|
on Agricultural Economics |
| By: | Ballesteros-Olza, M.; Blanco-Gutiérrez, I.; Esteve, P.; Soriano, B.; Bardají, I.; Jiménez-Aguirre, M.; Garde-Cabellos, S.; Galea, C.; Lizaso, J.; Díaz-Ambrona, C.H.; Pérez, D.; Ruiz-Ramos, M.; Tarquis, A.M. |
| Abstract: | Climate change is already exacerbating water scarcity issues, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Mediterranean. In this context, agricultural adaptation measures are essential to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture. This research focuses on the prioritization and socioeconomic assessment of adaptation strategies for agriculture in the Arroyo de la Balisa sub-basin (Segovia, Spain). A participatory multi-criteria approach was conducted with 41 local stakeholders, including public administration, agronomic engineering companies, farmers, livestock producers, environmentalists, and experts, who ranked 14 adaptation measures under current and future scenarios. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire collected detailed insights from local farmers regarding socioeconomic impacts and implementation barriers for the eight prioritized measures. Key findings indicate that, despite their considerable potential benefits, irrigation-related measures such as modernization and expansion are hindered by high costs and significant implementation barriers. Conversely, cover crops for woody crops and crop rotation with soil-improving species emerged as the most feasible options due to balanced cost-benefit perceptions among farmers. The participatory approach adopted, involving active validation by local actors, provided context-specific insights and enhanced the practical relevance and acceptance of results, facilitating targeted policy interventions to foster climate resilience in Mediterranean agriculture. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Sustainability |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356795 |
| By: | Knapp, Edward; White, Cian; Luff, Martha O’Hagan; Stout, Jane; Buckley, Yvonne M. |
| Abstract: | To reach policy targets of reducing farm greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to improve farmland biodiversity, additional finance is needed outside of traditional government programmes. One method of encouraging private finance to support biodiversity enhancements and GHG reductions on farms is through insetting, that is crediting farmers for their on-farm environmental actions within the agrifood value chain. In this study we explore the potential of carbon and biodiversity insetting by engaging with stakeholders to co-design the tools required to support robust and transparent on-farm sustainability improvements. Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) platforms have been developed to assess soil carbon, biodiversity and assess the carbon footprint of farms. FarmCredit works with two leading MRV technology companies to assess soil carbon, biodiversity habitat extent and the carbon footprint of participating farms. In conjunction with stakeholders in agri-finance, food processing, and government, this study co-designs an action-based insetting payment system that farmers can realistically engage with, and that agri-food corporates and government bodies want to invest in. Finally, we consult with stakeholders to develop policy frameworks to support carbon and biodiversity insetting in the agri-food value chain. The tools developed in FarmCredit can be applicable to dairy and other sectors of agriculture and land use within the agri-food value chain. The development of robust insetting sustainability programmes within the agri-food value chain also has the potential to drive down emissions in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use (AFOLU) sector and may encourage carbon sequestration in agricultural soils or biomass. Robust insetting may also prevent agri-food sector carbon credits from carbon sequestration or avoided emissions from being utilised as offsets by other GHG emissions intensive sectors. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Environmental Economics and Policy, Supply Chain |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356725 |
| By: | Aragie, Emerta A.; Thurlow, James; Warner, James; Niyonsingiza, Josue |
| Abstract: | Due to its structural features, the Rwanda’s agri-food system is extremely vulnerable to the risks of climate variability. To accelerate and sustain growth in the food system, increase its resilience to shocks, and improve food security, the Rwandan government incorporated a list of climate-smart agricultural interventions into its updated Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA-5) program, with ambitious, explicit targets. This paper assesses the impacts of these CSA interventions on Rwanda’s agri-food system, both with and without climate change, using historical declines in yield within agriculture as a proxy. Results show that modeled CSA practices during the PSTA-5 period (2024/25-2028/29) increase agricultural and overall GDP growth by 4.2 and 1.3 percentage points by the end of the plan period, respectively, with a long-term growth impact that stretches well beyond the plan period mainly owing to the persistent effects of irrigation and terracing. Cumulative agricultural GDP (2024/25-2028/29) would be 2.7 percent higher than the baseline outcome of no such CSA investments. We also find stronger household level effects, mainly in rural areas. Furthermore, a recurrent 1-in-5-year magnitude of climatic shock in Rwanda can cause substantial reductions in agricultural (-7.6 percent) and overall (-2.7 percent) GDP during the PSTA-5 period. The CSA interventions are impactful in minimizing the effects of climate change on the Rwandan economy. |
