Russian Reforms: the Return of the Peasant?

Russian agriculture in transition (1991-1998) was characterised by a production collapse due to a loss in quality and quantity of acreage, disinvestments, falling purchasing power, and increased imports. Neither traditional agriculture nor the nascent family farm sector have been able to ensure sustained food production. Instead, the impoverishment of the population has resulted in a considerable increase in the relative importance of household food production. In the present paper some features of household food production are explored: (1) the development in acreage used for HFP, (2) the number of people involved over the years, (3) the availability and use of the necessary factors of production, such as land, labour, and variable inputs, (4) characteristics of households involved, and (5) implications for welfare. <BR><BR>