Assessing the impact of agricultural gross output growth on GHG emission intensity: Evidence from analysis of structural factors
Journal
Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Formatio Circumiectus
ISSN
1644-0765
Date Issued
2026-07-07
Author(s)
Khalilov , Hamza
Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction
Huseynov, Rashad
Huseyn, Ramil
Abstract
Aim of the study
This study assesses the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture, focusing on the effects of changes in both the dynamics and structural composition of agricultural gross output growth. The analysis aims to identify conditions under which a favorable balance can be achieved between socio-economic efficiency and environmental sustainability within the agricultural sector.
Material and methods
Utilizing time-series linear regression models, the study investigates how variations in gross agricultural output, total factor productivity (TFP), and the relative contributions of the livestock and crop subsectors influence GHG emission intensity.
Results and conclusions
The empirical results indicate that accelerated growth in TFP consistently reduces emissions per unit of gross agricultural output, while its effect on emissions per hectare of agricultural land depends on structural growth factors. The findings further suggest that GHG emissions per hectare only decline when the share of TFP within the structure of growth sources substantially exceed a certain threshold. Conversely, changes in the share of the livestock sector in agricultural output growth influence both indicators of emission intensity in the same direction. Expanding scope of study on this issue led to a conclusion that the national-level assessments of agricultural GHG emission intensity should take into account the country’s position in international trade in livestock products and the comparative GHG emission intensity levels of its main trading partners.
This study assesses the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture, focusing on the effects of changes in both the dynamics and structural composition of agricultural gross output growth. The analysis aims to identify conditions under which a favorable balance can be achieved between socio-economic efficiency and environmental sustainability within the agricultural sector.
Material and methods
Utilizing time-series linear regression models, the study investigates how variations in gross agricultural output, total factor productivity (TFP), and the relative contributions of the livestock and crop subsectors influence GHG emission intensity.
Results and conclusions
The empirical results indicate that accelerated growth in TFP consistently reduces emissions per unit of gross agricultural output, while its effect on emissions per hectare of agricultural land depends on structural growth factors. The findings further suggest that GHG emissions per hectare only decline when the share of TFP within the structure of growth sources substantially exceed a certain threshold. Conversely, changes in the share of the livestock sector in agricultural output growth influence both indicators of emission intensity in the same direction. Expanding scope of study on this issue led to a conclusion that the national-level assessments of agricultural GHG emission intensity should take into account the country’s position in international trade in livestock products and the comparative GHG emission intensity levels of its main trading partners.