The economic impact of bean research in Honduran agriculture: the case of the Amadeus 77 variety

Abstract

In Latin America, agriculture is associated with poverty and unsustainable production strategies in the long term in favor of populist policies that lack agricultural research budgets that benefit society in the long run. The benefits associated to agricultural research are improved income patterns and quality of life, in the variety and quality of available foods, competitiveness of national products on world markets, and healthier environments. Although some countries try to promote research in the region, there is no culture of evaluation to check the return of research in economic terms. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of the research for the release of a variety of improved beans carried out in the Bean Research Program (PIF) of Zamorano in the economic development of Honduran agriculture. The method of economic surpluses estimated by the shift in the supply curve of beans in Honduras was used to measure the increase in total production due to the introduction of the Amadeus 77 variety in 2003. This research found a positive impact on the supply curve for beans in Honduras, causing greater productivity for farmers and a lower price of beans to the consumer; during 8 years of research and 14 of marketing, was obtained a net profit of USD 15,253,498. Agricultural research generates positive effects on the economy, giving greater yield to production and maintaining food prices.