Economía Agraria y Recursos Naturales - Agricultural and Resource Economics

Rural Landscape Simplification and Provision of Cultural Ecosystem Services. A Case Study in the Argentine Pampas

Silvina María Cabrini — 2023-06-26

In recent decades, the rural landscape of the Argentine Pampas has undergone a process of simplification due to the increased land allocated to crops, replacing pastures and grasslands, with a substantial increase in soybean area. In 2016-2017, a survey was conducted to analyze changes in cultural ecosystem services in this region. Pergamino citizens relate landscape improvement in terms of aesthetic and recreational values to increasing its complexity since they prefer more winter crops, grazing areas, native vegetation, trees, and birds. The significant relationship between sociodemographic variables and preferences for landscape attributes is consistent with the notion that aesthetic perception is constructed from personal experiences and background.

Assessing the conditions of Rationality and Plausibility in the valuation of biodiversity conservation in a mega-biodiverse country. The case of Manu in Perú

José Dávila — 2023-06-26

According to NOAA, the results of an economic valuation are applicable as public policy if they fulfill two conditions: rationality and plausibility. In this study, we carried out the valuation of biodiversity conservation in Manu National Park in Peru (a megabiodiverse country), based on three representations: species, habitat and functionality. We identify sensitivity to scope in most of the attributes used. When we add socioeconomic characteristics, we identify that gender and salary levels affect preferences. Our total analysis shows that number of threatened plant species and functionality better fulfill both conditions.

Hydro-economic modeling of the climate change and politics effects in Andean agriculture

Marianella Crispin Cunya — 2023-06-26

Climate change has been affecting agriculture activities, particularly, in the Andean Region, given its high level of exposure, sensitivity and low adaptive capacity. The adaptive response of Andean agriculture to a variation in water availability due to climate change was evaluated. For this, a hydro-economic model was developed that integrates two modules: hydrological modeling based on SWAT and an economic optimization model based on PMP. There is a high agricultural vulnerability to climate change, situation that could be reversed through the application of an agricultural policy based on the efficient use of water.

Empirical analysis of determinants of coca leaf consumption behavior in Bolivia period 2006-2021

Juan Marcelo Gutierrez Miranda — 2023-06-26

This study consolidates knowledge about the determinants of coca leaf consumption in Bolivia. Applying conditional pooled models combined with Machine Learning techniques, use the Household Surveys available at the Bolivian INE. There are two populations at risk of becoming a long-term structural well-being problem indigenous peasant native nations and peoples, and those who are in extreme poverty. The compensatory effect appears by substituting goods from the basic food basket for coca leaves, which disappears when they have higher educational levels and better income. Smoking and drinking alcohol behave as complementary goods.

Are short food supply chains a sustainable alternative to traditional retailing? A choice experiment study on olive oil in Spain

Olda Lami — 2023-06-26

This paper examines the consumers purchasing behaviour on Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC) using a choice experiment for extra virgin olive oil, as one of the most regularly food supplied through SFSC in Spain, and a cluster analysis to segment consumers by their perceptions and behavior. Results reveal that consumers` distribution channel preferences are similar although there is a negative reaction to online purchasing. Additionally, since there are consumers willing to pay more for local and organic food, opens opportunities for SFSC development. Hence, the implementation of policies encouraging the use of eco-environmental labeling, can foster SFSC development.

Information networks and agricultural innovation systems: towards a new approach to local rural extension

Carlos Julián Ramírez-Gómez — 2023-06-26

Rural extension has evolved from a traditional linear approach, towards a systemic model that involves the participation of public and private actors, configuring innovation systems. In this systemic interaction, information network structures are formed where producers establish links with various actors, both local and external to the territory. From the analysis of these networks, it was possible to identify key actors, determining the roles of promoter of innovations, opinion leader, facilitator intermediary and broker intermediary. The identification of actors and their function allows the implementation of a rural extension model at a local scale.