Choosing Optimum Application Rates in Developing Countries

Abstract

The introduction of new varieties or of new cultivation techniques should be preceded by thorough agronomic research and economic analysis. This preparation is particularly necessary in developing countries, where peasants are rightfully conservative. Because they often barely manage with the food they produce, they are little inclined to take risks. They may try new varieties or techniques if they do not involve much capital outlay, but they will quickly abandon the innovations if they appear no better than the older techniques or varieties. A rational approach to agricultural intensification in developing countries should start with precise characterization of plant performance not only in experimental plots but also in the peasants' fields. Once enough experimental data become available, these should be translated into continuous response functions, which are more convenient for analysis (Heady and Dillon). These production functions help establish optimum levels of application rates for various such inputs as seed density, manure fertilizer, and pesticide rates. Because of the variability of plant response, these optima should be defined with confidence limits, to permit evaluation of risks to the farmers. Ideally, these levels can be estimated for individual farmers according to their personal preferences and attitudes toward risk (Dillon; Anderson, Dillon, Hardaker). Dillon and Scandizzo