Individual Decisions or Institutional Dynamics? Reasons for the Intensive Use of Fertilizer in Eastern China
No hay miniatura disponible
Fecha
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
Resumen
Descripción
The eutrophication of Lake Tai in the mid-east of China caused by an excessive import of nutrients from agricultural non-point-source pollution impedes social and economic development. In our research we aim to improve the understanding of the farmers’ decision-making process applying chemical fertilizers. Based on data gained in household interviews in 2011 and 2012 we follow the question: Which factors influence the individual decision on the use of fertilizers? Our approach is twofold: first, we estimate a production function to assess nitrogen overuse. Second, based on qualitative data we analyse the influence of the institutional context on individual decision-making.