Publication: Does Agricultural Intensification Pay?
Date
2023-04-17
ISSN
Published
2023-04-17
Author(s)
Aihounton, Ghislain
Christiaensen, Luc
Abstract
Modern inputs and mechanization are
promoted across Africa to raise smallholder labor
productivity and broker the structural transformation. Yet,
adoption has remained low and the implications for returns
to labor and labor allocation remain poorly understood. This
paper explores the effects of different intensification
packages on farm performance, market orientation, and food
security using data from lowland rice farmers in Côte
d'Ivoire. Employing a multinomial treatment effect
model, the findings reveal that intensification increases
land and labor productivity, especially when agro-chemicals
and mechanized land preparation are combined. Returns to
labor double to triple, inducing specialization and greater
market orientation as well as greater food security, while
productively releasing agricultural labor for other
activities. Labor in agriculture becomes more waged. The
gender balance remains the same. Child labor input does not
decrease. The findings call for greater attention to labor
productivity and confirm that agricultural intensification
can pay, and enhance rural transformation.
Citation
“Aihounton, Ghislain; Christiaensen, Luc. 2023. Does Agricultural Intensification Pay?. Jobs Working Paper; Issue No. 73. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/39701 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”