Understanding the effects of migrant remittances on agricultural production in West African countries

This research aims to explore the effects of migrants' remittances on agricultural production in West African countries. Particular attention is given to the interactive effect of these remittances and farm-related characteristics such as the area of farmland farmed, agricultural labor force and temperature variation. The study sample is composed of six countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and covering the period 1993-2020. The panel corrected standard error (PCSE) and weighted least squares indicate that the effect of migrant remittances on agricultural production in WAEMU countries depends on the area of agricultural land exploited and the variation in temperature. The results suggest the interest for WAEMU countries to develop internal means of financing adapted to the needs of large farms and to support the diversification of non-agricultural rural activities.