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on Agricultural Economics |
| By: | Coulibaly, Jonas Fidele |
| Abstract: | Poster |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356775 |
| By: | Bello, Lateef Olalekan; Awotide, Bola Amoke; Danso-Abbeam, Gideon; Sakurai, Takeshi |
| Abstract: | Climate change remains a major impediment to food security in majority of developing countries, such as the West Africa Sahel (WASR), due to the rudimentary and rain-fed production system practiced by most farmers. The adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies (CSAT), which aim to increase resilience and adaptation to changing climatic conditions, is crucial for boosting crop productivity and increasing food sufficiency. This study examined the food security impact of smallholder farmers adopting CSAT in WASR (Mali and Niger). We control for potential endogeneity bias that could occur in this study by employing the extended ordered probit and multinomial endogenous treatment effect model to analyze food security impact using the two most common approaches, which are the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Food Consumption Scores (FCS). The impact results from the HFIAS estimation indicate that CSAT adopters are more food insecure than non-adopters in WASR. Subsequently, the FCS estimation results show that smallholder farmers adopting CSAT are less food secure than non- adopters. Further analysis of mechanisms and pathways to food security revealed that CSAT 2 Copyright 2024 by Lateef Olalekan Bello, Bola Amoke Awotide, Gideon-Danso-Abbeam, and Takeshi Sakurai. All rights reserved. Readers may make verbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided that this copyright notice appears on all such copies. adopters significantly reduced the share of crop production they retained for household consumption compared to non-adopters. Subsequent findings revealed that adopters of CSAT generate significantly higher crop revenues than non-adopters. This implies that CSAT adopters sell the majority of their marketable surplus and retain a minor share for household consumption. These findings suggest that farm-level sensitization programs could emphasize the need for farmers to strike a balance between agricultural investment and food security. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Security and Poverty, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344323 |
| 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:iaae24:344304 |
| 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:iaae24:344269 |
| 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:iaae24:344286 |
| 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:iaae24:344295 |
| By: | Mantey, Vida; Bosch, Christine; Missiame, Arnold; Birner, Regina; Birkenberg, Athena; Yameogo, Viviane Guesbeogo; Mburu, John |
| Abstract: | Dairy production is an important contributor to food security and poverty reduction, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The development of smallholder agricultural carbon projects, such as the Mt. Elgon project, provides an opportunity for farmers to receive benefits for adopting sustainable practices that not only potentially increase farm productivity but also reduce GHG emissions. While there is growing evidence that agricultural cooperatives in conventional development projects improve the adoption of agricultural technologies and the economic performance of smallholder farms, there is a research gap on the role that dairy cooperatives can play in smallholder agricultural carbon projects. This study examines the role of dairy cooperatives in smallholder agricultural carbon projects and assesses the impact of cooperative membership on the technical efficiency of smallholder dairy carbon farmers in Western Kenya. The study used a mixed methods approach. A participatory and visual mapping tool, Net-Map, was used to identify key actors and their linkages. Stochastic frontier and endogenous switching regression models were used to estimate technical efficiency and assess the impact of cooperative membership on the technical efficiency of smallholder dairy carbon farmers, respectively. The results show that dairy cooperatives in carbon projects play an important role in project design and implementation, as well as in carbon monitoring and reporting. On average, smallholder farmers are 35.3 percent technically efficient, and cooperative members have lower technical efficiency than non-members. This finding can be attributed to the way these dairy cooperatives were set up and the fact that some farmers joined the cooperatives to participate in the project. Furthermore, an average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) and an average treatment effect on the untreated (ATU) of 0.311 and 0.251 respectively was observed. In general, the study concludes that without critical sources of heterogeneity, dairy cooperatives can support smallholder carbon farmers not only to improve their efficiency but also to promote sustainable dairy farming. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344343 |
| By: | Chakira, Raja; Oktem, Berk; Veron, Emilien |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impact of recurrent droughts on farm size and land concentration in France over the short run (2015–2022) and long run (1988–2020). While droughts in developing countries often drive cropland expansion, evidence from developed economies remains scarce. Using panel data from 716 small agricultural regions and econometric models, we analyze structural shifts in landholding patterns based on average and median farm size. Drought exposure is measured through absolute (Soil Wetness Index, SWI) and relative (zscore) indicators. Our findings show that severe droughts accelerate land concentration, with the strongest effects in summer and autumn. Droughts also reduce agricultural land prices, facilitating acquisitions by larger farms, while forcing smaller farmers to exit. Additionally, total agricultural land use declines, further reinforcing concentration trends. These results highlight the structural consequences of climatic shocks in developed economies, where farm concentration is the dominant adaptation response. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356637 |
| By: | Gomez, Exequiel Romero; Ojeda, Maria Laura; Salvatici, Luca; Vaquero-Piñeiro, Cristina |
| Abstract: | Satisfying the increasing food demand, while supporting the sustainability of agri-food systems is seen as a major global challenge in the future. This study investigates how environmental policies, in terms of higher organic production targets, might affect the whole sustainability of agrifood systems at the national and international levels. By using simulations from the Simplified International Model of Agricultural Prices, Land Use, and Environment (SIMPLE) model, extended for the first time to distinguish organic from conventional production, we project socio-economic and emission outcomes in response to the 25% of organic farmland by 2030 fixed by the EU Farm to Fork strategy in Italy. Overall, results indicate that even though the F2F strategy in Italy is projected to increase crop production and reduce GHG emissions by 2030, it will also raise crop prices, slightly increase land use, and intensify non-land input demands under conventional agriculture. The findings underscore the need for complementary policies and coordinated action plans across territorial and sectoral levels to balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356757 |
| 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:iaae24:344276 |
| By: | Liu, Xiaolu; Zhang, Yumei; Lan, Xiangmin; Si, Wei |
| Abstract: | This study employs national Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate the impacts of reducing domestic agricultural trade costs on agricultural production, household income, food prices, macroeconomic conditions, as well as food consumption and dietary quality of urban and rural residents. We find that in comparison to trade costs associated with agricultural imports and exports, the reduction of domestic agricultural trade costs is more conducive to expanding food production and cultivation areas, reducing food prices, and improving the dietary conditions of both urban and rural residents in China. Moreover, it stimulates the growth of agricultural, agro-processing, and agrifood system GDP. In terms of specific foods, the reduction in domestic agricultural product trade costs will lower the prices of various food items, decrease the consumption of rice and wheat, and increase the consumption of other types of food. This study provides theoretical and empirical foundations for achieving the dual objectives of revitalizing the national unified market and promoting the transformation of the agrifood system to enhance nutritional welfare within the framework of the new development paradigm, thereby Copyright 2024 by Xiaolu Liu, Yumei Zhang, Xiangmin Lan, and Wei Si. All rights reserved. Readers may make verbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided that this copyright notice appears on all such copies. offering valuable insights for informing governmental trade policy decisions. In the future, efforts should focus on intensifying the construction of infrastructure for perishable fresh agricultural products, reducing transportation distances, lowering transport costs, and establishing a "unified national market" in the agricultural sector to enhance the sustainability and resilience of China's agrifood system. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344315 |
