South Africa

No. 0002 - Trade Reform and Quality Upgrading in South Africa: A Product-Level Analysis

AGRODEP Author
Authors
Marko Kwaramba
Publisher
AGRODEP
Publication date
Source / Citation
Kwaramba, M., 2013. Trade Reform and Quality Upgrading in South Africa: A Product-Level Analysis. AGRODEP Working Paper 0002. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute.
Country

The relationship between trade liberalization and product quality is both empirically and theoretically ambiguous. This paper empirically investigates the impact of tariff liberalization on product quality upgrading in the South African manufacturing sector using highly disaggregated product-level data. The study employs panel data techniques exploiting variation at the product level using HS8 product-level data from 1988 to 2009. Tariff liberalization affects product quality through various channels such as pro-competitive, variety, or input channel effects.

A standard computable general equilibrium model for South Africa

Authors
James Thurlow, Dirk Ernst van Seventer
Publisher
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Publication date
Last version on
Location
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/tmdp100.pdf
Source / Citation
James Thurlow, Dirk Ernst van Seventer, 2002,"A Standard Computable General Equilibrium Model for South Africa"" Discussion Paper No.100., International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Country

This paper reports on the construction and testing of a Standard International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) computable general equilibrium model for South Africa. A 1998 social accounting matrix (SAM) for South Africa is compiled using national accounts information and recently released supply-use tables. By updating to a recent year, and by distinguishing between producers and commodities, this SAM is an improvement on the existing SAM databases for South Africa.

Modelling farmers' adaptation strategies for climate change and variability: The case of the Limpopo Basin, South Africa

Authors
Gbetibouo, G. A., R. M. Hassan, and C. Ringler
Publisher
Agrekon
Publication date
Last version on
Location
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03031853.2010.491294
Source / Citation

Gbetibouo, G. A., R. M. Hassan, and C. Ringler. 2010. Modelling farmers' adaptation strategies for climate change and variability: The case of the Limpopo basin, South Africa. Agrekon 49(2) 217-234.

Country

This paper examines climate adaptation strategies of farmers in the Limpopo Basin of South Africa. Survey results show that while many farmers noticed long-term changes in temperature and precipitation, most could not take remedial action. Lack of access to credit and water were cited as the main factors inhibiting adaptation. Common adaptation responses reported included diversifying crops, changing varieties and planting dates, using irrigation, and supplementing livestock feed.