Exploring the Food Security Impacts of Irrigated Agricultural Development in Di, Burkina Faso

Abstract: This research investigates the effects of irrigated agricultural perimeters on household food security in the commune of Di, Burkina Faso. Employing the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach, the analysis contrasts outcomes between 465 households with access to irrigation and 615 households dependent on rainfed agriculture. The findings indicate that irrigating households exhibit significantly higher food consumption scores – by an average of 16 points – as well as greater dietary diversity. Access to agricultural credit and participation in cooperatives emerge as strong predictors of irrigation adoption. These results highlight the strategic importance of irrigation in improving food security, both in terms of quantity and nutritional quality, and point to the need for increased investment in hydro-agricultural infrastructure and sustainable water resource management. Within the Sahelian context, this study adds to the literature by demonstrating how irrigation contributes not only to food availability but also to the diversification of diets.

Keywords: Food Security, Irrigation, Rainfed Agriculture, Households, Perimeters, Average Treatment Effect

JEL Classification Number: O13, Q12, Q15, Q18