| By: | Singh, Tushar; Kishore, Avinash; Alvi, Muzna |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the relationship between agriculture, dietary diversity, and market access in Nepal, testing the complex causal chains involved, and the nuanced connections between production diversity and dietary diversity among smallholder farmers. While diversifying farm production could enhance dietary diversity, the case of Nepal indicates a varied and context specific relationship. Market access emerges as a crucial factor, often exerting a more significant impact on smallholder farm households than production diversity. Access to markets not only influences economic viability but also contributes directly to food and nutrition security, offering a practical solution to address dietary needs. Focusing on Nepal's diverse terrain, the study analyzes the interplay of remoteness, market access, irrigation availability, and complementary inputs in shaping farmers' decisions, providing valuable insights into sustainable agricultural strategies for improved dietary outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Farm Management |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344288 |
| By: | Zelingher, Rotem |
| Abstract: | Ensuring food security is a global challenge, particularly in low-income countries where food prices affect access to nutritious food. The instability of global agricultural commodity (AC) prices exacerbates food insecurity, with international trade restrictions and market disruptions further complicating the situation. Although online platforms exist for monitoring food prices, there is still a need for accessible, detailed forecasts for non-specialists. This paper proposes the Agricultural Commodity Analysis and Forecasts (AGRICAF) methodology, integrating explainable machine learning (XML) and econometric techniques to analyse and forecast global ACs prices up to one year ahead across different horizons. This innovative integration allows us to model complex interactions while providing clear, interpretable results. We demonstrate the utilization of AGRICAF, applying it to three major commodities and explaining how different factors impact prices across months and forecast horizons. By facilitating access to reliable forecasts of AC prices, AGRICAF can advance a fairer and sustainable food system. |
| Keywords: | Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Relations/Trade, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356741 |
| 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:iaae24:344267 |
| 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:iaae24:344322 |
| 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:iaae24:344338 |
| 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:iaae24:344277 |
| 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:iaae24:344317 |
| 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:iaae24:344309 |
| By: | Squarcina, Margherita; Wollni, Meike |
| Abstract: | In recent years, farmers have faced growing exposure to economic shocks, extreme weather, and conflicts, threatening their incomes—especially in developing countries. This study examines whether voluntary sustainability standards help mitigate the economic impact of price shocks, using Rwanda’s 2023 shift from a flexible to a fixed-price system for coffee cherries as a case study. Analyzing longitudinal data from 834 coffee farmers, we apply a difference-indifferences approach with continuous treatment, household fixed effects, and an instrumental variable strategy. Results show that the fixed-price regime reduced coffee revenues and overall household income, though the latter declined less sharply. While certified farmers received premiums, these were insufficient to offset income losses. Instead, farmers relied on agricultural diversification to stabilize earnings. The findings highlight the need for policies that improve coffee sector profitability, secure stable premiums for certified farmers, and support income diversification to sustain rural livelihoods. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Demand and Price Analysis, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356790 |
| 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:iaae24:344233 |
| By: | Tanaka, Tetsuji; Guo, Jin; Sun, Laixiang; Song, Xiao-Peng; Becker-Reshef, Inbal |
| Abstract: | In recent years, global market shocks have significantly destabilised the international grain market. By capitalising on seasonal differences between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and utilising early wheat harvest forecast information derived from remotely sensed satellite imagery, farmers in the Southern Hemisphere can respond to timely information to maximise profits. This global hedging mechanism contributes to stabilising the global wheat market. We employ a panel vector error correction model (VECM) to analyse the global agricultural market balancing system using remotely sensed wheat harvest data, focusing on 12 wheat-importing countries. The value of this information is assessed based on profits derived from price stabilisation. The results indicate that import prices in the 12 analysed countries could be stabilised by 10% to 19%, resulting in annual profit gains for importers totaling 364 million USD. When extrapolated globally, the combined profit for exporters and importers is conservatively estimated at approximately 4.98 billion USD. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Demand and Price Analysis, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356745 |
| 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:iaae24:344263 |
| By: | Sidhoum, Amer Ait; Sipiläinen, Timo; Virpi, Kling; Niemi, Jarkko K. |
| Abstract: | This study offers valuable insights into farmers’ perspectives on the use of feed additives (3-NOP) in reducing methane emissions and highlights associated obstacles that may prevent the accelerated uptake of GHG mitigation measures. Our data originates from a survey with 239 Finnish dairy farmers. While most farmers acknowledge the importance of climate issues, only a small percentage considers the reduction of the environmental impact of milk production the responsibility of the producer. Still, the farmers would prefer to decide for themselves how to reduce emissions, which demonstrates that resistance toward external directives might exist. In addition, there is a discrepancy between economically viable and environmentally responsible management, and this makes farmers more preoccupied with profitability. Furthermore, safety towards feed additives is largely acknowledged, although their efficiency in emission reduction is still unclear to farmers; thus, better communication and education towards sustainable practices is needed. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356631 |
| By: | Akoko, Peter Obuon; Gathungu, Edith; De Groote, Hugo |
| Abstract: | Maize is most common staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa but in most cases, preserved using the traditional drying method which expose maize to severe losses and quality deterioration. Improved maize drying methods are therefore considered an alternative technique to dry maize. Studies from developed countries have found improved dryers to be more efficient and sustainable, however, developing countries like Kenya are still yet to adopt these technologies. Evaluating smallholder maize farmers’ willingness to pay for improved maize dryers in Njoro Sub-County explains this slow adoption rate. This paper sampled 306 small-scale maize farmers and characterized them based on their willingness to use the dryers. Double bounded choice model was then used to determine farmers’ willingness to pay. The results show that commercial maize production (P- value =0.078, β=13.92958), cooperative membership (P-value=0.053, β=24.40269), higher maize prices (P-value =0.022, β=0.0276285) and subjective norms (P-value=0.005, β=23.75356) positively influenced willingness to pay, while factors like familiarity (P-value=0.044, β=- 34.41718) and liking of the maize dryer (P-value=0.051, β=-16.46909) had a negative impact. The findings emphasize the importance of considering education, farming experience, land size, cooperative membership, access to extension services, and commercial market channels when marketing improved maize dryers. The ideal adopters are farmers with advanced education, years of farming experience, larger land size, cooperative membership, and access to relevant services. To enhance the adoption of improved maize dryers, stakeholders should support farmers in expanding production land, joining cooperatives, accessing extension services, and connecting with commercial maize markets. Additionally, awareness programs targeting older farmers with large households and those lacking post-harvest training may help address factors associated with unwillingness to use improved maize dryers. |
| Keywords: | Farm Management, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344279 |
| By: | Kirsch, Carmen; Läpple, Doris; Arpinon, Thibaut |
