ICARDA. Ex post Impact Assessment of Natural Resource Management Technologies in Crop–Livestock Systems in Dry Areas of Morocco and Tunisia

Abstract

Alley-cropping systems using fodder shrubs (Atriplex (sandbush) and cactus (Opuntia ficus indica)) have been introduced in the marginal lands of Morocco and Tunisia through a natural resource management project coordinated by ICARDA. This chapter assesses the impacts of the cactus and Atriplex alley-cropping technology on farmers' income, the poverty reduction effects in the communities that have adopted the technology, and the efficiency of the research and development investment by ICARDA and its collaborating national agricultural research systems. Results of benefit-cost analyses support the effectiveness and economic feasibility of research investments in the technology. The chapter concludes with some salient points for technology introduction in the dry lands of both countries and their implications for the WANA region.