Land management decisions and agricultural productivity in the hillsides of Honduras

Abstract

Abstract Increasing land degradation and conco mitant low agricultural productivity are important determinants of rural poverty in the hillside areas of Honduras . Using data at the levels of the farm household, parcel and plot, we develop an econom etric modeling framework to analy ze land management decisions and their impact on crop productivity. Our econometric model allows for endogenous hou sehold decisions regarding livelihood strategy ch oice, use of labor and external inputs, and partic ipation in organizations. We found sup port for the inverse farm siz e-land prod uctivity relationship which suggests that improved land access could increase total crop production . Land tenure has no impact on crop productivity, but adoption of soil conserv ation practices is higher on owner -operated than leased plots . Ownership of machinery and equipment and livestock ownership both positively influence crop productivity. Education po sitively affects perennial crop productivity. The gender of the househol d head has n o significant effect on crop productivity, but does influence some land management and input use decisions . Even though ho usehold participation in training progr ams and organizations has only limited effects on crop p roductivity, agricultural extension plays a key role in promoting adoption of soil conservation practices . Location assets have limited i mpacts on crop productivity but do influence land management decisions . Road density and better market access have a positive effect on perennial crop product ivity. Population density has limited direct impact on crop productivity, though it may have indirect effects by affecting farm size and livel ihood strategies.