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Technical change in agriculture and homicides: The case of genetically-modified soy seeds in Brazil

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  • Moreno-Louzada, Luca
  • Menezes-Filho, Naercio

Abstract

In this paper, we estimate the effects of the introduction of a labor-saving technology in agriculture on violence, by examining the case of the adoption of genetically-modified soy seeds in Brazil. Previous literature has shown that this technological change leads to job displacement, increases in land conflicts and gender inequality. We show that the effects also spread to homicide rates, which increase significantly after the adoption of the modified soy seeds.

Suggested Citation

  • Moreno-Louzada, Luca & Menezes-Filho, Naercio, 2024. "Technical change in agriculture and homicides: The case of genetically-modified soy seeds in Brazil," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:234:y:2024:i:c:s0165176523005281
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ishak, Phoebe W., 2022. "Murder nature: Weather and violent crime in rural Brazil," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agricultural productivity; Violence; Crime; Brazil;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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