Irrigation and poverty: The case of the Office du Niger in MaliSurveys were carried out in 2004 in the Office du Niger in Mali, to assess the contribution of irrigation schemes to poverty reduction. Results show that the situation is better in the Office du Niger than in any of the other rural areas in Mali, including the Ségou region. The investments in irrigation schemes have contributed to strong agricultural growth and a reduction in poverty amongst smallholder farmers. However, this positive effect is eroding because of the deterioration of production conditions, and a reduction in average size of fields due to a combination of population growth and a decrease in the area allocated to smallholders. New attributions are being granted to the private sector.

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A bio-economic model of Striga control is developed and applied to Mali's Mourdiah Zone. Various constraints are added, and optimal production practices identified based on Striga infestation levels, rainfall levels, and economic parameters. Model optimization suggests efforts to suppress Striga with nitrogen applications are both expensive and risky. The efficacy of hand-pulling Striga in reducing the Striga seedbank depends on Striga infestation levels and climatic conditions, as does the profitability of hiring labour to expand cultivated acreage. Under all climatic conditions and infestation levels considered, millet in a pure stand generated greater expected net returns than a milletgroundnut or millet -cowpea association. Under conditions of low rainfall, the model suggests planting millet at a density of 0.5 hills m 72 . With average or higher rainfall, the model suggests planting millet at a density of 3.5 hills m 72 . Estimates of Striga-induced net revenue losses also vary with climatic conditions, ranging from 6% to 85%. Model results are encouraged to be used as a guide in the design and evaluation of research and extension programmes aimed at identifying long-run Striga control strategies and promoting their adoption.

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