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Impact of large-scale irrigation on agricultural yields and farm income in Burkina Faso: evidence from the Sourou Valley

Author

Listed:
  • Bertin Nyamba

    (Nazi BONI University)

  • Patrice Rélouendé Zidouemba

    (Nazi BONI University)

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of large-scale irrigation on farm productivity and income in northwestern Burkina Faso. Using household survey data from 1,080 farmers in the communes of Di (irrigated) and Kassoum (rainfed), we estimate an endogenous switching regression model to address selection bias. Results show that irrigation significantly increases both physical yields and net income per hectare. On average, irrigated farms earn 762,435 CFA francs more per hectare – a 177% increase compared to non-irrigated farms. Irrigation also boosts physical yields across crop categories, especially fruits and vegetables, with gains exceeding 5 tons per hectare. Robustness checks using propensity score matching confirm the consistency of results. Access to credit and agricultural cooperative membership significantly influence irrigation adoption. These findings underscore the transformative potential of irrigation for improving agricultural performance and farmer livelihoods in the Sahel, and provide evidence to support public investment in irrigation infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertin Nyamba & Patrice Rélouendé Zidouemba, 2025. "Impact of large-scale irrigation on agricultural yields and farm income in Burkina Faso: evidence from the Sourou Valley," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(2), pages 873-884.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00430
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    JEL classification:

    • Q1 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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