Impact of Adoption of Improved Pearl Millet Varieties on Productivity in Central Senegal

Abstract

Agricultural innovations are important for increasing productivity and revenues of rural households. Investments are made in agricultural research to generate improved varieties as well as new techniques in main crops. Our paper uses plot and household level data of pearl millet producers to assess impact of adoption of improved pearl millet varieties on productivity. Pearl millet is the most cultivated staple crop in the country and is the main component in rural as well as urban households' diet The paper uses propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression analysis to control observed as well as unobserved heterogeneity. Results show that adoption of improved pearl millet varieties has a positive impact on yields. They also show a negative selection in adoption, meaning that least productive producers are using improved varieties. Overall, results indicate that in order to achieve food security, investments are needed to increase adoption and promote good practices in using improved pearl millet varieties.