Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics

A topical collection in Economies (ISSN 2227-7099).

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Editor

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topical Collection of the journal focuses on the intersection of agricultural economics and natural resources, with a particular emphasis on growth. This topic is of increasing importance given the global population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns, which all have profound implications for natural resource use and agricultural production. The Issue seeks to publish original research that contributes to our understanding of these complex issues, with an emphasis on both farm-level and policy-relevant analyses.

Papers in this issue may address a wide range of topics, such as the economics of resource use, the impact of climate change on agricultural production, the role of technological change in agricultural productivity, the economics of ecosystem services, productivity, and efficiency in agriculture and natural resource use, the impact of trade liberalization on agricultural and natural resource use, and the role of institutions in promoting sustainable agricultural and natural resource use. The issue is highly interested in papers that will investigate these issues during COVID-19.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, papers may use a variety of methods and approaches, including econometric analysis, modeling, case studies, and theoretical analysis. The section welcomes both quantitative and qualitative research, provided that the papers make a significant contribution to the literature and have clear policy implications.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research that advances our understanding of the complex relationship between agriculture and natural resources, and that provides insights for policymakers and practitioners working in the field. The issue is particularly interested in papers that address questions of sustainability, equity, and resilience, and that explore the trade-offs and synergies between different policy objectives.

Overall, the Topical Collection of the journal provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to showcase their work on the intersection of agricultural economics and natural resources. The papers published in this section will contribute to the growing body of literature on this topic and provide insights for policymakers and practitioners working in the field.

Dr. Sanzidur Rahman
Collection Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Economies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023

15 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Improving Agricultural Sustainability in Bosnia and Herzegovina through Renewable Energy Integration
by Adis Puška, Miroslav Nedeljković, Branislav Dudić, Anđelka Štilić and Alexandra Mittelman
Economies 2024, 12(8), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12080195 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 921
Abstract
With the development of agricultural production, the demand for electricity correspondingly increases. To sustainably meet this demand, renewable energy sources (RESs) can be utilized. This paper explores the application of RES alternatives in agriculture to provide guidelines for enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in [...] Read more.
With the development of agricultural production, the demand for electricity correspondingly increases. To sustainably meet this demand, renewable energy sources (RESs) can be utilized. This paper explores the application of RES alternatives in agriculture to provide guidelines for enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study employs expert decision making using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. A decision-making model incorporating nine criteria and six alternatives was developed. Using the direct weight calculation (DiWeC) approach, the findings indicate that economic criteria are prioritized over other sustainability criteria. The results from the fuzzy RAWEC (ranking of alternatives with weights of criteria) method reveal that solar energy has the greatest potential for advancing sustainable agricultural production in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For practical implementation of RES alternatives, active involvement from state institutions and local communities is essential. Full article
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18 pages, 461 KiB  
Article
Identifying Determinants of Food Security Using Panel Data Analysis: Evidence from Maghreb Countries
by Guerrache Mohamed, Fayçal Chiad, Menacer Abdesslam, Belkacem Omar and Mujeeb Saif Mohsen AL-Absy
Economies 2024, 12(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12040091 - 15 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1684
Abstract
Countries and international bodies are focusing on agriculture as a route to achieving sustainable food security. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the determinants of food security. It investigates the effects of gross domestic product deflator (GDPD), rural population, arable [...] Read more.
Countries and international bodies are focusing on agriculture as a route to achieving sustainable food security. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the determinants of food security. It investigates the effects of gross domestic product deflator (GDPD), rural population, arable area, agricultural workers, farmers, agricultural exports, and agricultural imports on agricultural performance, which is a metric of food security. This study uses time lapse data models of a sample from the group of Maghreb states, namely Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania, for the 2003–2018 period. All these data were collected from the statistical reports of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. The results provide evidence of the significant positive impacts of gross domestic product, arable areas, and agricultural exports on the agricultural sector’s performance, which results in achieving food security. However, the results indicate that the rural population and the number of workers in the agricultural sector have a significantly negative relationship with agricultural sector performance. In terms of agricultural imports, the results do not show a relationship between agricultural imports and agricultural sector performance. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study conducted in the Maghreb states, including five countries. This study alerts policymakers to issues regarding the importance of having effective policies that could enhance the performance of agricultural production to achieve food security in the Maghreb states. Policymakers must improve the investment climate in North African countries to encourage investors to enter the agricultural sector. Full article
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2023

