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on Agricultural Economics |
|
Issue of 2019‒03‒18
thirty papers chosen by |
| By: | Chitja, J.; Murugani, V. |
| Abstract: | The link between the empowerment of women in agriculture and food security, was investigated in Limpopo Province. Data were collected in three irrigation scheme communities. Respondents were largely food secure, however, empowerment in agriculture and food security were weakly associated. This was partly attributed to the importance of the market in accessing food and the status quo of purchasing food versus own food production. It was concluded that pursuing women empowerment in agriculture and other sectors would likely improve food security. It was recommended that a more transformative and empowering system that allows farmers to diversify crop production and access more markets be sought. Nutrition education and advocacy would also improve household dietary diversity. |
| Keywords: | women empowerment; food security; dietary diversity; irrigation schemes; Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284775&r=all |
| By: | Faye, Amy; Msangi, Siwa |
| Abstract: | Recent research on climate change, within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, has shown the vulnerability of groundwater resources to climate change and variability. In Senegal, agriculture is among the most important users of groundwater resources, especially in the northern coastal area called ‘Niayes’ where farmers practice irrigated agriculture and use almost exclusively the quarternary sand aquifer for their irrigation needs during the dry season – which is the main growing period. However, in Senegal, irrigated agriculture, particularly that of horticultural crops, mostly grown in the Niayes, has attracted less research attention in terms of studies focused on climate change or variability, compared to staple-growing rainfed regions. In the Niayes region, farmers grow most of Senegal’s horticultural production. Combined with human use of water resources, climate variability may threaten future irrigation water availability in the area. This paper uses an integrated hydroeconomic model and a rainfall generator to evaluate the impact of rainfall variability on irrigation water availability and simulate its implications on producers’ responses and groundwater management policy measures. Results show that groundwater availability is diminishing over time, resulting in higher water table depth and smaller water withdrawals by farmers who will tend to decrease the area allocated to crops and favor the higher-valued crops. These trends are accelerated under a drier climate regime. A taxation policy to stabilize the aquifer would induce a reduction of the area under cultivation and have negative implications on revenues. Supply-side measures to enhance recharge may not be technically or financially feasible. This suggests that Senegal needs to develop groundwater management options that favor sustainable use of agricultural water resources without hindering national horticultural production. |
| Keywords: | Agriculture; irrigation; rainfall variability; hydro-economic modeling; groundwater management; Senegal. |
| JEL: | C6 |
| Date: | 2018–02–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:92388&r=all |
| By: | Faye, Amy; Msangi, Siwa |
| Abstract: | Recent research on climate change, within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, has shown the vulnerability of groundwater resources to climate change and variability. In Senegal, agriculture is among the most important users of groundwater resources, especially in the northern coastal area called ‘Niayes’ where farmers practice irrigated agriculture and use almost exclusively the quarternary sand aquifer for their irrigation needs during the dry season – which is the main growing period. However, in Senegal, irrigated agriculture, particularly that of horticultural crops, mostly grown in the Niayes, has attracted less research attention in terms of studies focused on climate change or variability, compared to staple-growing rainfed regions. In the Niayes region, farmers grow most of Senegal’s horticultural production. Combined with human use of water resources, climate variability may threaten future irrigation water availability in the area. This paper uses an integrated hydroeconomic model and a rainfall generator to evaluate the impact of rainfall variability on irrigation water availability and simulate its implications on producers’ responses and groundwater management policy measures. Results show that groundwater availability is diminishing over time, resulting in higher water table depth and smaller water withdrawals by farmers who will tend to decrease the area allocated to crops and favor the higher-valued crops. These trends are accelerated under a drier climate regime. A taxation policy to stabilize the aquifer would induce a reduction of the area under cultivation and have negative implications on revenues. Supply-side measures to enhance recharge may not be technically or financially feasible. This suggests that Senegal needs to develop groundwater management options that favor sustainable use of agricultural water resources without hindering national horticultural production. |
| Keywords: | Agriculture; irrigation; rainfall variability; hydro-economic modeling; groundwater management; Senegal. |
| JEL: | C6 |
| Date: | 2018–02–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:92625&r=all |