| Keywords: | climate-smart agriculture; modelling; food systems; agricultural policies; Rwanda; Eastern Africa |
| Date: | 2025–11–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:177650 |
| By: | Huet, Sarah; Diallo, Abdoul; Regolo, Julie; Ihasusta, Ainhoa; Arnaud, Ludovic; Bellassen, Valentin |
| Abstract: | Although agriculture contributes to four main drivers of biodiversity loss, impact assessment of food products remains limited either to in situ measurements that prevent generalization, or to systematic models that are not validated by in situ data. Here we describe the BVIAS (Biodiversity Value Increment from Agricultural Statistics) model, which allows estimating the biodiversity impact of all major food products based on accountancy data and public statistics. BVIAS is calibrated based on the most relevant large-scale studies and meta-analysis. It is then used to find out whether major Food Quality Schemes (FQSs) have different practices and biodiversity impact than their conventional counterparts. We show that only mandated FQS specifications lead to significant practice differences. Consistent with in situ data, organic farms, as well as those producing Comté (Protected Designation of Origin), have less biodiversity impact on a per hectare basis. This local benefit is offset by lower yields, resulting in a higher impact per ton. However, biodiversity impact gap between animal and plant products (e.g., milk vs. wheat) is far greater than the difference between FQS and conventional versions of the same product. Taking into account the main drivers of biodiversity losses related to agriculture, relying on quantitative data for a large sample of farms and calibrating our model based on relevant large-scale studies and meta-analysis, we therefore propose here an objective, robust and operational method to estimate the impact of food products on biodiversity for use in environmental labeling schemes or other purposes. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356718 |
| By: | Daulagala, Chathurangá; Breen, James; Buckley, Cathal; Krol, Dominika J. |
| Abstract: | Recently, several EU countries, including the Republic of Ireland, have struggled to meet legally binding commitments to reduce agricultural ammonia emissions. Some farmers readily embrace abatement measures, whereas others reject them. Research exploring technology rejection decisions is rare; however, understanding why some farmers reject recommended farming practices holds critical information for tailoring government support schemes and reducing pro-19 innovation biases. This study builds on Technology Acceptance Model, data collected from focus group discussions with dairy and beef cattle farmers across eight key farming regions and inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes, six subthemes and 26 codes were defined. Perceived costs of bovine farming methods include affordability, compatibility, usability, availability, and sufficient information which may lead farmers to reject adoption. Participants were frustrated with societal pressure for reducing emissions on farms and lack recognition for environmental services of grasslands, food production for humans and progress achieved towards environmental sustainability. Policy issues relating to slurry closing date and support schemes were identified. It is recommended to support small farms for adopting abatement technologies and to develop methods suitable to land and soil properties as well as local weather. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries, Livestock Production/Industries, Livestock Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aes025:356634 |
| By: | Phoebe Koundouri; Chloe Chua; Konstantinos Dellis |
| Abstract: | The Greek agri-food system faces mounting environmental, economic, and public health challenges driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, and a departure from traditional dietary patterns. This study uses the FABLE calculator to examine the potential impacts of transitioning toward the Mediterranean Diet (MD) under different scenario pathways. The FABLE Calculator is an integrated modelling tool for assessing sustainable food and land-use pathways under various scenarios including Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Our analysis for Greece highlights that adopting the MD could reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Greece by up to 46-60% by 2050.This occurs primarily through lower methane and nitrous oxide emissions from reduced livestock production and associated land-use change. Other key environmental benefits include enhanced biodiversity and improved land-use efficiency. The shift also delivers substantial health gains, lowering risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes while improving food affordability. However, our results also highlight significant