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Farm viability of (semi)subsistence smallholders in Sierra Leone

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  • Saravia Matus, Silvia L.
  • Gomez y Paloma, Sergio

Abstract

This paper explores how different theoretical viewpoints on market integration and socioinstitutional settings alter farm viability assessments based on (semi)subsistence farm income measurements. The measurement of net farm income (NFI) is presented under two approaches: one based on Neoclassical Economics, and another from a Neo-Institutional perspective. Using data from Sierra Leone it is demonstrated that the assumptions about (output and input) market integration/participation, labour usage accounting and other institutional arrangements of (semi)subsistence farming affect NFI calculations. As a consequence, different farm viability readings emerge, directly influencing the outcome of policy decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Saravia Matus, Silvia L. & Gomez y Paloma, Sergio, 2014. "Farm viability of (semi)subsistence smallholders in Sierra Leone," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 9(3), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:afjare:183891
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.183891
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    4. Frank Ellis, 2000. "The Determinants of Rural Livelihood Diversification in Developing Countries," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(2), pages 289-302, May.
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    6. Ellis, Frank, 2000. "Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296966.
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    Cited by:

    1. Silvia Saravia-Matus & T. S. Amjath-Babu & Sreejith Aravindakshan & Stefan Sieber & Jimmy A. Saravia & Sergio Gomez y Paloma, 2021. "Can Enhancing Efficiency Promote the Economic Viability of Smallholder Farmers? A Case of Sierra Leone," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.

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