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Using contests to promote coordinated control of invasive species: An experimental evaluation

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Meyer

    (Monash University)

  • Paulo Santos

    (Monash University)

  • Chitpasong Kousonsavath

    (National University of Laos)

Abstract

We experimentally evaluate the effect of competing for a prize on the coordinated control of invasive species in the presence of externalities. We offered prizes (merit, monetary and a combination of both) to the best performer in a contest aimed at promoting the control of rodent pests, an invasive species that is responsible for large losses in stored grain. Only monetary prizes are capable of promoting behavioral change, with relatively large effects: households in villages where prizes were offered reported losses in storage that are 25% lower than in control villages. The effect is a non-linear function of prize, with only intermediate size prizes leading to reductions in storage losses. Spillovers matter greatly, with non-participants in the contest benefiting almost as much as participants, highlighting the importance of externalities. Avoided losses are large enough to drive a reduction in rice prices in seasonally isolated markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Meyer & Paulo Santos & Chitpasong Kousonsavath, 2021. "Using contests to promote coordinated control of invasive species: An experimental evaluation," Monash Economics Working Papers 2021-16, Monash University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mos:moswps:2021-16
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    contests; invasive species; spillovers; food security;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets

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