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Technology Use, Maize Productivity, and Weather in West Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Prince M. Etwire

    (CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute)

  • David Fielding

    (University of Manchester)

  • Edward Martey

    (CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute)

Abstract

This paper presents estimates of the association between maize yield and weather using survey data from Ghana, Mali and Nigeria, allowing for the possibility that farmers’ choices about agricultural technology may themselves depend on weather. We find that the association between yield and weather varies substantially according to these choices. We then use our estimates to forecast the change in yield under alternative weather change scenarios. All of these scenarios envisage an increase in temperature, but some envisage a rise in rainfall while others envisage a fall. In almost all scenarios, there is a substantial fall in productivity. In the absence of adaptation measures, weather change is likely to substantially reduce farm income in all three countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Prince M. Etwire & David Fielding & Edward Martey, 2024. "Technology Use, Maize Productivity, and Weather in West Africa," Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 129-155, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ediscc:v:8:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s41885-024-00143-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s41885-024-00143-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Weather; Technology use; Maize productivity; West Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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