Agricultural productivity in developing countries

Authors

Lilyan E. Fulginiti, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard K. Perrin, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Richard K. Perrin

Date of this Version

2-1-1998

Abstract

This paper examines changes in agricultural productivity in 18 developing countries over the period 1961-1985. We use a nonparametric, output-based Malmquist index and a parametric variable coeficients Cobb-Douglas production function to examine, whether our estimates confirm results from other studies that have indicated declining agricultural productivity in LDCs. The results confirm previous findings, indicating that at least half of these countries have experienced productivity declines in agriculture.