Acquisition and use of agricultural inputs in the context of Senegal"s new agricultural policy : the implications of farmers" attitudes and input purchasing behavior for the design of agricultural policy and research programs

The research was conducted between 4/84 and 4/86. A description of farmers" acquisition and use of agricultural inputs during the period 1981-85 is presented. Constraints are related to a lack of purchasing power, farmers" attitudes, and a poor distribution system. These issues are examined and the implications of these constraints for agricultural policy, extension, and research programs are discussed. The informal private sector operating in weekly markets was found to respond better to farmers" input needs than the "officially sanctioned" private sector; better coordination between these two distinct levels of private sector operators is recommended. A number of suggestions are made for collection of micro-level data which are deemed essential to the development of input price policies along with estimates of effective demand for various types of inputs. (Author abstract, from PN-ABQ-372)