Economic effects of digestate and compost soil amendments on farmers’ income in Burkina Faso: A mathematical programming approach

Abstract

This study compares the benefits of using digestate and compost in Burkina Faso. A mathematical programming model was used to simulate the advantages under three scenarios. The baseline scenario reflected the typical situation of farmers, followed by the introduction of digestate and compost as soil amendments. The model applied these to improve poor soils and recover fallow land. As a result, the production of maize, cotton, rice, millet and sorghum increased, while groundnut cultivation and fallow land decreased. Gains were most notable with digestate. During poor cropping seasons, income rose by 238% with digestate and by 132% with compost. During good seasons, income increased by 164% and 98%, respectively. The use of digestate and compost helped reduce poverty and promote food security, although credit and labour constraints remain important considerations.