Introducing new technologies on the vertisols of Eastern Sudan: A dynamic programming approach

Mohamed A-Wahab M. Ahmed, Purdue University

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the long run profitability and sustainability of present and potential intensive technologies for crop production in eastern Sudan. The goal of such an analysis is to identify the economic policies that would accelerate the introduction of those activities that are sustainable in the long run. The potential technologies considered here include an improved cultivar without fertilizer and with alternative levels of nitrogen fertilizer with and without tied ridging. A variety of quantitative methods were applied to analyze this problem. These methods are expected profitability, whole-farm modeling and dynamic programming. The modeling results suggest that the availability of vast areas of land on the frontier for horizontal expansion encourages the extensive use of land. With land available for horizontal expansion, the extensive technology of continuous cropping will be adopted with new cultivars without the use of fertilizer. When land is available to expand production, a fertilizer price subsidy or a moderate increase in sorghum response to fertilizer utilization is needed to induce fertilizer adoption in the model results. Since a fertilizer subsidy is unlikely given the current course of government policies, further agronomic research is encouraged to develop improved practices that would enhance sorghum response to fertilizer application. A socially optimum policy is, therefore, to encourage the introduction of land fertility increasing policies before the surrounding area becomes so degraded that farmers no longer have the option for area expansion.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Sanders, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural economics

COinS