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The effect of agricultural technology on the speed of development

Eberhardt, Markus; Vollrath, Dietrich

Authors

Dietrich Vollrath



Abstract

We examine heterogeneity in the elasticity of agricultural output with respect to labor. Employing panel data from 128 countries over a forty year period we find distinct heterogeneity in the elasticity of agricultural output with respect to labor. This elasticity is lowest in countries with temperate and/or cold climate regions, and higher in countries including tropical or highland regions. This agricultural parameter determines the speed of structural change following changes in agricultural productivity or population. Calibration shows shifts in labor allocations and welfare will be 2–3 times larger in temperate regions than in tropical or highland regions.

Citation

Eberhardt, M., & Vollrath, D. (2018). The effect of agricultural technology on the speed of development. World Development, 109, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.03.017

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 6, 2016
Online Publication Date Apr 8, 2016
Publication Date Sep 1, 2018
Deposit Date Mar 8, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal World Development
Print ISSN 0305-750X
Electronic ISSN 0305-750X
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 109
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.03.017
Keywords agricultural development; technology heterogeneity; agro-climatic environment; structural change
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/949327
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305750X16000620?via%3Dihub