An approach for assessing whether agricultural projects help smallholders transition to better livelihood strategies: A Malawian case study
Timu, Anne G.; Hazell, Peter; Savastano, Sara. 2024
Food Policy
Timu, Anne G.; Hazell, Peter; Savastano, Sara. 2024
Food Policy
Abstract | View
Agricultural projects typically aim to promote the uptake of project components amongst targeted small farm populations to improve their farm productivity and welfare. While this approach can be an important first step towards improving smallholder livelihoods, it ignores alternative and often superior livelihood options that might arise within the rural transformation process, particularly in commercial agriculture and the rural nonfarm economy. We argue that the design of smallholder projects implemented within regions already undergoing a dynamic transformation and/or projects which have significant value chain components, should be broadened to assist smallholders in making successful transitions to their best livelihood options. For such projects, monitoring and evaluation activities should track livelihood transitions as well as the usual assessments of productivity and welfare outcomes. To help operationalize such an approach, we propose a typology of smallholder livelihood strategies that can track transitions over time and illustrate its use with data from the Sustainable Agricultural Production Program (SAPP), an agricultural value chain project in Malawi. Using available household panel data and quasi-experimental econometric approaches, we find that the project helped smallholders transition out of subsistence farming to market-oriented farming and helped already existing market-oriented farmers remain as such. Even though the project did not have any specific components designed to promote off-farm incomes, nevertheless, it facilitated many farm household transitions to off-farm diversified livelihoods, possibly due to spillover benefits generated within the local nonfarm economy. All SAPP facilitated transitions led to increases in household incomes. We conclude with some lessons for designing, monitoring, and the evaluation of future agricultural projects.
Revisiting development strategy under climate uncertainty: case study of Malawi
Mukashov, Askar; Thomas, Timothy; Thurlow, James. 2024
Climatic Change
Mukashov, Askar; Thomas, Timothy; Thurlow, James. 2024
Climatic Change
Abstract | View
This paper analyzes the effectiveness of agriculture-led versus non-agriculture-led development strategies under climate-induced economic uncertainty. Utilizing Malawi as a case study, we introduce the application of Stochastic Dominance (SD) analysis, a tool from decision analysis theory, and compare the two strategies in the context of weather/climate-associated economic uncertainty. Our findings suggest that an agriculture-led development strategy consistently surpasses its non-agriculture-led antagonist in poverty and undernourishment outcomes across almost all possible weather/climate scenarios. This underscores that, despite increasing exposure of the entire economy to weather/climate uncertainty, agriculture-led development remains the optimal strategy for Malawi to reduce poverty and undernourishment. The study also endorses the broader use of SD analysis in policy planning studies, promoting its potential to integrate risk and uncertainty into policymaking.
The importance and determinants of purchases in rural food consumption in Africa: implications for food security strategies
Dzanku, F.M.; Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda Lenis Onipede; Reardon, Thomas. 2024
Dzanku, F.M.; Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda Lenis Onipede; Reardon, Thomas. 2024
Abstract | View
We analyze rural households’ purchases of food (cereals and non-cereals) in Sub-Saharan Africa using nationally representative data with 65,000 observations covering 7 countries over a decade. We distinguish between three strata of countries: lower stratum in income and urbanization, middle stratum, and upper stratum. The paper breaks ground by the breadth and time length of the sample. We find that purchases form the majority of rural food consumption whether in favorable or unfavorable agroecological zones and over country and income strata and for most food products. Rural nonfarm employment (as a cash source) plays an important role in household food purchases across all study countries and food products. Policy implications include the importance of food purchase markets and supply chains to and in rural areas as well as nonfarm employment.