| Abstract: | Last winter, farmers protested across Europe. In Germany, farmers opposed governmental plans to abolish tax reliefs for agricultural diesel and vehicles. While the financial impact on individual farms can be seen as manageable, the protests reflected broader dissatisfaction within the sector. We analyse factors explaining farmers’ participation and support of the protests based on an online survey of over 300 German farmers. We assess farmers’ estimate of additional costs based on the tax cuts, their satisfaction with Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), farm and farmer characteristics, and protest reasons. By grouping farmers based on participation and support, we find significant differences in relation to cost estimates, farm size, and full-time farming. Regression results indicate farmers of all farm systems and sizes participated in and supported the protests. The financial impacts of the tax cuts are generally overestimated, but they do not explain participation or protest support. Higher CAP satisfaction is negatively associated with support. Across the sample, we observe high agreement with grievances like administrative burdens, low incomes, and imports. Overall, the protests reveal deep-rooted frustrations beyond immediate financial triggers, emphasizing the need for structural reforms that must not compromise sustainability goals. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356755 |
| 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:iaae24:344278 |
| By: | Stetter, Christian |
| Abstract: | Climate change necessitates immediate legislative action across all sectors, especially agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, due to their substantial role in climate change mitigation and their vulnerability to climate impacts. This study employs advanced AI-driven natural language processing to identify key patterns, trends, and themes, by analyzing 264, 739 pages of climate-related legal texts from 189 countries in 51 languages between 2001 and 2022. The findings reveal a significant increase in climate-related legislation, with policies being the dominant governance instrument. Regional variations highlight differing legislative priorities, such as disaster preparedness in Asia and sustainable forestry in North America. The study demonstrates the alignment of climate legislation with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Climate Action) and its interactions with other SDGs, thus providing insights into policy coherence and gaps in resilience-building strategies. While sectoral climate legislation demonstrates connections to emissions and vulnerability, particularly in water and food security, other factors might be more influential. This research offers critical insights into the strengths and gaps in current climate policies in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, informing future strategies to enhance global climate action. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356735 |
| By: | Skalski, Emma |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the key drivers of global urea price fluctuations. As a key agricultural input boosting yields per hectare, urea reached a record $925 per metric ton in April 2022 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine. This price increase raised production costs for farmers, thereby presenting a substantial threat to global food security. This study employs a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) on monthly data from 1985 to 2023 to examine the effects of energy prices, agricultural commodity prices, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and temperature anomalies on urea price dynamics, while also assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The main results indicate that energy and agricultural prices positively affect urea prices in the long run, while the REER has a negative impact. Furthermore, increasing temperature anomalies are associated with higher urea prices. Finally, I find that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to increases in urea prices. These findings provide valuable information on the dynamics of urea prices, enabling the development of agricultural policies and decision making to stabilize urea prices and ensure stable access to this fertilizer, which plays a crucial role in global food security. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Demand and Price Analysis |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356711 |
| 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:iaae24:344260 |
| By: | Skalski, Emma |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the key drivers of global urea price fluctuations. As a key agricultural input boosting yields per hectare, urea reached a record $925 per metric ton in April 2022 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine. This price increase raised production costs for farmers, thereby presenting a substantial threat to global food security. This study employs a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) on monthly data from 1985 to 2023 to examine the effects of energy prices, agricultural commodity prices, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and temperature anomalies on urea price dynamics, while also assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The main results indicate that energy and agricultural prices positively affect urea prices in the long run, while the REER has a negative impact. Furthermore, increasing temperature anomalies are associated with higher urea prices. Finally, I find that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to increases in urea prices. These findings provide valuable information on the dynamics of urea prices, enabling the development of agricultural policies and decision making to stabilize urea prices and ensure stable access to this fertilizer, which plays a crucial role in global food security. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356636 |
| By: | Benfica, Rui; Zambrano, Patricia; Chambers, Judith; Falck-Zepeda, Jose |
| Abstract: | Tanzania’s agriculture is characterized by low productivity due to unpredictable rainfall and the prevalence of pests and diseases. Genetically modified (GM) maize offering protection against drought and insects are being developed. Likewise, GM varieties resistant to cassava brown streak disease were developed. Building on prior crop-based analyses, we use the Rural Investment and Policy Analysis (RIAPA) CGE model to assess the impacts of the adoption of those GM crops. GM maize and cassava have positive effects on the economy, the Agri-Food System (AFS), and poverty. Given its stronger linkages in the AFS, the effects of the GM maize are stronger, especially in higher adoption and high yield scenarios. Likewise, the effects on the poorest and rural households are greater. The high variation across scenarios, and the significant effect of the high adoption/high yield scenarios, suggests a high return to investments and policies that realize these adoption rates and yield potential. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344284 |
| 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:iaae24:344291 |
| By: | Was, Adam; Kobus, Paweł; Majewski, Edward; Rawa, Grzegorz |
| Abstract: | Methane emission from cattle production is considered an essential part of total GHG emissions from the agricultural sector. Common Agricultural Policy introduced agri-environment climate measures (AECM) based on voluntary contracts between farmers and state authorities, which can be used as instruments to reduce GHG emissions, including methane. The paper presents the study’s results1 aimed at identifying farmers’ preferences regarding actions for mitigating methane emission at dairy farms and an optimal solution for the most efficient, assuming a given mitigation target, set of actions. Discrete Choice Experiment and optimisation procedure were applied. The results show that the most efficient from taxpayers’ point of view are biofilters supported by Result-Based contracts. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Livestock Production/Industries, Livestock Production/Industries, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356747 |
| By: | Kafle, Kashi; Wang, Yuanhang; Kiiza, Barnabas |
| Abstract: | In the absence of reliable and timely weather information, unprecedented weather shocks can influence farmers’ decision-making. We take the case of Uganda to investigate the relationship between weather shocks and temporary migration among smallholders. Using longitudinal data from a nationally representative survey – Living Standard Measurement Study-Integrated Survey in Agriculture (LSMS-ISA) –, we examine if household-level weather shocks affect temporary migration. Using panel data estimators, we show that weather shocks reduce temporary migration among poor households, and the relationship is more pronounced for smallholders. We also find that the relationship differs by the type of migration. Weather shocks reduce temporary labor migration and migration for educational purposes, but migration for other reasons is not affected. These results are confirmed by focused group interviews with 24 rural farmers from all four regions of Uganda. We identify reduced agricultural productivity and low farm revenue as potential channels for the negative relationship between weather shocks and migration. |
| Keywords: | International Development |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344270 |
| 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:iaae24:344235 |
| 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:iaae24:344266 |
| By: | Kornher, Lukas; Sakyi, Daniel; Tannor, Linus Linnaeus |
