Rainfall variability adaptation strategies: An ex-ante assessment of supplemental irrigation from farm ponds in southern Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study assesses the economic value of supplemental irrigation as a rainfall variability adaptation strategy in a small catchment in south-western Burkina Faso. The bio-economic model built for the catchment maximises net cash income by optimally allocating land, labour, water and capital. Yields vary according to soil type, agricultural practice and the type of rainy season. We introduced farm ponds as an adaptation strategy – called supplemental irrigation – for grain crops during long dry spells in the rainy season. Simulation results show that supplemental irrigation can be cost effective and increase incomes, particularly during years with poor rainfall. However, in this catchment, gains from supplemental irrigation are limited because labour and capital are constraints on pond implementation.