The effects of household income composition on food consumption in Malawi
Benfica, Rui M. S.. 2023
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development
23(8)
Benfica, Rui M. S.. 2023
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development
23(8)
DOI : 10.18697/ajfand.123.23745
Abstract | View
This analysis uses panel data methods to assess how food consumption and dietary diversity are affected by changes in household income composition, diversity, and liquidity in rural Malawi. Fixed-effects model estimates reveal several results. First, food consumption and dietary diversity increase with overall income, but at a decreasing rate. Second, while no relationship is found between changes in income per capita of different sources (composition effects), and food consumption per capita, there is a differentiated impact on calorie intake changes and dietary diversity outcomes. Third, overall, there is no statistically significant effect of income diversity on changes in food consumption, but a positive association is found with dietary diversity. As such, income diversity driven by crop diversification leads to greater consumption of calories from roots, pulses, and fruits; and a drop in balanced diets, while income diversification away from agriculture yields greater dietary diversity. Finally, household liquidity, incentivized by off-farm diversification through wage labor market participation and selfemployment, promotes dietary diversity via higher consumption of calories from non-staple foods, notably those dependent on market acquisitions, such as animalbased proteins, vegetables, and fruits. These results are corroborated with those from the Seemingly Unrelated Regression Model. There are several policy and programmatic implications. First, income composition, diversity and liquidity are important dimensions to consider when focusing beyond household food security. Second, efforts to promote and sustain income growth are critical for food consumption growth and dietary diversity but increases in income alone are not enough. Policies and investments that ensure a diversified portfolio of economic activities are likely to result in better consumption and dietary diversity outcomes. Promoting crop diversification at the farm level coupled with nutrition sensitive programming, including extension and crop support programs is critical to increase and sustain consumption and better dietary quality. Third, as balanced diets in the Malawian context require a combination of staple foods sourced through crop and livestock home production, including goats, poultry and small domestically raised animals and protein-rich foods typically purchased in the market, as well as a degree of liquidity achieved through increased generation of cash income. Finally, programmatic efforts are needed to reduce gender gaps in access to resources, strengthening nutrition education more broadly, and ensure availability of balanced diets in school feeding programs potentially linked through local procurement.
Nonclassical measurement error and farmers’ response to information treatment
Abay, Kibrom A.; Barrett, Christopher B.; Kilic, Talip; Moylan, Heather; Ilukor, John; Vundru, Wilbert Drazi . 2023
Journal of Development Economics
164(September 2023)
Abay, Kibrom A.; Barrett, Christopher B.; Kilic, Talip; Moylan, Heather; Ilukor, John; Vundru, Wilbert Drazi . 2023
Journal of Development Economics
164(September 2023)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2023.103136
Abstract | View
This paper reports on a randomized experiment conducted among Malawian agricultural households to study nonclassical measurement error (NCME) in self-reported plot area, and farmers' responses to new information — the objective plot area measure — subsequently provided to them. Farmers' pre-treatment self-reported plot areas exhibit considerable NCME. Most of the measurement error follows a regression-to-mean pattern with respect to plot area, and another 18 percent arises from asymmetric rounding to half acre increments. Randomized provision of GPS-based measures of true plot area generates four important findings. First, most treated farmers’ self-reports exhibit no reduction in NCME after the provision of true plot area measures. Second, farmers update asymmetrically in response to information, with upward corrections being far more common than downward ones even though most plot sizes were initially overestimated. Third, the magnitude of updating varies by true plot area, as well as the magnitude and direction of initial NCME. Fourth, the information treatment affects self-reported information about non-land inputs such as fertilizer and labor, indicating that the effects of measurement error and updating spillover across variables. NCME clearly carries implications for survey data collection methods, econometric inference, and the design of information-based interventions. It might also reflect behavioral anomalies that may matter for farm management practices, input allocation, agricultural productivity, and the design of effective interventions.
Women's empowerment, production choices, and crop diversity in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
Lancet Planetary Health
7(7)
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
Lancet Planetary Health
7(7)
DOI : 10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00125-0
Abstract | View
Background: Bolstering farm-level crop diversity is one strategy to strengthen food system resilience and achieve global food security. Women who live in rural areas play an essential role in food production; therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Targeting hunger or votes? The political economy of humanitarian transfers in Malawi
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. 2023
World Development
165(May 2023)
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. 2023
World Development
165(May 2023)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106179
Abstract | View
Do electoral considerations play a role in the targeting of humanitarian transfers? We analyze the targeting of direct cash and food transfers distributed in Malawi in response to an exceptionally poor harvest following a late and erratic rainy season of 2015/16. Combining household survey data on transfers with a remotely sensed measure of drought and with the results of the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections, we show that transfers were disproportionately targeted at marginal constituencies. Rather than distributing the transfers based solely on need or mobilizing its tribal base, the government attempted to persuade swing voters to support its candidates in the next elections. We find no evidence that this strategy was successful at increasing the vote of ruling party candidates in subsequent elections.