economic trade-offs, including declines in production value and employment particularly within livestock-dependent sectors. Projected increases in production for crops does not compensate for losses in livestock production. Productivity improvements further accelerate emissions reduction and further reduce production costs but do not fully offset labor losses. The findings underscore the "double dividend" of dietary transitions-simultaneous climate and health benefits-whilst revealing key economic problems and evincing the need for complementary policies to ensure equity and resilience. Integrating dietary shifts into national climate, agricultural, and health strategies, supported by education, fiscal incentives, and social protection, can advance Greece toward a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food system. But more effort is needed to match supply side measures to dietary changes, echoing very recent publications and case studies. |
| Keywords: | Agri-food Systems, Mediterranean diet, FABLE, Agricultural Emissions, Greece |
| Date: | 2025–11–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:2559 |
| By: | Hoddinott, John F.; Ahmed, Akhter; Bakhtiar, M. Mehrab; Quisumbing, Agnes R. |
| Abstract: | We assess whether a gender- and nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions, fielded in rural Bangladesh, aimed at improving food production diversity enhanced resilience and whether impacts persisted post-intervention. Four years post-program, treatment arms that included both agriculture and nutrition training reduced the likelihood that households undertook more severe forms of coping strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were persistent improvements in household consumption and diet quality; impacts were largest for poor but not the poorest households in our sample. Underlying these results were the long-term beneficial impacts on women’s agricultural knowledge, agency, and increased engagement in agricultural activities. |
| Keywords: | resilience; shocks; gender; nutrition; Bangladesh; Southern Asia |
| Date: | 2025–11–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:177816 |
| By: | Mitchell, Lorraine |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, International Relations/Trade |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iats17:266834 |
| By: | Hill, Ruth Vargas; Martin, Will; McNamara, Brian; Nia, Reza; Spielman, David J.; Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Vos, Rob |
| Abstract: | CGIAR investments have delivered substantial economic benefits for the E.U. while reducing global poverty and food insecurity. CGIAR has boosted productivity on E.U. farms, expanded export markets, and made food more affordable for E.U. consumers. It has also helped prevent potential damage from pests and diseases that threaten E.U. farm livelihoods. This note quantifies the benefits to farmers, exporters and consumers. |
| Keywords: | investment; European Commission; poverty reduction; agricultural research; Europe |
| Date: | 2025–11–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprwp:177514 |
| By: | Amare, Mulubrhan; Andam, Kwaw S.; Balana, Bedru; Olanrewaju, Opeyemi; Omamo, Steven Were |
| Abstract: | While standard agronomic recommendations advocate for increased application of inorganic fertilizer to boost maize yields across sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited understanding of how violent conflict influences smallholder farmers’ fertilizer demand, yield responses, and the overall profitability of fertilizer use. This study addresses this gap by analyzing how exposure to conflict affects input use decisions and the economic returns to fertilizer among maize farmers in Nigeria. Using detailed household-level data and spatially referenced conflict events, we estimate maize yield response functions with respect to nitrogen application and assess the profitability of fertilizer under varying levels of conflict exposure. Our findings reveal three key results. First, the marginal physical product (MPP) of nitrogen is low across the study sample, indicating limited agronomic responsiveness. Second, conflict exposure significantly reduces the likelihood and intensity of fertilizer use, suggesting that insecurity constrains both input access and willingness to invest. Third, conflict lowers the MPP of nitrogen even further, thereby reducing the marginal value-cost ratio (MVCR) and undermining the profitability of fertilizer use. These results highlight the importance of considering conflict as a key external factor that distorts input-output relationships in agricultural production. Insecurity not only affects access to inputs through higher prices and disrupted supply chains, but also alters expected returns, making fertilizer investments less attractive for risk-averse farmers. Recognizing the effects of conflict on fertilizer use and yield response is essential for designing more effective input subsidy programs, targeting strategies, and resilience-building interventions in fragile agricultural systems. |
| Keywords: | conflicts; farm inputs; maize; crop yield; fertilizer application; yield response factor; Nigeria; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Africa |
| Date: | 2025–11–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:178034 |
