A0417
Title: Estimating the causal effect of glyphosate aspersion on coca cultivation in Colombia
Authors: Luisa Scaccia - University of Macerata (Italy) [presenting]
Perla Rivadeneyra - University Ca Foscari (Italy)
Luca Salvati - University of Rome Sapienza (Italy)
Abstract: Deforestation and unsustainable practices are posing a severe threat to the invaluable natural treasure represented by the Amazon rainforest. Among other anthropogenic factors, illegal activities driven by organized crime, such as illegal logging, poaching, land grabbing, and coca cultivation, also significantly impact deforestation. In Colombia, aerial fumigation with glyphosate was a central policy to curb coca crops between 1994 and 2015, when this measure was banned following years of opposition and questionings about its effectiveness as well as concerns about its collateral effects on local communities and the environment. Many studies and environmental groups argue that health issues and environmental degradation are a direct consequence of the use of glyphosate. Nevertheless, discussions about bringing back the use of glyphosate have recently resumed, and some groups are determined to reintroduce it. In this context, the aim is to investigate the effectiveness of using fumigation with glyphosate to reduce the spread of coca plantations. A 15-year panel (2000-2015) of the municipalities is used, where coca was detected in 2000, including fixed effects for time and municipalities. To deal with endogeneity issues, aspersion is instrumented with the number of days in which the strength of the wind was below a certain threshold, and aerial fumigation could take place. Estimates provide some evidence that aspersion enhances coca crop extension in most model specifications.