| By: | Luca Di Corato (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari); Dimitrios Zormpas (Department of Mathematics, University of Padova) |
| Abstract: | Under the current version of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), payments to EU farmers are decoupled from the production of agricultural commodities. In fact, farmers qualify for CAP support as soon as their land is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. In this paper, we study how decoupled payments influence the decision to invest in farming. We show that decoupling is implicitly providing a costless hedge against volatile farming profits. Consequently, a higher decoupled payment leads the potential farmer to hasten its investment but also results in a farm with lower productive capacity. |
| Keywords: | Decoupling, Real Options, Land Development, Capital Intensity, Passive Farming |
| JEL: | C61 Q15 R14 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2019:06&r=all |
| By: | Martina Mazzarolo (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari); Giacomo Ferraro (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari); Ilda Mannino (Venice International University - VIU); M. Bruna Zolin (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari) |
| Abstract: | The paper aims to illustrate the factors that can influence the choices of European and Chinese consumers of products obtained with a lower use of pesticides (IPM methods). The results, obtained from a survey, allow identifying the most aware categories, those still far from a complete knowledge of IPM methods and their potential. They can also suggest useful policies to achieve a more sustainable consumption behavior. |
| Keywords: | Food consumption, Regional Consumer Behavior, sustainable development, IPM products, EU, China |
| JEL: | Q18 R2 O3 Q57 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2019:08&r=all |
| By: | Santangelo, G. |
| Abstract: | How do changes in agricultural productivity affect firms? Using the predictions of a simple multi-sector general equilibrium model of the local economy and exploiting weather-induced agricultural volatility across India, I estimate the response of manufacturing firms to changes in agricultural productivity. I show that negative agricultural productivity shocks lower the cost of labor but that this does not cause firms to hire more. Firms’ production and employment in fact decrease because the shocks also reduce local income and hence the demand that firms face. My estimates provide evidence for a significant local demand effect. I then use my framework to show that this has key policy implications. I examine the introduction of a rural workfare program and assess how it affects firms. I show that the program attenuates the impact of negative agricultural shocks on firms because of its counter-cyclical effects on local wage and demand for manufacturing goods. The results highlight how policies that target households and increase their income can affect local market size and therefore the industrial sector through their general equilibrium effects. |
| Keywords: | Labor Demand, Agricultural Labor Market, Farms, Economic Development, Firms, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Rural, Agricultural Productivity, Regional Economic Activity, Regional General Equilibrium, Regional Labor Markets, NREGA, India, Workfare Programs |
| JEL: | J23 J43 O12 O13 O14 O18 Q11 Q12 R11 R13 R23 |
| Date: | 2019–01–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1924&r=all |
| By: | Moobi, M.; Kalaba, M. |
| Abstract: | South Africa is characterised by frequent drought periods with 2015 receiving the lowest annual average rainfall of 403mm since 1904. This has a negative impact on physical agricultural production with maize being the most affected by the recent 2015 drought. The effect of drought on maize production also influences its price formation along the maize marketing chain. This paper with the use of Cointegration and Error Correction Model (ECM) attempts to estimate the effects of drought on price formation in the white maize marketing chain. Maize meal is a staple food for most South Africans and it constitutes a large share of consumer�s expenditure on food, particularly poor consumers. The study found that drought plays a significant role in the price formation of the white maize marketing chain. During a drought period, any price changes from the producers are transmitted faster than a recovery period. However, during the latter period, any cost savings from the producer price are not passed onto the consumers. This results in consumers paying more for maize meal during a recovery period when prices are expected to decline, with poor consumers being affected the most. JEL Classification: D11, Q13, Q54 |
| Keywords: | Consumer/Household Economics |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284781&r=all |
| By: | Bachev, Hrabrin |