| By: | Verma, Saroj; Paltasingh, Kirtti Ranjan; Mohapatra, Souryabrata |
| Abstract: | Purpose This study investigates the impact of contract farming (CF) on chemical input usage (fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides) in wheat farming in Haryana, India, weighing on environmental risks from unsustainable chemical input usage under CF. Design/methodology/approach The research employs an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model using data from 754 farm households, enabling a comparative analysis between contract and non-contract farmers. Findings The results show that farmers who adopted CF would have reduced chemical input usage by 26.8% if they did not adopt it. Conversely, non-adopters would have increased chemical input usage by 54% if they adopted CF. While CF enhances farm productivity and income, it also increases chemical input usage, posing risks such as soil fertility loss and water contamination. Originality This study addresses the overlooked topic of chemical input usage in CF research. Leveraging household data and using an endogenous switching regression model provides unique comparative analysis and counterfactual scenarios. The findings contribute to understanding the environmental implications of CF and propose actionable recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices. Managerial or Policy implications The study recommends promoting organic farming and minimal chemical usage in CF agreements. Government intervention is needed to reduce the environmental impact of CF. Policies should promote environment-friendly fertilisers and provide guidelines on chemical usage based on crop variety, seed quality and soil fertility. Research limitations/implications The geographic focus on Haryana may limit generalisability. Reliance on cross-sectional data from a single season might not capture variability across different seasons. Future research could expand to other regions, use longitudinal data and investigate a broader range of crops. |
| Keywords: | Contract farming; Chemical inputs; Endogenous switching regression; Haryana, India |
| JEL: | Q12 Q15 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:125805 |
| By: | Balana, Bedru; Omamo, Steven Were; Amare, Mulubrhan; Popoola, Olufemi; Nwagboso, Chibuzo; Iraoya, Augustine Okhale; Loum, Serigne; Jawed, Khusro; Andam, Kwaw S. |
| Abstract: | Protracted conflict and climate shocks have profoundly disrupted food systems in northern Nigeria, yet little empirical evidence exists on how these shocks shape the functioning of the region’s food system (production, transportation, value addition, and trade). This study addresses this evidence gap by combining GIS-based mapping, cost structure analysis, and investment opportunities in food production, transportation, processing, and trade in key staple commodities across conflict-prone and climate-affected areas of northern Nigeria and connected market hubs. The analysis quantifies cost structures for key food supply chain actors, identifies systemic food system inefficiencies driven by conflict and climate factors, and examines how these factors undermine both commercial and humanitarian food flows. By integrating commodity-specific diagnostics with stakeholder perspectives, the study offers an evidence-based rationale for prioritizing interventions in conflict contexts. Two investment cases—on-farm storage and localized wheat milling—illustrate how targeted actions can reduce losses, enhance resilience, and create co-benefits for humanitarian operations and market recovery. By combining food-flow maps and cost structures for multiple actors along the food supply chain in a high-risk environment, and by demonstrating simplified approaches to linking empirical diagnostics with practical investment strategies, the study’s findings contribute to the literature on the functioning of food systems in conflict-prone and climate-affected contexts. In addition, the findings provide evidence to support policy changes, interventions, and investment decisions aimed at transforming food systems and addressing structural failures, while enhancing the efficacy of short-term humanitarian interventions. They also address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity and support economic recovery in the region. |
| Keywords: | conflicts; climate; food systems; food suppy; Nigeria; Western Africa |
| Date: | 2025–11–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:177848 |
| By: | Khakimov, Parviz; Ashurov, Timur |
| Abstract: | This study examines recent agriculture sector development trends in Khatlon region of Tajikistan and its contribution to development of the sector between 2010 and 2021. The findings of the study show that the development of the crops sector in the region was strongly intensive, except sluggish intensive growth for cotton and extensive growth for potato. Further deep dive is needed to figure out the source of growth, however, lack of disaggregated data prevents us from doing so in this analysis. To understand the drivers of recent growth the farmers survey needs to be conducted. Unlike the crop sector, the livestock sector in Khatlon region has experienced mainly extensive growth, with surge up in cattle and small ruminants’ population rather than productivity increase. The livestock sector faces several challenges such as severe degradation of pastures due to poor pasture management system, and increased pressure on pasture due to rapidly growing livestock numbers. In addition, the sector is affected by climate change and at the same time accelerates the ongoing process of climate change due to greenhouse gases, especially methane emissions. In sum, the region now plays a vital role in meeting Tajikistan's food security needs and income generation for rural households, however, further sustainable growth of the sector requires addressing challenges, increasing investments into the sector and promoting CSA practices (Table 1A in Appendix). |
