Methusalem
Political Economy and Institutions of Food Policy and Development
The main objective of the Methusalem project (2009-2015) is innovative research on food policy and development with a particular emphasis on the role of political economy and institutions. Geographically, the project aims at deepening LICOS' extended focus from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to Africa, China and India and broadening comparative analysis. Methodologically, the Methusalem project aims at theoretical innovations - including modeling and theory building with new insights from political and institutional economics - as well as empirical innovations - including the development and use of panel datasets and socio-economic experiments. The research is organized into 4 research clusters:
Reforms & Rural Development
Analysis of welfare and poverty implications of food policies and institutional reforms in a global context (Europe, Asia, Africa, …) taking into account the presence of important imperfections in input markets, as well as institutional imperfections (e.g. contract enforcement, property right definitions, …).
Globalization, Vertical Coordination & Development
Analysis of the impact of global supply chains on poverty. Important topics include the ongoing “supermarket revolution” in many developing nations, as well as the increased importance of food quality and safety standards, for developed economies but also increasingly for developing economies.
Political Economy of Reforms & Food Policy
Analysis of the political economy of reforms and instrument choice in agricultural and food policies, with a special focus on trade policies, food standards, and bio-energy.
Political Economy of Information & Media Economics
Analysis of media markets, information and technology institutions for food policies and development.