| Abstract: | Agricultural exports are especially important because of their great potential for poverty reduction among smallholder farmers. However, many African countries, such as Ghana, fail to realize their full export potential due to institutional and technical constraints. This paper examines the importance of port efficiency and service quality in complying with food trade standards in Ghana. We provide a stylized theoretical model in which exporting firms are willing to pay for improved port service quality as long as the marginal revenue derived from a reduced likelihood of (border) rejection exceeds the marginal costs for improved service quality. We test the model's predictions using primary data from 120 agri-food exporters in Ghana. Our results show that about two-thirds of exporting firms have a positive willingness-to-pay for a reduction in the handling time at the port and the risk of spoilage due to inadequate handling. These findings emphasize the importance of trade facilitation measures in improving port efficiency and service quality to accelerate agricultural exports. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, International Relations/Trade |
| Date: | 2024–08–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344297 |
| 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:iaae24:344307 |
| 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:iaae24:344328 |
| 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:iaae24:344332 |
| 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:iaae24:344258 |
| By: | Allan, Michael |
| Abstract: | Fertiliser prices have received considerable attention recently owing to elevated volatility, high prices, and supply disruptions arising from shocks to factor markets. In the UK, the domestic production environment for nitrogen fertiliser has undergone structural change at the same time. This work uses nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) techniques to examine the dynamics of price transmission from international bulk fertiliser prices to UK prices. Analysis fails to find evidence for long run asymmetry, but does identify evidence of short run-asymmetry in transmission of shocks from bulk prices to domestic prices. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356739 |
| 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:iaae24:344299 |
| 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:iaae24:344271 |
| 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:iaae24:344280 |
| By: | Chandra, Rommila |
| Abstract: | A variety of ecosystem services are impacted by the transitory shift that the mountain agricultural system is going through from traditional crop farming to a cash crop economy. The goal of the study was to comprehend how different farming methods and decision-making processes contribute to balancing the positive and negative aspects of an agroecosystem in mountainous regions. The study elaborates on the various farm types' capacity to support sustainable agroecosystems by exploring a non-monetary assessment based on biophysical indicators and farmers' perspective. Via a bottom-up methodology, an indicator-based framework was used, and primary field data collection and household surveys in two types of village settlements—connected and isolated—were used to estimate the numerical values of the selected indicators. The study's policy recommendation is that comprehensive quantitative data on agricultural landscape planning and governance would be useful in shedding light on the ways in which farming practices and agricultural policies can affect the socioeconomic and environmental consequences of agricultural policy, thereby promoting the development of sustainable livelihoods. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344308 |
| 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:iaae24:344402 |
| 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:iaae24:344274 |
| 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:iaae24:344329 |
| By: | Fernandes de Araujo, Maria Luísa; Läpple, Doris |
| Abstract: | Farmers’ support for climate change mitigation policies is crucial for their implementation and effective reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, farmers’ support for these policies remains a challenge. This study investigates whether different information framing can enhance farmers’ support across European countries. Using a pre-registered online survey experiment across eight European countries, we test the effects of video-based interventions with distinct framings. We assess the impact of these interventions on farmers’ support for climate change mitigation policies and their climate change beliefs. By using the ManyLabs approach, we examine regional variability in farmers’ responses across countries, providing insights into the factors that drive policy support. Our findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for policy design, helping bridge the gap between environmental objectives and agricultural realities. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356793 |
| By: | Adebisi, Luke O.; Omotesho, Abayomi O.; Adebisi, Oluwaremilekun A. |
| Abstract: | Prior use of the stochastic frontier model and subsequent measurement of performance of the agricultural produce sector, which relies on the presumption that the underlying technology is the same for all the different agricultural systems is not adequate as heterogeneity does exist in most agricultural production environments and failure to account for this, is likely to result in biased production frontier and efficiency. This study contributed to the existing knowledge, estimating technical efficiency and the technological gap in Nigerian Small Ruminant farms using the stochastic meta-frontier approach. For this study, we classified the farms based on the different production technologies adopted. The result of the analysis shows that farms differ in performance and technology use with the farms engaging both orthodox and traditional animal healthcare technologies having the highest efficiency. Furthermore, the results prove support for specific agricultural policies targeted at increasing the performance of indigenous technology in the livestock industry for better productivity and the prosperity of Nigeria. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344262 |
| By: | Goeb, Joseph; Minten, Bart; Aung, Nilar; Aung, Zin Wai; Zu, A Myint; Htar, May Thet |
| Abstract: | In numerous low- and middle-income countries, agricultural value chains (AVC) are undergoing rapid transformation, yet scant evidence exists regarding such changes in fragile and conflict- affected settings, and little is known about inclusivity in this transformation. This study focuses on changes in Myanmar's rice value chain - using unique large-scale primary data - from 2013 to 2022, during an economic boom and subsequent political upheaval and conflict. We document remarkable shifts, including a fourfold increase in rice exports, propelling Myanmar to the world's fifth-largest rice exporter. Concurrently, domestic market conditions improved, and there was modernization in the ‘hidden middle’ of the value chain including increased investments in modern milling equipment and drying methods. At the farm level we note greater adoption of modern inputs (e.g., improved seed) and harvest/post-harvest technologies and increased reliance on modern specialized service providers. The transformation was not everywhere inclusive, and modernization in some areas decelerated due to conflict. Mills and farms in insecure and conflict-affected areas, as well as remote millers and smallholders, participated to a lesser extent, and the gaps widened during the crisis years. The rapid modernization in Myanmar’s rice value chain from 2013 to 2019 highlights the positive impacts of stable governance, infrastructure investment, and liberalization on AVC transformation while the observed variations in modernization inclusivity across different segments of the value chain underscore the complex interplay between governance, conflict, and AVC transformation. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344305 |
| By: | Palathingal, Deepa |
| Abstract: | The Kerala government's decision to convert the state to organic farming following a disastrous experience with chemical farming has been met with approval from both farmers and the consumer community, who appreciate the benefits of this approach. However, the significant opportunity cost of the conversion period and the low yield during this time pose a significant challenge. Despite the state's reliance on organic vegetable production, its limited output is a cause for concern. To address this issue, the present study identified and examined influencing factors of technical efficiency of organic vegetable farmers. Employing a stochastic production frontier with a truncated normal distribution, the Cobb-Douglas stochastic production frontier analysis revealed that farmers are operating at an average of 75% below their potential level of output. This finding is significant as it underscores the need for interventions to improve technical efficiency in organic farming, which is crucial for the sustainability and profitability of the sector. Factors such as Experience, age and education play a imparative role in determining farmers' technical efficiency. As a result, the study proposes strategies such as providing better farmers' training programs and extension services, increasing the education level of farmers, and promoting higher technological inventions in organic farming methodologies to reallocate resources and improve technical efficiency. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356760 |
