Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons^™

Oil At Risk: Political Violence And Accelerated Carbon Extraction In The Middle East And North Africa, Ryan Knowles Merrill, Anthony W. Orlando

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

What effect does the threat of expropriation have on resource extraction? Much of the economic literature suggests that uncertainty reduces investment, but the theory of risk-induced extraction suggests the opposite. In this paper, we test this theory in the context of political violence, which poses a real threat of state destabilization and violent expropriation of property rights. Facing this uncertainty, we find that oil producers in the Middle East and North Africa increase oil production in response to political violence. This finding has important negative consequences for the world in terms of climate change and demonstrates a previously untested mechanism …

The Role Of Myopic Loss Aversion In Pre-Harvest Grain Marketing, Iyore Eronmwon

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this study, we investigate the role of myopic loss aversion (MLA) risk preferences on pre-harvest grain marketing decisions using a laboratory experiment. Prospect theory parameters were estimated to measure MLA. We estimated a power function for utility and obtained power estimates indicating linear utility for gains and concave utility for losses. We obtained a loss aversion parameter estimate that suggests the presence of loss aversion. We found evidence of probability weighting for both gains and losses. We classified individuals into three categories based on their MLA status. They are no NMLA, MLA, and high loss aversion (HLA). We observed …

Determinants Of Gluten-Free Diet Adoption Among Individuals Without Celiac Disease Or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Kristina Arslain, Christopher Gustafson, Pratiksha Baishya, Devin Rose

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

Objectives: Gluten free (GF) foods are typically less nutritious and more expensive than their gluten-containing variants, yet people without a diagnosed gluten sensitivity continue to adopt this diet. There is a lack of research about what factors drive people without Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity to follow the GF diet. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 2982 US residents without a diagnosed gluten sensitivity were surveyed about their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences with the GF diet. Logistic regression was used to compare respondents who were currently avoiding or had avoided gluten previously (GF consumer) to respondents who had never …

Understanding Factors Contributing To Community Change, Norman Walzer, Sharon Gulick, Connie Loden, Mary Emery, Milan Wall

Community Development Practice

This paper describes the work of the Community Change Network, a collaboration of university researchers and practitioners to understand the factors that contribute to lasting community changes. It describes the resources available as well as what has been accomplished regarding this issue.

Microfinance Credit And Micro Enterprise Development In The Agricultural Sub-Sector Of The Nigerian Economy, Ademola A. Adebisi

Bullion

This study seeks to examine the relevance of micro financing credit loans to Agri-business in Lagos State, Nigeria - the development of Agricultural sub-sector centering the attention to the contribution of the institutions involved in the provision of these credits.It makes a critical review of the performance of microfinance institutions in Nigeria, based on a survey of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (a microfinance scheme established to boost the agricultural sub-sector of Nigeria). The study examines the scheme – the institutions involved and analyses the performance using the outreach paradigm via the mixed approach research techniques – qualitative and …

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2019/2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In order to develop constructive advice, it is important for the Biosecurity Council to understand the needs and challenges of industry, government and the community, and how changes to the biosecurity system might impact these groups. During 2019/20 the Council continued to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State levels and proactively engaged with industry, community and government on biosecurity matters.

The key areas of advice that were progressed during the year were:

• biosecurity research and development
• border biosecurity
• the declaration of non-agricultural pests under the BAM Act; and
• recognised biosecurity groups and declared pest rates

Louisiana Southern Flounder: Commercial And Recreational Trends, David Russell Smith

LSU Master's Theses

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) is a coastal flatfish species that supports recreational and commercial fisheries throughout Louisiana. The recreational and commercial sectors of the Southern Flounder fishery in Louisiana both lack current information that profiles the fishery’s ability to meet stakeholder interest. This project characterized the Louisiana Southern Flounder fishery through an evaluation of fishery-dependent data and a survey of coastal Louisiana anglers.

Fishery-dependent data was gathered to characterize the recreational and commercial Southern Flounder fisheries in Louisiana. This study had three objectives for this evaluation: 1) modeling landings data to evaluate any trends, 2) examine the seasonality of landings, …

The Intertwined Relationship Between Malnutrition And Poverty, Faareha Siddiqui, Rehana Salam, Zohra S. Lassi, Jai K. Das

Woman and Child Health

Despite social and economic development, the burden of malnutrition across the globe remains unacceptably high. A vital relationship exists between nutritional status, human capital, and economic standing. Malnutrition adversely affects the physiological and mental capacity of individuals; which in turn hampers productivity levels, making them and their respective countries more susceptible to poverty. A two-way link exists between malnutrition and poverty, creating a vicious cycle with each fueling the other. Malnutrition produces conditions of poverty by reducing the economic potential of the population and likewise, poverty reinforces malnutrition by increasing the risk of food insecurity. The aim of the paper …