| Abstract: | The goal of this study is to unpack sustainability in terms of understanding and evaluation using as a case Bulgarian agriculture. A hierarchical system for assessing agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria at national, regional, sub-sectoral, ecosystem and farm level is proposed. It includes 3 aspects(pillars), 17 principles, 35 criteria, and 46 indicators and reference values for evaluating sustainability as well as approach for their integration and interpretation. Assessment is made of agrarian sustainability in the country at various level using aggregate macro and farm level micro data. The assessment has found out that there is a considerable differentiation in the level of integral and aspects sustainability of different type of farms, ecosystems, subsectors and regions. Nevertheless, results on the integral agrarian sustainability based on macro aggregate and micro farm data are quite similar. The later indicates that both approaches are reliable and could be simultaneously used according to the level of analysis, needs of decision makers, and available data. Major factors encouraging improving economic sustainability are market demand and price; direct state subsidies; market competition; financial capability; participation in public support programs; possibility of benefitting immediately; possibility of benefitting in the near future; tax preferences; possibility of benefitting in the long term; and integration with buyers of farm products. Main factors encouraging the enhancement of social sustainability are personal convictions and satisfaction; social recognition of individual contribution; immediate benefits for other people and groups; regional community initiatives and pressure; access to advisory services; European Union policy; and existing regional problems and risks. Important factors encouraging environmental sustainability are problems and risks existing at the global scale; official regulations, standards, and norms; existing regional problems and risks; and European Union policies. Public policies and instruments that improve economic sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture include: direct area-based payments; national top-ups for products and livestock; modernization of agricultural holdings; green payments; support for semi-market farms. At the same time the impact of national and European policies on social and environmental sustainability is relatively weak. Having in mind the importance of holistic assessments of this kind for improving agrarian sustainability, farm management and agrarian policies, they are to be expended and their precision and representation increased. The latter requires a closer cooperation between and participation of all interested parties as well as improvement of the precision through enlargement of collected statistical data, number of surveyed farms, and incorporating more “objective” data from field tests and surveys, monitoring, expertise of professionals in the area, etc. |
| Keywords: | sustainability, assessment, economic, social, ecological, agriculture, Bulgaria |
| JEL: | Q1 Q12 Q13 Q15 Q18 Q2 Q3 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:92752&r=all |
| By: | Boris Rigod; Patricia Tovar |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes the dispute Indonesia – Measures concerning the importation of chicken meat and chicken products from a legal-economic perspective. We evaluate alternative explanations for the motive behind Indonesia´s import restrictions and conclude that they can be linked to protectionist political-economic motives and are most likely due to a self-sufficiency objective and the legal requirements attached to it. Economically, the import restrictions on chicken and other food products have led to substantial price volatility, and they impose costs on Indonesian consumers and small farmers who are net buyers of food, firms that import certain raw materials, as well as foreign exporters. Therefore, by making food more expensive and less accessible, they could reduce food security. We also argue that an additional issue with the goal of self-sufficiency in Indonesia is lack of comparative advantage in some food items, including chicken meat and chicken products. Legally, although the Panel highlighted that self-sufficiency is a legitimate policy objective that as such does not lead to a violation of WTO law, the Indonesia - Chicken case leads to the question of whether, in practice, it is feasible to implement a self-sufficiency target resorting only to WTO-compliant policies. Finally, we discuss potential alternative economic policies and examine whether Indonesia could have attained its food self-sufficiency objective in a WTO-consistent manner. |
| Keywords: | WTO, dispute settlement, self-sufficiency, food security, Indonesia |
| Date: | 2018–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2018/58&r=all |
| By: | Menyuka, N.; Bob, U.; Sibanda, M. |
| Abstract: | Waste management has become a critical issue across the globe, especially in the metropolitan regions. This paper is focusing on the potential for organic waste utilization and management through urban agriculture in different countries, using the Netherlands as a case study. Furthermore, the difficulties and/or risks of utilizing organic waste through urban agriculture is described. Waste management hierarchy shows the invention, such that in the conventional, there is more of disposal of waste and less of waste reduction. However, the new proposal is to have more reduction of waste and less of waste disposal. This is where urban agriculture comes in through the re-use and recycling of waste, giving room for the opportunity of better waste management though urban agriculture. The benefits or opportunities of utilizing organic waste through urban agriculture were explained with the reference from relevant literature. The results of the study done by researchers in the Hague Municipality, Netherlands have been used to provide a picture of current and potential role of urban agriculture in managing organic waste. Key words: Agriculture, management, organic, urban and waste |