| 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:iaae24:344316 |
| By: | Yang, Xinyue; Odening, Martin |
| Abstract: | A reliable regulatory framework is essential for facilitating efficient and sustainable land rental markets by stabilizing farmers' expectations, particularly in emerging land markets. This study examines the effect of land tenure policy in China on the transaction volume and price of agricultural land rental. Using a unique and large panel database and a time-varying DID approach with two-way fixed effects, we examine China's 2009-2018 land certification policy, which is currently the world's largest land certification project. The policy aims to improve the stability of farmland use rights. The econometric analysis shows that the policy has significantly increased the amount of land rented by households. Our research shows that the certification policy has different effects on groups with different levels of tenure security and market development. In addition, we find that the policy can gradually increase the rental price of lessors while increasing the leased area, thereby increasing the income of lessors. These findings highlight the importance of land tenure systems for the development of land markets. Policymakers should focus on improving the institutional environment for land markets to unfold their potential as efficient allocation instrument. |
| Keywords: | Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344283 |
| By: | Kopp, Thomas; Dsouza, Alwin; Mishra, Ashok K. |
| Abstract: | Risk aversion among farmers in developing and emerging economies (DEE) often leads to underinvestment and lower profitability. However, contract farming may mitigate these negative effects by providing stability and resources. This study examines the selection of farmers into contract types, hypothesizing that production contract firms prefer risk-averse farmers due to their compliance and adherence to strict guidelines. Using survey data from 660 okra farmers in Karnataka, India, we apply an instrumental variable approach to address endogeneity. The results confirm that risk-averse farmers are disproportionately selected for production contracts, which offer significantly higher profitability than marketing contracts. Moreover, while risk aversion generally reduces farm profitability, the benefits of production contracts outweigh this disadvantage. These findings suggest that contract farming can improve the economic outcomes of vulnerable farm households. From a policy perspective, facilitating access to production contracts may enhance farm resilience and sustainability. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Production Economics, Risk and Uncertainty |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356801 |
| By: | Goeb, Joseph; San, Cho Cho; Belton, Ben; Synt, Nang Lun Kham; Aung, Nilar; Maredia, Mywish; Minten, Bart |
| Abstract: | Myanmar has experienced a sequence of dire crises beginning in 2019 including the unexpected closure of a principal trade route, COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions, and a military coup leading to years of disruptions in the banking and transport sectors, inflation, and conflict. Yet, through these cascading shocks Myanmar’s maize sector experienced robust growth in production and exports. This paper examines the reasons underlying this apparent paradox and our findings contribute to the small but growing literatures on agri-food value chain (AVC) resilience and adaptation by traders. Strengthening the resilience of AVCs to shocks has important implications for welfare in developing countries and is increasingly drawing attention from policymakers and development partners. Using data from several sources including rare panel data sets of traders and farmers, and key informant interviews, we show that crop traders have been critical to the resilience of the maize value chain in Myanmar during this turbulent period. Maize traders performed three key functions contributing to resilience: (i) market discovery when primary trade routes were closed; (ii) overcoming transportation disruptions and bank closures to move maize from the farmgate to local and export markets; (iii) maintaining flows of credit to farmers throughout the crises in the form of selling inputs on credit and lending cash, thereby injecting much needed liquidity at times of incredible uncertainty, disruptions in the banking sector, and rising input prices. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344306 |
| By: | Hossain, Marup; Mendiratta, Vibhuti; Savastano, Sara |
| Abstract: | Agricultural and rural development interventions significantly reduce global poverty by providing growth-oriented tools, including but not limited to access to finance, training, and markets. While such interventions effectively reduce monetary poverty (e.g., $1 a day poverty line), there is increasing interest in incorporating non-monetary poverty indicators, such as education, health, and living standards, to capture inherent multidimensionality in poverty. This study analyzes data from 16 impact evaluation studies conducted between 2019 and 2023 to examine whether and to what extent agricultural and rural development interventions affect the multidimensional poverty of small-scale producers. Our analysis reveals a 4 percent reduction in multidimensional poverty for treatment households compared to comparison households. Our findings suggest that agricultural and rural development interventions play a positive role in reducing poverty and have the potential to improve the long-term well-being of poor households. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344302 |
| By: | Francisco-Cruz, Carlos A.; Buckley, Cathal; Breen, James |
| Abstract: | Ireland is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2030 while ensuring that production levels remain consistent. The Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) approach provides a framework for evaluating potential mitigation options within the agricultural sector. Although it offers significant advantages, its main limitation is the minimal consideration of the farm’s biophysical environment, which facilitates a robust national analysis but provides limited insights at regional or local levels. Our method involves developing a bottom-up MACC approach that includes the farm’s local environmental conditions. This approach will improve the assessment of cost-effective mitigation strategies in agriculture. To apply our proposal, we use estimations at the farm level of N2O emissions by employing emission factors (EF) specific to the local context. The EF considered the pertinent local environmental conditions related to the farm’s production performance. Our regional-level analysis shows that considering local environmental conditions improves the effectiveness of GHG reduction strategies while supporting sustainable farming. The findings emphasise that mitigation costs vary by farm location, helping identify the most efficient strategies for different environments and farm types. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356754 |
| 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:iaae24:344254 |
| By: | Zhen, Shihang; Xia, Xianli; Huang, Luchen; Cao, Yihan; Fu, Hanliang; Ren, Yanjun |
| Abstract: | With the prominence of nutrition-related health issues worldwide, functional food is supposed to be an efficient way to address this challenge by achieving its nutrition and health benefits. However, whether consumers are willing to pay (WTP) for high-nutritional value foods of this kind and what is the role of consumers’ risk preferences in their WTPs are unclear. This study employs a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to investigate the effect of risk preferences on consumers’ preferences and WTPs for functional food, focusing on four attributes of dairy products: origin, organic label, functionality and price. We also seek to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying this effect by a lab experiment using eye-tracking technology. The results show that consumers have various preferences and WTPs for different attributes of milk, but they are reluctant to pay for functional milk. Compared to consumers with low-risk preferences, consumers with high-risk preferences are more willing to purchase functional milk. The evidence from eye-tracking experiments indicates that visual attention to the attributes considered positively correlates with their consumption preference. Consumers with high-risk preferences tend to pay more attention to the functional attribute and therefore have a higher prob- ability of purchasing functional milk. This study implies that consumers’ risk preferences should be considered when promoting consumers to purchase functional food, as different consumers have significantly distinct preferences. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Institutional and Behavioral Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344293 |
| By: | Myeki, LW; Nyhodo, B,; Mpyana, BM; Nakana, E; Yeki, N; Makhele, B; Smith, R; Chokoe, C; Ntombela, S; Mazibuko, N; Ngqangweni, S |
