Agricultural Production by Sector, Convergence and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This chapter specifically examines the convergence (divergence) effect of agricultural production by sector and the effect of agricultural production on environmental sustainability using West African countries as a case study. Annual time series variables covering the periods from 2000 to 2022 were empirically analysed using system dynamic panel-data estimation. Results showed significant beta-divergence in crop production, livestock production and total agricultural production, with a half-life of divergence rates of 10.71%, 13.15% and 16.91%, respectively, for crops, livestock and aggregate agricultural production. It was also found that the consumer prices index had a positive and significant effect on crop production, livestock production and total agricultural production. The findings also showed that crops and livestock production had a negative and significant effect on arable land and a positive and insignificant effect on CO₂ emissions. Also, total agricultural production had a negative and insignificant effect on arable land and a positive and insignificant effect on CO₂ emissions. It was also found that gross fixed capital formation had a negative and significant effect on arable land and a negative and insignificant effect on CO₂ emissions. The government and pertinent parties ought to promote sustainable farming practices such as conservation agriculture, rotational grazing, agroecology and reduced dependency on chemical inputs. Policies that support legislation that provide financial incentives for environmentally sustainable agricultural activities and encourage of preservation of biodiversity are suggested.

Citation

Aduku, E.B. (2024), "Agricultural Production by Sector, Convergence and Environmental Sustainability", Das, R.C. (Ed.) Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Economic and Environmental Implications, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 191-207. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-336-820241013