Persistence; Immovable assets; Movable assets; Agriculture; Land |
| JEL: | G11 G51 R21 |
| Date: | 2023–02–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ebg:heccah:1477 |
| By: | YAHATA, Tomonori; NAKATANI, Tomoaki; NAKASHIMA, Yasuhiro; SENDA, Tetsuji; FUJIE, Takeshi |
| Abstract: | The objective of this article is to analyze total factor productivity (TFP) change and its components of paddy farming that produces multiple outputs under policies controlling the production of food rice in Japan from 2004 to 2014. Using a parametric estimation technique of the Malmquist productivity index with a stochastic input distance function and farm-level panel data, we measure TFP change and decompose it into technical changes, a technical efficiency change, and scale efficiency changes. Results show that the TFP of paddy farming in Japan stagnated through the period, with moderate technological progress offset by deteriorating technical efficiency. The existence of technological progress and technical inefficiency is also confirmed by statistical testing. Technical change has some bias toward changing the output mix. Moreover, scale efficiency is also deteriorating, but all the farms produce under increasing returns to scale technology. Our results suggest that technical efficiency improvement and exploitation of scale economies are essential, as well as keeping an expansion of the technological frontier for Japanese paddy farming to recover its productivity growth. A historical process of Japanese agriculture would provide beneficial insights for other Monsoon Asian countries likely to experience social and economic transitions similar to those in Japan. |
| Keywords: | Productivity Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344326 |
| By: | Alexander, Carrie; Rutledge, Zachariah; Asghar, Sana |
| Abstract: | The 2023 Farmer Employment Survey was conducted to collect information on the adaptation strategies of agricultural employers in the face of growing labor scarcity, particularly in the context of recent shifts in labor market dynamics and the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has potentially reinforced the urgency for farmers to modify their production practices, labor management methods, and embrace labor-saving technologies. This report presents the survey's methodology, demographic insights, and preliminary findings of how California's agricultural sector is responding to 2022 labor market conditions. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Labor and Human Capital, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midasp:344498 |
| By: | Grovermann, Christian; Wossen, Tesfamicheal; Blockeel, Johan; Beye, Assane; Gräub, Benjamin |
| Abstract: | Agroecological intensification is a key strategy for the development of sustainable food systems. The scaling of agroecological approaches and practices requires effective knowledge sharing mechanisms. Digital extension can complement traditional advisory services, especially in contexts where resources and reach are lacking or where security risks restrict access, as is the case in the Sahel. Interactive voice recordings (IVR) can work with standard phones and without the need for an internet connection or literacy. Based on a randomised controlled trial in Sikasso, Mali, this study tests the hypothesis that IVR messages increase awareness, knowledge sharing, learning and confidence around agroecological farming practices, such as intercropping, mulching or composting. While previous impact studies have focused rather on more conventional agricultural approaches, it is the first rigorous impact evaluation of digital training oriented explicitly towards agroecology. When aggregating across practices, significant positive effects were obtained for all outcome variables (awareness, intention to use, sharing of practice, interest to learn more, confidence in applying the practice). Effects range from 12% to 48%. When it comes to individual practices, not all outcomes are significant anymore, apart from mulching use, where effects lie between 24% and 195%. The evaluation results demonstrate that IVR-based advice has a relevant role in promoting agroecological intensification. |
| Keywords: | Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344324 |
| By: | Padigapati, Venkata Naga Sindhuja; Singh, Alka; K V, Praveen |
| Abstract: | The feeding practices of infants and young children in the first two years of their lives are essential for their nutritional status. The lack of dietary variety poses a significant threat to children’s growth and development. Therefore, it is vital to study the dietary diversity among infants and young children in India to identify nutritional gaps, health risks, and factors that influence their diets. We analyzed data collected from 64, 084 children in India through the National Family Health Survey5, based on a 24-hour recall. This study focused on the consumption patterns of food groups and their critical factors among infants and young children in India. We found that only 22.46 percent of children met the minimum dietary diversity requirement. From logistic regression analysis, we identified that age, gender, birth order, religion, nutrition access, and health conditions significantly affect children’s food intake. This study highlighted the significance of maternal education and female leadership in improving health and nutrition outcomes for children. Moreover, the study identified that the socio-economic, cultural, and regional determinants influencing dietary diversity enable the development of tailored strategies. These strategies can ensure equitable access to diverse and nutritious foods, irrespective of socioeconomic background or geographic location in India. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344350 |
| By: | Chauhan, Sonalee; Varma, Poornima; Singh, Sukhpal |
| Abstract: | Strengthening smallholder market linkages is critical for transitioning from high-risk and low revenue generating subsistence farming to more commercial and profitable agriculture. However, market access for smallholders in India presents a wide range of challenges such as inadequate access to credit and output markets, low marketable surplus and high transaction costs, information asymmetry, high-quality requirements, and presence of interlocked markets. This study explores the key factors influencing smallholders market participation and extent of participation. It also examines determinants of smallholder’s choice of paddy marketing channels available in the study region. Simultaneous equations and multinomial logit models are used to conduct the analysis for the cross-sectional data of paddy smallholders in Uttar Pradesh. Results indicate that smallholder resource endowment namely access to credit and extension services, farm size, access to off-farm income sources and transportation facilities; transaction costs factors such as market distance, paddy quantity and payment time along with membership of farmer organization influence market participation and channel choice decision Findings stress the need for formulating policies that focus on improving transportation and road infrastructure, extension services and promote financial inclusion of resource poor smallholders. Institutional support in ensuring timely payment can facilitate smallholders’ inclusion in profitable marketing channels. Furthermore, policies aimed at promoting farmer producer organizations and strengthening public procurement is recommended. |