| Keywords: | agriculture; crops; development; food security; Tajikistan; Middle East |
| Date: | 2025–05–14 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:cenawp:174596 |
| By: | Doris Läpple (University of Göttingen); Sophie Thoyer (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier); Goedele van den Broeck (UCL - Université Catholique de Louvain = Catholic University of Louvain); Pauline Lécole (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier); Yann de Mey (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen]); Jaap Sok (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen]) |
| Abstract: | The 2024 farmers' protests across Europe signaled widespread dissatisfaction in the agricultural sector. While low farm incomes and restrictive environmental regulations are commonly cited grievances, little is known about underlying motivations and individual farmers' reasons for protesting. This study explores individual farmers' protest motivations in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse concerns shaping agricultural discontent across Europe. We analyze rich text data from 2232 farmers, collected through surveys using an open-ended question designed to elicit unprompted, top-of-mind protest reasons. By using a combination of hand and AI-assisted coding, we quantify protest reasons across countries, assess the emotional tone of farmers' answers, and explore how this aligns with policy responses. Our findings indicate that farmers' main protest reasons differ across the four countries, with German farmers mainly complaining about bureaucracy, French farmers about financial reasons, Belgian farmers expressing diverse complaints, while Dutch farmers focus mainly on the political environment. The emotional tone of farmers' answers reveals that specific, targeted complaints are more often expressed in an annoyed angry tone, while broader topics seem to trigger aggressive anger. Linking farmers' protest reasons to national and EU policy responses shows that, while some key complaints received adequate policy attention, environmental complaints were disproportionately prioritized by EU policymakers and some Member States. The findings from this study have important implications with the potential to improve the effectiveness of policy responses by contributing to the identification of adequate solutions to ease farmers' grievances. |
| Keywords: | Open-ended survey question, Agricultural policy, Text-analysis, Farmers' protests |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05365140 |
| By: | Balboni, Clare; Burgess, Robin; Olken, Benjamin A. |
| Abstract: | Environmental externalities – uncompensated damages imposed on others – lie at the root of climate change, pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Empirical evidence is limited, however, as to how externalities drive private decision making. We study one such behavior, illegal tropical forest fires, using 15 years of daily satellite data covering over 107, 000 fires across Indonesia. Weather-induced variation in fire spread risk and variation in who owns surrounding land allow us to identify how far externalities influence the decision to use fire. Relative to when all spread risks are internalized, we find that firms overuse fire when surrounded by unleased government lands where property rights are weak. In contrast, and consistent with the Coase Theorem, firms treat risks to nearby private concessions similarly to risks to their own land. Government sanctions, concentrated on fires spreading to populated areas, also deter fires, consistent with Pigouvian deterrence. |
| Keywords: | externalities; Indonesia; forest fires; wildfires; deforestation; environment; conservation; remote sensing; climate change |
| JEL: | Q54 Q58 O13 |
| Date: | 2025–10–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:126393 |