The Politics Of Seeds And Their Effects On Small-Scale Paraguayan Farmers, Maeve Mallozzi-Kelly

Capstone Collection

International corporate seed companies have manipulated Paraguay’s politics and agricultural development since 1995, increasing Paraguay’s use and protection of genetically modified seeds, while also undermining farmers’ control over their production and financial stability by almost eliminating markets for heirloom varieties. Paraguay continues to be excluded from research critiquing the effects of neoliberal policies on global agricultural systems. Therefore, this study aims to illuminate small-scale farmers’ experiences and bring Paraguay into the global conversation on seed sovereignty by critically examining the effects Paraguay’s national seed policies have on small-scale farmer’s development opportunities and resilience to climate change. This question guides the …

Food Insecurity In Mississippi: Examining The Relationship Between Food Insecurity And Race, Cady Cooper

Honors Theses

The relationship between food insecurity and race is examined in this thesis. The author analyzes the history and background of food and race in Mississippi to bring about a recommendation to change policy. An analysis of USDA data as well as a spatial analysis was used as the primary method for investigating the relationship between race and food insecurity in Mississippi. The findings indicate that, in the urban setting, at ½ mile, 61% of whites are food insecure, and in the urban setting, at the 1 mile, 64% of whites are food insecure. In urban settings, the White population of …

How Can Mongolia Avoid The Resource Curse?, Batbayar Baatarkhuu

International Programs

The resource curse paradox, i.e., that resource rich countries tend to have weaker economies than no-resource countries, causes challenges for low and middle-income countries, including Mongolia (Moran, 2013). To avoid the resource curse, Mongolia should undertake three policy measures: diversifying its economy, establishing a sovereign wealth fund and imposing import restrictions.

Assessment Of Agricultural Advisory Messages From Farmer-To-Farmer In Making A Case For Scaling Up Production: A Qualitative Study, Nana Afranaa Kwapong, Daniel Adu Ankrah, Dominic Boateng-Gyambiby, Joseph Asenso-Agyemang, Lydia Oteng Fening

The Qualitative Report

Inadequate access to agricultural extension services often results in poor farm practices, affecting yields and subsequently the income and wellbeing of smallholder farmers. Given the high demand for agricultural information and the limited capacity of extension services, a farmer-to-farmer extension approach has been explored by many underserved farmers. In this study, we use a qualitative case study approach explore how cassava farmers who had limited access to agricultural advisory services from public extension agents managed to up-scale their farming business. Our research question was: what lessons can be learned from the lived experience of these farmers to address current challenges …

Biosecurity Council Visit To Augusta - August 2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Biosecurity Council of Western Australia has committed to holding annual regional meetings. The intent of the regional meetings is to:

• Engage with local/regional stakeholders on biosecurity matters
• Build networks/relationships with key biosecurity stakeholders
• Provide a conduit to government/DPIRD for local/regional biosecurity stakeholders.

For its second regional meeting Council agreed to visit Augusta, located in the South West Region of Western Australia. The region is home to a large and diverse horticultural sector, aquaculture enterprises as well as livestock, for which biosecurity is important. In addition, it is a biodiversity hotspot with large tracts of natural bushland and aquatic environments …

Assessment Of The Growth In Social Groups For Sustainable Agriculture And Land Management, Pretty Jules, Simon Attwood, Richard Bawden, Henk Van Den Berg, Zareen P. Bharucha, Jacob I. Ricks

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

For agriculture and land management to improve natural capital over whole landscapes, social cooperation has long been required. The political economy of the later twentieth and early twenty-first centuries prioritized unfettered individual action over the collective, and many rural institutions were harmed or destroyed. Since then, a wide range of social movements, networks and federations have emerged to support transitions towards sustainability and equity. Here, we focus on social capital manifested as intentionally formed collaborative groups within specific geographic territories. These groups focus on: (1) integrated pest management; (2) forests; (3) land; (4) water; (5) pastures; (6) support services; (7) …

Intensifying Forage Legume Strata System Technology Through Dairy Cattle Production, Marcos E. Bollido, Teresa B. Polbos, Feleciano R. Bejar

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Intensification of forage legume strata system technology (FLSST) through dairy cattle production was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the local government unit of San Jorge, Samar, Republic of the Philippines. The beneficiaries of the program were selected based on specific criteria and qualifications. Farmers were given training on dairy cattle production, and 10 beneficiaries in five communities received one ready-to-breed cow. Each farmer-beneficiary established a 500 sqm pasture area using FLSST. Abundant grasses and leguminous forages helped improve the health of the cattle. Cattle weighing an average of 150 kg grew to an average weight of …

