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New tools for old problems: can payments for watershed services support sustainable agricultural development in Africa?

Author

Listed:
  • Branca, Giacomo
  • Lipper, Leslie
  • Neves, Bernardete
  • Lopa, Dosteus
  • Mwanyoka, Iddi

Abstract

Agriculture affects both the quantity and quality of water available for other uses, and under current production systems the impact is often negative. Adopting sustainable land management (SLM) practices can foster a more efficient water use and increase agricultural productivity, while reducing environmental risk from water pollution and regulating flows serving downstream communities. One of the key barriers to adoption of such practices is the high upfront cost associated with SLM implementation, which are a disincentive to their practice by poor landowners. This paper discusses how an emerging policy tool- Payments for Environmental Services (PES)- can bridge this gap by financing initial SLM investment costs, thereby lowering the cost barriers to SLM implementation. Drawing on ongoing experience in Tanzania, we discuss the main constraints to be addressed in order to realize this potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Branca, Giacomo & Lipper, Leslie & Neves, Bernardete & Lopa, Dosteus & Mwanyoka, Iddi, 2009. "New tools for old problems: can payments for watershed services support sustainable agricultural development in Africa?," ESA Working Papers 289023, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:faoaes:289023
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.289023
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanni Lagioia & Annarita Paiano, 2011. "Payments for Environmental Services: Ambitious Tools for the Sustainable Use of Natural Capital," MIC 2011: Managing Sustainability? Proceedings of the 12th International Conference, Portorož, 23–26 November 2011 [Selected Papers],, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper.

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