Journal of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development

Governing structures in functional areas of Bulgarian farms

Hrabrin BACHEV — 2025-05-01

Due to insufficient (statistical, official, etc.) information and traditional inadequate (Neoclassical Economics, Agent Theory, etc.) approaches to analysis, there is no complete knowledge of the dominant forms and driving factors of governance in the main functional areas of Bulgarian farms. This article incorporates the interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics framework and identifies the structure of governance and contractual modes used by Bulgarian farms. It is based on original and representative data collected though a survey with the managers of typical farms of different type and location. The contemporary structure, factors and evolution of market, contract, internal, collective and hybrid modes of governance used by country’s farms in the supply of natural, material, biological, financial and human resources, short-term assets, services, innovations, risk management, marketing of farm produce and services, and provision of ecosystem services, are all specified. A comparative study with the governance structures during the period before EU accession of the country is also made demonstrating a fundamental modernization in last decades. The systemic application of incorporated approach is needed but it requires the collection of a new type of (micro)economic data on important characteristics of agricultural agents, different forms of governance of farms activities and relations, and critical dimensions and costs of transactions.

Keywords. Agricultural governance, New Institutional Economics, Contractual arrangements, Farm management, Transaction costs.

JEL. Q12, D23, Q18.

SDGs. SDG2, SDG12.

Transformation of Indian agriculture after neoliberal reforms: Growth, employment, and food security challenges

Renattari BURTANIRRI BURTANIRRI — 2025-05-01

This paper investigates the structural transformations in India's agricultural sector following the neoliberal reforms introduced in 1991. Although agriculture still provides employment for a significant share of the population, recent years have seen a considerable slowdown in its growth rate. The sector currently faces an unprecedented crisis marked by low productivity, rising rural unemployment, and increasing food insecurity. In the past, agricultural investments were largely driven by the availability of credit and subsidies for modern inputs, particularly during the period of "social and developmental banking" between 1969 and 1980. However, with the onset of liberalisation, the government shifted its stance, advocating for a more commercially driven banking sector, which reduced institutional support for agriculture. While India has achieved an average GDP growth rate of around 7% over the past 25 years, this aggregate figure masks the sectoral disparities. The agricultural sector’s growth has lagged far behind that of manufacturing and services. Unlike the East Asian experience, where industrial sectors absorbed surplus agricultural labor, India’s manufacturing sector has not expanded sufficiently to provide alternative employment opportunities. As a result, rural areas have been left vulnerable, with persistent underemployment and worsening living conditions. This paper emphasizes the importance of a nuanced sectoral analysis to truly understand the impacts of economic liberalisation. Revitalizing the agriculture sector through targeted public investments, institutional reforms, and strengthened rural support systems is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

Keywords. Agricultural governance, New Institutional Economics, Contractual arrangements, Farm management, Transaction costs.

JEL. Q12, D23, Q18.

SDGs. SDG2, SDG2.

Indian Agriculture Towards 2030 R. Chand, P. Joshi, & S. Khadka (Eds.) Springer 2021

Patroba Mathenge CHEPKOSGEI — 2025-05-01

Indian Agriculture Towards 2030 is a comprehensive open-access volume that critically examines the future trajectory of India's agricultural sector. Edited by Ramesh Chand, Pramod Joshi, and Shyam Khadka, the book presents a multifaceted analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Indian agriculture as it approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The editors advocate for a transformative vision that transcends the post-Green Revolution paradigm, emphasizing the need for structural reforms, technological innovation, and inclusive policies. The book is structured into ten chapters, each addressing a key aspect of agricultural transformation. Topics include dietary diversification, climate resilience, water management, pest control, natural farming, agroecology, and the role of science and technology. The authors argue that India's agricultural policies must evolve to promote sustainability, enhance farmers' incomes, and ensure nutritional security. They highlight the importance of integrating ecological considerations into farming practices and the necessity of governance reforms to support these changes. A significant contribution of the book is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of agriculture with broader socio-economic factors. It underscores the role of agriculture in rural livelihoods, food security, and economic development. The editors call for a holistic approach that considers environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability. The book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to understand and address the complexities of agricultural transformation in India.

Keywords. Agricultural Transformation, Nutritional Security, Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Resilience, Policy Reform.

JEL. Q18, Q56, O13.

SDGs. SDG2, SDG13.

Megatrends in Agriculture, Food Industry and Food Markets H.O. Hansen Springer 2022

Monicah Renka WERE — 2025-05-01

Henning Otte Hansen's Megatrends in Agriculture, Food Industry and Food Markets: An Empirical and Holistic Approach offers a comprehensive analysis of over 80 contemporary megatrends shaping the global food sector. Published in 2024 as part of the Palgrave Advances in Bioeconomy series, this open-access volume provides an empirical and holistic overview of the entire value chain, from agriculture to food markets. Hansen identifies enduring trends amidst global uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics in policy-making related to climate change, sustainability, and food security. The book delves into various aspects, including consumption patterns, food loss, international trade, retail industry developments, and farm ownership structures. By examining these megatrends, Hansen highlights their implications for businesses, economies, societies, and individuals, offering valuable insights for policymakers, agri-businesses, and researchers in agricultural and environmental economics.

Keywords. Global Food Industry, Agricultural Megatrends, Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Policy Implications.

JEL. Q18, Q56, Q58.

SDGs. SDG2, SDG12.

Agroforestry as Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Cocoa Farming in Ghana Olwig, M. F., Bosselmann, A. S., & Owusu, K. (Eds.) Springer 2024

Andrei M. LENNHART — 2025-05-01

Agroforestry as Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Cocoa Farming in Ghana explores how cocoa farmers in Ghana adapt to climate change through agroforestry systems. The book provides a multidisciplinary examination of ecological, economic, and institutional dimensions affecting cocoa production resilience. Through empirical studies and case analyses, the authors show that integrating shade trees improves soil fertility, mitigates climatic stress, and diversifies farmers’ incomes. Yet, adoption barriers such as insecure land tenure, economic trade-offs, and insufficient policy support are emphasized. The editors advocate for participatory approaches, secure tenure rights, and targeted policy interventions to enhance agroforestry adoption. Combining scientific rigor with practical insights, this volume contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate adaptation strategies in tropical agriculture. It is an essential reference for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners focused on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Keywords. Agroforestry, Climate Change Adaptation, Cocoa Farming, Ghana, Sustainable Agriculture.

JEL. Q12, Q54, Q56.

SDGs. SDG13, SDG15.