Implementation Of Biogas-Based Energy Security Program And Evaluation Of Its Sustainability In Kediri Village, Pringsewu District, Lampung Province, Sri Ismiyati Damayanti, Simparmin Ginting, Otik Nawansih, Siti Hudaidah

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

The Biogas-based energy security program in Kediri Village, Pringsewu District, Lampung Province, aims to provide awareness and knowledge to villagers about the potential of cow dung to be made into biogas and promote awareness of good environment quality. An evaluation of the sustainability of the program in the community was conducted. The methods that were used in this program are (1) socialization to provide awareness of good environment quality and energy security, (2) digester construction and stove and biogas lamp installation, which was carried out by the community together with certified trainers, (3) creation of a master design of the …

Artisanal Marine Fisheries And Climate Change In The Region Of Lima, Peru, Edelina Coayla

Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics

This study explores the relationship between climate change and artisanal marine fisheries in the region of Lima, Peru. From the perspective of the economics of climate change and renewable marine resources, the methods of correlations and bivariate regression are employed. A negative relationship is found between the increase in the sea surface temperature (SST) and the marine fishery catches landed at the ports of the Lima region (2004-2017).The higher the SST, the lower fishing effort. It was also found that the SST significantly influences the gross added value of fishing. To reduce the vulnerability of artisanal marine fisheries, the main …

How Are Tourists Affected By Offshore Wind Turbines? A Case Study Of The First U.S. Offshore Wind Farm, Simona Trandafir, Vasundhara Gaur, Priya Behanan, Emi Uchida, Corey Lang, Haoran Miao

Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics

This paper examines the impact of the construction of United States’ first offshore wind farm off the coast of Block Island on tourism, the largest revenue generator for the island. Using a stated preference survey, we find no negative impact on the number of trips taken by tourists since their construction. We also examine the determinants of tourists’ willingness to pay for different recreational activities on Block Island, both with and without the presence of turbines. We find evidence that prior awareness of wind turbines results in an overall improvement in welfare by approximately 20 million USD in tourism-generated revenue. …

Hopeless Ugly Food? Estimating Heterogeneous Treatment Effects Of Marketing Strategies On Consumer Attitude And Wtp Via Machine Learning Approaches, Ran Li

LSU Master's Theses

Around one-third of food produced for human consumption is wasted every year, partially caused by consumer's unwillingness to purchase ugly food. We explore opportunities to favorably support consumer's considerations for ugly food by analyzing survey responses from 1099 U.S. adults. We find that without any marketing strategies applied, a great discount has to be provided to sell ugly food. By using appropriate marketing strategies, consumer's attitudes and willingness to pay for ugly food can be changed positively. However, the effects of ugly food marketing attributes are heterogeneous among consumers with different attitudes towards ugly food. Consumers with negative attitudes towards …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Arkansas Field Crop Farms, A. Durand-Murat, S. Stiles, B. Watkins, C. R. Stark Jr.

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting the global economy in unprecedented ways, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Prices of most commodities decreased since the pandemic began, which are affecting farm revenues and production costs. We assess the impact of COVID-19 on Arkansas field crop farms using the Representative Farm models, calibrated to the latest baseline published by the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. The results show that COVID-19 decreases the net cash farm incomes of all five farms, increases the probability of having a negative net cash farm income, and increases the cost of commodity programs. Payments …

Large Variability In Feeding Behavior Among Crossbred Growing Cattle, David N. Kelly, Roy D. Sleator, Craig P. Murphy, Stephen B. Conroy, Michelle M. Judge, Donagh P. Berry

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

The purpose of this study was to define an extensive suite of feeding behavior traits in growing crossbred cattle and to investigate their phenotypic inter-relationships as well as relationships with other performance and efficiency traits. Time-series feeding behavior data, as well as feed intake and liveweight records, were available for 624 growing crossbred cattle, of which 445 were steers and 179 were heifers. Feeding behavior repeatability estimates were calculated using linear mixed models. Additionally, partial Spearman correlations were estimated among 14 feeding behavior traits, as well as between feeding behavior with both performance and feed efficiency traits, using residuals retained …

Detroit Food Metrics Report 2019, Alex B. Hill

Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Research Publications

This report provides a snapshot of data and information on Detroit’s food system as well as trends over time. The report includes a broad range of programs and initiatives that local organizations, the Detroit Food Policy Council, and the City of Detroit are undertaking to address food insecurity, increase healthy food access and awareness, and support a more sustainable and just food system.

