The agriculture-environment nexus: understanding the issues and review of economic valuation studies
Issue Date
2001
Abstract
This paper discusses how agricultural activities can bring about environmental degradation in surrounding areas. Water pollution from agriculture comes from sediments carried by erosion, containing both organic and inorganic fertilizers, and pollutants from improperly disposed chemical containers and livestock waste discharged into water bodies. Air pollutants come largely from the spraying of chemicals and livestock wastes. These pollutants and the excessive rate of soil erosion result in economic losses, both in terms of health and production impacts. Production losses are experienced in both the farm and water ecosystem, while health hazards could be imposed on farmers, consumers and water users. The paper discusses methodologies available to put monetary value on these economic losses. The aim of valuation is to generate inputs in the design of a system to make "polluters pay" for the costs that their economic activities impose on society. Pollution charges, soil conservation subsidies, and chemical input taxes are forms of economic instruments that could be used to meet the polluters-pay-principle in environmental management. Literature on valuation of the environmental impacts of agriculture in the Philippine setting was likewise discussed.
Source or Periodical Title
Journal of Environmental Science and Management
ISSN
0119-1144
Volume
4
Issue
1-2
Page
1-13
Document Type
Article
Frequency
semi-annually
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Francisco, Herminia A., "The agriculture-environment nexus: understanding the issues and review of economic valuation studies" (2001). Journal Article. 5308.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5308