| Keywords: | Community/Rural/Urban Development |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284779&r=all |
| By: | Phimister, E.; Tefera, T.; Argaw, T. Lemma |
| Abstract: | Using three rounds of data from the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey (ESS), we estimate a series of dynamic random effect probit models accounting for unobserved heterogeneity and the initial conditions problem using four measures of food insecurity and poverty. The descriptive analysis suggest higher levels of downward mobility and lower rates of exit for the food insecurity measures relative to food poverty and general poverty. There also appear to be lower levels of persistence in the subjective measure of food insecurity although for all measures close to the majority of the sample experience at least one period of food insecurity, food or general poverty. The estimation results provide some evidence of persistence or state dependence exists for subjective food insecurity, food and relative poverty measures. There is also evidence of cross effects so that being subjectively food insecure in the past increases the probability of being food poor and relatively poor in the current period. |
| Keywords: | Food insecurity; Poverty; State dependence; Ethiopia; farm households JEL codes I32, Q12, C23; Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284736&r=all |
| By: | Nhemachena, C.; Kirsten, J.; Muchara, B. |
| Abstract: | The strengthening of the IPRs for plant varieties provide incentives for breeding companies to invest more resources in plant breeding. The main objective of this paper was to analyze the effects of strengthening wheat variety intellectual protection on wheat productivity and release of new varieties. The strength of IPR systems was measured using an IP protection index, and Plant Breeders' Rights granted for wheat varieties. The empirical analyses were based on correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that strengthening IPR systems in South Africa contribute to improving wheat productivity and increasing the number of wheat varieties released. Furthermore, although the robust coefficients of the other IPR variables are positive, they are statistically insignificant for all scenarios. There is need for more incentives beyond granting PBRs and strengthening of IPR systems to be provided in the whole wheat sector to stimulate increased investments and release of new varieties. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284783&r=all |
| By: | Nkunjana, T.; Zantsi, S. |
| Abstract: | Emerging smallholders in the former homelands have been a subject of extensive academic research in South Africa over the past two decades. These farmers are largely described as those coming from previously disadvantaged racial groups, mainly black, who at least sell part of their produce and aspire to fully commercialise their production. But how much is �at least�? This article seeks to contribute to the literature by determining the degree of commercialisation using the Crop Commercialisation Index. Factors influencing maize commercialisation were also determined using Binary Logistic Regression. A sample of 115 household heads was drawn randomly from three districts of the Eastern Cape Province and interviewed using a local language. Results show that emerging farmers in the study area are more commercial orientated in vegetable production than in maize. Binary Logistic Regression suggests that hiring external labour strongly promotes maize commercialisation. Key words: Emerging smallholders, commercialisation, Eastern Cape, South Africa. |
| Keywords: | Crop Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284789&r=all |
| By: | Chakravorty, Ujjayant; Dar, Manzoor; Emerick, Kyle |
| Abstract: | We use two randomized controlled trials in 544 villages of rural Bangladesh to study a simple water conservation technology called "Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)". The AWD technology is a perforated PVC pipe that allows farmers to observe the water level below ground and thus irrigate their field less often. Even though this technology has shown promising results in numerous agronomic experiments, we find no significant effects on water use and profits. AWD only leads to measurable water savings in villages where farmers pay a volumetric (marginal) price for water, but not in villages where water prices are set by the acre. Building on these findings, the second RCT randomly distributed debit cards that convert farmers from per-acre charges to hourly billing. The debit cards cause demand for AWD to become less price sensitive and farmers to put more value on the technology. Taken together, these results show that introducing a marginal price for water aligns incentives for conservation. |
| JEL: | O13 Q25 |
| Date: | 2019–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13572&r=all |
| By: | Matchaya, G.; Nhemachena, C.; Nhlengethwa, S.; Muchero, M.; Elago, P. |