| Abstract: | Transformation towards sustainable agri-food systems remains a hot topic due to the pressing need to attain sustainable development-related goals. The paper was designed to uncover the impact of statutory incentives on sustainable transformation of agri-food system in South Africa. We apply behavioural economic method, comprising of psychological attributes and economic- related measures on cross-sectional data obtained from farmers supported through statutory levies and trust funds collected and administered by 14 agricultural industries. The results show that participants are appreciative, socially pressured, and possess high perception of their ability to perform sustainable transformation. Hence, we found a positive endorsement for the impact of statutory incentives on sustainable transformation in agri-food system, regardless of gender distinction. This endorsement is high among older farmers compared to their younger counterparts, and also high in horticulture and field crops compared to livestock sector. Finally, results reveal that sustainable transformation is consistently determined by attitudes, present time, and agreeableness. We conclude that multidisciplinary approach avails more insights on the research agenda for transformation of agri-food systems and tends to yield to better policy options for selection of beneficiaries towards driving sustainable transformation of agri-food system within agricultural industries in South Africa. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, Institutional and Behavioral Economics |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344253 |
| By: | van der Merwe, Melissa; Zdráhal, Ivo; Lategan, Francois |
| Abstract: | Despite the free trade agreement, South Africa’s agri-food exports to the European Union (EU) are declining. Without intervention, we expect this trend to persist. The paper aims to interrogate the change in South Africa’s agri-food exports to the EU by applying the Constant Market Share (CMS) model to study South African agri-food exports to the four EU sub-regions over 20 years. This allows us to analyse the impact of trade liberalisation and the slowdown of global value chain activity on agri-food trade. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to understand the competitiveness of South African agri-food exports to the EU using the CMS model over a longer period. The agri-food products are grouped into four categories: bulk commodities, processed intermediate goods, horticulture products and consumer-ready goods. We find that South African agri-food exports were responsive to changes in the EU market demand for agri-food imports. However, South African agri-food exports were not competitive over the long period. This is because South Africa focused on slower-growing markets and agri- food commodities that show lower-than-average growth rates. South Africa is competitive in exporting specific agri-food commodities to specific markets with increasing demand. We recommend that South Africa focus on exporting commodities for which demand is growing quicker to fast-growing EU markets and invest in key priority areas to compete with other sources of supply available to the EU. |
| Keywords: | International Relations/Trade |
| Date: | 2024–08–27 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344687 |
| By: | Giulia Tagliapietra (Università degli studi di Ferrara); Susanna Mancinelli (Università degli studi di Ferrara); Massimiliano Mazzanti (Università degli studi di Ferrara) |
| Abstract: | Meat consumption contributes significantly to environmental degradation and public health burdens. Yet, altering dietary behavior remains a challenge, particularly due to cognitive and cultural resistance. This study investigates whether linguistic nudges, specifically, labeling food options without meat using health-oriented language versus a language that underlines the vegetarian identity alone, can influence consumer food preferences. A survey-based experiment was conducted to compare preferences for sandwiches labeled as “The Vegetarian Choice†versus “The Healthy Choice†, incorporating demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral variables. Results from a Wilcoxon signed-rank show no statistically significant difference in preference between the two labels. However, patterns suggest growing openness to vegetarian options and minimal evidence of social stigma toward vegetarianism among the respondents, all of whom were Italian. These findings point to cultural shifts in dietary norms and suggest that health-related labels alone may not be sufficiently persuasive to alter food preferences. The results provide new insights into consumer behavior and the nuanced role of framing in sustainable consumption strategies. |
| Keywords: | Linguistic nudges, meat consumption, sustainability, cognitive bias, behavioral economics |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:srt:wpaper:1125 |
| 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:iaae24:344268 |
| By: | Karakoç, Ulaş |
| Abstract: | With the aid of an applied general equilibrium model, we study the macroeconomic effects of various policy alternatives to stimulate the implications of greening of Turkish agriculture. Our results suggest that the reduction in chemicals, fertilizers and oil at alternative rates of 30% and 50% would significantly reduce carbon emissions, but at the expense of adverse effects on agricultural output. In response, the negative effects on agricultural output can be reversed by a targeted investment programme that could facilitate technological change and a commensurate rationalization of the rural economy resulting in enhanced gains in agricultural productivity. We argue that the warranted funds towards such productivity enhancing investments can be earmarked by the introduction of a nation-wide carbon tax, and that they would boost not only agricultural output and rural incomes, but could also mitigate the adverse transition costs on GDP and social welfare. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356802 |
| 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:iaae24:344257 |
| 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:iaae24:344285 |
| 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:iaae24:344303 |
| By: | Zong, Jian; Zhu, Maoran; Xie, Wei |
| Abstract: | Dietary shifts are key for enhancing the sustainability of current national food systems but need to account for potential human health and environmental spillover effects as well. Employing the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP), we examine the direct health and environmental effects of countries adopting national recommended dietary patterns on their own health and environment, as well as spillovers through food trade. We find that when countries shift to their National food based dietary guidelines it could make great improvements in human health (e.g., changes in obesity rates) but positive and negative impacts on the environment (e.g., changes in blue water use). It will have spillover effects on the health and environment of other countries through the price-income mechanism of food trade, so that the dietary shift does not necessarily result in universally beneficial outcomes for global health and the environment. In light of these findings, we explore alternative policy solutions, such as technical assistance, to enhance the potential for win-win outcomes for both health and the environment during dietary shifts. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344345 |
| By: | Balboni, Clare; Shapiro, Joseph S |
| Abstract: | How do environmental goods and policies shape spatial patterns of economic activity? How will climate change modify these impacts over the coming decades? How do agglomeration, commuting, and other spatial forces and policies affect environmental quality? We distill theoretical and empirical research linking urban, regional, and spatial economics to the environment. We present stylized facts on spatial environmental economics, describe insights from canonical environmental models and spatial models, and discuss the building blocks for papers and the research frontier in enviro-spatial economics. Most enviro-spatial research remains bifurcated into either primarily environmental or spatial papers. Research is only beginning to realize potential insights from more closely combining spatial and environmental approaches. |
| Keywords: | Social and Behavioral Sciences |
| Date: | 2025–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:agrebk:qt15j5r23s |
| By: | Jackel, Franziska; Stock, Laura; Venus, Terese |
| Abstract: | Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities, remains a significant challenge for agricultural communities in rural Ghana. This study evaluates the impact of bio-based sanitary pads made from agricultural residues on social and economic participation, using unique data from 467 women in rural Ghana in 2024. Within the sample, 415 participated in information campaigns at schools or workplaces on safe menstrual management, of which 162 also received free menstrual products within the last 6 months. Specifically, we use Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to assess the impact of menstrual product access (n=162) and information campaigns (n=253) on economic and social outcomes, including school and work attendance as well as church and market visits. Additionally, we examine how information interventions influence awareness of the environmental and health effects of improper disposal and shape perceptions of bio-based alternatives. The findings have implications for sustainable policies to address period poverty and promote environmental sustainability in rural areas. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Labor and Human Capital |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356732 |