The Impact Of Dietary Egg Intake On Metabolic Health In Food Insecure Households, Sam Walker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food Insecurity (FI) is defined as a condition in which individuals lack access to adequate food due to limited financial resources. FI is estimated to impact 12% of households in United States. Adults and children who experience FI are an increased risk for developing metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The negative health outcomes associated with FI are multi-factorial, however, many of them may be caused by limited nutritional intake and poor diet quality. Efforts to better understand the obstacles food insecure populations face is critical in order to improve nutrient intake and minimize …

Relationship Between University Student Characteristics And Water Conservation Behaviors, Matthew A. Wise

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Water over-consumption is a critical issue due to it being a mismanaged, and virtually finite, natural resource. In order to convey this information to the public and promote change, it is important to understand the public’s current attitude towards the topic in order to develop more targeted teaching approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine college-age students’ perceptions about water resource usage, their personal levels of active engagement in water conservation, and if any differences existed between agriculture students and non-agriculture students. This study utilized an online quantitative survey, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, which was …

Neoliberal Legacies: Peru, Potatoes And The Challenges Of Agricultural Reform, Emma Belliveau

Honors Scholar Theses

Peru and the potato; the two have been linked together for almost 10,000 years. This relationship has developed and born rich food, cultural heritage, and agricultural tradition. Once Spain, one of the dominant global and colonial powers, entered the mix in the 16th C, the makeup of Peru's potato growing industry changed for good. While the potato catapulted Europe's population out of hunger and allowed the Western world to modernize, Peru became merely a stomping ground for raw materials. The economy of Peru--to this day--is dependent on exporting raw materials, which means exporting agricultural goods as well. At one time …

Is Central Bank Of Nigeria Pursuing Preferential Development Finance? Some Parametric And Non-Parametric Evidence, Xavier-Itam A. Okon

Bullion

As encompassing as the development finance interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria are, there appears to be a preference for the agricultural sector and the manufacturing sub-sector. The study applied the parametric ANOVA and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis Tests, to inferentially determine whether this is, indeed, the case. Findings, however, indicate that the intervention intensity is equal for all sectors, implying the Bank adopts a holistic, rather than preferential, approach to its development finance practice. This strategically engenders, among others, uniform development, inclusive growth and economic diversification. The interventions should be sustained and their coverage extended to other crucial sub-sectors …

Intermediary Roles Of Public Research Institutions In Social Innovation: The Case Of Malaysian Agricultural Research And Development Institute, Mohamad Noor Nur Hanis

Student Works (2020-2029)

Studies on Public Research Institutions (PRIs) have been extensively explored by scholars in recent decades. The significant role of the PRIs in ensuring scientific discoveries to accommodate societal needs is very critical. Although PRIs are vital for the government to implement policy and regulation, studies on the institutions are still limited especially when it comes to the context of social innovation. Like any other public-driven institutions, PRIs have limited resources such as capital and labour. Yet, they are expected to perform multiple roles ranged from research and development (R&D) to social development that includes capacity building, knowledge generation and technology …

How The Coronavirus Increases Terrorism Threats In The Developing World, Nisha Bellinger, Kyle Kattelman

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

As the coronavirus reaches developing countries in Africa and Asia, the pandemic will have effects beyond public health and economic activity. As the disease wreaks its havoc in areas poorly equipped to handle its spread, terrorism likely will increase there as well.

We are political scientists who study the developing world and political conflict. Our recently published research identifies a potential link between the pandemic and an uptick in violence. We find that food insecurity – the lack of both financial and physical access to nutritious food, which leads to malnutrition and undernourishment in a population – makes citizens angry …

Estimating Treatment Effect Heterogeneity In A Comprehensive Microenterprise Intervention, Mary Gathungu

Master's Theses

Do cash transfer programs have heterogeneous treatment effects within the treatment group? Why do some households in these interventions seem to benefit more than others? What is the overall treatment effect of the Microenterprise Intervention? I address these questions through the study of a comprehensive microenterprise intervention program carried out in Kenya, Africa by a non-profit organization called the Village Enterprise Organization and I obtain economic outcome data from a randomized control trial that gives out conditional cash transfer that is conditional on business formation. The Microenterprise Intervention combines cash grants and mentorship and training to achieve long term economic …

What Does A "Just" Local Food System Look Like? Views From Worcester In A Changing Climate, Marguerite Cawley

Capstone Collection

Food and climate are closely intertwined, with the high-emissions U.S. industrial food system contributing to climate change, while a changing climate produces new food system vulnerabilities, which will particularly impact those of the least means. This research is premised on the need to transform our food system, and to define what this vision looks like at the local level, while centering questions of power, justice and rights. It explores how groups, organizations and individuals engaged in local food system change envision transformation and understand corresponding social justice concerns, in a changing climate. It looks at opportunities for food and climate …