| Abstract: | This paper describes preliminary lessons and experiences from the African Union/NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency�s Biennial Reviews process in which agricultural investment plans for every African Union Member State are reviewed every two years in order to track the country�s progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) and Malabo commitments that were made by African Union Heads of State in June 2014 in Equatorial Guinea, on how to improve agriculture. We have analysed documents from the African Union, previous meeting notes and other literature to in order to understand the Biennial review processes and draw conclusions on how best countries can improve their processes and possibly their biennial reviews scores going forward. |
| Keywords: | Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284786&r=all |
| By: | Mkhabela, T.; Ntombela, S.; Mazibuko, N. |
| Abstract: | The simulation results presented in this paper provided nuanced policy options for redistribution in South Africa in the face of the looming expropriation of land without compensation. The simulation done through Computable General Equilibrium approach using the modified University of Pretoria General Equilibrium Model (UPGEM) which is solved using a GEMPACK solution software. The simulation revealed that there will be adjustment costs regardless of the option(s) chosen. The Inclusive Scenario came up as the most suitable policy option in terms of minimal adjustment costs and allowing the sector to continue to grow, albeit at a lower rate compared to the status quo. |
| Keywords: | Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284782&r=all |
| By: | Milanovic, Branko; Mijatovic, Bosko |
| Abstract: | The paper presents the first estimate of the real welfare ratio for Serbia using the 19th century data on wages of skilled and unskilled workers (including the part paid in kind) and prices of goods that enter into "subsistence" and "respectability" consumption baskets. It finds a stagnation of unskilled wage close to the welfare ratio of 1, and a modest increase in skilled wage. The paper introduces several adjustment to conventional methodology in order to make it more relevant for predominantly agricultural societies. |
| Keywords: | Welfare ratio, real wage, Serbia, agricultural economy |
| JEL: | N3 N33 |
| Date: | 2019–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:92585&r=all |
| By: | Huong Dinh; Manannan Donoghoe; Neal Hughes; Tim Goesch |
| Abstract: | This paper presents a farm level irrigation microsimulation model of the southern Murray-Darling Basin. The model leverages detailed ABARES survey data to estimate a series of input demand and output supply equations, derived from a normalised quadratic profit function. The parameters from this estimation are then used to simulate the impact on total cost, revenue and profit of a hypothetical 30 per cent increase in the price of water. The model is still under development, with several potential improvements suggested in the conclusion. This is a working paper, provided for the purpose of receiving feedback on the analytical approach to improve future iterations of the microsimulation model. |
| Date: | 2019–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1903.05781&r=all |
| By: | Matebeni, F.; Lubinga, M.; Verwey, R.; Mazibuko, N. |
| Abstract: | Abstract This paper investigates the effect of statutory measures in the Egg Industry on food security and job creation. A non-parametric estimation technique based on the Cobb-Douglas production framework was used in the analysis. The results indicate that statutory levies have a role to play in enhancing food security and job creation within the economy. |
| Keywords: | Food Security and Poverty |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284754&r=all |
| By: | Ciara?n Mac Domhnaill; L. (Lisa B.) Ryan |
| Abstract: | The twenty-first century must see a decarbonisation of electricity production to mitigate the flow of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. This paper presents an econometric analysis of the factors that motivate the use of renewable energy in electricity production using panel data from EU Member States during the period 2000-2015. The research extends the literature in this area in several ways. Firstly, the econometric analysis is focused on the electricity sector rather than on the overall primary energy supply, which also includes the diverse heating and transport sectors. In addition, an alternative public policy variable is proposed using the tax and levy component of electricity bills. Furthermore, an alternative econometric approach is employed using a hybrid mixed effects estimator. The results of this analysis are found to be broadly as expected, with mixed fossil fuel price effects; electricity grid interconnection and higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions both motivate the development of renewable electricity. Policy implications are that policy support for fossil fuels should be ceased; electricity grid interconnections should be developed between countries; and furthermore, levies on retail electricity prices to fund RE support schemes are effective at promoting renewable electricity. |
| Keywords: | Renewable electricity policy; Energy economics; Climate policy; Hybrid mixed effects econometric model |
| JEL: | Q21 Q4 Q41 Q42 Q58 |
| Date: | 2018–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ucn:wpaper:201823&r=all |
| By: | Kamila Galeza; Amal Faltas; Lina Abdelghaffar |
| Keywords: | Health, Nutrition and Population - Health and Sanitation Social Development - Participations and Civic Engagement Social Development - Social Accountability Water Supply and Sanitation - Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Water Supply and Sanitation - Water Supply and Sanitation Governance and Institutions Water Supply and Sanitation - Water Supply and Sanitation Participation |