| Keywords: | Marketing |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344325 |
| By: | Wrismawati, W. |
| Abstract: | The rapid global population increase significantly contributes to environmental and natural resource exploitation. This phenomenon happens in Indonesia with a high population reached 278 million people in mid-2023. As the population grows, there is a heightened demand for essential resources, particularly in Bogor Regency, which faces challenges in providing sufficient clean water due to its high population density. The Ciburial spring, the largest and oldest raw water source in Bogor Regency, has experienced a 62% decline in discharge over the past two decades. This reduction is attributed to anthropogenic factors affecting land use change in the recharge area. To ensure water availability, particularly in preserving the green coverage of the Ciburial spring recharge area, effective land cover management is crucial. This research aims to assess the water provisioning services of green ecosystems in the recharge area, with specific objectives of measuring the water yield and estimating the economic value of water provisioning services in the Ciburial spring recharge area. This study is based on the InVEST Seasonal Water Yield (SWY) model and market-based approach. The results show that the potential of water yield or groundwater supply in the Ciburial spring recharge area fluctuated in the past decade, reaching 32, 613, 565.97 m3 in 2020. The InVEST SWY model also projects water yield for the next 10 years, considering climate scenarios like SSP370 and SSP585. In line with the first objective, the economic value of water provisioning services in the Ciburial spring recharge area was estimated at IDR 30, 855, 042, 497.22 in 2020. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344445 |
| By: | Bullock, David S.; Edge, Britanni; Mieno, Taro |
| Abstract: | Precision agriculture researchers began investigating "management zone" (MZ) delineation as variable-rate technology emerged in commercial markets in the 1990s. A large part of that research has focused pm questions about what clustering or delineation methods should be used on past yield data and spatial field and soil characteristics data to delineate MZs. The literature’s MZ delineation methods have grown in complexity over the years, but several widespread flaws in this literature persist. Using microeconomic theory to define MZs, we show that creating MZs for a generic input is suboptimal as the input type, management decisions, and zones are fundamentally connected. Specifically, a profitable MZ delineation requires a selected managed input and sufficient knowledge about site-specific yield response functions, and in particular marginal yield response to input application rates, which can only be estimated with data from on-farm precision experiments (OFPEs). Thus, OFPE is vital for the proper establishment of MZs. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaepa:344213 |
| By: | Martin, Will; Minot, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | This paper begins with a survey of recent commodity price developments that highlights the magnitude of this price surge and identifies the rapid rise in wheat prices as a key element. The analysis in this paper focuses on the extent to which domestic markets are insulated from these changes and on the resulting impacts on world prices. An econometric analysis using Error Correction Models finds stable long-term relationships between world wheat prices and most domestic prices of wheat and wheat products, but with considerable variation across countries in the rate of price transmission. A case study of the price shocks during the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine food price crisis finds that price insulation roughly doubled the overall increase in world wheat prices and raised their volatility both during periods of price increase and price decline. |
| Date: | 2024–07–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:dyqek |
| By: | Ashok Gulati (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Reena Singh (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Ritika Juneja; Purvi Thangaraj |
| Abstract: | It is high time that the policy making in the country is geared towards sustainable and profitable agriculture. The need of this is the most in Punjab-Haryana belt where entrenched rice cultivation is causing ecological disaster. Peasants of Punjab and Haryana have done a yeoman’s job in feeding the country and it is obligatory on the part of the state as well as the centre to steer them towards crops that are less damaging to environment and yet are more profitable than paddy. This requires innovative policy solutions. One of such policy innovation is suggested in this policy brief, where farmers shifting from paddy to pulses, oilseeds, millets, and even kharif maize can be given roughly Rs 35, 000/ha on 50:50 basis under the joint package of the relevant state and the Centre. Haryana is already giving Rs 17, 500/ha and the Centre needs to double it up. Interestingly, there is hardly any additional expenditure involved. It is the savings on power, canal waters, and fertilizer subsidies that need to be given back to farmers in a different form. If this is done, India can save the most fertile plains of Punjab-Haryana from potential desertification. And that will be a great service to the country. |
| Keywords: | Re-aligning Agriculture Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, Punjab, Haryana, GreenHouse Gas Emissions, Ground-Water, Subsidy, Crop Diversification |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdc:ppaper:21 |
| By: | Bullock, David S.; Edge, Britanni; Mieno, Taro |
