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Time preferences in rural economies: A systematic global review

Vanessa Berghoff & Daniel Hermann

European Review of Agricultural Economics2026https://doi.org/10.1093/erae/jbaf070article
AJG 3ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Time preferences shape decisions about resource use, investment and sustainability, yet evidence on how they are measured in rural field settings remains fragmented. This systematic literature review covers 67 studies eliciting time preferences among rural populations, focusing on farmers and fishers. We map the theoretical models used, compare elicitation methods and experimental designs, and synthesise reported patterns. The review documents substantial heterogeneity in how time preferences are conceptualised and measured, and highlights recurring methodological and reporting challenges that limit comparability across contexts. For more reliable, replicable and policy-relevant research, we propose a structured reporting guide.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/erae/jbaf070

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@article{vanessa2026,
  title        = {{Time preferences in rural economies: A systematic global review}},
  author       = {Vanessa Berghoff & Daniel Hermann},
  journal      = {European Review of Agricultural Economics},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/erae/jbaf070},
}

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Time preferences in rural economies: A systematic global review

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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