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Rethinking yield gaps

Author

Listed:
  • Beddow, Jason M.
  • Hurley, Terrance M.
  • Pardey, Philip G.
  • Alston, Julian M.

Abstract

Many people propose closing crop yield gaps as a means to address food security concerns. But concepts of yield gaps vary and the linkages to food security are complex. Yields are an object of choice for farmers, so a meaningful interpretation of yield gaps requires giving weight to both the economic and biological realities of crop production. We clarify the terminology surrounding yield gaps, show that closing yield gaps is not necessarily economic, and conclude that food security will be better served by policies that directly enhance the productive capacity of agriculture to supply affordable food efficiently and sustainably.

Suggested Citation

  • Beddow, Jason M. & Hurley, Terrance M. & Pardey, Philip G. & Alston, Julian M., 2015. "Rethinking yield gaps," Staff Papers 201093, University of Minnesota, Department of Applied Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:umaesp:201093
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.201093
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Henning Bjornlund & Andre van Rooyen & Richard Stirzaker, 2017. "Profitability and productivity barriers and opportunities in small-scale irrigation schemes," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5), pages 690-704, September.
    2. van Dijk, Michiel & Morley, Tom & Jongeneel, Roel & van Ittersum, Martin & Reidsma, Pytrik & Ruben, Ruerd, 2017. "Disentangling agronomic and economic yield gaps: An integrated framework and application," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 90-99.
    3. M. Alston Julian & G. Pardey Philip, 2017. "Working Paper 260 - Transforming Traditional Agriculture Redux," Working Paper Series 2371, African Development Bank.
    4. Pardey, Philip G. & Beddow, Jason M. & Hurley, Terrance M. & Beatty, Timothy K.M. & Eidman, Vernon R., 2014. "The International Agricultural Prospects Model: Assessing Consumption and Production Futures Through 2050 (version 2.1)," Staff Papers 182192, University of Minnesota, Department of Applied Economics.
    5. Ströh de Martínez, Christiane & Feddersen, Marietta & Speicher, Anna, 2016. "Food security in sub-Saharan Africa: a fresh look on agricultural mechanisation. How adapted financial solutions can make a difference," IDOS Studies, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), volume 91, number 91, March.

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