Abstract
Based on farmers’ preferences this study estimates the non-market values of agri-environmental attributes and their changes within the study area. The analysis is carried out using a choice experiment technique of stated-preference to conduct investigations regarding different land use options within the agricultural sector of the Konibodom region of Tajikistan. The dataset was constructed using a detailed household level survey amongst 117 representative farmers throughout the district, including all agriculturally important settlements. Detailed focus group discussions and a combination of personal interview and ‘pick and drop’ approaches were selected as the appropriate surveying techniques. In order to compliment the survey data, secondary data was collected from official statistics, key informants and experts from the field. Several types of models were specified and estimated such as Conditional Logit and Random Parameter Logit (RPL) Models. Significant improvements were achieved through the inclusion of interaction terms into the RPL model. The results of both the RPL models reveal that preference heterogeneity exists amongst farmers in the study area, implicating that a decision for land allocation under different crops is jointly associated with other socio-economic and environmental factors, influencing one another.
Highlights
Tajikistan is situated between 36°40′ and 41°05′ north latitude and 67°31′ and 75°14′ east longitude
Variables 1 to 10 are representing the vector of coefficients describing attributes associated with one or another types of agricultural land use options. This is the simplest representation of the random utility model specification with the aim of looking into the effects that attributes may have on the farmer’s preferences for various agricultural land use options
The analysis carried out in this study provides a remarkable picture as long as environmental valuation of agricultural land use is concerned in the study area and in the country as well
Summary
Tajikistan is situated between 36°40′ and 41°05′ north latitude and 67°31′ and 75°14′ east longitude. Ongoing land and agrarian reforms have served as a driving force to move towards an increase in agricultural production; it is still far apart from the pre independence period growth rates. It is a mountainous country, with around 93% of the territory covered by mountains. Around 10% of the total territory that inhabits more than 60% of total population is characterized by high levels of anthropogenic destruction of natural ecosystems It is a sector where more than 60% of the country’s workforce is concentrated, the share of the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP has been dwindling over the last years from 36% in 1996 to 19.9 in 2008. The environmental profile of the Soghd region (northern Tajikistan), which has been
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
