Farm level analysis of agricultural technological change: Inorganic fertilizer use on dryland in western Niger

Tahirou A Abdoulaye, Purdue University

Abstract

Constraints to increased agricultural production in Niger include low and variable rainfall, low water retention and poor soil fertility. Population pressure has shortened the fallow period in most regions. The main research problem in this thesis is to identify the determinants of fertilizer (organic and inorganic) use by farmers and analyze the adoption potential of improved Fertilizer Based Technologies (FBT) in the region and agricultural policies to accelerate adoption. The farm modeling approach used is based on direct representation of farmers stated objectives. The strategy focuses on increasing farm income while addressing farmers' principal concerns of subsistence food and minimum harvest income goals. These stated farmers' objectives of harvest income and subsistence food are the farmers' response to the risks they are facing. Therefore, in addition to the usual subsistence food constraint, a harvest time income requirement is specified since farmers frequently cite this goal as their principal objective. Results indicate that in regions where there have been demonstration trials, farmers are using various kinds and techniques of fertilization. There is some statistical support for our hypothesis that the principal factor determining the use of micro doses of inorganic fertilizer are profitability and the need for farmers to see it used in the field. Farmer's ability to finance input purchase becomes a factor for moderate dosage level. Introduction of new technologies (including higher and better quality inorganic fertilization and new cultivars) will lead to increased household expected income as well as an increase in farmers' coping ability because of increased crop production. The fertilization process can be accelerated if policy makers recognize the importance of farmer profitability for the intensification of agricultural production. Changing the current policy aimed at low food prices by maintaining low prices paid to farmers, would be a significant step toward reducing soil degradation in Niger. Food prices need to give signals to farmers to increase current capital expenditures because intensification will be profitable for them. In the long term technological change enables falling per unit output costs so prices can fall moderately with both farmers and consumers still benefiting.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Sanders, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural economics

COinS