Uptake of Improved Technologies in the Semi-Arid Tropics of West Africa: Why Is Agricultural Transformation Lagging Behind?

J. Ndjeunga () and M.S.C. Bantilan
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J. Ndjeunga: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Niamey, Niger
M.S.C. Bantilan: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India

The Electronic Journal of Agricultural and Development Economics, 2005, vol. 2, issue 1, 85-102

Abstract: During the last 3 decades, donors and governments have invested in the development and dissemination of new technologies in the semi-arid tropics of West Africa. Though a wide range of improved technologies has been developed, adoption remains low without a significant impact on crop productivity, rural income and poverty. Agricultural transformation as occurred in East Asia has not yet occurred in the semi-arid tropics of West Africa. This paper uses data from a regional survey of rural households in 3 countries in West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) to identify the determinants of uptake of improved technologies. Limited productivity gain is found to be a major constraint to the uptake of technologies. In addition, poorly functioning institutions, lack of information or poor exposure of farmers to agricultural innovations, and poor functioning or missing markets have also hindered the uptake of many new technologies.

Keywords: institutions; technology; markets; road infrastructure; information; agricultural productivity. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q10 Q16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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