Crop Genetic Diversity in the Field and on the Farm

Crop Genetic Diversity in the Field and on the Farm
Author: Devra I. Jarvis
Publisher: Yale University Press
Total Pages: 416
Release: 2016-03-28
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0300220820

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Based on twenty years of global research, this is the first comprehensive reference on crop genetic diversity as it is maintained on farmland around the world. Showcasing the findings of seven experts representing the fields of ecology, crop breeding, genetics, anthropology, economics, and policy, this invaluable resource places farmer-managed crop biodiversity squarely in the center of the science needed to feed the world and restore health to our productive landscapes. It will prove to be an essential tool in the training of agricultural and environmental scientists seeking the solutions necessary to ensure healthy, resilient ecosystems for future generations.

On Crop Biodiversity, Risk Exposure, and Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia

On Crop Biodiversity, Risk Exposure, and Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia
Author: Salvatore Di Falco
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

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This paper investigates the effects of crop genetic diversity on farm productivity and production risk in the highlands of Ethiopia. Using a moment-based approach, the analysis uses a stochastic production function capturing mean, variance, and skewness effects. Welfare implications of diversity are evaluated using a certainty equivalent, measured as expected income minus a risk premium (reflecting the cost of risk). We find that the effect of diversity on skewness dominates its effect on variance, meaning that diversity reduces the cost of risk. The analysis also shows that the beneficial effects of diversity become of greater value in degraded land.

The sustainable land management program in the Ethiopian highlands: An evaluation of its impact on crop production

The sustainable land management program in the Ethiopian highlands: An evaluation of its impact on crop production
Author: Schmidt, Emily
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 20
Release: 2017-03-24
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

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Agricultural productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia is threatened by severe land degradation, resulting in significant reductions in agricultural GDP. In order to mitigate ongoing erosion and soil nutrient loss in the productive agricultural highlands of the country, the government of Ethiopia initiated a Sustainable Land Management Program (SLMP) targeting 209 woredas (districts) in six regions of the country. This study evaluates the impact of SLMP on the value of agricultural production in select woredas by using a panel survey from 2010 to 2014. Whereas previous studies have used cross-sectional data and short timeframe field trials to measure sustainable land management (SLM) effects on agricultural productivity, this analysis exploits data collected over four years to assess impact. The results of this analysis show that participation by farmers in SLMP, regardless of the number of years of participation in the program, is not associated with significant increases in value of production. This may be due to several reasons. First, similar to previous studies, it is possible that longer term maintenance is necessary in order to experience significant benefits. For example, Schmidt and Tadesse (2014) report that farmers must maintain SLM for a minimum of seven years to reap benefits in value of production. Second, this analysis finds that value of production, as well as SLM investments, increased significantly in both treatment and non-treatment areas over the study period. Previous research has found that non-treatment neighbors learn from nearby program areas, and adopt technologies similar to programmed areas, which would dilute the impact measurement of program effects (Bernard et al. 2007; Angelucci and DiMaro 2010). Finally, it is important to note that kebeles that were not selected in the SLMP, but are downstream relative to a targeted kebele may receive indirect benefits through reduced flooding, increased water tables, etc. Thus, the impact of the SLMP may be underestimated in this analysis if non-program kebeles are benefiting indirectly from the program.

The contribution of biodiversity for food and agriculture to the resilience of production systems

The contribution of biodiversity for food and agriculture to the resilience of production systems
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 88
Release: 2019-06-24
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9251315515

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This study reviews the available information on the contribution of biodiversity for food and agriculture to the resilience of crop, livestock, forest, fishery and aquaculture production systems to environmental change and uncertainty.

Policy Analysis for Sustainable Land Management and Food Security in Ethiopia

Policy Analysis for Sustainable Land Management and Food Security in Ethiopia
Author: Stein Terje Holden
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 86
Release: 2005-01-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0896291456

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Policymakers and technology development institutions have mostly focused on high-potential farming areas, which have better resource endowments and greater access to markets and infrastructure than less-favored areas. However, in developing nations more than one billion people live in less-favored areas, where, despite disadvantages, appropriate policies and programs can generate high returns and contribute significantly to poverty reduction. IFPRI and its partners' research in the highlands of Ethiopia shows how poverty and land degradation can be reduced in a less-favored area. Using a bioeconomic model to analyze the effects that land degradation, population growth, stagnant technology, market imperfections, and increased risk of drought have on household production, welfare, and food security, the report gauges how alternative policy choices affect poverty and land degradation. According to the study, land quality and household welfare are both in peril in the Ethiopian highlands.The population in the region could suffer devastating effects if proper policies are not put in place. The bioeconomic modeling approach used in this study can be usefully adapted and applied in many other settings and at larger spatial and socioeconomic scales.