Increasing productivity, Incomes, & markets (IPIM) for sorghum & millet producers in the sahel

 
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IPIM is a program directed by Dr. John Sanders​ of Purdue University's Department of Agricultural Economics and Co-Director Botorou Ouendeba to ease the strain of hunger in the Sahel. Africa's Sahel Region faces many c​hallenges, the first of which is an ongoing food crisis with risk of hunger a real concern. Learn more about how IPIM is working to improve agricultural technology and marketing practices of small farms. The objectives​ are to increase sorghum/millet crop yields, stabilize and increase prices with resulting higher incomes. ​

Map of the Sahel region

*Map & Population Estimates
  • Mali - 16.2 million
  • Burkina Faso - 18.2 million
  • The Sahel - 135 million

10 countries make up the Sahelian climatic zone region: Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sudan 

6 countries make up the Sahel Region of West Africa: Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.

*Map and Population estimates from: Population Reference Bureau.

Research Topics

Student Reflections:
"The sights, sounds, and tastes of Colombia were unforgettable, but collaborating and building relationships with others coming from completely different angles than me was what I am most thankful for." -Daron Wilson, Agricultural Economics
"This experience definitely contributed to my Purdue education. It made me realize how small the world really is, and that it is possible to work and get along with people of different cultures to produce fantastic results. I think if international education is promoted more, one day international relations between the countries of the world will be strengthened immensely.”   -Jacki K. Howard, Agricultural & Biological Engineering

"The interactive experience of visiting farms complemented the class well and is where I took away the most knowledge. I feel from this experience my Purdue education has taken a new turn and I can easily see myself becoming involved in more international programs and always trying to see things from an alternative perspective. I came away with a better understanding of food security and itnernational practices along with great memories and new friends!"

"The things I learned can't be taught in Class of 50 or Armstrong or Beering. I learned about different cultures and I experienced that you cannot judge a book by its cover."

In Mali, cotton was the successful driver of agricultural development in the 20 years after independence in 1960. In the 21st century, farmers' incomes have declined as cotton yield stagnated. Learn more about this matter by perusing the papers below.
 
By Jeanne Y. Coulibaly, John H. Sanders, Paul V. Preckel, Timothy G. Baker  

The Economic Impacts of Introducing Bt Technology in Smallholder Cotton Production Systems of West Africa: A Case Study from Mali

By Jeffrey Vitale, Tracey Boyer, Rafael Uaiene, John H. Sanders

Increasing incomes of Malian cotton farmers: Is elimination of US subsidies the only solution?

​By Felix G. Baquedano, John H. Sanders, Jeffrey Vitale​ 

John Sanders

John Sanders

Agricultural Economics
Professor, Retired, Primary research contact