A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions
Irrigated durum wheat is a staple food crop that occupies important areas in Tunisia. However, its performance remains weak, with an average national yield of no more than 3.6 tons ha<sup>−1</sup> and low profitability. Overall, on-farm wheat production will need to increase considerably...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-04-01
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| Series: | Agriculture |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/5/618 |
| _version_ | 1797502387502448640 |
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| author | Houda Mazhoud Fraj Chemak Hatem Belhouchette Roza Chenoune |
| author_facet | Houda Mazhoud Fraj Chemak Hatem Belhouchette Roza Chenoune |
| author_sort | Houda Mazhoud |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Irrigated durum wheat is a staple food crop that occupies important areas in Tunisia. However, its performance remains weak, with an average national yield of no more than 3.6 tons ha<sup>−1</sup> and low profitability. Overall, on-farm wheat production will need to increase considerably to meet future demand and ensure minimum profitability for farmers. To this end, this study aims to identify the main levers for improving durum wheat crop performance. For this purpose, we have developed a regional bio-economic model by linking a biophysical model (CROPSYST) with an economic optimization model (MORBIT). CROPSYST was used to establish a database with a view to determining the relationships between farming practices, durum wheat yields, and water productivity within a context of high climate variability. The database was then integrated into a MORBIT model that analyzed the effects of farming practices on durum wheat performance and regional profits. Three scenarios related to irrigation control and the increase in durum wheat prices were developed. The results showed that reconciling irrigation practices with economic policies is the best alternative to improve durum wheat performance and increase profits at a regional level. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T03:32:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7974722b546441728933a0dd88093720 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-0472 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T03:32:23Z |
| publishDate | 2022-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Agriculture |
| spelling | doaj.art-7974722b546441728933a0dd880937202023-11-23T09:39:05ZengMDPI AGAgriculture2077-04722022-04-0112561810.3390/agriculture12050618A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean ConditionsHouda Mazhoud0Fraj Chemak1Hatem Belhouchette2Roza Chenoune3Rural Economy Laboratory (LR16INRAT07), National Institute for Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, 1004 El Menzah 1, Tunis 1001, TunisiaRural Economy Laboratory (LR16INRAT07), National Institute for Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, 1004 El Menzah 1, Tunis 1001, TunisiaCIHEAM-IAMM, UMR ABSys, 34093 Montpellier, FranceCIHEAM-IAMM, University of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, FranceIrrigated durum wheat is a staple food crop that occupies important areas in Tunisia. However, its performance remains weak, with an average national yield of no more than 3.6 tons ha<sup>−1</sup> and low profitability. Overall, on-farm wheat production will need to increase considerably to meet future demand and ensure minimum profitability for farmers. To this end, this study aims to identify the main levers for improving durum wheat crop performance. For this purpose, we have developed a regional bio-economic model by linking a biophysical model (CROPSYST) with an economic optimization model (MORBIT). CROPSYST was used to establish a database with a view to determining the relationships between farming practices, durum wheat yields, and water productivity within a context of high climate variability. The database was then integrated into a MORBIT model that analyzed the effects of farming practices on durum wheat performance and regional profits. Three scenarios related to irrigation control and the increase in durum wheat prices were developed. The results showed that reconciling irrigation practices with economic policies is the best alternative to improve durum wheat performance and increase profits at a regional level.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/5/618durum wheatprofitperformancebio-economic modelTunisia |
| spellingShingle | Houda Mazhoud Fraj Chemak Hatem Belhouchette Roza Chenoune A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions Agriculture durum wheat profit performance bio-economic model Tunisia |
| title | A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions |
| title_full | A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions |
| title_fullStr | A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions |
| title_short | A Bio-Economic Model for Improving Irrigated Durum Wheat Performance and Regional Profits under Mediterranean Conditions |
| title_sort | bio economic model for improving irrigated durum wheat performance and regional profits under mediterranean conditions |
| topic | durum wheat profit performance bio-economic model Tunisia |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/5/618 |
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