The MATS Project is featured in Allevatori Top Magazine
One of the key objectives of the MATS project is to develop analytical frameworks and tools that support the assessment of policy impact, especially in relation to trade dynamics. This concept is akin to a digital version of the butterfly effect, with policies being designed and implemented in the EU having impacts across the World, for several countries and value chains. Unraveling these intricate connections is the responsibility of Andrea Bassi, CEO of KnowlEdge (KE), with support from Alberto Menghi, a senior researcher at the Research Centre of Animal Production (CRPA) in Reggio Emilia, Italy. KE and CRPA are MATS project partners.
This article focuses on dynamics pertaining the dairy sector. In the framework developed and applied by MATS, social and environmental sustainability are crucial components of the dairy value chain. While it is well-known that wages in developing countries are lower than in Europe, our interest lies in understanding the social effects of wage increases for dairy workers in an African country, and the effort required to increase labor and animal productivity as a way to offset the financial impact of higher labor costs. Specifically, on the social side, we aim to determine whether the additional income families receive each month can enhance their children’s education or improve their nutrition, thereby reducing the average mortality rate in that country and increasing labor productivity. In essence, over a medium to long-term analysis, our goal is to assess whether a small change—such as an extra $30 per month in salary—can lead to a significant, amplified outcome, like an increase in the number of graduates in that African country, while maintaining profitability for the sector.