Balancing economic and environmental sustainability for small-scale rice farmers in Peru

White, Marshal

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108320 Copy

Description

Title

Balancing economic and environmental sustainability for small-scale rice farmers in Peru

Author(s)

White, Marshal

Issue Date

2020-05-11

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Pittelkow, Cameron

Department of Study

Crop Sciences

Discipline

Crop Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Rice
• Sustainability
• SRP
• Peru
• Latin America
• Environmental Performance
• Profitability
• Environmental Indicators

Abstract

Balancing economic and environmental sustainability in rice production systems is a global challenge for which integrated research efforts are needed to provide insights for achieving food production and environmental goals. In this study we analyzed data from surveys applied to 65 rice farmers in Peru. The aim of this study was to 1) identify the major management factors influencing profitability, 2) evaluate tradeoffs between economic and environmental sustainability using a suite of environmental performance indicators, and 3) understand farmer perceptions and decision-making processes related to economic profitability. Our results indicate that rice yields, grain sale price, and total spending drive profitability in this region of Peru, with the top profitability group successfully using lower inputs of labor, pesticides, elemental P, and irrigation hours. Results from focus group discussions highlighted that rice production has changed in recent decades, and the need for improved extension support services to inform farmers on best approaches to cope with increasing pests, disease, and water scarcity. Farmers indicated that without knowledge of improved technological and management options, they are vulnerable to water scarcity and exploitation from vendors along the rice supply chain. Furthermore, farmers were of the opinion that their rice production systems would not be economically sustainable unless they had more negotiating power over the sale price. Overall, rice profitability can be improved in this region by addressing key agronomic and socioeconomic challenges.

Graduation Semester

2020-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108320

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Marshal White

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