Assessment of the effect of production systems for new maize varieties (Zea mays L.) on the income of farming households in northern Benin

Résumé

Maize plays a key role in ensuring food security and creating wealth, particularly for rural populations in northern Benin. However, productivity for this crop remains low. Therefore, it is essential to adopt new maize varieties to improve yields and meet the region’s growing food requirements. This study aims to evaluate the effect of new maize varieties on the income of farming households in Borgou. The study is based on a random sample of 300 producers selected in northern Benin. The multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) method was used to characterise the production systems for the new maize varieties. In addition, profitability was assessed using several economic indicators, including net margin, average labour productivity, internal rate of return and the benefit-to-cost ratio. Three production systems for new maize varieties were identified: the four-month variety production system (System 1), the three-month variety production system (System 2) and the two-month variety production system (System 3). Of these, the production system for three-month varieties is superior in terms of economic profitability compared to the production systems for four- and two-month varieties. These results suggest the need to focus research and development efforts on improving three-month maize varieties, with the aim of optimising food security and the economic well-being of farmers in northern Benin. This article proposes an empirical typology of production systems based on new maize varieties (two-, three- and four-month varieties), thereby moving beyond traditional approaches that generally focus solely on yields or cultivation practices. This classification highlights distinct production strategies depending on the variety’s growth cycle. The study makes a major contribution by showing that economic profitability is not necessarily correlated with the length of the production cycle. Contrary to certain common assumptions, according to which short cycles are more profitable due to their speed, the results reveal that the system based on three-month varieties appears to be the most economically efficient, thus constituting a finding that is both original and potentially counter-intuitive.

Classification JEL : Q13

Paper type : Empirical Research