| By: | Jérôme Faure (CEBC - Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé - UMR 7372 - ULR - La Rochelle Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, LTSER-ZAPVS - Zone Atelier Plaine et Val de Sèvre - RZA - LTSER Réseau des Zones Ateliers - INEE-CNRS - Institut Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Sabrina Gaba (CEBC - Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé - UMR 7372 - ULR - La Rochelle Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, LTSER-ZAPVS - Zone Atelier Plaine et Val de Sèvre - RZA - LTSER Réseau des Zones Ateliers - INEE-CNRS - Institut Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Jean-Luc Gautier (CEBC - Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé - UMR 7372 - ULR - La Rochelle Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, LTSER-ZAPVS - Zone Atelier Plaine et Val de Sèvre - RZA - LTSER Réseau des Zones Ateliers - INEE-CNRS - Institut Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS Ecologie et Environnement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Antonin Leluc (CEBC - Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé - UMR 7372 - ULR - La Rochelle Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Vincent Bretagnolle (CEBC - Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé - UMR 7372 - ULR - La Rochelle Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | Reducing agricultural inputs is necessary for sustainable farming, but raises concerns over yields and farmers' income. Here, we used large-scale experimental trials on cereal fields in western France for the period 2022-2023 to assess the effects of input reductions on yields and gross margins under real farming conditions. The trials, co-designed with farmers, involved substantial nitrogen and pesticide reductions in conventional fields, and reductions in soil work or mechanical weeding in organic fields. The results showed that input reductions led to average yield gaps of about 5% in both conventional and organic systems. Cost savings compensated for economic losses and even surpassed these in many conventional field experiments. Simulated price scenarios confirmed the economic viability of input reductions, with heightened advantages during price crises driven by energy or inflation shocks. These findings demonstrate that input-reduction strategies can align environmental and economic goals in real farming conditions, challenging concerns about profitability while supporting the ambitious sustainability targets of policies. |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05364219 |
| By: | Maguette Sembrene (Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech); Bradford Mills (Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech); Anubhab Gupta (Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech) |
| Abstract: | Historical data show a rising trend in extreme heat in the past four decades in the Groundnut Basin of Senegal. We evaluate the economic costs of extreme heat on groundnut production in the region. Using temperature data from the ERA5 global climate reanalysis, we define extreme heat degree days (EHDDs) as the cumulative number of degree days above 35 °C during the groundnut growing season and estimate its effect on quasi-profits and yields at the person, household, and field levels utilizing a two-year panel data of 1, 123 households. Our econometric estimations show that an additional EHDD reduces quasi-profits by 5, 460 FCFA per hectare and significantly lowers yield by 2.5%. Further, rainfall interactions with EHDD generate compounding losses under high heat and rainfall. The findings highlight important and often unseen effects of increasing temperatures on agricultural practices in climate-vulnerable areas such as the Groundnut Basin and underscore the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change. |
| Keywords: | Extreme heat Groundnut Economic costs The Groundnut Basin Senegal |
| Date: | 2025–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vpi:aaecpp:aaecpp2025-03 |
| By: | Sébastien Levionnois (ECOSYS - Ecologie fonctionnelle et écotoxicologie des agroécosystèmes - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, UMR AGAP - Amélioration génétique et adaptation des plantes méditerranéennes et tropicales - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier); Noémie Gaudio (AGIR - AGroécologie, Innovations, teRritoires - EI Purpan - Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse); Rémi Mahmoud (AGIR - AGroécologie, Innovations, teRritoires - EI Purpan - Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse); Christophe Pradal (UMR AGAP - Amélioration génétique et adaptation des plantes méditerranéennes et tropicales - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier, Cirad-BIOS - Département Systèmes Biologiques - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, LIRMM - Laboratoire d'Informatique de Robotique et de Microélectronique de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UM - Université de Montpellier); Corinne Robert (ECOSYS - Ecologie fonctionnelle et écotoxicologie des agroécosystèmes - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | Highlights: • Simulated intercropping decrease disease intensity and improve protectiveness while canopy indicators predict such effects. • Pea intercropped with wheat decreased disease intensity compared with faba bean. • Nitrogen fertilization increased disease intensity. • This study stressed the critical lack of experimental data on disease in intercropping. Abstract: Context : Intercropping is a promising strategy for integrated disease management and agroecological transition, although experimental and modelling studies are scarce. Objectives: This study aims to understand and quantify the impact of non-host species choice and nitrogen (N) fertilization on disease epidemics in the context of intercropping. Methods: We collected existing experimental data on LAI based on a literature survey of non-diseased wheat intercropped with different non-host legume species (pea and faba bean) and N