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Development Priorities: The Relative Benefits of Agricultural Growth

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  • Fabio Monteforte
  • Mathan Satchi
  • Jonathan Temple

Abstract

Should agriculture or non-agriculture be a priority for development? We revisit this longstanding and intractable question using a two-sector, three-factor dynamic model with an asymptotic balanced growth path. The model allows a forward-looking assessment of development priorities based on lifetime welfare. A comparison of sector-specific productivity gains indicates that gains in non-agriculture are often more valuable, even when agriculture is initially the largest sector in terms of employment. We discuss the robustness of this result, including the roles of capital intensity, the discount rate, and taxes on profits in influencing the rates of investment and structural transformation

Suggested Citation

  • Fabio Monteforte & Mathan Satchi & Jonathan Temple, 2019. "Development Priorities: The Relative Benefits of Agricultural Growth," Bristol Economics Discussion Papers 19/716, School of Economics, University of Bristol, UK.
    • Handle: RePEc:bri:uobdis:19/716
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Structural transformation; agriculture; development policies; investment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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