| Abstract: | Precision agriculture researchers began investigating "management zone" (MZ) delineation as variable-rate technology emerged in commercial markets in the 1990s. A large part of that research has focused pm questions about what clustering or delineation methods should be used on past yield data and spatial field and soil characteristics data to delineate MZs. The literature’s MZ delineation methods have grown in complexity over the years, but several widespread flaws in this literature persist. Using microeconomic theory to define MZs, we show that creating MZs for a generic input is suboptimal as the input type, management decisions, and zones are fundamentally connected. Specifically, a profitable MZ delineation requires a selected managed input and sufficient knowledge about site-specific yield response functions, and in particular marginal yield response to input application rates, which can only be estimated with data from on-farm precision experiments (OFPEs). Thus, OFPE is vital for the proper establishment of MZs. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use, Productivity Analysis, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2023–09–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:haaewp:344213 |
| By: | Hoffmann, Clemens; Kastens, Lina; vPortugal-Perez, Alberto; von Cramon-Taubadel, Stephan |
| Abstract: | We look for evidence that countries increasingly insulate their domestic markets for staple grains from global markets when international prices increase. Previous studies have demonstrated that the transmission of international to domestic prices for these products is less than perfect, which reduces the ability of the global trading system to buffer shocks. However, past studies generally assume that relationships between international and domestic prices are constant, and hence that a country’s degree of insulation does not vary over time. To relax this assumption, we use a smooth-transition model, a modified version of the error correction model (ECM). We estimate elasticities of transmission from international to domestic wholesale and retail prices for a comprehensive set of countries for wheat, yellow and white maize, and rice. We find that price transmission from international to domestic prices weakens in many countries and on average when international prices peak, in other words that the insulation of domestic from international prices increases during high-price episodes (such as in 2007/08 and 2022). We also find that this increased insulation cannot be attributed exclusively to changes in border measures such as export restrictions or import tariffs. This suggests that countries are also using measures such as price controls or the release of stocks to insulate their domestic markets for staple grains. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, International Relations/Trade |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344313 |
| By: | Bathan, B.M. |
| Abstract: | Rice markets in the Philippines recently experienced various policy shocks, including the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) in March 2019, and the imposition of price freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and mandated ceiling prices on milled rice in September 2023. This study aims to examine the spatial price transmission of regular milled rice across 17 regional retail markets. By analyzing monthly price data from January 2012 to December 2023, the study seeks to describe structural breaks in price series, assess the speed and magnitude of price adjustments, determine the nature and direction of price transmissions, and identify factors influencing spatial price transmissions. Various analytical techniques, such as descriptive analysis, unit root and structural break tests, Toda-Yamamoto causality tests, and the autoregressive distributed lag technique, are employed to analyze the price series. The findings reveal significant positive and negative structural breaks. Both Central Luzon, the top producer of paddy rice, and Eastern Visayas, the main consumer of regular milled rice, serve as reference markets. The National Capital Region also functions as a central market. The speed of price adjustments ranges from 1.18 to 3.60 months, while asymmetric price transmission is observed in two out of four spatially integrated regional markets. Cagayan Valley exhibits almost one-to-one price transmission, whereas the other reference markets have an elasticity of price transmission of less than 0.80. The study recommends monitoring prices, disseminating market information, investigating unfair trade practices, improving NFA inventory management, and developing targeted price and market policy measures. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344438 |
| By: | Ariong, Richard M.; Chamberlin, Jordan; Kariuki, Sarah Wairimu; Van Campenhout, Bjorn |
| Abstract: | Quality upgrading may be lagging in value chains where the assessment and traceability of the quality of the underlying commodity is challenging. In Uganda's southwestern milk shed, a variety of initiatives are trying to increase the quality of raw milk in dairy value chains. These initiatives generally involve the introduction of technologies that enable measurement of key quality parameters at strategic nodes in the value chain, in conjunction with a system that allows for tracking of these parameters throughout the supply chain. In this paper, we use a combination of focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and quantitative data that is generated by these initiatives to document outputs, describe emerging outcomes, and reflect on the potential impact. We find clear evidence that milk quality improved, but the effects on milk prices are more subtle. |
| Keywords: | dairy value chains; raw milk; research methods; technology; Uganda; Africa; Eastern Africa |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2264 |
| By: | Liu, Mengyu; Zhou, Xiong; Huang, Guohe; Li, Yongping |
| Abstract: | The sustainable development of China has been challenged by the misalignment of water demand and supply across regions under varying climate change scenarios. Here we develop a water stress prediction index using a fuzzy decision-making approach, which analyzes spatiotemporal variations of water stress and concomitant effects on the populace within China. Our results indicate that water stress will increase from 2020 to 2099 under both low and high emission scenarios, primarily due to decreased water supplies like surface runoff and snow water content. Seasonal analysis reveals that annual fluctuations in water stress are mainly driven by changes in spring and autumn. Water stress is projected to be considerably lower in southeastern provinces compared to northwestern ones, where, on average, over 20% of the Chinese population could be severely impacted. These changes in water stress could lead to the north-to-south migration of the agriculture sector, manufacturing sector, and human population. |
| JEL: | R14 J01 |
| Date: | 2024–12–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:124431 |
| By: | SASAKI, Hiroki; HORIE, Shinya; HORIE, Tetsuya; TANAKA, Katsuya |