fertilization treatments. Based on a foliar epidemic model for intercropping, we simulated epidemics directly on these experimental data of LAI. The model is parameterized for two wheat fungal diseases: Septoria tritici blotch, a rain-borne disease, and wheat leaf rust, an air-borne disease. Results: Our results indicate that intercropping can decrease disease intensity and improve protectiveness for both diseases. Effect depends however on species choice as pea intercropped with wheat leads to lower disease intensity and better intercropping protectiveness compared with faba bean, whereas N fertilization increased disease intensity. We also found that crop indicators describing wheat leaf area index (LAI) can predict disease intensity, whereas indicators describing companion LAI can better predict intercropping protectiveness. Conclusions: Intercropping can significantly reduce fungal epidemics on wheat, and intercropping management practices can be optimized for effective disease management in wheat-legume intercrops. The dilution effect is more related to disease intensity, while the barrier effect is more related to intercropping protectiveness. Implications: These findings pave the way for identifying field indicators to predict epidemics. However, this study also stressed the critical lack of experimental data on disease in intercropping. |
| Keywords: | Septoria tritici blotch, Wheat leaf rust, Intercropping, Crop mixture |
| Date: | 2026–02–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05328274 |
| By: | Alain Loabe Pahimi (IRAD - Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement [Yaoundé]); Saadatou Djamilatou (UMa - University of Maroua); Emile Blaise Siéwé Pougoue (UMa - University of Maroua); Eric Vall (UMR SELMET - Systèmes d'élevage méditerranéens et tropicaux - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) |
| Abstract: | Description of the subject. Agriculture-livestock integration is one of the strategies adopted by agropastoralists in the North Cameroon region to reduce the risks associated with demographic pressure and climate change, in order to improve their productivity. Objectives. The aim of the study was to characterize the systems and practices for managing and recycling animal and plant co-products on agropastoral farms in northern Cameroon, as this is one of the keys to agroecology in agropastoral systems. Method. An in-depth survey was conducted on 108 selected farms. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis (PCA) followed by classification (CAH). Results. Characterization according to farm structure, co-product management practices and technical performance enabled us to identify four classes of farm, namely small farms mainly focused on crop production (class 1), farms specializing in livestock farming (class 2), medium-sized farms combining crop production and livestock farming (class 3) and very large agro-pastoral farms (class 4). On average, farms used 28% of plant by-products to cover 25% of their fodder requirements (straw, tops), and 23% of animal by-products to cover 35% of their organic manure requirements (animal waste). Conclusions. This study showed that the recycling of co-products in agro-pastoral farms is low but increasing. |
| Abstract: | Description du sujet. L'intégration agriculture-élevage est l'une des stratégies adoptées par les agropasteurs de la région du Nord-Cameroun pour réduire les risques liés à la pression démographique et aux changements climatiques afin d'améliorer leur productivité. Objectifs. L'objectif de l'étude est de caractériser les systèmes et pratiques de gestion et de recyclage des coproduits animaux et végétaux dans les exploitations agropastorales du Nord-Cameroun car cela constitue une des clés de l'agro-écologie dans les systèmes agropastoraux. Méthode. Une enquête approfondie a été réalisée dans 108 exploitations choisies de façon raisonnée. Les données ont été analysées par une analyse multivariée (ACP) suivie d'une classification (CAH). Résultats. La caractérisation selon la structure des exploitations, les pratiques de gestion des coproduits mises en oeuvre et les performances techniques a permis de dégager quatre classes d'exploitations, à savoir la classe des petites exploitations orientées principalement sur les productions végétales (classe 1), la classe des exploitations spécialisées dans l'élevage (classe 2), celle des exploitations de taille moyenne combinant cultures et élevage (classe 3) et enfin celle des grandes exploitations agropastorales (classe 4). En moyenne, les exploitations enregistrent un taux de valorisation des coproduits végétaux de 28 % pour couvrir 25 % de leurs besoins en fourrage (pailles, fanes) et un taux de valorisation des coproduits animaux de 23 % pour couvrir 35 % de leurs besoins en fumure organique (déjections animales). Conclusions. Cette étude a montré que le recyclage des coproduits dans les exploitations agropastorales est faible mais en voie de progression. |
| Keywords: | exploitation agricole, Cameroun, système agropastoral, agroécologie, typologie des exploitations agricoles, polyculture élevage, système intégré agriculture-élevage, gestion des déchets agricoles, recyclage des déchets, déchet agricole, Recyclage des déchets, analyse de données, utilisation des déchets, Fèces, Paille, Matériel de récolte, Analyse multivariée, Système agropastoral, Agroécologie |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05295207 |