| Date: | 2018–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wboper:29647&r=all |
| By: | Phaleng, L.; Mazibuko, N.; Lubinga, M.; Phaleng, L. |
| Abstract: | We empirically evaluated the role of the red meat industry towards employment in South Africa�s agricultural sector. The paper used liner regression and delta method in the analysis. The results indicate that overall, a two-year extension of statutory levy regime in the red meat industry will positively influence employment (by 38%) in the economy. Although the focus was on the red meat industry, the increase in employment will occur along the various stages of the sheep and cattle value chains as well as in the other closely associated industries like the agro-processing and services industries. |
| Keywords: | Livestock Production/Industries |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284765&r=all |
| By: | Shushanik Hakobyan; Joel P. Trachtman |
| Abstract: | The EU—Fatty Alcohols decision of the Appellate Body addressed an important issue of the scope of permissible adjustments under Article 2.4 of the Agreement on Interpretation of Article VI of the GATT 1994, focusing on the “mark-up” paid by an Indonesian exporter to a related company as a difference affecting price comparability between the export price and the normal value. The Appellate Body confirmed that the primary focus of the investigating authority's assessment is on whether the relationship between related companies can be demonstrated to be a factor that impacts the prices of the relevant transactions. This case raises the question of whether a harmonized approach to transfer pricing across different regulatory areas would be useful to bring greater consistency of treatment and certainty to international transactions. |
| Keywords: | dumping, transfer pricing, dispute settlement, WTO, EU |
| Date: | 2018–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2018/57&r=all |
| By: | Porzio, T.; Santangelo, G. |
| Abstract: | We study how the global schooling increase during the 20th century affected structural transformation by changing the supply of agricultural labor. We develop an analytical model of frictional labor reallocation out of agriculture to infer changes in birth-cohort characteristics from observed data on agricultural employment. Bringing the model to microdata from 52 countries, we find that the increase in schooling was accompanied by a large shift of the labor force’s comparative advantage away from agriculture. We bring empirical evidence to suggest this relationship was causal. With fixed prices, the resulting decrease in the supply of agricultural workers can account for almost half of the observed reallocation out of agriculture. However, in general equilibrium, the net effect is ambiguous. |
| Keywords: | Development, Education, Human Capital, Skills, Occupational Choice, Labor Force Demographics, Schooling, Skill Biased, Labor Mobility, Cross Country Development, Structural Transformation, Agriculture |
| JEL: | E23 E24 I25 J21 J23 J24 J62 O11 O12 O15 Q11 |
| Date: | 2019–02–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1925&r=all |
| By: | Chatterjee, S. |
| Abstract: | In this paper, I argue that market power of intermediaries plays an important role in contributing to low incomes of farmers in India. I study the role of spatial competition between intermediaries in determining the prices that farmers receive in India by focusing on a law that restricts farmers to selling their goods to intermediaries in their own state. I show that the discontinuities in market power generated by the law translate into discontinuities in prices. Increasing spatial competition by one standard deviation causes prices received by farmers to increase by 6.4%. To shed light on spatial and aggregate implications, I propose and estimate a quantitative spatial model of bargaining and trade. Using this structural model, I estimate that the removal of the interstate trade restriction in India would increase competition between intermediaries substantially, thereby increasing the prices farmers receive and their output. Estimates suggest that average farmer prices and output would increase by at least 11% and 7% respectively. The value of the national crop output would therefore increase by at least 18%. |
| JEL: | D43 F12 L13 L81 O13 Q13 R12 |
| Date: | 2019–03–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:1921&r=all |
| By: | Emily Blanchard; Mark Wu |
| Abstract: | Article 6 of the SPS Agreement presents a series of interlinked obligations for importing and exporting countries of diseased agricultural products. The Russia – Pigs dispute raises the question of when an importing country is justified in imposing a ban on products from exporting countries unaffected by the disease, on the basis of the fact that the country is part of the same customs union as another country inflicted with the disease. This Article contends that four distinct classes of cross-border and cross-product externalities ought to play in an important role when assessing this question in the future. It discusses the possible roles to be played by bilateral, sequential, pass-through, and supply chain externalities in propagating the transmission of agricultural disease across borders through trade. |
| Keywords: | Externalities, Dispute Settlement, SPS, African Swine Flu, Agricultural Disease |
