Optimal Cropping Patterns for Profit Maximization Using a Linear Programming Model: A Case Study in Njawara Village, The Gambia.

Bojang Pa Ousman

Agriculturalists in dry regions are often confronted with the problem of how to choice the optimal cropping pattern that significantly contributes to profit maximization. The problem arises, when they are faced with the challenges of inadequate water to support plant growth. This study tries to formulate a Linear Programming model with the purpose to maximize the farmer’s net profit under a set of restrictions (plant area and water). Data such as Agricultural data as well as Meteorological data were prepared and included in the data analysis. The study area covers 130 hectares, situated in Njawara Village in Lower Baddibu District, North Bank Region (NBR) of the Gambia. The farm is cultivated by 5 main crops (Millet, Maize, Sorghum, Groundnut, and Cassava) which are irrigated by groundwater extracted from five tube wells. The LP model is then formulated, with the objective to maximize the net profit of cultivation whereby the net profit denotes the difference between gross incomes (selling price of the product on the market) minus cost (farm inputs). The Lindo package was applied to solve the LP model. The outcomes of the mathematical problem showed that, compared with the current status of cultivation, 187 percent annual increase of the financial benefits can be realized, when using the optimum cultivation pattern. From the results of the optimal cropping pattern, the water saved was calculated to determine the amount of water that can be saved per year, the results concluded that about 50% of water can be saved, which could be further economically utilized.

Keywords: Linear Programming, Optimum cultivation pattern, Net profit, Water consumption