Determinants of urban sprawl in European cities.

This paper provides empirical evidence that helps to answer several key questions relating to the extent of urban sprawl in Europe. Building on the monocentric city model, this study uses existing data sources to derive a set of panel data for 282 European cities at three time points (1990, 2000 and 2006). Two indices of urban sprawl are calculated that, respectively, reflect changes in artificial area and the levels of urban fragmentation for each city. These are supplemented by a set of data on various economic and geographical variables that might explain the variation of the two indices. Using a Hausman-Taylor estimator and random regressors to control for the possible correlation between explanatory variables and unobservable city-level effects, we find that the fundamental conclusions of the standard monocentric model are valid in the European context for both indices. Although the variables generated by the monocentric model explain a large part of the variation of artificial area, their explanatory power for modelling the fragmentation index is relatively low.

A mixed methodology framework for the assessment of the Voluntary Initiative.

The Voluntary Initiative (VI) is a UK programme of measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment. It was initiated in 2001 and will be evaluated during 2006 following a five-year trial period. To assess such a complex scheme, a mixed methodology approach is appropriate, encompassing the assessment of objective deliverables and issues raised by the farming community. A series of focus groups examined the perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Farmer attitudes to the VI appeared to be influenced by the belief that the UK government will, eventually, introduce some form of pesticide tax regardless of the outcome of the VI. Most farmers expressed that they already followed the principles of the VI. It was also evident that the scheme may become more acceptable and better understood as it becomes incorporated into existing farm assurance schemes. This paper proposes a framework for evaluation of the VI that takes into account these perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Based on the analysis of available data, key questions are identified that should be addressed within the final evaluation. These key questions cover the general themes of completion of VI targets and projects, uptake of the VI, environmental impact of the VI and economic implications. To answer the questions, four methods are proposed: a review of literature, a survey of farmers, questions to agencies and environmental modelling.