| 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:iaae24:344289 |
| By: | Mutsami , Chrispinus; Parlasca, Martin C.; Qaim, Matin |
| Abstract: | Off-farm employment is increasingly important for rural households in Africa. While previous research has analyzed welfare implications of off-farm activities at a household level, little attention has been given to potential nutritional benefits of individual household members, particularly women. Using survey data from rural Tanzania and Zambia, we examine the relationship between female off-farm employment and women’s dietary quality. We also explore potential underlying mechanisms such as income, bargaining power, and time allocation. Our findings show that female off-farm employment is positively associated with improved dietary diversity. Women engaged in off-farm work consume more meat, fish, and vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, suggesting improved intake of critical micro-nutrients. Pathway analysis suggests that the positive association between off-farm employment on dietary diversity is mainly driven by increased household income and enhanced bargaining power of women. The results remain robust across several sensitivity checks, indicating that female labor force participation can improve women’s nutrition in rural areas of developing countries. |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Labor and Human Capital |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356756 |
| By: | Gan, Weiming |
| Abstract: | Geographical indications (GIs) link products to the characteristics of their production areas (environment, culture, landscape), thereby capitalizing on consumer willingness to pay for these attributes. While existing literature has highlighted the economic effects of GIs, empirical research on their environmental impacts remains limited. Environmental factors underpin the economic benefits of GIs and may be unsustainable if not properly managed. To address this gap, we constructed a panel dataset by combining remote sensing data with county-level statistical data from 2000 to 2021. Using a staggered difference-in-differences method, our results show that GI certification led to an approximate 3.2% decrease in methane emis-16 sions, with each additional GI contributing 0.8% to the reduction. This finding remains robust after addressing selection bias. This effect stems mainly from a decrease in fertilizer application and an enhancement in agricultural technology, rather than a reduction in agricultural output. The methane reduction effects of GI certifications linked to tea and fruit products demonstrate heightened statistical significance. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Production Economics, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356633 |
| 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:iaae24:344325 |
| By: | Bähr, Tobias; Wollni, Meike |
| Abstract: | Smallholders play an important role as producers of cash-crops in developing countries and are often responsible for land clearing and agricultural expansion into pristine environments where productivity is low. Closing yield-gaps of smallholders to industrial plantations as well as diversifying production systems has been identified as a mean to prevent further environmental degradation. At the same time, developing and emerging economies are beginning to struggle with an ageing farmer population, potentially hindering advances in land productivity. In Indonesia, increased income from oil palm cultivation has led to rapid educational attainments within one generation. While this opens job opportunities for children of oil palm smallholders, it inhibits farm succession and thus contributes to ageing among smallholders. Using primary data from a random sample of 417 oil palm smallholders in Indonesia, we investigate trends of farm succession and test, how these moderate possible effects of ageing on plantation investments and outcomes. Our results suggest, that older farmers are associated with lower productivity levels generally and are less likely to replant mature plots. These trends are moderated by succession plans of households. Succession generally moderates negative effects on productivity – indifferent of the successor’s involvement. Households with a successor are generally more likely to replant. We argue that these results hint towards strategic decision- making in ageing smallholders and that observed trends of lower productivity and technology adoption in ageing farmer populations are likely a mix of both decreasing ability and strategic decisions by the farmer. |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development, Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2024–08–27 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344686 |
| 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:iaae24:344298 |
| By: | Gulati, Kajal; Saha, Koustuv; Lybbert, Travis J. |
| Abstract: | Most studies on gender gaps in agricultural productivity leverage within-household differences between plots managed by women and men. Such a gender-based division of plot management simplifies empirical tests for productivity differences, but it is not a common arrangement for agricultural households outside some locations in sub-Saharan Africa. In most rural households, women and men jointly participate in production, which complicates identification of gender- based productivity differences. This study proposes a broader empirical test of productivity gaps that applies to such systems, and that is rooted not explicitly in gender but in gender-based inequities. Specifically, we explore productivity gaps in rice-cultivating Indian households, where women and men perform specific and distinct cultivation tasks. We measure productivity gaps based on the differential use of family and hired female labor across households, then compare them with gaps based on the differential use of family and hired male labor. Using plot-level data, we identify significant gender-based productivity gaps after controlling for input use, plot- and household-level characteristics, and using village fixed effects and machine learning estimators to address selection and model misspecification concerns. Based on this identification strategy, households using family female labor have lower agricultural productivity, on average, than those also hiring female workers, such that foregone production value is greater than the cost of hiring women. We find suggestive evidence that this gap stems from skill differences between hired and family female workers. In contrast, we find no evidence of a similar gap based on the differential use of family and hired male labor. Overall, household welfare is lower because of gender inequities that shape women's work opportunities. These findings highlight the potential productivity implications of expanding women's labor choices, including both on- and off-farm job opportunities. |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics, Farm Management, International Development |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344301 |
| 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:iaae24:344261 |
| By: | Aguiar-Nourya, Felipe; Buckley, Cathal; Hynes, Stephen |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Crop Production/Industries |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356768 |
| 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:iaae24:344326 |
| 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:iaae24:344290 |
| 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:iaae24:344320 |
| By: | Fernández, Enrique G.; Borges, Magdalena; Ferraro, Bruno; Rava, Catalina; Lanfranco, Bruno |
| Abstract: | In a collaborative effort with private agents of the oilseed industry, we carried out a research project to determine the feasibility of framing soybean production in Uruguay into sustainable development pathway. We adopted a spatial model based on land suitability analysis to estimate potential yields and the most suitable area for cultivation. We imposed several restrictions to define the potential cropping land based on risk erosion, current and alternative soil uses, transportation and logistics costs, and crop economic margins. We built different price-yields scenarios to estimate the potential area. With all restrictions imposed, the potential soybean area would be 2.1 million hectares by 2050, on rotation with other crops and pastures with an average yield of 3.3 MT/ha. This ad-hoc approach can be extended to any crop situation or region when the objective is to define how far it is possible to expand and intensify production without compromising the environment. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344273 |
| 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:iaae24:344256 |
| By: | Macours, Karen; Mallia, Paola; Rudder, Jessica |
