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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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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