A. Kergna, M. Smale, Amidou Assima, A. Diallo, E. Weltzien, F. Rattunde
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引用次数: 2
Abstract
Rural Malians depend on sorghum as a staple food. Despite long-term investment in sorghum
improvement, achieving major gains in sorghum yields has posed challenges. We assessed the
potential economic impact of the first Guinea-race sorghum hybrids developed and diffused using
participatory plant breeding with decentralised, farmer-based seed systems. We compared this
approach to formal plant breeding with a centralised, state-managed seed system – the sole approach
pursued in Mali prior to 2000. To incorporate risk, we augmented the economic surplus model by
applying Monte Carlo sampling to simulate distributions of model parameters. A census of sorghum
varieties in 58 villages of the Sudanese Savanna served as the adoption baseline. Our findings
indicate that research on sorghum hybrids with the new approach is a sound investment. Public and
private actors need to continue investing in innovative ways to expand the sorghum seed system. The
sensitivity of results to the price elasticity of supply suggests commercialisation opportunities.
期刊介绍:
The African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AfJARE)/Journal Africain d’Economie Agricole et des Ressources (JAEAR) is a publication of the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE). The journal publishes original research about how African agriculture interacts with local and global economic systems and policy regimes in its impacts upon people. The scope of the journal covers the roles of markets, technology, policy, institutions and the natural environment in shaping the lives of well being of Africans engaged in agricultural activities. The journal strives to nurture and enhance the capacity of African professionals to conduct and publish scientific research and provides a venue for communicating and disseminating their findings. Multi-disciplinary, problem-oriented articles are encouraged. Submissions may deal with teaching, research extension, consulting, advising, entrepreneurship and administration. The Chief Editors and Editorial Board, under the general direction of the AAAE President, Executive Committee and Council are charged with implementing Journal policy to serve members of AAAE. The main section of the journal publishes technical research articles while a small section is devoted to publishing brief notes with important policy content and book reviews. The journal is a quarterly publication.