| Abstract: | In this study, we explore the impact of "Nudge" and "Boost" methodologies on mitigating methane emissions from rice cultivation, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Through a cluster randomized control trial conducted in Japan, we assess whether strategic informational campaigns, incorporating these behavioral insight, can enhance the adoption of a prolonged mid-season drainage period, which can lower methane emissions from rice paddies. Our experimental results show notable differences in the effectiveness of basic communications from the local government as before (Control group) versus those enriched with social comparison messaging focusing on methane emission from paddy fields (Nudge). Specifically, we find a clear positive effect of social comparison messaging for farmers participating in community-based agriculture. Furthermore, our research indicates that targeted technical guidance (Boost), addressing prevalent concerns about altering traditional farming methods, significantly sways farmers' future intentions toward methane-reduction techniques. The study underscores the importance of combining nudges, which subtly alter the external choice architecture, with boosts that empower farmers' decision-making capabilities and counter cognitive biases, to effectively steer behavior towards environmentally sustainable practices. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Institutional and Behavioral Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344318 |
| By: | Aye, Goodness C.; Kotur, Lydia N.; Ayoola, Josephine B. |
| Abstract: | The study investigated the threshold effects of economic policy uncertainty on agricultural growth in Nigeria using annual time series data from 1970 to 2021. Descriptive analysis revealed positive mean, maximum, and minimum values for variables such as adult population (ADULTPOP), environmental degradation (ENVT), exchange rate uncertainty (EXRU), financial deepening (FINDEEP), government expenditure in agriculture uncertainty (GEAU), global economic uncertainty (GEU), inflation (INF), and interest rate uncertainty (INRU). However, agricultural growth (AG) showed a negative minimum value. Most variables exhibited low volatility, except for inflation and interest rate uncertainty, which demonstrated higher volatility. Unit root tests indicated that some variables initially had unit roots in levels but became stationary after first differencing (integrated of order one), while others were stationary in levels (integrated of order zero). The study employed a threshold regression model, revealing a threshold value of 0.034 for global economic uncertainty (GEU). Above this threshold, exchange rate uncertainty (EXRU) and interest rate uncertainty (INRU) significantly impacted on agricultural growth. Non-threshold variables, including adult population, financial deepening, environmental degradation, and inflation, also had significant effects on agricultural growth. The study provides policymakers and stakeholders with valuable insights into the optimal management of economic policy uncertainty for sustainable agricultural development. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Risk and Uncertainty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344261 |
| By: | Kanthaswamy, Harishankar; Das, Abhishek; Venkatachalam, Saravankumar; Radha, Ashok Krishna; Kumar, Shalander |
| Abstract: | The research presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate dynamics between fodder and milk production within the dairy industry of Tamil Nadu, India by employing a robust System Dynamics modelling. This approach harmonizes qualitative and quantitative data to construct an elaborate model that intricately portrays the interconnections among diverse facets of the fodder and dairy system, with a primary focus on the value chain. System Dynamics facilitates the simulation of dynamic feedback loops, temporal delays, and the intricate web of causal relationships that influence the dairy industry's performance. Through this study, we address pivotal leverage points for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Indian dairy value chain. The findings underscore the strategic importance of interventions in fodder dairy production systems by exploring different scenarios to evaluate the potential complexes of policy shifts and evolving market dynamics. It offers insights to policymakers, dairy industry stakeholders, and researchers interested in optimizing the performance of dynamic dairy ecosystem. It accentuates the imperative of embracing a holistic, system-oriented approach to effectively navigate the intricate challenges and capitalize on the opportunities within fodder and dairy landscape. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344290 |
| By: | Lubis, D.; Dewi, M.R.; Asmara, A. |
| Abstract: | Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, is the second largest contributor to food waste worldwide. West Sumatra is famous for its strong Islamic cultural tradition, and Padang City, the capital of the province, is the largest contributor to food waste in West Sumatra Province. This study analyzed the factors influencing food waste behavior among Generation Z in Padang City, Indonesia. The research used a survey of 210 respondents, the data collected from February to April 2023 using a web-based questionnaire. The collected data were processed using structural equation modeling with smart-PLS software (SEM-PLS) to determine the effect of exogenous variables on endogenous variables. The results showed that attitude, perceived behavior control (PBC), and religious norms significantly influence the intention to avoid food waste. Habits have a significant influence on food waste behavior. Other variables such as subjective norm, lack of concern, and intention not to waste food did not significantly influence. Religious norms, habits, and PBC can prevent food waste behavior; therefore, it is necessary to increase religious understanding in respecting food, as well as education about the dangers of food waste behavior for the environment, economy, and food security of a country. This research can be a reference in formulating policies to prevent food waste behavior in the younger generation. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344459 |
| By: | Steffen Jahn (School of Economics and Business, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany); Daniel Guhl (School of Business and Economics, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany); Ainslee Erhard (Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Göttingen, Germany) |
