The relationship between collective action and intensification of livestock production: The case of northeastern Burkina Faso

In this paper, we develop a simple game-theoretic model to explore the relationship between management of common pool resources used as an input in livestock production (common pastures) and the adoption of inputs associated with intensified per animal production (veterinary services, purchased fodder, feed concentrates, etc.). In particular, it is shown that better managed pastures lead to increased adoption of complimentary inputs but decrease adoption of substitute inputs. An empirical model is developed and applied to data collected in northeast Burkina Faso in 2000 and 2002. Results indicate that better managed pastures are indeed associated with greater adoption of complimentary inputs, but there is less evidence to suggest that better managed pastures lead to lower purchases of substitute goods (i.e. purchased fodder).