A two-stage data envelopment analysis of efficiency of social-ecological systems: Inference from the sub-Saharan African countries

Ibrahim M. D., Alola A. A., Cunha Ferreira D.

Ecological Indicators, vol.123, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 123
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107381
  • Journal Name: Ecological Indicators
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, Index Islamicus, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis, Socio-Ecological systems, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sustainable Development Goals, Two-stage Analysis
  • Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2021 The AuthorsStress on ecological resources affects the sustainability of the socio-ecological system (SES). Interconnections within SES are involved. Therefore, this study considered indicators that are composite of the interconnections to estimate SES efficiency. We employed the non-parametric benchmarking order-α model, from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), to estimate SES efficiency and alleviate possible intricacies. We evaluated twenty-four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations observed from 2000 to 2014. More than half of them were inefficient. An increase in food production and environmental performance is essential for SES efficiency improvement. Quantile regression found that human development (through the lifespan, education, and standard of living) is related to the SES efficiency improvement. The SES efficiency is likely negatively associated with higher values of both female proletariat and carbon emissions. Policymakers should increase the concerted efforts of empowering human capacity and minimize the gender gap within SSA countries to become efficient and fulfill sustainable development goals.