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Economic Analysis of Soil and Moisture Management on Marginal Croplands

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  • Butcher, Walter R.
  • Day, John C.

Abstract

A linear programming model for a typical dryland farm in the 1000mm rainfall zone of Mali, West Africa indicates that, despite substantial variability in yields due to weather, a "safety-first" condition on staple food production constrains profit maximization only in the case of much smaller than average farms. Tied-ridge cultivation methods will reduce erosion damage, improve food security for small farms, and increase incomes if expected costs and yields are realized. Even without an immediate yield gain, tied-ridge cultivation would be economically justified by the reduction provided in future erosion-caused losses in soil productivity. The paper begins by summarizing the physical characteristics of dryland agriculture in Mali. Next, a brief description of emerging soil- and moisture-conserving technology is provided. Lastly, a whole-farm planning model is presented and initial results of a case study involving the economics of improved resource management are given.

Suggested Citation

  • Butcher, Walter R. & Day, John C., 1987. "Economic Analysis of Soil and Moisture Management on Marginal Croplands," Miscellaneous Publications 344802, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersmp:344802
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.344802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter J. Matlon & Dunstan S. Spencer, 1984. "Increasing Food Production in Sub-Saharan Africa: Environmental Problems and Inadequate Technological Solutions," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 66(5), pages 671-676.
    2. Kenneth E. McConnell, 1983. "An Economic Model of Soil Conservation," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 65(1), pages 83-89.
    3. Shapouri, Shahla & Dommen, Arthur J. & Rosen, Stacey L., 1986. "Food Aid and the African Food Crisis," Foreign Agricultural Economic Report (FAER) 147973, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    4. Douglas Southgate & Fred Hitzhusen & Robert Macgregor, 1984. "Remedying Third World Soil Erosion Problems," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 66(5), pages 879-884.
    5. Eicher, Carl K., 1986. "Food Security Research Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa," Staff Paper Series 200916, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
    6. Oscar R. Burt, 1981. "Farm Level Economics of Soil Conservation in the Palouse Area of the Northwest," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 63(1), pages 83-92.
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