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KNOWLEDGE FOR POLICY

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

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Publication | 2024

Hidden costs of potato and rice production: Insights from a survey-based true cost accounting analysis in Bhutan, Burkina Faso and Malawi

The article examines the adoption of agroecological practices among vegetable farmers in Botswana and their impact on farm performance. Although these sustainable practices have potential, their use among farmers is limited, and little is known about their effects on farms. The study used the multivariate probit model to analyze the relationships between agroecological practices like mulching, cover cropping, afforestation, and minimum tillage, as well as the factors influencing their adoption. The analysis showed that these practices are complementary, meaning adopting one is often dependent on another. The study also employed the direct two-stage least squares (2SLS) method to remove any bias from self-selection.

The results revealed that adopting agroecological practices significantly improved farmers' net revenue and crop yields. It also indicated that non-adopters would have benefited had they implemented these practices. These findings are crucial for stakeholders and highlight the need to encourage agroecological practices to enhance farm performance and improve farmers' livelihoods.