Publication: Is Small Better? A Comparison of the Effect of Large and Small Dams on Cropland Productivity in South Africa
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2013-08
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2013-10-01
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This study estimates and compares the effects of small and large irrigation dams on cropland productivity in South Africa. To this end, a panel data set of South African river basins is constructed. The econometric analysis reveals that although large dams increase cropland productivity downstream, they have a negative effect on cropland within the vicinity. However, their existence can enhance the relatively small positive impact of local small dams. Although a cost-benefit analysis of irrigation benefits shows that small dams may be more viable than large ones, large dams can play a potentially important role within a system of both types of dams.
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“Blanc, Elodie; Strobl, Eric. 2013. Is Small Better? A Comparison of the Effect of Large and Small Dams on Cropland Productivity in South Africa. Policy Research Working Paper;No. 6567. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/16000 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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