| Abstract: | Efforts to promote sustainable resource use through reduced meat consumption face challenges as global meat consumption persists. The resistance may be attributed to the lower sales price of meat compared to most plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs). Addressing this, our research delves into the pivotal question of which PBMAs resonate most with consumers and how pricing affects demand. In a hypothetical restaurant context, we conducted 2 representative studies among 2, 126 individuals in the U.S. to scrutinize preferences for meat, analog, semi-analog, and non-analog burgers. First, in a survey, we assessed rankings of the four burgers, alongside evaluating participants' genuine consideration of these choices to discern a diverse preference distribution. Subsequently, in an experiment, we examined the influence of prices on participants' consideration and choice of PBMAs, thereby capturing both phases of the decision-making process. Our survey shows that meat has considerably higher utility and consumer preference than all PBMAs on average, but we also find substantial heterogeneity (i.e., some consumers prefer PBMAs over meat). In the experiment, we establish that there is a negative association between the consideration of meat and PBMA burgers, though consideration of any one PBMA is positively associated with considering other PBMAs. A noteworthy increase in consideration and choice is observed when prices of PBMAs are reduced, while changing the price of the meat burger only has minimal effect on demand. Such findings underscore the importance of affordability beyond price parity in catalyzing the shift towards plant-based diets. |
| Keywords: | Plant-based meat; Food decision making; Sustainability; Price elasticity; |
| JEL: | M31 L66 Q56 C11 C35 |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rco:dpaper:509 |
| By: | David Haugh |
| Abstract: | New Zealand, like other countries, needs to address climate change on two fronts simultaneously. Adapting to a hotter world while meeting its emissions reduction targets. New Zealand will need to become better prepared for more extreme weather that climate change will bring about. Councils will need new sources of revenue to fund the infrastructure that adaptation requires. Maintaining a comprehensive package of private insurance for climate-related losses with sharper premium price signals will also be essential. Developing a long-term energy strategy that weighs up all the main options for reducing emissions, while ensuring security of supply in a hotter world, is also crucial. New Zealand has made important strides to strengthen the policy framework for reducing GHG emissions. An important part of the framework is the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). However, the ETS should be reviewed with a focus on the treatment of carbon removals through afforestation. New Zealand’s next overall emissions reduction plan should be underpinned by a rigorous and comprehensive cost-benefit comparison of the different emissions reduction options. |
| Keywords: | adaptation, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation, New Zealand |
| JEL: | O13 O18 Q16 Q23 Q28 Q48 Q50 Q53 Q54 Q58 R11 R12 R14 R48 R52 |
| Date: | 2024–08–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ecoaaa:1815-en |
| By: | Digvijay S. Negi (Ashoka University); Christopher B. Barrett (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management & Cornell University) |
| Abstract: | How do low-income, rural households smooth consumption in the face of seasonal and stochastic variation in income when household access to formal financial services is limited? And how do consumption smoothing modes evolve in response to changes in transport infrastructure? We explore these questions by studying milk consumption smoothing for a panel of households from rural India. Household milk consumption is highly but incompletely smoothed relative to intertemporal variation in household milk production. Informal inter-household transfers provide only modest quasi-insurance. Mainly, households smooth consumption through milk market transactions. And as new roads reach villages, markets become even more important mechanisms for consumption smoothing, especially in high productivity seasons. These patterns underscore the central importance of product market participation for risk management in low-income rural communities. |
| Keywords: | insurance; market participation; ndia; risk sharing; transactions costs |
| Date: | 2024–07–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ash:wpaper:116 |
| By: | Aude Farnault; Khalifa Sarr |
| Abstract: | This working paper provides an in-depth review of the opportunities and challenges surrounding water investment in Africa. It also presents the state of play in the use of ultimate sources of funding (the “3Ts”: tariffs, taxes, and transfers) and financing for water on the continent, showing that these sources are not currently being used to their full potential and in the most efficient and equitable way. In this context, there is a wide range of options to scale up and improve water finance in Africa and to achieve SDG 6 - and, by extension, all the Sustainable Development Goals - on the continent. This paper follows the lifecycle of a project, paying particular attention to equity and affordability. It presents concrete proposals to strengthen water policy investment frameworks, build well-prepared and investment-ready water projects, scale up risk mitigation instruments for water, and diversify financing instruments and sources. |
| Keywords: | Africa, economics, finance and investment, tariffs, taxes, transfers, water, water finance |
| JEL: | F30 G10 G20 H23 H54 H81 O13 Q21 Q25 Q28 O20 |
| Date: | 2024–08–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:248-en |
| By: | Regassa, Mekdim D.; Esenaliev, Damir; Tzvetkova, Milena; Baliki, Ghassan; Schreiner, Monika; Stojetz, Wolfgang; Brück, Tilman |
| Abstract: | We study the impact of exposure to COVID-19 on food security and diet diversity in four African countries (Uganda, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Mozambique), using phone-based survey data collected throughout 2021. We find that in 2021, one in two households faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity and one in three households had borderline to poor diet diversity score. Food insecurity and poor diet diversity are particularly pronounced among certain groups of households, who characterize with large family sizes, low access to public services, own fewer assets, and mostly have a female, younger, and less educated person as household head. Both food insecurity and poor diet diversity are positively associated with exposure to COVID-19 – either through individual experience of having a virus or having people in their surroundings who had the virus. We show that tighter movement restrictions and a more drastic decline in household income in COVID-19-exposed areas were the main reasons for worsened food insecurity and poorer diet diversity. Vulnerable households rarely received financial support from governments, forcing many of them to use harmful food- related coping strategies and to borrow from other households. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, Health Economics and Policy, Labor and Human Capital |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344321 |
