Abstract
The Ivorian economy is based on agriculture which constitutes by far the main cause of deforestation through its shifting characteristic. This situation threatens the ecological equilibrium on which depends in turn agricultural productivity. This paper investigates the determinants for optimal conversion of forest land to agriculture. To this end, we firstly established the optimal rule of forest land allocation to agriculture based on a rigorous forest land use modelling using optimal control techniques. Secondly, we evaluate the effects of the variables highlighted by the theoretical model through an econometric model in the form of error correction model. The study shows that the opportunity cost of forest land and the marginal cost of agricultural exploitation preserve the forest by limiting forest land conversion to agriculture. However, a technological progress in agricultural sector amplifies land conversion process. Finally, we found that there is a minimum level of agricultural yield (967.1 kg/ha) required to reduce forest land conversion. Thus, the paper recommends the development of off farm activities, an increase in agricultural yield and the adoption of labour intensive technologies in order to ensure a sustainable economic growth.
Highlights
The economy of Côte d'Ivoire is based on agriculture
The results revealed that long run equilibrium relationships exist between agricultural surface, rounwood export, agricultural value added, cereal yield, agricultural wage rate, and the number of agricultural machine
2013, Vol 1, No 2 the optimal rule of forest land allocation to agriculture based on a rigorous forest land use modelling by using optimal control techniques
Summary
The economy of Côte d'Ivoire is based on agriculture. This sector represented in average about 30% of its GDP from 2000 to 2010, 75% of non-oil export revenues and employed 46% of2013, Vol 1, No 2 working population (Ministry of Planning and Development, 2012). The fall in the international price of the exports products in 1980, the low agricultural yields compared to those of 1960, and the demographic pressure led to the abusive extension of agricultural surfaces to the detriment of forest cover as mentioned in other country case studies (Barbier and Burgess, 2001; Barbier, 2004; Von Braun, 2007; Shandra et al, 2008). This situation is partly explained by the practice of shifting agriculture and fallow systems by farmers. West and Western South regions of the country had the highest rates of infiltration which was approximately 24% and 44% respectively (Sodefor, 1994)
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