Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development (농촌지도와개발)

Korean Society of Agricultural Extension (한국농촌지도학회)
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Can Informal Traditional Institutions Mediate Risk Preferences among Smallholder Farmers? - Evidence from Rural Ethiopia -

비정형의 전통적 기구가 소작농의 위험 성향에 영향을 미치는가? - 에티오피아 농촌 마을을 중심으로 -

  • Jang, Dooseok (Yonsei University/Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development) ;
  • Atkinson, Joel (Yonsei University/Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development) ;
  • Park, Kihong (Korea Army Academy at Yeong-cheon)
  • Received : 2016.02.15
  • Accepted : 2016.03.21
  • Published : 2016.06.30
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Abstract

This paper assesses the role of informal institutions in determining risk preference among smallholders in Tigray, Ethiopia. We use data from a household survey conducted by the Institute of Poverty Alleviation and International Development (IPAID). We find that households which participate in Debo, an informal labor-sharing institution, or have a friend from whom they can receive help are less likely to be risk-averse. However, participation in Iddir, a traditional form of insurance, is not significantly associated with risk preference. Hence, the existence of social institutions that provide assistance and social connections through reciprocity may be affording security against risk beyond that brought by more monetary forms of insurance. Given the importance of risk attitude in mediating the adoption of improved agricultural production, a policy suggestion is to provide selected aid to households which are less risk-averse agricultural investors. Also, Debo as a labor-sharing institution may serve as a nexus for managing aid and knowledge sharing.

본 논문은 에티오피아 티그레이의 농촌 마을의 사회적 기구가 소작농의 농업 투자 등 위험에 대한 성향에 미치는 영향을 연구하였다. 연세대학교 빈곤문제연구소는 2014년과 2015년에 에티오피아 북동부에 위치한 티그레이 지역의 두 마을에서 관련 설문자료를 수집하였다. 주요 결론으로서, 지역에서 노동력을 분담하는 기구인 Debo (한국의 품앗이)에 참가하거나 조언 및 도움을 구할 수 있는 조력자가 있을 경우 위험에 적극적인 태도를 보여주었다. 반면, 결혼 및 장례식에 대비하여 보험 역할을 하는 Iddir나 사적금에 해당하는 Equub (한국의 계)에 참여하는 가구의 경우 상대적으로 위험에 적극적인 태도를 보여주지는 않았다. 하나의 정책 제안으로서 빈곤국의 농촌 개발 및 지원시 위험에 적극적인 가구를 선택하여 집중적으로 지원하거나, Debo와 같은 마을내 노동협력 기구를 중심으로 원조 교육 계획을 수립할 필요가 있다.

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