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Abstract
This article compares the growth-generating power of alternative agricultural development
strategies in Madagascar. Projections from a semi-input-output model and a recently
developed social accounting matrix suggest that both paddy and export crops stimulate
strong linkages with other sectors of the Malagasy economy. But since paddy output can be
increased at lower cost, investment in rehabilitating small irrigated rice perimeters generates
40% to 100% more GOP than a comparable investment in coffee production. Paddy also
generates greater employment and a more equitable income distribution.