Structural adjustment programs and soil erosion : a bio-economic modelling approach for Northern Benin
Macroeconomic policies generally have a decisive influence on cropping pattern and intensity of farming. Policy adjustments often introduced under structural adjustment programs (SAP) also influence natural resource use and the environment. In West Africa, soil degradation is one of the most important problems of agriculture and soil erosion is the main cause of this phenomenon. However, there is a frustrating lack of empirical evidence showing what effects, policies have on the acreage, management of various crops, soil erosion and crop productivity. This paper uses a bio-economic model to assess the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) on soil erosion in the Northern Benin. The main conclusion is that the implementation of the SAP appears to have led to a more sustainable agriculture in this cotton producing region of Benin. However, this study has not quantified other sustainability indicators such as the soil nutrient or organic matter balance. But the results show that the reduction of soil loss was mainly due to an increased use of fertiliser, which may have had a positive effect on the soil nutrient balance also. The improved institutional framework under SAP certainly contributed to this positive effect.
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | monograph biblioteca |
Language: | eng |
Published: |
Universitaet Hohenheim
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Subjects: | U10 - Informatique, mathématiques et statistiques, E10 - Économie et politique agricoles, P36 - Érosion, conservation et récupération des sols, érosion, dévaluation, http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_2651, http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_2220, http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_875, |
Online Access: | http://agritrop.cirad.fr/391832/ |
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