A social accounting matrix for modelling agricultural policy reform in South Africa

Abstract

In this paper the format of a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for use as a database for the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling of agricultural policy reform in South Africa is detailed. It is shown that the published South African SAMs impose limitations upon their suitability as databases for CGE models, but that they can be readily modified. An additional benefit of a SAM is its use as a framework for the specification of the behavioural relationships necessary to the development of a model. Finally, a Macro SAM for 1993 is reported and the proposed disaggregation of the agricultural sector is identified.