| Date: | 2018–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2018/60&r=all |
| By: | L. (Lisa B.) Ryan; Sarah La Monaca; Linda Mastrandrea; Petr Spodniak |
| Abstract: | Legacy electricity retail tariffs are ill-adapted to future electricity systems and markets, particularly with regard to accommodating the multi-faceted shift toward decarbonisation. We examine how retail tariffs need to be reformed to not only meet the future revenue requirements of energy-suppliers and networks but also to help achieve the environmental objectives of the energy transition. While existing literature has explored the link between retail tariff structure design, wholesale markets and/or network cost recovery, there is less recognition of the impact of tariff structure design on environmental objectives. This paper reviews the demand responsiveness of household customers to electricity prices and implications of retail tariff structure and design for the policy targets of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, and renewable electricity generation, in addition to electricity system. A review of the literature provides a theoretical basis for price elasticity of demand and electricity retail tariff design, and we explore the environmental implications for future retail tariff design options via examples of various tariff structures in the EU and US. The research links the topics of emissions mitigation policy and market design, and should add empirical insights to the body of academic literature on future electricity markets. It should also be of interest to policy makers wishing to consider retail tariff structures that promote decarbonisation of the electricity system through multiple objectives of improved energy efficiency and increased shares of renewable electricity within future electricity markets. |
| Keywords: | Electricity retail tariffs; Electricity prices; Energy policy; Decarbonisation of electricity |
| JEL: | H2 Q21 Q41 Q42 |
| Date: | 2018–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ucn:wpaper:201822&r=all |
| By: | Louw, M.; Van der Merwe, M. |
| Abstract: | This study considered the efficiency with which food safety information is received and utilised by marginalised consumers in South Africa and results serves as an approximation of the degree of information asymmetry between low-income food consumers and food processors/government. The study found that initially, 47% of respondents claimed to know what Listeriosis is. Data validation, through follow up questions and a Willingness to Pay experiment, however, suggest that there is a significant social acceptability response bias. Based on the validation, data were adjusted. The adjusted data showed that 43% had comprehensive knowledge of Listeriosis and 34% had partial knowledge of Listeriosis. Subsequent estimation of a proportional odds model showed that education level is significant in explaining the level of knowledge pertaining to Listeriosis. In contrast to this, income is not. Key words: Food Safety, Listeriosis, Information Asymmetry |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284770&r=all |
| By: | Argaw, T.; Phimister, E.; Roberts, D. |
| Abstract: | We estimated a two-step control function procedure on panel and four different models on the cross section data using the latest three round panel of the Ethiopian socioeconomic survey. The results from our cross section and panel estimates show a positive and significant relationship between production diversity and dietary diversity. In addition, we also see that production diversity has different outcomes between male and female headed household. Before the impact of production diversity is accounted for being in a female headed households does increase consumption diversity. However, there is evidence of a negative and significant interaction between gender and production diversity. This suggests that the mechanism through which production diversity affects consumption diversity differs in female headed households. As are result the overall impact of gender on consumption diversity is negligible (when estimated at mean values). Market access, access to extension services and the availability of a nonfarm business are also positively related with consumption of diversified diet. Key words: Production diversity, dietary diversity, gender, Ethiopia. JEL CODES: Q12 Q18 Q01 |
| Keywords: | Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2018–09–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aeas18:284756&r=all |
| By: | Martinho, Vítor João Pereira Domingues |
| Abstract: | The wine has its own place in the societies, involving several dimensions, since the socioeconomic until the cultural level. In fact, in various countries and regions, the wine has a marked cultural presence, or because it is usual to consume wine at meals, or because it is an important ingredient in any meeting of friends. However, the cultural perspective of wine changes across regions and countries. In this framework the main objective of this study is to explore the cultural dimension of wine around the world. For that, it was considered 57 articles obtained from the Web of Science (all databases) for the topic “wine culture”. These documents were explored first with the bibliometric software VOSviewer and analysed after through literature review. |
| Keywords: | Bibliometric analysis,Literature review,Web of Science,VOSviewer |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:193460&r=all |