Cropland allocation effects of agricultural input subsidies in Malawi.

Authors measure the impacts of Malawi’s Farm Input Subsidy Program on the cropland allocation decisions of farmers in Kasungu and Machinga districts in central and southern Malawi.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
1 January 2012
Country:
Malawi
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Climate and Environment
Authors:
Fisher, M., Chibwana, C., Shively, G.

Abstract

The authors measure the impacts of Malawi’s Farm Input Subsidy Program on the cropland allocation decisions of farmers in Kasungu and Machinga districts in central and southern Malawi. Using a two-step regression strategy to control for endogenous selection into the program, they find positive correlations between participation in the program and the amount of land planted with maize and tobacco. Furthermore, results suggest that participating households simplified crop production by allocating less land to other crops (e.g., groundnuts, soybeans, and dry beans). Their findings have implications for policies aimed at promoting both food self-sufficiency and crop diversification in low income settings.

Citation

Chibwana, C.; Fisher, M.; Shively, G. Cropland Allocation Effects of Agricultural Input Subsidies in Malawi. World Development (2012) 40 (1) 124-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.04.022]

Published 1 January 2012
Contents