Analysis of the determinants of fertilizer use decision by farmers in Senegal using a logit model

Abstract

In Sub Saharan Africa, agriculture plays a central role against hunger and in poverty alleviation. However, it has been noted that agricultural productivity in this area is one of the lowest in the world. One of the reasons of this fact is a decrease of soils fertility due to a lack of nutrients in the soils. To reverse this trend, a solution would be using improved agricultural technologies, like fertilizer. This article aims at determining factors influencing farmers to use fertilizer in Senegal. Data have been collected in five agro ecological zones namely Peanut Basin, Casamance, Niayes, Eastern Senegal and Senegal River Valley. The study sampled 734 household heads for the analysis. For this purpose, a logit model has been estimated through the Maximum Likelihood procedure. Results revealed that household size, gender, relation with extension and research services, farmer organization membership, perception of the cultural practices impact on the land regeneration, connection with Agri-inputs suppliers, cropping cereals and vegetables were statistically significant. The policy implications for a better use of fertilizer are: (i) strengthening extension services capacities in terms of logistics and human resources; (ii) sensitizing farmers to join farmers’ organizations; (iii) strengthening farmers’ capacities in specific themes like good agricultural practices; (iv) putting in place proximity selling points to facilitate fertilizer access to farmers living in isolated areas.

Keywords

• engrais
• productivité agricole
• logit
• maximum de vraisemblance