The burdens of participation: A mixed-methods study of the effects of a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program on women’s time use in Malawi
Margolies, Amy; Colantuoni, Elizabeth; Morgan, Rosemary; Gelli, Aulo; Caulfield, Laura E.. 2023
World Development
163(March 2023)
Margolies, Amy; Colantuoni, Elizabeth; Morgan, Rosemary; Gelli, Aulo; Caulfield, Laura E.. 2023
World Development
163(March 2023)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106122
Abstract | View
Development programs often rely on women’s participation. However, there is little evidence of whether development programs that engage women’s unpaid labor – particularly in care work – add to their time burdens. We tested this hypothesis on a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program delivered through community-based preschools in Malawi. The mixed-methods study was conducted over one year using data from 1,168 female caregivers from a cluster-randomized control trial. A longitudinal binomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the proportion of time spent caregiving in a 24-hour period (expressed as minutes) at baseline and then separately for each treatment group at 6-months and 1-year post-randomization. In addition, two rounds of 38 qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 76) were conducted with women, men and adolescent girls to explore their perceptions of program activities, time use and gender attitudes. We found that the program quantitatively increased daily caregiving time for participating women by approximately 30 min. However, this effect occurred only during the lean season when preschool scale-up investments increased. Qualitatively, program-related tasks were not considered burdensome. Moreover, participants saw contributions as important investments in their children’s development. These findings add to limited evidence of the impacts of nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs and early childhood interventions on women’s time use. Measuring women’s participation through mixed-method evaluations can aid interpretation to avoid harm and to better understand the tradeoffs of women’s time.
Measuring women's empowerment: Gender and time-use agency in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria
Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Myers, Emily; Seymour, Greg; Sinharoy, Sheela; Yount, Kathryn. 2022
Development and Change
53(5)
Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Myers, Emily; Seymour, Greg; Sinharoy, Sheela; Yount, Kathryn. 2022
Development and Change
53(5)
DOI : 10.1111/dech.12725
Abstract | View
Time use, or how women and men allocate their time, is an important element of empowerment processes. To extend this area of study, this article proposes and explores the concept of time-use agency, which shifts the focus from the amount of time individuals spend on activities to the strategic choices they make about how to allocate their time. It draws on 92 semi-structured interviews from three qualitative studies in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria to explore and compare the salience of time-use agency as a component of empowerment. The article finds that time-use agency is salient among women and men and dictates how they can make and act upon strategic decisions related to how they allocate their time. It also finds that time-use agency is tied to other dimensions of agency beyond decision making and ways of exerting influence in the household. Its findings highlight that women's capacity to exercise time-use agency is conditional on gendered power dynamics and other barriers within households, which together are reciprocally related to local gender norms that dictate how women should spend their time.
Influence of agricultural extension services on technical efficiency of maize farmers in Malawi
Jolex, Aubrey. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
17(1)
Jolex, Aubrey. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
17(1)
DOI : 10.53936/afjare.2022.17(1).6
Abstract | View
Recognising potential selection bias due to non-randomness of the data, this study used propensity score matching on data from a nationally representative fifth Integrated Household Survey (IHS5) to investigate the effect of agriculture extension services on the technical efficiency of maize farmers in Malawi. Technical efficiency levels were estimated using the stochastic frontier model. The results show that most farmers are technically efficient, with an average technical efficiency of 63%. This indicates that there is still a possibility to increase maize output by 37% using the same level of inputs. The results of the propensity score matching reveal that having access to agricultural extension services significantly increases maize farmers’ technical efficiency, by about 4%. This evidence presents an opportunity not only for farmers, but also for the relevant policymakers, to realise the potential of using agricultural extension services to enhance the production capacity of maize farmers.