| By: | Phoebe Koundouri; Konstantinos Dellis; Fivos Papadimitriou; Ginevra Coletti; Maria Chourdaki; Georgios Feretzakis |
| Abstract: | Natural Language Processing (NLP) has emerged as a transformative tool for sustainability policy analysis, enabling automated assessment of vast policy corpora at previously impossible scales. This paper presents a production-ready multi-method NLP system for detecting and quantifying six FABLE National Commitments (Biodiversity, Climate Mitigation, Food Security, Economy, Fertiliser Use, and Water Management) in European Green Deal policy documents. Our system employs four complementary NLP techniques-enhanced keyword analysis, spaCy-based phrase detection, TF-IDF semantic similarity, and syntactic pattern matching-with conservative evidence-based scoring to ensure analytical reliability. Through rigorous validation and systematic elimination of false positives, the system achieves over 90% reduction in erroneous classifications compared to baseline approaches. We demonstrate the system's capabilities through analysis of 42 European Green Deal policy documents, including detailed case studies of the REPowerEU Energy Plan and EU Energy Integration Strategy. The system processes documents at 1.4-3.9 seconds per file with 100% success rate, providing transparent evidence trails with keyword counts, context excerpts, and multi-method validation. Our work bridges the gap between sustainability science and computational methods, providing policymakers and researchers with reliable, scalable tools for evidence-based policy analysis aligned with the FABLE Consortium's integrated pathways approach to sustainable land-use and food systems transformation. |
| Keywords: | Natural Language Processing, Policy Analysis, FABLE Framework, European Green Deal, National Commitments, Sustainability Science, Evidence-Based Scoring |
| Date: | 2025–11–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:2561 |
| By: | Bakhtiar, M. Mehrab; Mahzab, Moogdho; Karim, Md. Aminul; Shamma, Raisa; Belton, Ben; Talukder, Md. Ruhul Amin; Kabir, Razin; Aravindakshan, Sreejith; Krupnik, Timothy J.; Ahmed, Akhter |
| Abstract: | This report assesses Bangladesh's Phase III agricultural mechanization support program (2020–2024), examining the distribution, impacts, and governance of subsidies for agricultural machines—particularly combine harvesters (CHs). We analyze program effectiveness and identify critical imple mentation gaps using mixed-methods research combining administrative data analysis; a representative survey of 979 Machinery Service Providers (MSPs), including 400 CH MSPs sampled across 10 districts representing Bangladesh’s major agroecological zones and mechanization intensity; panel data from over 2, 000 nationally representative Boro rice–producing households; and 128 qualitative interviews to analyze program effectiveness and pinpoint critical implementation gaps. |
| Keywords: | agricultural mechanization; reforms; subsidies; combine harvesters; surveys; Bangladesh; Asia; Southern Asia |
| Date: | 2025–08–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprwp:176065 |
| By: | Omamo, Steven Were; Ulimwengu, John M.; Traoré, Fousseini; Piñeiro, Valeria; Hill, Ruth |
| Abstract: | Key messages AfCFTA and CAADP are Africa’s twin engines for structural transformation, but their success depends on deliberate alignment. While AfCFTA drives regional integration through trade liberalization, CAADP focuses on building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems. • There is strong strategic complementarity between the two frameworks, especially in goals related to competitiveness, private sector development, and integration of regional value chains. But alignment weakens at the level of implementation—risking policy incoherence and missed opportunities. • Tensions between AfCFTA and CAADP implementation exist around tariff liberalization, domestic policy space, and sector readiness, with risks that liberalized trade could outpace capacity of fragile agriculture sectors to compete, adapt, and benefit. • Food security, equity, and environmental resilience—central to CAADP—are recognized in AfCFTA objectives and justify certain exceptions yet remain only weakly embedded in its implementation protocols. • Institutional silos and fragmented infrastructure strategies could undermine coherence, with risks of trade and agriculture ministries, as well as regional and continental bodies, operating separately. • Strategic coordination, sequencing, and governance reform are essential. Alignment of AfCFTA and CAADP is not automatic—it must be designed, negotiated, and sustained to deliver on Africa’s transformation promise. • Bridging AfCFTA and CAADP is not a one-time alignment exercise but rather a strategic process of political, institutional, and analytical interaction that must be continuously revisited and actively managed if it is to deliver on the continent’s shared aspirations for prosperity, food security, and sustainability. |
| Keywords: | agrifood systems; food security; resilience; sustainability; Africa |
| Date: | 2025–09–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:othbrf:176493 |