Dynamic of agricultural productivity growth in Togo: effects of trade, inflation and socio-economic conditions of farm households

Abstract

This article is an attempt to answer the following fundamental research question: what are the determinants of agricultural productivity growth in Togo? Using a vector error correction model, the estimates led to results showing that trade and inflation are a significant long-term determinant of TFP growth. The socio-economic conditions of households also contribute positively in the long run to TFP growth. However, its contribution is not significant. Similarly, in the short run, trade and inflation positively affect TFP growth. Policies to promote trade development and keep inflation at a reasonable rate are necessary to improve total agricultural input productivity growth in Togo. To limit the negative effect of rainfall on agricultural TFP growth in Togo, it is essential to invest massively in agricultural irrigation equipments. Finally, improving the socio-economic conditions of farm households is also an asset for improving the growth of agricultural TFP in Togo