Role of interactive radio programming in advancing women’s and youth’s empowerment and dietary diversity: Mixed method evidence from Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2022
Food Security
14 (2022)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2022
Food Security
14 (2022)
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-022-01284-x
Plant different, eat different? Insights from participatory agricultural research
Azzarri, Carlo; Haile, Beliyou; Letta, Marco. 2022
PLoS ONE
17(3)
Azzarri, Carlo; Haile, Beliyou; Letta, Marco. 2022
PLoS ONE
17(3)
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0265947
Abstract | View
We examine the association between on-farm production diversity on household dietary diversity in Malawi using microdata collected as part of an environmentally sustainable agricultural intensification program. The program primarily focuses on the integration of legumes into the cropping system through maize-legume intercropping and legume-legume intercropping. Relative to staple cereals such as maize, legumes are rich in micronutrients, contain better-quality protein, and lead to nitrogen fixation. Given the systematic difference we document between program beneficiaries and randomly sampled non-beneficiary (control) households, we employ causal instrumental variables mediation analysis to account for non-random selection and possible simultaneity between production and consumption decisions. We find a significant positive treatment effect on dietary diversity, led by an increase in production diversity. Analysis of potential pathways show that effects on dietary diversity stem mostly from consumption of diverse food items purchased from the market made possible through higher agricultural income. These findings highlight that, while increasing production for markets can enhance dietary diversity through higher income that would make affordable an expanded set of food items, the production of more nutritious crops such as pulses may not necessarily translate into greater own consumption. This may be due to the persistence of dietary habits, tastes, or other local factors that favor consumption of staples such as maize and encourage sales of more profitable and nutritious food items such as pulses. Pulses are a more affordable and environmentally sustainable source of protein than animal source food, and efforts should be made to enhance their nutritional awareness and contribution to sustainable food systems and healthier diets.
Household livelihood diversification in rural Africa
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Agricultural Economics
53(2)
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Agricultural Economics
53(2)
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12694
Abstract | View
Diversification is a common livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries, with diversification being either a choice or necessity depending on individual household contexts. Using two waves of data (from 2009 and 2011) for 1773 households from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we examined livelihood diversification and its drivers. We examined livelihood diversification by considering household involvement in three livelihood activities: crop, livestock, and non-farm. Results indicated that 40% of households conducted all three livelihood activities, but there was heterogeneity in diversity levels. We used a correlated random effects model to identify the factors that pushed or pulled households to diversify their activities. Access to non-agricultural credit was positively associated with livelihood diversity as it can catalyze involvement in non-farm activities. Drought had a negative effect on livelihood diversity. Area of crop land had a positive effect on the number of livelihood activities conducted. We found that 53% of households added or removed at least one livelihood activity between 2009 and 2011, and the addition of non-farm activities was the most common change. Our results demonstrated the dynamic nature of livelihoods and importance of shocks (such as drought) and resource endowments (land) in understanding household livelihood diversification.
Genebanks and market participation: Evidence from groundnut farmers in Malawi
Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul Jr.; Smale, Melinda; Jamora, Nelissa; Azevedo, Vania. 2022
CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
3
Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul Jr.; Smale, Melinda; Jamora, Nelissa; Azevedo, Vania. 2022
CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
3
DOI : 10.1186/s43170-022-00082-x
Abstract | View
Background: Genebanks contribute to poverty reduction as well as food and nutritional security by being one of the main sources of diversity for the development of improved crop varieties. While the welfare implications of adopting improved varieties have been documented in many rural settings, little attention has been placed on genebanks that often supply key traits and genetic diversity to plant breeders by providing seed samples. In this study, we examined the contribution of the genebank housed by the International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT) to the development of improved groundnut varieties used by farmers in Malawi. We then related this apportioned genebank contribution to market outcomes, such as market participation and the quantity of groundnut sold in markets.
Methods: Pedigree data obtained through consultations with genebank scientists and breeders were used in combination with a three-wave balanced household-level panel dataset of 447 smallholder farmers in Malawi. Different econometric techniques were used, including a double hurdle model to understand market participation and quantity of groundnuts sold.
Results: We found households to be using six improved groundnut varieties, four of which were traced to the ICRISAT genebank. We analyzed pedigrees of the varieties and apportioned the ancestral contribution of the genebank accessions. Linking the improved varieties grown by farmers with genebank ancestry to market outcomes, we observed a positive association between the ICRISAT genebank and market participation. We could not establish a robust effect on the quantity of groundnuts sold conditional on participation. We found the results to be driven by the area under improved groundnuts.
Conclusion: The ICRISAT genebank has provided accessions that confer useful traits to improved varieties of groundnut adopted by farmers in Malawi. Our analysis indicates that access to genetic resources from genebanks has resulted in the development of improved varieties with traits that are preferred by farmers such as higher yields and resistance to diseases. The adoption of these improved varieties led to increased production surplus and reduced transaction costs, allowing farmers to better participate in local groundnut markets. The study points to the crucial role of genebanks as important sources of crop diversity for improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers.
