Agnes C. Rola

The top 100 questions of importance to the future of global agriculture

Despite a significant growth in food production over the past half-century, one of the most important challenges facing society today is how to feed an expected population of some nine billion by the middle of the 20th century. To meet the expected demand for food without significant increases in prices, it has been estimated that we need to produce 70–100 per cent more food, in light of the growing impacts of climate change, concerns over energy security, regional dietary shifts and the Millennium Development target of halving world poverty and hunger by 2015. The goal for the agricultural sector is no longer simply to maximize productivity, but to optimize across a far more complex landscape of production, rural development, environmental, social justice and food consumption outcomes. However, there remain significant challenges to developing national and international policies that support the wide emergence of more sustainable forms of land use and efficient agricultural production. The lack of information flow between scientists, practitioners and policy makers is known to exacerbate the difficulties, despite increased emphasis upon evidence-based policy. In this paper, we seek to improve dialogue and understanding between agricultural research and policy by identifying the 100 most important questions for global agriculture. These have been compiled using a horizon-scanning approach with leading experts and representatives of major agricultural organizations worldwide. The aim is to use sound scientific evidence to inform decision making and guide policy makers in the future direction of agricultural research priorities and policy support. If addressed, we anticipate that these questions will have a significant impact on global agricultural practices worldwide, while improving the synergy between agricultural policy, practice and research. This research forms part of the UK Governments Foresight Global Food and Farming Futures project.

How Do National Markets and Price Policies Affect Land Use at the Forest Margin? Evidence from the Philippines

Agricultural growth in uplands of tropical developing countries is associated with deforestation, land degradation, and diminished watershed function. Using time-series price data from an upland Philippine watershed, we examine market integration and quantify product market links through which policy and macroeconomic shocks –– including instability from the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98––are transmitted to farm gate prices. If market-driven incentives dominate farmers’ decisions, then our results indicate the desirability of using a broader range of policy instruments to address upland problems, and the need for upland projects to devote increased attention to national-level information dissemination and policy advocacy. (JEL Q11, Q23)

Characterizing local water governance structure in the Philippines: results of the water managers’ 2013 survey

ABSTRACT This paper provides an empirical basis for local water-governance reforms in the Philippines using primary data from 299 water managers representing water districts, community-based water organizations, irrigators’ associations and local government water providers. Survey results showed that local water organizations are subject to various forms of laws and regulations; there are no set bases for water price determination; and water administration set-up varies from the formal to the loosely informal structures. Recommendations are offered towards responsive local water governance arrangements.

Water Supply and Demand and the Drivers of Change

This chapter synthesizes the existing information and knowledge on the state of water resources in the Philippines by providing a general overview on water supply, demand and uses at the national level. The major sources of water, namely surface and ground water, will be examined in terms of its adequacy considering present and future supply based available studies and projections. Similarly, the demand side will be analyzed considering the sectoral needs and priorities in relation to the present and projected future water supply. Major drivers of change that are likely to shape the water supply and demand scenarios such as demographic shifts, urbanization, and climate change will be highlighted in the analysis. The chapter concludes with the analysis of the gap in the water supply and demand and its implications on the water governance of the country.

Towards a More Responsive Water Policy and Practice: Challenges and Prospects

This final chapter discusses key findings of the book; one significant finding, among others, is that the Philippines will suffer from an impending water crisis if institutions were not strengthened. Sectoral issues are also summarized. Challenges and ways forward are discussed.

Water Resources in the Philippines: Overview and Framework of Analysis

This chapter provides the context, setting and framework of water policy analysis for this volume. It gives an introduction to the state of water resources in the Philippines, supply and demand situation and the extent of pollution of water bodies. It presents the framework of analysis that guided the discussion in the book. The framework showcases the water supply sustainability issues vis a vis the growing demand and the needed policy support to make this happen. Factors identified to drive water scarcity are the increasing population and urbanization, weak institutional arrangements in the water sector, lack of policy instruments and weak implementation of environmental policies and laws. The last part outlines the organization of the book.

Agricultural Water Management Issues in the Philippines

This chapter discusses the role of water management and governance in agriculture as it affects irrigation and agricultural productivity. The governance framework discusses the various actors involved in water in agriculture and the policy environment, which, in turn, affect the irrigation development performance. The country’s performance in agricultural water management is assessed in terms of area irrigated by public investments, cropping intensity, collection efficiency, and productivity impact. To improve performance and agricultural productivity, the major challenges facing national and communal irrigation systems are identified. These challenges require policy changes to address poor performance, unsustainability of systems, and weak management capacities.