Whole - farm modeling for assessment of dryland technology

Two current methods of agricultural technology assessment, the technical efficiency and partial budgeting methods, are reviewed and the case for whole-farm modeling is presented, along with a discussion of the comparative value of whole-farm modeling methods. Of the latter, mathematical programming models, especially those that account for risk, are advocated by the authors, although they note that in the absence of suitable computer facilities, budgeting methods can be used. Implementation of a mathematical programming approach to whole-farm modeling requires the construction of a suitable model incorporating a relevant objective function, appropriate activities, and constraints on these activities. The assessment technologies using this approach can provide information useful in agricultural research, extension, and policymaking. (Author abstract, modified)