Consequences of Heavy Rain on Productivity of Sugar Companies in Peru: A Case Study Towards Achieving SDG2 Zero Hunger

Abstract

Enhancing agricultural productivity is imperative for sustainable food production and aligns with the objectives of SDG2 target 2.3. This target aims to achieve a twofold increase in agricultural productivity by doubling the volume of production per labour unit by 2030. Higher education institutions have actively engaged in leveraging information, technology, and promotional strategies to bolster agricultural productivity in developing nations, contributing to the broader SDG2 Zero Hunger agenda. However, limited research addresses the impact of heavy rainfall on productivity, utilising robust methodologies such as differences-in-differences and advocating for prospective causal investigations. This study specifically investigates the repercussions of heavy rain on Peruvian sugar companies, utilising data from the Lima Stock Exchange and the National Institute of Statistics for 18 companies spanning 2014 to 2017. Emphasising the negative consequences of heavy rain in 2017 attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, the research underscores regional variations, particularly noting heightened adversities for sugar companies in Northern Peru. This study not only elucidates the factors contributing to these negative consequences but also suggests diverse research approaches for comprehensive understanding and causal impact assessments, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary research in disaster management and impact economic evaluation. As an imperative step towards achieving Zero Hunger goals amid the prevailing climate emergency, the study concludes by presenting recommendations to mitigate the challenging effects of El Niño on the agroindustry.

Citation

Padilla, J.D.Z. and Henríquez, C.F. (2024), "Consequences of Heavy Rain on Productivity of Sugar Companies in Peru: A Case Study Towards Achieving SDG2 Zero Hunger", Cripps, K. and Thondre, P.S. (Ed.) Higher Education and SDG2: Zero Hunger (Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-458-720241003