| Abstract: | To address the combined challenges of hidden hunger and climate vulnerability, crop breeding efforts over the last decades have focused on releasing crop varieties with resilient traits and higher nutrient content. Ensuring that those newly released varieties reach the types of farmers most likely to benefit from these enhanced seed traits ultimately will determine the return to those breeding efforts. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of selected demand- and supply-side interventions that aimed to increase the reach of biofortified maize seeds among diverse smallholder populations in Guatemala. We introduce experimental variation in demand-side subsidies and information designed to encourage farmers to try the biofortified climate-resilient seeds, and supply-side subsidies for agrodealers to promote the seeds to a wider customer base. Subsidizing agrodealers can leverage market incentives, while demand-side interventions, more traditional policy tools, can allow more precise targeting. We study the effect of these scaling approaches on short-term uptake, longer-term willingness to pay, and sustained adoption by different types of farmers. |
| JEL: | O12 O13 H20 |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:idb:brikps:14382 |
| 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 only through the women empowerment pathway while it affected production diversity pathway negatively. 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:iaae24:344347 |
| 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:iaae24:344321 |
| By: | Chiadmi, Ines |
| Abstract: | The efficacy of information provision policy instruments is proven to complement traditional environmental policies in pollution control. In the agricultural sector, information is notably disseminated through agricultural extension services. In this study, we focus on advisory services that target the improvement of soil and water quality in Flanders, Belgium. Using a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE), we elicit Flemish farmers’ preferences for advisory strategies in terms of the group size, the interaction format, the provenance of the advisors, the theme of guidance activities, the frequency and the cost of participation. The DCE analysis results, accounting for both homogeneous and heterogeneous preferences, indicate a consistent aversion to government-affiliated advisors and sensitivity to the cost attribute. The latent class model reveals two distinct segments: one pragmatic class, which prioritizes face-to-face interactions, private consultants, and cost considerations, and another more engaged class, open to participating in guidance activities as long as they are not led by government advisors, while still exhibiting a negative sensitivity to cost. We are currently investigating the interaction between our DCE results and covariates representing farmers’ satisfaction with existing advisory activities and their tendencies toward information avoidance. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356774 |
| By: | Siddig, Khalid; Nigus, Halefom Yigzaw; Abushama, Hala; Rakhy, Tarig |
| Abstract: | Sudan faces significant challenges due to prolonged conflicts, political instability, and economic disruptions. The ongoing conflict is disrupting market systems, exacerbating price volatility, and limiting the availability of essential commodities. Supply chain disruptions, insecurity, and infrastructure damage often restrict market access and contribute to rising food and fuel costs. In conflict-affected areas, transportation and security challenges intensify price disparities, making staple foods and key agricultural inputs increasingly unaffordable, especially for vulnerable populations. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is conducting a comprehensive market monitoring initiative across Sudan’s 18 states, tracking the prices and assessing the availability and quality of essential commodities, observing changes in exchange rates, and gathering qualitative insights from market actors. This report provides an overview of market trends in Sudan during February 2025. It will be updated monthly. |
| Keywords: | commodities; prices; market economies; shock; Sudan; Africa; Northern Africa |
| Date: | 2025–04–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ssspwp:174297 |
| By: | Ueda, Haruka |
| Abstract: | Well-being has become a key concept in the context of food studies, whereas food insecurity, as its deprivation, has become an issue that requires political commitment. These two academic traditions, although having been developed somewhat independently, can be connected by using Amartya Sen’s capability approach. In this study, we applied the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty/well-being measurement method, which was theoretically informed by the capability approach, to develop a new method for measuring the quality of dietary life in high-income societies. The data were obtained from a web-based questionnaire conducted with the Japanese population (n = 973). Our demonstration identified about 40% of the population as having high food capabilities to lead one's valuable dietary life, as well as about 20% of the population as living under food poverty. The results also showed that socioeconomic status (SES) was correlated with food poverty, but not with eating well, and that gender- and age-based inequalities in food capabilities were larger than SES ones. We also discussed fundamental issues relevant to this measurement, including the lack of social consensus about the quality of dietary life, the complex relationship between dietary. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2024–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iaae24:344259 |
| 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:iaae24:344318 |
| By: | Rogna, Marco; Tillie, Pascal |
| Abstract: | After two decades of substantial stagnation, with consequent complaints from producer countries, the international price of cocoa beans has suddenly started to dramatically rise, attracting interest on this commodity, that is a fundamental source of income for millions of smallholders around the world. The present paper offers a broad analysis of the cocoa sector, divided into two main components: an investigation of the cocoa market fundamentals and an assessment of the price transmission inside the cocoa value chain. Both analyses rely on a Vector Error Correction Model, with yearly data (1961-2022) for the evaluation of market fundamentals and monthly data (January 1996- July 2024) for the price transmission investigation. An analysis of structural breaks is conducted in both cases. While the yearly market analysis, that combines prices and quantities, does not present structural breaks except for the price of cocoa beans, all residuals and predicted cointegrated equations of the price transmission analysis show a structural break. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356779 |
| By: | Kirtley, A. |
| Abstract: | Sustainable development in agricultural trade requires agents to embrace changes to traditional practises that favour conservation and investing into their communities to incite social change. Recently, there has been a shift to prioritise the sustainability of coffee production in developing countries, with many exports now being subject to voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). These VSS apply pressures to farmers to adopt more environmentally and socially conscious production methods. Unfortunately, the uptake of VSS has remained low. To explore potential motives for this low uptake, we present the results of a lab in the field experiment uncovering the effect of information provision and peer influence on the performance of Vietnamese coffee farmers in a repeated one-shot threshold public good game. The purpose of this experiment was to understand whether cooperation towards the provision of a sustainable public good can be increased through information diffusion. This paper endeavoured to highlight a causal link between being more informed and an individual's valuation of sustainability. Estimates of farmer's willingness to contribute revealed that those who discussed information with peers were more likely to invest in sustainability for their community. These findings suggest peer pressure can nudge farmers toward the more socially optimal outcome. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356628 |
| By: | May, Daniel E.; McCorriston, Steve |
| Abstract: | The issue of market power in agricultural and food markets is typically addressed in the context of domestic markets. In this paper, we consider the impact of market power in the outcome of trade agreements involving a number of countries. The issue of market power is set in the context of growth of preferential trade agreements has been one of the main features of trade policy over the last 20 years. To address these issues, we present a network model of trade where intermediaries in each country can have both seller and buyer power. Buyer power is of particular relevance to this framework since we know from standard trade theory that trade reform can bring pro-competitive effects from trade. However, the exercise of buyer power can potentially offset the potential gains from trade liberalisation. We show in this paper that the impact of buyer power on expanding trade agreements will depend on the nature of trade between countries, whether countries differ in market size, and the existence of already established trade agreements. We highlight the insights from the network trade model with an empirical example of a trade agreement between the UK and the US. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, International Relations/Trade |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356758 |