Influence of the Types of Fertilizers on the Economic Performance of the Market Garden Production in Parakou Town, Northern Benin

Summary

Given the pronounced degradation in recent years, it appears imperative to develop production techniques promoting conservation/improvement of the structure and composition of the soil. This study aims to analyze the influence of the types of fertilizers on the economic performance of the market garden production in the town of Parakou. This study is specifically interested in the culture of carrot. To achieve this, a survey was conducted among sixty (60) farmers chosen randomly in this Municipality. The data collected were related to demographics and spending and revenue generation according to the types of fertilizers (chemical and biological). These data were collected on the basis of a questionnaire addressed to individually sampled producers. The information collected was analyzed using SPSS software v. 20. It follows that the carrot production is economically and financially profitable in the town of Parakou. Moreover, economic performance indicators calculated (net margin, average labor productivity, internal rate of return and the benefit/cost) indicate that organic fertilizers improve more the profitability of this production.