| By: | Amondo, Emily Injete; Kornher, Lukas; von Braun, Joachim |
| Abstract: | We conduct high-frequency panel surveys to investigate poverty dynamics, encompassing monetary and non-monetary dimensions, using various consumption and nutritional indicators. These surveys are carried out on random samples of rural households in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. Our findings reveal that a significant proportion of households in the lowest quartile in all three countries remain there after 2-3 months and even one year later. Our analysis using multinomial models suggests that natural shocks increase the likelihood of experiencing poverty in Ethiopia and facing food poverty in Uganda. Additionally, conflict- related shocks are strong predictors of chronic and transient monetary poverty in Uganda and escalate the probability of falling into food poverty in Ethiopia. We also observe substantial adverse effects of economic shocks on food poverty in both Uganda and Ethiopia. Furthermore, our results indicate that having a female head of household reduces the likelihood of escaping poverty by up to 14% in Ethiopia and Bangladesh while decreasing the probability of remaining non-poor by 21% and increasing the likelihood of being poor by 12% in Uganda. We recommend targeted interventions, such as investments in human capital, including education, safety nets, and financial policies that empower households to build their asset base, for instance, by acquiring livestock and promoting women empowerment. Such measures are crucial for reducing poverty and enhancing resilience in these communities. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344300 |
| By: | Athapaththu, Poorni; Weerahewa, Jeevika |
| Abstract: | This study evaluated the willingness-to pay (WTP) for quality mango planting materials of TomEJC cultivar and identified the variables that affect WTP and degree of adoption of the technology. A second price sealed bid auction was conducted among villagers in Thirappane, Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka to determine WTP and a Heckman two-stage model was estimated to ascertain the determinants of WTP. The respondents were randomly divided in to two groups and one group was given information on growing of TomEJC before the experiment was conducted. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The findings showed that the pooled sample's mean bid for TomEJC planting materials was LKR 287.03 per plant and the WTP of group that received advance notice was higher by LKR 151.62. Heckman model first-stage results indicated that the decision to adopt was positively and significantly influenced by household type, mango availability in the home garden, education level, and desire to begin commercial mango cultivation. The second-stage results revealed that WTP was positively & significantly influenced by information provision and average monthly income. These results suggest that the first step in promoting new technology will be to raise awareness targeting the non-poor farmers. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344265 |
| By: | Wolfgang Maennig (Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg); Leo Doerr (Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides new evidence on the globalization‒poverty nexus. We innovate by using an indicator of globalization in the food sector, finding evidence of a significantly aggravating impact on poverty prev-alence, adding to earlier studies that use indicators of general globalization. The opening of food markets since the mid-1990s in Latin America might have accounted for approximately 2 additional percentage points of the population living below the absolute poverty line of $2 a day in our sample. |
| Date: | 2024–08–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hce:wpaper:078 |
| By: | Htwe, A.Y.; Soe, T.T.; Myint, T.; Khaing, K.T. |
| Abstract: | Agri-processing and value addition are expanding recently, focusing on rice value added products based on the diversification of rice varieties. This study aimed to explore information about marketable rice varieties and commonly used rice varieties for marketed snacks and noodle in four markets, Nay Pyi Taw. Based on the findings, the top five marketed rice varieties were Manawthukha, Shwebo Pawsan, Pyapon Pawsan, Machando, and Ayeyar Padaethar in Nay Pyi Taw. Among the strengths of rice market, the major strength was the high demand for quality rice (88.67%), while the major weakness was price fluctuation (66.04%). Approximately 42.86% of the samples used two types of rice varieties, including Pawsan and Manawthukha, Pawsan and Pawsanhmwe, Manawthukha and Sticky rice, Machando and Sticky rice for rice snacks. Mostly, sample rice noodle mills used one type of rice variety such as Manawthukha, Byawt Tun and Byawt Thukha for rice noodles. According to the results, head rice and aged rice types were mainly used for rice snacks and rice noodle. Popular marketed rice varieties and commonly used rice varieties for snacks and noodle will be useful for farmer's decision making in the selection of rice varieties to grow. Moreover, information about rice varieties will be useful for rice breeding programs and distribution strategies as the demand driven plan formulation for the future research of rice industry in Myanmar. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–04–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:asea24:344442 |
| By: | Bachev, Hrabrin; Ivanov, Bozhidar |
| Abstract: | A new holistic framework for an adequate understanding of the system of agri-food governance and for assessing its quality, incorporating interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics, is suggested. Agri-food governance is defined as a complex system including (1) agri-food and related agents; (2) rules, forms, and mechanisms that govern their behavior, activities, and relations; (3) processes and activities related to making managerial decisions; (4) a specific social order resulting from the governing process; (5) outcomes of the functioning of the system in terms of realization of sustainability goals. For assessing the quality of governance, a multidimensional hierarchical system of well-defined Good Governance Principles, Criteria, Indicators, and Reference Values is presented and experimented. The first-in-kind evaluation of the quality of agrarian governance in Bulgaria, based on statistical data and experts’ assessments, found that it is at a moderate EU level. In terms of Sustainability, it is at a good level while for Process, Means, and Order the level is satisfactory. The best performance is for principles of Equity and Solidarity, and Good Working Public Sector while the poorest one is for Working Private Sector and Stakeholder's Involvement. In the latter direction, combined public, private, and collective efforts are to be made to improve agri-food governance in the country. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Institutional and Behavioral Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:cfcp15:344282 |
