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Estimating the impact of biological control of maize stemborers on productivity and poverty in Kenya: a continuous treatment approach

Author

Listed:
  • Soul-kifouly G. Midingoyi

    (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
    National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB))

  • Menale B. Kassie

    (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe))

  • Hippolyte D. Affognon

    (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research for Development (CORAF/WECARD))

  • Ibrahim Macharia

    (Kenyatta University)

  • Bruno LeRu

    (Génomes, Comportement et Ecologie, groupe IRD, UPR 9034, 22 CNRS)

Abstract

This study examines the farm-level effects of stemborers' biological control (BC) using biological and household survey data collected in rural Kenya. The authors use a continuous treatment impact-evaluation method to estimate BC's average and marginal treatment effects. Findings indicate that, on average, a one percent increase in the intensity of BC increases maize yield by 9.3 kg per hectare and reduces the poverty level of maize-growing farm households by 0.5%. Developing and promoting biological control can be seen as an additional tool in the fight against food insecurity and poverty in Africa through controlling important pests.

Suggested Citation

  • Soul-kifouly G. Midingoyi & Menale B. Kassie & Hippolyte D. Affognon & Ibrahim Macharia & Bruno LeRu, 2024. "Estimating the impact of biological control of maize stemborers on productivity and poverty in Kenya: a continuous treatment approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 5067-5088, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:26:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-023-02924-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-02924-8
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