Economic evaluation of technological innovations for cassava production in the farming system of the Ivory Coast

Louise Haly, Purdue University

Abstract

In the Ivory Coast, population and demand for food continues to grow rapidly while supplies of traditional food staples such as rice, millet, sorghum, plantain, yam and cassava remain stagnant. A growing market for processed cassava products exists in the expanding urban areas. Agronomic research in Nigeria and Ivory Coast suggests that new cassava varieties, fertilization, better crop rotations may improve Ivorian yields. The economic feasibility of using new cassava varieties and fertilization of local cassava varieties in the Ivory Coast is the focus of this study. The budgeting results show that both new cassava and fertilization of local cassava are feasible under the existing land, labor, capital and subsistence environment. However new cassava varieties are preferred because of a shorter production period and higher net returns than fertilized local cassava. There is a 17 percent increase in net returns with new cassava varieties at zero discount rate. This increase is explained by a 25 percent increase in yield and a reduction in costs of production. Resource allocations are tested with and without new cassava varieties. The model results indicate that labor and capital are the binding constraints to production of local and new cassava varieties. Small farmers are the greatest potential beneficiaries with the adoption of new cassava varieties.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Lowenberg-DeBoer, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural economics|Agronomy

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