Devaluation, new technologies, and agricultural policies in the Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean zones of Mali

Ousmane Nafolo Coulibaly, Purdue University

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the impact of the CFA devaluation on the profitability of present and potential intensive technologies in the Sudanian and the Sudano-Guinean zones of Mali. The policy recommendations are made to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. The potential technologies include improved cereal cultivars combined with inorganic and organic fertilizers and water retention techniques. The quantitative method used to analyse this problem is the whole-farm modeling method. The modeling results suggest that the devaluation constrains the adoption of improved cereal cultivars in the short run in both zones. In the long run the devaluation will induce more technological change in cereals in the Sudanian zone than in the Sudano-Guinean zone. There is a potential for improved technology introduction and adoption in both agroecological zones that can substantially increase farm incomes if associated with policy measures such as the supply of inputs to cereals on credit. The government should encourage the development of rural financial intermediations to ease up the access to capital for the adoption of improved technologies. The increase in the demand for local cereals as a long run impact of devaluation will be possible by the development of processing devices and the improvement in marketing structures to make processed local products available to consumers. The national and international research institutions should strengthen the multifactor research involving breeding, agronomy, food quality and economics.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Sanders, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural economics|Agriculture

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