The performance of natural resource management interventions in agriculture: Evidence from alternative meta-regression analyses

Abstract

As the world population grows, so do the challenges facing global agricultural systems. Increasing production to satisfy the world's demand for food, fiber and energy intensifies pressure on natural resources, especially soil and water. To face these challenges, natural resource management (NRM) technologies have been promoted by development organizations. Although a significant body of evidence has been produced, the debate about the potential of NRM technologies for increasing agricultural productivity and decreasing environmental degradation is ongoing. We analyze a comprehensive dataset of 75 studies from around the world to examine why effects vary among studies and across different interventions, countries, and methods. The results indicate that NRM technologies have had a significant and positive effect on yields and monetary outcomes such as income and profits. The magnitude of these outcomes vary depending on factors such as rainfall variability, whether training is provided to NRM adopters, whether a government agency oversees the implementation of an NRM program, the number of NRM technologies adopted by a farmer, and the lag between program implementation and evaluation. Our results support the notion that NRM technologies are appropriate instruments to boost productivity and the efficient use of natural resources.