Technology Packages for Small‐Scale Irrigation: What Do Growers Prefer? A Choice Experiment Application in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT

Small‐scale irrigation (SSI) technologies are essential for boosting agricultural production, reducing drought risks, and enhancing climate resilience in the Sahel. This study examines vegetable growers' preferences for irrigation technology packages in Kadiogo Province, Burkina Faso, using a discrete choice experiment conducted with 208 farmers in the communes of Komsilga and Tanghin‐Dassouri. Preferences and welfare effects were estimated through conditional logit and random parameter logit models. The results show strong and significant preferences for semi‐Californian irrigation systems (a gravity‐fed surface irrigation system combining canals and pipes), sprinkler systems, and motorized pumps, particularly solar‐powered pumps. These choices reflect farmers' priorities for ease of use, energy independence, and expected productivity gains. In contrast, drip irrigation systems, extension services, and subsidies are not significantly valued. Cost remains a major barrier, with a strong negative effect on adoption decisions. Estimated willingness‐to‐pay values suggest marked differences in preference intensity across technologies. However, the monetary levels exceed typical household liquidity, indicating that they should be interpreted as measures of relative preference rather than actual purchasing capacity. Substantial preference heterogeneity points to diverse adoption pathways among farmers. Overall, the findings highlight the need to better align irrigation development strategies with farmers' technological priorities while easing financial constraints through adapted credit schemes, collective investments, and improved supply chains.