Assessment of the adoption potential of different No-Till Seeders for small-holder farmers in rainfed drylands of Morocco

Abstract

Conservation agriculture is still an emerging technology in Morocco and until now it is limited to less than 1% of cereal-based system lands of the country. Custom hiring is very useful method of having access to agricultural machinery, especially by small and medium-sized farms. This study aimed to calculate the true economic cost of direct seeding for a service provider using different types of direct seeders available in the country. These calculations will help to determine the reasonable hiring cost of direct seeders in Morocco. Financial analysis of reconvention to direct seeding services shows that the investment in Moroccan seeder is the more profitable option for service providers and guaranties a reasonable hiring cost per hectare (24.7US$ equivalent to 210MAD) for small holders.