IMPACT OF INORGANIC FERTILIZER AVAILABILITY ON LAND-USE AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE 5TH REGION OF MALI .1. METHODOLOGY AND BASIC DATA

An interactive multiple goal linear programming model has been develop ed for analysis of agricultural development options in a semiarid regi on in Mali. Natural and human resources have been quantified, constrai nts identified and the relations between agricultural activities descr ibed explicitly at both regional level and the level of agro-ecologica l zones. Animal husbandry and cropping system have been defined in a t arget-oriented way taking into account quantified aspects of sustainab ility. For crops this implies the requirement that the amounts of the macronutrients N, P and K in the rootable layer of the soil are safegu arded in the long run by nutrient applications. External inputs to rea lize predetermined target yields have been specified to compile quanti tative input-output tables. Goals and goal-variables to be optimized i n the model have been defined after consultations with various stakeho lders in the region. Goal restrictions have been established through t he interactive approach of the model.