Competitiveness with sustainable agriculture: win, lose or draw?

Through the Polluter-Pays-Principle (PPP), it is generally assumed that the additional cost of internalization is passed on to consumers. However, stiff competition in the world market could make it difficult for exporters to pass on to international consumers, thus profit margin on export commodities is eroded and exports may be curtailed. This situation prevails in many developing countries which export a large proportion of their commodity production. When pollution control costs are substantial, voluntary implementation of environmental policy in the commodity export sector of a country may be problematic. Studies have shown mixed results that generalizations on the competitive effects of eco-friendly agriculture are unwise. Results of our study reveal that stricter environmental regulation to increase the cost of chemical inputs to encourage farmers to produce eco-friendly pepper products would enhance the export market competitiveness of both black pepper and white pepper production in Malaysia. On the other hand, to produce cocoa in a manner consistent with eco-friendly objectives requires huge sum of investment by the government. Each producer has different cost structure such that internalization of production externalities may result in higher cost of production for some countries but reduced cost for others. Cocoa growers in Brazil estimated an increased cost of 13.33% over variable costs at average productivity to compensate for adequate soil management, disease prevention and maintenance of production infrastructure. In Malaysia, one-third of the cost of production is accounted for the labour in combating the cocoa pod borers in estates in Sabah thus increasing the overall cost of production by 14%. However, evidence shows a reduction in the cost of production by 77% in Indonesia due to low wages in agriculture

Enhancing Rural Wellbeing: Unravelling the Impact of Economic Diversification in Sarawak

This study delves into the multifaceted dynamics of economic diversification in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, as well as the deep implications for rural wellbeing. Specifically, the aim of the study is to look into various economic diversification measures and their impact on the Iban rural community in Sri Aman, Sarawak. Sarawak, endowed with abundant natural resources and a diverse cultural legacy, has embarked on a transformative journey towards economic diversification in order to support sustainable development and enhance rural populations' livelihoods. This study used a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and in-depth interviews. It was found that the majority of households have increased their income by diversifying their sources of income by engaging in both farm and non-farm activities, such as formal and informal trading, wage labour, and remittances. The benefits of livelihood diversification can be seen in the community's decreased reliance on a single activity, the development of infrastructure, the survival of the Iban culture, and the resilience of the community

2nd International Conference On Sustainable Development Goals. ICSD 201 Achieving SDCs : Rising to the Challenge (Programme Book)

The International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals is an international conference that focuses on 17 goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event is introduced to support the implementation of the new agenda of the United Nations on September 2015

Towards a Resilient Riverine Community: A Case Study in Sadong Jaya, Sarawak, Malaysia

This study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by a resource-deprived riverine community in Borneo (the Sadong Jaya community), particularly in dealing with different types of socio-ecological risks enhanced by the impacts of climate change. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) promote resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as cornerstones of sustainable development. It is in this light that this chapter studies how a local community can sustain their livelihoods while coping with environmental and economic stresses and shocks. Comparisons and reflections are then made by referring to the findings of past studies carried out among other riverine communities to highlight the similarities and, more importantly, the uniqueness of adaptation mechanisms. Findings presented in the chapter are derived from content analysis based on the data collected from four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews with the key informants. Despite the fact that Borneo is a resource-rich region where most areas are blessed with an abundance of resources, there are also regions that have limited natural and economic or capital assets, or limited access to them. This situation raises the question of how a community that is located in a disadvantaged region, resource-wise, can adapt and strive to become more resilient. These findings illustrate the need for a comprehensive community strategy to reduce risk, increase resilience and support long-term survival

Tagang system and the benefits to rhe community at Kampung Terbat Mawang, Serian, Sarawak

Tagang system is a method used to conserve an aquatic life. In Sabah, this system has been implemented since 2003 and known as tagal system. Due to its benefits to the community and aquatic life in Sabah, Sarawak Agriculture Department adopted and extended the tagal system to the people of Sarawak, especially in rural areas. In Iban language, the term tagal system is known as tagang system, which means ‘prohibit or prevent’ or ‘do not’, but in the Bidayuh language, it is known as tegang system. Terbat Mawang village which is located near Kedup River was chosen for the Tagang Project. Tagang Project was implemented officially in 2006. However, because of the drought in 2009, this project was almost terminated. The objective of this paper is to assess the benefits of the tagang system to the community. The outcome of this study shows that the acceptance and cooperation between the community and the department of agriculture are essential fo