A.A. Adesina

Bio: A.A. Adesina is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Multivariate probit model & Probit model. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 148 citations.

Productivity Growth, Technical Progress and Efficiency Change in African Agriculture

Abstract: The paper examines the economic performance of a large number of African countries using an international comparable data set and the latest technique for analysis. The paper focuses on growth in total factor productivity and its decomposition into technical change and efficiency change components. The analysis is undertaken using the data envelopment analysis (DEA). The present study uses data of 16 countries over the period 1970–2001. It was found that, globally, during that period, total factor productivity has experienced a positive evolution in sampled countries. This good performance of the agricultural sector was due to good progress in technical efficiency rather than technical progress. The region suffered a regression in productivity in the 1970s, and made some progress during the 1980s and 1990s. The study also highlights the fact that technical change has been the main constraint of achievement of high levels of total factor productivity during the reference period in sub-Saharan Africa. Contrariwise, in Maghreb countries, technological change has been the main driving force of productivity growth. Finally, the results indicate that institutional factors as well as agro-ecological factors are important determinants of agricultural productivity growth.

Factors affecting farmers' decisions on fertilizer use: A case study for the Chaobai watershed in Northern China

Abstract: The Chaobai watershed in northern China is the most important source of drinking water for Beijing. The level of fertilizer use, especially overuse, as well as farming practices in the region have a great impact on the water quality downstream and affect an enormous number of people. This study analyzes the factors influencing the farmers’ decisions on fertilizer use and the implications for water quality. The analysis is based on a survey of 349 farm households. It takes into consideration both farm and farmer specific characteristics and farmers’ subjective evaluations of factors shaping their decisions. Regression models are used to examine the determinants of fertilizer use intensity across farm households and to investigate the factors influencing the overuse of nitrogen. The results suggest that many of these subjective factors have great significance in determining famers’ decisions. The results also show that irrigation, gains in crop yield and higher earning goals are positively correlated with fertilizer use intensity, while farm size, manure application, soil fertility and the distance to fertilizer markets are negatively correlated. Investigation of the overuse problem shows that higher education level significantly reduces the probability of over-fertilization. Based on these findings a few policy relevant implications are discussed.