dc.contributor.author | Hedden-Dunkhorst, Bettina | |
dc.contributor.author | Denich, Manfred | |
dc.contributor.author | Mburu, John | |
dc.contributor.author | Mendoza-Escalante, Arisbe | |
dc.contributor.author | Borner, Jan | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-07-24T11:38:05Z | |
dc.date.available | 2013-07-24T11:38:05Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2004 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Bettina Hedden-Dunkhorst, Manfred Denich, John Mburu, Arisbe Mendoza-Escalante, Jan Borner (2004). Assessing Technological Innovations for Smallholder Agriculture in the Eastern Amazon Region — Implications for Technology Adoption and Dissemination. Deutscher Tropentag, October 5-7, Berlin “Rural Poverty Reduction through Research for Development” | en |
dc.identifier.uri | http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tropentag.de%2F2004%2Fabstracts%2Flinks%2FHedden-Dunkhorst_wSWIj3nA.pdf&ei=DbvvUbXaGubm7AbDt4CgDg&usg=AFQjCNGM3eQGxJVZGsz79caUZI6BbDCEKw&bvm=bv.49641647,d.ZGU | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11295/50682 | |
dc.description.abstract | Over the last four decades smallholder agriculture in the Amazon region continuously
adapted to changing economic conditions. This had environmental implications on a local
and global scale. In order to reduce pressure on the environment as well as poverty through
sustainable production, technological innovations need to be ecologically sound, economically
viable, and socially acceptable at the same time. Various research activities currently
conducted in the Amazon region investigate the potential of alternative technologies for
smallholder agriculture.
The session presents selected findings of a research project carried out by the Center for
Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, and its Brazilian partners (Embrapa
Amazˆonia Oriental and Federal University of Par´a — NAEA, Bel´em) during the past twelve
years. The project developed, tested, and economically evaluated fire-free alternatives
to slash-and-burn practices in the eastern Amazon region. The fire-free technologies aim
at maintaining the existing fallow system while integrating “modern”, productivity increasing
inputs like fertiliser and mechanisation. Fallowing provides important economic and
ecological services, such as temporary carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation,
which most technologies for continuous cropping do not accomplish. The presentations
first introduce various technologies for smallholders that are currently under investigation.
Secondly, a cost-benefit analysis of on-farm trial data highlights the private and social
determinants of technology profitability.
Moreover, results of a profit function analysis based on representative farm household
data reveal the quantitative importance of fallow as a production factor and the role of
fertiliser and product prices in production decisions. Finally, the impact of technology
adoption on land use and household welfare is assessed in a set of technology and policy
simulations using a bio-economic farm-household model including uncertainty.
The results indicate that the economic impact of environmental degradation is still
too low for many farmers to switch from traditional technologies to more sustainable —
but cost and / or labour intensive — technologies without substantial government support.
Moreover, institutional frame conditions and infrastructure at the municipal level favour
technological innovation in some districts, while holding it back in others. Especially, in
the latter areas, cash and liquidity constraints represent the main obstacle to technological
innovation among smallholders.
Concluding remarks reflect on:
1. the research design and the methodological approaches employed in the project, 2. interdisciplinary research that combines ecological as well as socio-economic aspects,
3. and the need to adopt a broader perspective including technological and institutional
innovations to stimulate farmers’ adoption behaviour.
Finally, a discussion of implications for policy action that arise from the project findings
will open the session to a broader debate. | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.title | Assessing Technological Innovations for Smallholder Agriculture in the Eastern Amazon Region — Implications for Technology Adoption and Dissemination | en |
dc.type | Presentation | en |