Optimizing the cropping mix in North Darfur State, Sudan: A study of Umkdada district

Abstract

This study shed light on the constraints of increasing farm-income in the traditional rain-fed sector of North Darfur State (NDS) through investigating the situation of crop production in Umkdada district. Linear programming (LP) technique was used to test optimality pattern. The results revealed that the optimal cropping pattern is different from the current farmers’ production plans. In reality farmers are not producing optimally. Family labor represented the main constraint of agricultural production in the study area. Application of recommended technologies, increasing output prices and lowering the production costs gave high support to the farm-income in the study area. In order to achieve agricultural development and farmers’ food security in the study area, the study recommended supplying farmers with agricultural inputs especially seeds through repayment in kind after harvesting and supporting agricultural extension to be more efficient and effective in transferring the recommended improved technologies. Resolution of Darfur security problems in addition to solution of other problems facing agricultural production such as pests, marketing, desertification, drinking water, and grazing are also essential.