Applied Economics Teaching Resources

an AAEA Journal

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

Special Issue

Seeds of Learning: Uncertainty and Technology Adoption in an Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Game

Babtunde Abidoye(a), Sahan T.M. Dissanayake(b), and Sarah A. Jacobson(c)
London School of Economics and University of Pretoria(a), Portland State University(b), Williams College(c)

JEL Codes: A20, D80, Q16, Q54, Q56, Q58
Keywords: Classroom game, climate change adaptation, ecosystem-based adaptation, payments for ecosystem services, technology adoption, uncertainty

Publish Date: May 22, 2021
volume 3, Issue 3

View Full Article (PDF) | Request Teaching Notes/Supplemental Materials

Abstract

We introduce an interactive game exploring ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) to climate change, with a focus on technology adoption and uncertainty. The game is useful in academic classes and training sessions for policy makers and stakeholders. Participants play the role of small-scale farmers in a developing country where their farming practices cause erosion that pollutes waterways, while at the same time climate change is making farmers more vulnerable to natural threats like flooding. The game gives participants a series of opportunities to adopt EBA practices: for example, a riparian buffer strip, low-till farming, and agroforestry. The practices differ in the uncertainty surrounding their effects on yields. The game deploys three policies to encourage adoption: a flat payment, a conservation auction, and a flat payment with a pilot bonus for early adoption. Players observe each other’s choices and outcomes, which allows for social learning. Participants get a hands-on understanding of climate change’s impacts, adaptation, ecosystem services, payment for ecosystem service programs, choice under uncertainty, social learning, adoption of new technology, learning spillovers, cost-effective conservation, and conservation auctions. We provide all materials necessary to run the game, a list of suggested readings, and ideas for discussions and assignments.

About the Authors: Babatunde Abidoye is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics and an Affiliate Professor at the School of Public Management and Administration at the University of Pretoria. Sahan T.M. Dissanayake is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Portland State University. Sarah A. Jacobson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Williams College (Corresponding author: sarah.a.jacobson@williams.edu).

Copyright is governed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA

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