The Effects of Increased Fertilizer Use and Economic Implications for Small-sclae Farmers Near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

The Effects of Increased Fertilizer Use and Economic Implications for Small-sclae Farmers Near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Author: Dale J. Novotny
Publisher:
Total Pages: 83
Release: 2015
Genre: Agriculture
ISBN: 9781339679792

Small-scale (less than 1 ha) farmers near Lake Atitlán in Sololá Province, Guatemala are becoming increasingly active in non-traditional export crop (NTX) production. The transition from growing only a traditional, polycrop known as milpa carries both economic risk and opportunity for these producers. Their use rate of synthetic, phosphorus intense fertilizers, the most expensive input used to grow NTXs, are currently based on single-season buyer recommendations. Experts in the field have estimated that current use rates could be halved without detrimental effects to yield. Excess fertilizers are causing eutrophication problems in Lake Atitlán, which is in turn harming the second largest industry in the area: tourism. This study examines the risks associated with transitioning to NTX production at the household farm level. Models include yield risk using Monte Carlo simulations in @RISK6, and risk minimization and profit maximization given multiple production scenarios using GAMS.

Farming Systems and Poverty

Farming Systems and Poverty
Author: John A. Dixon
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 424
Release: 2001
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789251046272

A joint FAO and World Bank study which shows how the farming systems approach can be used to identify priorities for the reduction of hunger and poverty in the main farming systems of the six major developing regions of the world.