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Western agricultural investors in Russia and Ukraine: From fascination with soil to disappointment with climate
[Западные Агроинвесторы В России И Украине: Очарованные Почвой—Разочарованные Климатом]

Author

Listed:
  • Visser, Oane (Виссер, Оане)

    (International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

This article looks at how imaginaries of land and climate play a role in farmland investment discourses and practices. Foreign farmland investors in the fertile black earth region of Russia and Ukraine have ‘celebrated’ soil fertility while largely ignoring climatic factors. The article shows a centuries-long history of outsiders coming to the region lured by the fertile soils, while grossly underestimating climate which has had disastrous implications for farm viability and the environment. Comparisons with historical and contemporary literature on other regions (e.g. the US prairies and North Africa) suggest that the underestimation of climatic risks by newcomers is remarkably prevalent in resource frontiers.

Suggested Citation

  • Visser, Oane (Виссер, Оане), 2021. "Western agricultural investors in Russia and Ukraine: From fascination with soil to disappointment with climate [Западные Агроинвесторы В России И Украине: Очарованные Почвой—Разочарованные Климато," Russian Peasant Studies, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, vol. 6, pages 21-49.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnp:rupeas:rps2124
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marc Edelman & Andrés León, 2013. "Cycles of Land Grabbing in Central America: an argument for history and a case study in the Bajo Aguán, Honduras," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(9), pages 1697-1722, October.
    2. Wendy Wolford & Saturnino M. Borras Jr. & Ruth Hall & Ian Scoones & Ben White & Wendy Wolford & Saturnino M. Borras Jr. & Ruth Hall & Ian Scoones & Ben White, 2013. "Governing Global Land Deals: The Role of the State in the Rush for Land," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 44(2), pages 189-210, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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