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Alternative Approaches On Constructing A Composite Indicator To Measure Agricultural Sustainability

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  • Gomez-Limon, Jose Antonio
  • Riesgo, Laura

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to carry out a comparative analysis of alternative methods on constructing composite indicators to measure global sustainability of the agricultural sector. This comparison is implemented empirically on the irrigated agriculture of the Duero basin (Spain) as a case study. For this purpose, this research uses a dataset of indicators previously calculated for different farm-types and policy scenarios. The results allow to establish a hierarchy of the policy scenarios on the basis of the level of sustainability achieved. Furthermore, analyzing the heterogeneity of different farms-types in each scenario, is also possible to determine the main features of the most sustainable farms in each case. All this information is useful in order to support agricultural policy design and its implementation, trying to increase the sustainability of this sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Gomez-Limon, Jose Antonio & Riesgo, Laura, 2008. "Alternative Approaches On Constructing A Composite Indicator To Measure Agricultural Sustainability," 107th Seminar, January 30-February 1, 2008, Sevilla, Spain 6489, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eaa107:6489
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.6489
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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy; Environmental Economics and Policy; Research Methods/ Statistical Methods;
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