Impact of Certified Seed Adoption on Rice and Millet Yields in Senegal: A Propensity Score Matching Approach

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the relationship between the adoption of certified seeds and rice and millet yields in Senegal, using the propensity score matching (PSM) method with three types of matching methods (Nearest Neighbor [NN], Kernel, and Smoothing Matching). Two results are obtained. First, the logit model estimations indicate that efficient water and soil management, crop protection, and the use of manure and fertilizers are associated with farmers’ adoption of certified seeds. Second, farmers’ adoption of certified seeds is linked to higher rice yields. However, certified seed adoption does not appear to affect millet yields. However, for millet, the yields of farmers who adopted certified seeds are 70.8 kg/ha lower according to the NN method, although these differences are not statistically significant. These findings underscore the importance of targeted approaches to promote the adoption of certified seeds, taking into account the specific needs of farmers and their respective agricultural contexts. Public authorities should strengthen policies to promote certified rice seed, as well as awareness campaigns, technical training, and subsidies. They should also encourage water and soil management practices through investment in infrastructure and training. Ultimately, they should enhance credit systems to make them more efficient and attractive to farmers.