Jump to: 2024

11 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
Land Reform and Its Effect on Farm Household Income Inequality: Evidence from Georgia
by Ayal Kimhi
Economies 2023, 11(10), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11100258 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1918
Abstract
This article examines the importance of landholdings in explaining income inequality among family farms in four districts in Georgia following the land reform of the 1990s. Income inequality is decomposed by sources of income and by determinants of income. The results indicate that [...] Read more.
This article examines the importance of landholdings in explaining income inequality among family farms in four districts in Georgia following the land reform of the 1990s. Income inequality is decomposed by sources of income and by determinants of income. The results indicate that farm income is a disequalizing source of income among family farms in these districts. In addition, a uniform increase in landholding is expected to reduce income inequality. Combining the two results, we conclude that the impact of land reform on farm household income inequality depends on the resulting distribution of landholdings. It can reduce inequality if land is distributed relatively equally, but inequality can increase if the wealthier farmers are able to gain control of more (and perhaps better) land resources. A possible implication of this result is that for land reform to be equalizing, distributing land to smallholders should be accompanied by additional policies and regulations supporting small farmers, such as land titling and registration, support for cooperation, and access to credit and other market services. Full article
16 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Effect of Internet Indicators on Agri-Food Export Competitiveness
by Arif Imam Suroso, Idqan Fahmi, Hansen Tandra and Adi Haryono
Economies 2023, 11(10), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11100246 - 6 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2148
Abstract
The agricultural sector contributes to the national economy by engaging in export activities within the global market. Conversely, the rapid development of the Internet has greatly impacted output production and has introduced heightened competitiveness among various countries. This study aims to examine the [...] Read more.
The agricultural sector contributes to the national economy by engaging in export activities within the global market. Conversely, the rapid development of the Internet has greatly impacted output production and has introduced heightened competitiveness among various countries. This study aims to examine the impact of Internet-related indicators on the competitive standing of agri-food industries on a global scope. These indicators are represented by user engagement, infrastructure availability, and security. The panel regression analysis focused on 126 countries from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal that Internet infrastructure and security positively affect the competitiveness of agri-food exports. However, the indicator related to Internet users exhibits a negative impact. There is a change in competitiveness structure from enhancing the Internet indicator to 50%. After simulation, we found that 80 countries have a positive value of RSCA. It is lower than the actual value of RSCA in 89 countries. This study concluded that developing countries still have better opportunities to increase their agri-food export competitiveness than developed countries. Full article
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16 pages, 1531 KiB  
Article
Contributions of Investment and Employment to the Agricultural GDP Growth in Egypt: An ARDL Approach
by Nouran Abdelhamid Abdelgawwad and Abdelmonem Lotfy Mohamed Kamal
Economies 2023, 11(8), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11080215 - 15 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3341
Abstract
This paper explores the impact of investment and employment on Egypt’s agricultural growth during the period 1991 to 2021 using annual time series data. We use the ARDL approach to examine the long-run and short-run relationships among agricultural investment, agricultural employment and agricultural [...] Read more.
This paper explores the impact of investment and employment on Egypt’s agricultural growth during the period 1991 to 2021 using annual time series data. We use the ARDL approach to examine the long-run and short-run relationships among agricultural investment, agricultural employment and agricultural GDP. The results reveal that the variables of interest are bound together in the long run. The long-run relationship and the error correction model are estimated. The accompanying equilibrium correction proves that long-run linkages exist in a meaningful way. Results show that agricultural investment and agricultural employment are major short- and long-run determinants of the agricultural GDP. In the long run, every 1% increase in agricultural employment (AEMP) results in an increase in the agricultural GDP (AGDP) of 3.73%, while every 1% increase in agricultural investment (AINV) improves the AGDP by 0.43%. In the short run, 26% of all disequilibrium-causing motions are adjusted for in a single session. Therefore, it takes 3.85 years for the Egyptian agricultural GDP to achieve the transition from a short-term disequilibrium situation to a long-term equilibrium. Thus, decision makers should increase the rates of investment in the agricultural sector, in parallel to the development of the agricultural labor force in Egypt. Moreover, the increased allocation of public investments and the injection of private investments are highly recommended. In addition, the Egyptian agricultural sector needs improvements regarding human capital development and agricultural training. Finally, the government must initiate comprehensive farmer support services, bolstered farm/non-farm links and the promotion of rural SMEs to serve as the foundation for agricultural and rural development. Full article
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18 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
The Design of a Contract Farming Model for Coffee Tree Replanting
by Adi Haryono, Mohamad Syamsul Maarif, Arif Imam Suroso and Siti Jahroh
Economies 2023, 11(7), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11070185 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2425
Abstract
Coffee tree replanting is needed in Indonesia, yet a financing scheme is not available at the moment due to its economic feasibility and farmers’ reluctance to reinvest. This research aims to design contract farming for coffee tree replanting in Indonesia to support coffee [...] Read more.
Coffee tree replanting is needed in Indonesia, yet a financing scheme is not available at the moment due to its economic feasibility and farmers’ reluctance to reinvest. This research aims to design contract farming for coffee tree replanting in Indonesia to support coffee farmer welfare. The method used in this study is Soft System Methodology (SSM), including interviews with several coffee cultivation respondents, with case studies in the Lampung region. The initial study indicates that the replanting program must integrate coffee farmers with banks or investors and coffee processing companies. The study of one farmer community successful in profiting from a new coffee production method enables the possibility of a new model of replanting through contract farming. Aside from banks, institutions that will have an essential role in the development of successful replanting are land owners and exporters or processing companies as offtakers. The implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation on traceability will impact Indonesia’s replanting effort, as exporters or importers will be accountable for the compliance of their supply chain. The five main factors that need to be evaluated consist of (1) financing as an initial investment, (2) farmer competencies as the farmer’s skill to implement the coffee tree replanting, (3) technology to ensure the successful implementation of coffee tree replanting, (4) production to maintain the income flow, and (5) synergy between actors to ensure the role in contract farming development. Full article
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