Liberalization and devaluation of the CFA Franc: renewing the 'irrigated rice' subsector in the Mali Office du Niger.

摘要

This paper analyses the changes in the structure, conduct and performance of the rice subsector in the irrigated system of the Mali Office of Niger (ON) following policy reforms. The data were obtained on the farm surveys conducted in 1994-96 in thedifferent zones, distinguished primarily by the degree of restoration of irrigation infrastructure. The impact on these changes (cultural practices, prices and market competitiveness, and rice processing) has increased the farmer's income despite of therise in the costs of production. Some options for the future have been identified: productivity gains with better fertilization practices; input market improvements and credit schemes; analysis of national and regional market opportunities for rice anddiversification crops grown during the dry season; and increase farmer participation in paying for the costs of the irrigation infrastucture.