between the two groups may also be muted because residents may have different
perceptions about their claims to land they occupy according to their length of
residence (see for example Lanjouw and Levy (2002)).
8.7 Overall Discussion
Anecdotal evidence in Thailand shows that North Thailand witnessed a large
increase in deforested area during the years 1986–1996. One of main reasons for
this is claimed to be agricultural expansion. ASB (2004) reports that during the
same period, area devoted to upland rice area grew rapidly as well. To the extent
that both these occurred concomitantly, and that upland rice cannot be grown on
land devoted to other crops, the study suggests that it may be important to do a more
detailed analysis of the factors affecting upland rice cultivation especially since it is
seen as being detrimental to the environment. Upland rice is grown on mountain
slopes with thin soil and low fertility, i.e. on land that is otherwise agriculturally
marginal and undisturbed. Upland rice also has a much larger effect on the
surrounding ecosystem compared to paddy rice and soybean. On the other hand,
paddy rice and soybean can be intercropped and are usually grown on agriculturally
important land while upland rice is usually not grown with other crops (in these
contexts). Specifically speaking upland rice is grown on lands which is deserted
after two or three crops have been planted and harvested.
This study suggests that a reduction in travel time to market reduces the area
devoted to upland rice. It also suggests that while not affecting forest cover, a
reduction in travel time to market may also help to reduce the incentive to adopt
and cultivate upland rice. One policy implication from this study is to encourage
crops that allow multiple rotation in the lowlands, and thus reduce pressures that
push the agricultural frontier to mountain slopes that are prone to erosion. Understanding the magnitudes of impacts on crop adoption and acreage of population and
roads can also help understand certain trade-offs. If for example, road building is
being considered as a policy option in a region, but there is evidence that it affects
crop adoption and acreage, then understanding which crops are affected most, can
help to understand otherwise unintended repercussions of this policy.
References
Alix-Garcia, J., et al. (2011). The ecological footprint of poverty alleviation: Evidence from
Mexico’s Oportunidades Program.
Alix-Garcia, J., Aronson, G., Radeloff, V., Ramirez-Reyes, C., Shapiro, E., Sims, K., & Ya~ nezPagans, P. (2014). Environmental and socioeconomic Impacts of Mexico’s payments for
ecosystem services program.
Andam, K. S., Ferraro, P. J., Pfaff, A. S. P., & Sanchez-Azofeifa, G. A. (2007). Protected areas
and avoided deforestation: A statistical evaluation (Final report). Washington, DC: Global
Environment Facility Evaluation Office.
150
J. Puri
perceptions about their claims to land they occupy according to their length of
residence (see for example Lanjouw and Levy (2002)).
8.7 Overall Discussion
Anecdotal evidence in Thailand shows that North Thailand witnessed a large
increase in deforested area during the years 1986–1996. One of main reasons for
this is claimed to be agricultural expansion. ASB (2004) reports that during the
same period, area devoted to upland rice area grew rapidly as well. To the extent
that both these occurred concomitantly, and that upland rice cannot be grown on
land devoted to other crops, the study suggests that it may be important to do a more
detailed analysis of the factors affecting upland rice cultivation especially since it is
seen as being detrimental to the environment. Upland rice is grown on mountain
slopes with thin soil and low fertility, i.e. on land that is otherwise agriculturally
marginal and undisturbed. Upland rice also has a much larger effect on the
surrounding ecosystem compared to paddy rice and soybean. On the other hand,
paddy rice and soybean can be intercropped and are usually grown on agriculturally
important land while upland rice is usually not grown with other crops (in these
contexts). Specifically speaking upland rice is grown on lands which is deserted
after two or three crops have been planted and harvested.
This study suggests that a reduction in travel time to market reduces the area
devoted to upland rice. It also suggests that while not affecting forest cover, a
reduction in travel time to market may also help to reduce the incentive to adopt
and cultivate upland rice. One policy implication from this study is to encourage
crops that allow multiple rotation in the lowlands, and thus reduce pressures that
push the agricultural frontier to mountain slopes that are prone to erosion. Understanding the magnitudes of impacts on crop adoption and acreage of population and
roads can also help understand certain trade-offs. If for example, road building is
being considered as a policy option in a region, but there is evidence that it affects
crop adoption and acreage, then understanding which crops are affected most, can
help to understand otherwise unintended repercussions of this policy.
References
Alix-Garcia, J., et al. (2011). The ecological footprint of poverty alleviation: Evidence from
Mexico’s Oportunidades Program.
Alix-Garcia, J., Aronson, G., Radeloff, V., Ramirez-Reyes, C., Shapiro, E., Sims, K., & Ya~ nezPagans, P. (2014). Environmental and socioeconomic Impacts of Mexico’s payments for
ecosystem services program.
Andam, K. S., Ferraro, P. J., Pfaff, A. S. P., & Sanchez-Azofeifa, G. A. (2007). Protected areas
and avoided deforestation: A statistical evaluation (Final report). Washington, DC: Global
Environment Facility Evaluation Office.
150
J. Puri