| By: | Pierre Nguimkeu; Cedric I Okou |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes the drivers of digital technologies adoption and how it affects the productivity of small scale businesses in Africa. We use data collected from two semi-rural markets in Benin, where grains and legumes are key staple foods and one-third of the population has internet access. We develop a structural model to rationalize digital technologies adoption—defined as the use of mobile broadband internet connection through smartphones—as well as usage patterns and outcomes observed in the data. The model’s implications are empirically tested using both reduced-form and structural maximum likelihood estimations. We find that younger, wealthier, more educated grains and legumes suppliers and those closely surrounded by other users are more likely to adopt digital technologies. Adopters perform 4-5 more business transactions each month than non-adopters on average, suggesting that digital technologies adoption could raise the monthly frequency and amounts of trades by up to 50%. Most adopters are women, but their productivity gains are lower than their male counterparts. Counterfactual policy simulations with the estimated model suggest that upgrading the broadband internet quality yields the largest improvement in adoption rate and productivity gains, while reducing its cost for a given connection quality only has a moderate effect. Improving access to credit only increases the adoption rate of constrained suppliers. |
| Keywords: | Digital Technology Adoption; Food Supply; Counterfactual Analysis |
| Date: | 2024–07–26 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/163 |
| By: | Amir Nafi (BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - AgroParisTech - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA) - Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA) Mulhouse - Colmar - UL - Université de Lorraine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - UL - Université de Lorraine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); François Destanau (SAGE - Sociétés, acteurs, gouvernement en Europe - ENGEES - École Nationale du Génie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement de Strasbourg - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | Asset foresight consists in the search for asset policies, i.e. management strategies for drinking water networks, that reflect a mix of maintenance and investment actions offering the best trade-off between performance and costs. The aim of this article is to improve asset management practices for drinking water networks, in a context of low data availability, using artificial intelligence and more specifically Prism, a software solution supported by public grants. The performance indicator studied in this article is network efficiency i.e. the proportion of water produced that is distributed, and then therefore not lost "in transit". First, an innovative methodology will be presented to better characterize the origin of water losses. This information will then be fed into the Prism software, which will compare the utilities current practice with a status quo solution, and then with effective asset management policies, which it will estimate using a "costbenefit" approach. The results of this article are based on empirical studies carried out in four French local authorities. They provide valuable information for improving the estimation of network water losses. The proposed methodology, carried out by Prism software, also improves the search for alternative asset management policies and provides an innovative decision-making aid for drinking water network managers. |
| Abstract: | La prospective patrimoniale consiste en la recherche de politiques patrimoniales, à savoir des stratégies de gestion des réseaux d'eau potable, qui traduisent un mix entre des actions de maintenance et d'investissement qui offrent le meilleur compromis entre la performance et le coût. L'article vise à faire évoluer les pratiques en termes de gestion patrimoniale des réseaux d'eau potable, dans un contexte de faible disponibilité des données, à partir de l'intelligence artificielle et plus précisément à l'aide du logiciel PRISM qui est une solution logicielle issue de la recherche publique. L'indicateur de performance étudié dans cet article est le rendement de réseau, à savoir la part de l'eau produite qui est réellement distribuée, et donc non perdue « en route ». Dans un premier temps, sera présentée une méthodologie innovante pour mieux caractériser l'origine des pertes en eau. Ces informations viendront « nourrir » le logiciel PRISM qui comparera la pratique actuelle du service à une solution de statu quo, puis à des politiques patrimoniales efficaces qu'il estimera, selon une approche « coûts-bénéfices ». Les résultats de cet article sont issus d'études empiriques réalisées sur quatre collectivités en France. Ils permettent, tout d'abord, de fournir une information précieuse pour améliorer l'estimation des pertes d'eau en réseau. La méthodologie proposée, adossée au logiciel PRISM, améliore également la recherche de politiques patrimoniales alternatives et constitue une aide à la décision innovante pour les gestionnaires de réseaux d'eau potable. |
| Keywords: | Foresight, Decision support, Artificial intelligence, Assets, Drinking water network, Water loss, Prospective, Aide à la décision, Intelligence artificielle, Patrimoine, Réseau d'eau potable, Perte d’eau |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04649022 |
| By: | Oche Joseph Otorkpa (TAU - Texila American University); Stephen Emmanuel (Taraba State University, Jalingo); Faith Obuye (FUL - Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria); Chinenye Oche Otorkpa (FUL - Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria) |
