Cost–Benefit Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Use in Sorghum Fodder (Abusabien) Productivity and economic returns in Soba Project

Abstract

This study evaluates the economic effects of socio-economic factors and organic, inorganic, and bio-fertilizers on the productivity and net returns of sorghum fodder (Sorghum bicolor) L., locally known as Abusabien in Soba area, Khartoum State, Sudan. Primary data were collected from 30 randomly selected farmers through telephone interviews, supplemented with experimental data from Soba Research Station. Descriptive statistics and partial budgeting analysis (PBA) were implemented. The PBA was used to evaluate the economic viability of using organic versus inorganic fertilizers in forage sorghum production. The socioeconomic results indicated that most farmers were married old (70% over 50 years old), married (80%) with large families exceeding 5 members per family (67%). About 77% of the farmers were educated while 23%were illiterate. Although, about 50% had secondary education and 10 % had university education, only 13% had training in modern farming. The partial budgeting results indicated that farmyard manure (FYM) achieved the highest gross returns (SDG 6,260,100/ha) with MRR% of (857%) outperforming other treatments including the addition of inorganic fertilizers. The study concludes that application of fertilizers; in particular FYM enhances both productivity and economic-returns. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening extension services, promoting farmer training, and encouraging sustainable fertilizer use.