APPLICATIONS OF GAME THEORY IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS: REVIEW AND REQUIEM

Game theory - aptly described as the scientific approach to poker, business, women and war - has proved to be no cure-all for the conflict situations studied by agricultural economists. Like Marshall, it has had its day. Still, just as in general economics, game theory has provided an alternative framework for the study of a variety of agricultural problems. This paper aims to review these studies. As background, a brief resume of the more important economic theories of decision making in risky situations will first be given, followed by an outline of the pertinent aspects of game theory. Agricultural applications are then considered. A general appraisal - pro and con, past and future - completes the review