| Abstract: | Der Klimawandel stellt bedeutende Herausforderungen für die globale Gesundheit dar und hat weitreichende Auswirkungen auf die menschliche Gesundheit und das Wohlbefinden. Diese umfassende Übersicht synthetisiert Evidenz aus verschiedenen Disziplinen, um die komplexe Beziehung zwischen Klimawandel und Gesundheit zu verdeutlichen. Schwerpunkte liegen auf den direkten Auswirkungen extremer Wetterereignisse, Veränderungen in der Übertragung von Infektionskrankheiten, Luftqualitätsveränderungen, Problemen der Ernährungssicherheit und den Auswirkungen auf die psychische Gesundheit. Besonders betroffen sind vulnerable Bevölkerungsgruppen wie einkommensschwache Gemeinschaften und indigene Völker, was die Notwendigkeit gezielter Interventionen und gerechter Anpassungsstrategien unterstreicht. Methodisch wurde eine Suche in peer-reviewter Literatur durchgeführt, die Studien bis zum Jahr 2024 abdeckt. Sowohl quantitative als auch qualitative Studien wurden einbezogen, und eine thematische Analyse wurde angewendet, um Muster und Trends zu identifizieren. Die Übersicht hebt Lücken in aktuellen politischen Rahmenwerken und internationalen Kooperationsbemühungen hervor und fordert eine verstärkte Zusammenarbeit und Wissensaustausch, um den vielschichtigen Herausforderungen des Klimawandels für die Gesundheit zu begegnen. Darüber hinaus sind proaktive Anpassungsmaßnahmen, eine robuste öffentliche Gesundheitsinfrastruktur und inklusive Strategien entscheidend, um die negativen Gesundheitsauswirkungen zu mindern und die Widerstandsfähigkeit zu stärken. Durch prioritäre gemeinsame Maßnahmen und interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit können wir einer gesünderen und widerstandsfähigeren Zukunft im Angesicht des Klimawandels entgegenwirken. |
| Abstract: | Climate change poses significant challenges to global health, with far-reaching implications for human health and well-being. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from diverse disciplines to elucidate the complex relationship between climate change and health. Key areas of focus include the direct impacts of extreme weather events, alterations in infectious disease transmission, air quality changes, food security issues, and mental health effects. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and indigenous peoples, are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the need for targetedinterventions and equitable adaptation strategies. Methodologically, a search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted, covering studies published up to 2024. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included, and thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and trends. The review highlights gaps in current policy frameworks and international cooperation efforts, calling for enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change on health. Furthermore, proactive adaptation measures, robust public health infrastructure, and inclusive strategies are essential to mitigate adverse health impacts and foster resilience. By prioritizing collective action and interdisciplinary collaboration, we can work towards a healthier and more resilient future in the face of climate change. |
| Abstract: | Le changement climatique pose des défis significatifs pour la santé mondiale, avec des implications étendues pour la santé et le bien-être humains. Cette revue exhaustive synthétise les preuves issues de disciplines diverses pour élucider la relation complexe entre le changement climatique et la santé. Les principaux domaines d'intérêt incluent les impacts directs des événements météorologiques extrêmes, les modifications dans la transmission des maladies infectieuses, les changements de qualité de l'air, les problèmes de sécurité alimentaire et les effets sur la santé mentale. Les populations vulnérables, y compris les communautés à faible revenu et les peuples autochtones, sont disproportionnellement affectées, ce qui souligne la nécessité d'interventions ciblées et de stratégies d'adaptation équitables. Sur le plan méthodologique, une recherche de la littérature évaluée par des pairs a été menée, couvrant les études publiées jusqu'en 2024. Des études quantitatives et qualitatives ont été incluses, et une analyse thématique a été utilisée pour identifier les motifs et les tendances. La revue met en évidence les lacunes dans les cadres politiques actuels et les efforts de coopération internationale, appelant à une collaboration renforcée et au partage des connaissances pour relever les défis multifacettes posés par le changement climatique sur la santé. De plus, des mesures d'adaptation proactive, une infrastructure robuste de santé publique et des stratégies inclusives sont essentielles pour atténuer les impacts négatifs sur la santé et favoriser la résilience. En priorisant l'action collective et la collaboration interdisciplinaire, nous pouvons travailler vers un avenir plus sain et plus résilient face au changement climatique. |
| Keywords: | Climate change global health epidemiology environmental science public health and policy, Climate change, global health, epidemiology, environmental science, public health and policy |
| Date: | 2024–05–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04587989 |
| By: | Ricardo Martinez; Juan D. Moreno-Ternero |
| Abstract: | We take an axiomatic approach to the allocation of riparian water rights. We formalize ethical or structural properties as axioms of allocation rules. We show that several combinations of these axioms characterize focal rules implementing the principle of Territorial Integration of all Basin States in various forms. One of them connects to the Shapley value, the long-standing centerpiece of cooperative game theory. The others offer natural compromises between the polar principles of Absolute Territorial Sovereignty and Unlimited Territorial Integrity. We complete our study with an empirical application to the allocation of riparian water rights in the Nile River. |
| Date: | 2024–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2407.14623 |
| By: | Bolotova, Yuliya V. |
| Abstract: | The motivations for this case study are recent developments in the U.S. broiler chicken industry involving allegations of an illegal exercise of buyer market power by the five largest broiler chicken processors in the country in the market for broiler grow-out services. This case study introduces economic, business, and legal issues related to the alleged input price-fixing cartel of the five largest broiler processors. The case study describes the broiler processors’ conduct and presents a theoretical framework that may explain market and price effects of the alleged input price-fixing cartel. In addition, the case study introduces a comprehensive analysis of a sample broiler production agreement between a broiler grower and a broiler processor with a particular attention paid to design of the payment (compensation) system included in this agreement. The teaching note provides suggested answers to discussion and analytical questions, and it also includes multiple-choice questions that can be used as in-class assignments, quizzes, and exam questions.1 This case study is suitable for a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses taught in agricultural economics and agribusiness programs and for extension and outreach audiences. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Production Economics |
| Date: | 2924–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea22:344127 |