Tesis
Vertical integration in the Argentine institutional context : case study : wind pump drip irrigation for raspberry plantations
Autor
Friel, Daniel
Institución
Resumen
The energy from the wind has been an imperative source of power for humans for
centuries. Either for transportation, irrigation or manufacturing it has always been a
sustainable supply of force. Nowadays, farmers all over the world, rely upon diesel oil
and electricity for more than 99% of their energy needs. Global concerns are rising
discouraging fossil fuels due to climate change phenomenoms and future hydrocarbons
near depletion. In Argentina, unpredictable energy policies are more and more common
bringing issues to rural areas such as oil, gas and electricity shortages and a steady rise
of prices.
Raspberry Plantations demand a steady and secure irrigation system. Electric Pumps
and Diesel Oil pumps are consider to be the standard solution. Yet, the institutional
context presents numerous issues that discourage the regular appliances or even new
renewable systems such as solar powered irrigation systems to be installed and used.
The American Farm Wind Pump has been a symbol of Argentine rural tradition for
livestock watering. Farmers have grown with this knowledge and have learned to work
independently in order to provide water to cattle or to a community.
The work analyses several reasons why producers should consider utilizing the wind
pump as an independent energy source for small plantations in Argentina, due to the
lack of economical and political certainty and the sociological knowledge of the
traditional American Farm Wind Pump.
The work has demonstrated comparative institutional advantages in implementing
recessive institutions –the wind pump-, especially in the long term, due to high initial
investement costs; and will surely provide new areas of research for sustainable
business solutions within emerging market conditions.