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The spectre of historical crop losses: Challenging questions and methodological issues

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Isabel Queiroz

    (University of Évora (Portugal))

  • Inês Gomes

    (University of Coimbra (Portugal))

  • Inês Amorim

    (University of Porto (Portugal))

Abstract

Calamities in agricultural production have emerged as a relevant research topic for global food security in the current context of adaptation to climate change. Historians have been participating in this research by examining crop losses in the past. However, they face challenging questions and methodological issues when evaluating the magnitude, intensity and social relevance of damages caused by adverse climate events and plant pests and diseases. This paper presents a review of some aspects that lead to harvest failures, along with three case studies involving Portuguese territories in modern times, based on the scientific interest and research of the authors. A few methodological considerations are also provided concerning decryption and the use of available data, to help avoid misinterpretations in future research on the topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Isabel Queiroz & Inês Gomes & Inês Amorim, 2020. "The spectre of historical crop losses: Challenging questions and methodological issues," Historia Agraria. Revista de Agricultura e Historia Rural, Sociedad Española de Historia Agraria, issue 82, pages 7-32, december.
    • Handle: RePEc:seh:journl:y:2020:i:82:m:december:p:7-32
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    environmental history; climatic events; crop losses; plant pests; disasters;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N50 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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