References, Inspiration, and a big THANK YOU!

Case study of successful biodynamic banana farm:  http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/international/features/0404/biodybanana.shtml

                

Current project to develop more sustainable cattle farming practices:

www.uidaho.edu/cals/aee/aeeclasses/.../DomRepAgDevProjSample.ashx

            

Scientific study on the efficiency of peasant farming: 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1746-1049.1997.tb01186.x/pdf

US Agency for International Development:

http://www.usaid.gov/

US Peace Corps:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Finca Altagracia shade-grown coffee farm:

http://www.cafealtagracia.com/index.html

Los Calabazos ecotourism project:

http://www.ces.aed.org/pdfs/GSTA%20Success%20Stories/GSTA%20Dominican%20Republic/DR%20-%20La%20Esperanza%20de%20Los%20Calabazos.pdf

European Fair Trade Association:

http://www.european-fair-trade-association.org/

Many thanks to all of our lecturers and tour guides who taught us so much about agriculture in the DR!

~Alexa

Dominican Republic Economy: GDP per capita

The Dominican Republic is upper middle-income. It’s GDP per capita in PPP terms is fairly high for a Latin America country.

References: 1. CIA World Factbook, 2011 2. Lecture by Dr. Edgar Rojas, Feb 14 2011: The Economy of the Dominican Republic 

Tiffany 

My Thoughts: Tiffany

After researching the economy of the Dominican Republic I have some personal thoughts on what needs to be done for the agricultural sector to flourish. All of this is my own personal opinion. In order for agriculture in the Dominican Republic to be successful, more focus needs to be placed on the sector instead of tourism and services. The Dominican Republic government relies too heavily on foreign aid with agriculture. I find it wonderful that other countries are so willing to help, especially the United States, but the Dominican government needs to take some responsibility. Since market prices are too low, for a small farmer to support his family. Most families have to send at least one person to the United States to send back money. In order for the agricultural sector of the economy to education and wages must be improved, that way more Dominicans will choose to stay here and learn better ways to run their farm and well as learn new technologies.

Interview with César H. Céspedes R.

Unfortunately, due to the Internet speed here at ISA uploading a video is nearly impossible. When the group visited Jarabacoa, RJ and Alexa interviewed our Professor, César on some agricultural issues that we were all personally interested in. I will post the video as soon as I get back to the States and have access to fast Internet! Sorry for the inconvenience.

Dominican Republic Economy: Agriculture vs. Other Sectors

“Although the services sector has recently overtaken agriculture as the leading employer of Dominicans (due principally to growth in tourism and the positive tendency showed by the Free Trade Zones). Agriculture remains the most important sector in terms of domestic consumption and is in second place, behind minin, in terms of export.” (Dr. Edgar Rojas, Lecture: The Economy of the Dominican Republic)

Other References: CIA World Fact Book

Tiffany 

Dominican Republic Economy: Imports vs. Exports

Imports led the growth of the Dominican Republic. Exports, finance, and foreign investments also played a part. In 2010 the Dominican Republic was ranked 79 in the World in Imports, and 102 in Exports. 54.08% of their goods exported going to the United States, while they receive 42.79% from the States.

References: CIA World Factbook, 2011

Works Cited

Works Cited

CIA-The World Factbook. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dr.html#top>.

"DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Country Note on Climate Change Aspects in Agriculture." WorldBank.org. Dec. 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTLAC/Resources/Climate_DominicanRepWeb.pdf>.

"Dominican Republic." USAID. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/country/dominican_republic/>.

Ministerio Ambiente. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.ambiente.gob.do/cms/index.php>.

"Republica Dominicana Aspectos Del Cambio Climatico En Agricultura.pdf." Web. 23 Feb. 2011.

Sarkar, Sam. "A Study of the Environmental Issues Associated with the Dominican Republic— Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA)." Cluteinstitute. Jan. 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cluteinstitute-onlinejournals.com/PDFs/1332.pdf>.

Shillingford, Clayton A. "Restoring Agriculture to It Rightful Place." 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://da-academy.org/restore_agriculture.pdf>.

"Testimony of Mark Feierstein Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean U.S. Policy Toward Latin America and the Caribbean." USAID. 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110217.html>.