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Heterogeneity, Specialization and Social Cohesion in Israeli Moshav Cooperatives

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  • Kimhi, Ayal

Abstract

The Israeli Moshav cooperative was designed as a group of homogeneous family farms, all equal in size and resources. Over the years, processes of selective migration and specialization have increased heterogeneity within each Moshav. This has led to destabilization of the social and economic viability of the cooperative, and was one of the reasons for the financial crisis of 1985. This paper investigates the process of heterogeneity and specialization and examines its consequences in the post-crisis period. In particular, it documents the aggregate trends of decreasing number of active farms, increasing farm size, increased farm specialization, and increased reliance on off-farm income. All these lead to increased heterogeneity and polarization within and between Moshav cooperatives, raising concerns about the future economic and social viability of these cooperatives.

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  • Kimhi, Ayal, 2009. "Heterogeneity, Specialization and Social Cohesion in Israeli Moshav Cooperatives," Journal of Rural Cooperation, Hebrew University, Center for Agricultural Economic Research, vol. 37(1), pages 1-13.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:jlorco:163773
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.163773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Avner Ahituv & Ayal Kimhi, 2006. "Simultaneous estimation of work choices and the level of farm activity using panel data," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 33(1), pages 49-71, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kimhi, Ayal & Sarit Menahem-Carmi, 2017. "Does rural household income depend on neighboring urban centers?Evidence from Israel," Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, Pro Global Science Association, vol. 13(1), pages 26-35, JUNE.
    2. Dolev, Yuval & Kimhi, Ayal, 2010. "Do family farms really converge to a uniform size? The role of unobserved farm efficiency," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 54(1), pages 1-18.
    3. Kimhi, Ayal, 2015. "Is foreign farm labor a blessing or a curse? Evidence from Israel," 2015 Conference, August 9-14, 2015, Milan, Italy 211852, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    4. Ben-Dror, Giora & Sofer, Michael, 2010. "Aspects of Weakening Cooperation in the Israeli Moshav," Journal of Rural Cooperation, Hebrew University, Center for Agricultural Economic Research, vol. 38(2), pages 1-17.
    5. Kimhi, Ayal, 2013. ""Migrant" Workers in Israeli Agriculture and Export Expansion: Is there a Link?," 2013: Employment, Immigration and Trade, December 15-17, 2013, Clearwater Beach, Florida 182508, International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium.
    6. Kimhi, Ayal, 2014. "Are Migrant Agricultural Workers Replacing the Local Workforce?," Discussion Papers 290033, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Agricultural Economics and Management.

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