Methods: Pedigree data obtained through consultations with genebank scientists and breeders were used in combination with a three-wave balanced household-level panel dataset of 447 smallholder farmers in Malawi. Different econometric techniques were used, including a double hurdle model to understand market participation and quantity of groundnuts sold.
Results: We found households to be using six improved groundnut varieties, four of which were traced to the ICRISAT genebank. We analyzed pedigrees of the varieties and apportioned the ancestral contribution of the genebank accessions. Linking the improved varieties grown by farmers with genebank ancestry to market outcomes, we observed a positive association between the ICRISAT genebank and market participation. We could not establish a robust effect on the quantity of groundnuts sold conditional on participation. We found the results to be driven by the area under improved groundnuts.
Conclusion: The ICRISAT genebank has provided accessions that confer useful traits to improved varieties of groundnut adopted by farmers in Malawi. Our analysis indicates that access to genetic resources from genebanks has resulted in the development of improved varieties with traits that are preferred by farmers such as higher yields and resistance to diseases. The adoption of these improved varieties led to increased production surplus and reduced transaction costs, allowing farmers to better participate in local groundnut markets. The study points to the crucial role of genebanks as important sources of crop diversity for improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers.
The effect of ICT use on the profitability of young agripreneurs in Malawi
Jolex, Aubrey; Tufa, Adane. 2022
Sustainability
14(5)
Jolex, Aubrey; Tufa, Adane. 2022
Sustainability
14(5)
DOI : 10.3390/su14052536
Abstract | View
The agricultural sector’s significant position in an economy and high potential benefits of agricultural transformation give developing countries major opportunities, especially for youth, to commercially start an agricultural enterprise. Increasing youth engagement in agriculture is fundamental for sustainably transforming agriculture and reducing youth unemployment. In achieving this, information and communication technologies hold great potential. Harnessing youth agribusiness opportunities through the use of ICT and its innovations are key to increasing profitability and providing employment. The study assesses the effect of the intensity of ICT use on profit using data collected from 317 young agripreneurs and an ordered logit model. The results show that profitability increases with the number of ICT tools used to receive and disseminate information relevant to agribusinesses. Therefore, relevant stakeholders should strive towards the implementation of programs that increase the number of ICT tools that can be used in agribusinesses.
A case study analysis of extension service provision in Malawi
Lamm, Kevan W.; Masambuka-Kanchewa, Fallys; Lamm, Alexa J.; Davis, Kristin E.; Nahdy, Silim; Oyugi, Millicent A.. 2021
African Journal of Agricultural Research
17(11)
Lamm, Kevan W.; Masambuka-Kanchewa, Fallys; Lamm, Alexa J.; Davis, Kristin E.; Nahdy, Silim; Oyugi, Millicent A.. 2021
African Journal of Agricultural Research
17(11)
DOI : 10.5897/AJAR2021.15781
Abstract | View
Evidence suggests that a lack of extension agents impedes the effective delivery of agricultural extension services in Malawi and many other developing nations. The purpose of this study was to examine the initiatives taken by the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services Delivery (MaFAAS) to address the extension shortage. The research questions were addressed using a qualitative case study approach. MaFAAS and other partners launched an initiative to teach youth from local communities, particularly in rural regions, in agricultural extension so that they can serve their communities in positions comparable to extension agents. The effort resulted in the hiring of 427 extension agents to serve in their areas. While recruiting extension agents alone will not address the problem immediately, it is a start. The beneficial consequences of the Malawian organizations' partnership give an opportunity and potential paradigm for addressing the extension shortfall and difficulties farmers confront in Malawi and beyond.
Smart subsidies for sustainable soils: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in southern Malawi
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
110(October 2021)
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
110(October 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jeem.2021.102556
Abstract | View
Conventional agricultural practices – especially conventional tillage – are a major driver of soil erosion globally. While soil may not frequently considered a vulnerable natural resource, the erosion and degradation of soils poses a serious threat to food production and the production of numerous otherin situ andex situ ecosystem services. This study provides some of the first evidence on the effectiveness of a payments for ecosystem services (PES) program to encourage the adoption of soil conservation practices, specifically conservation agriculture (CA). Through minimized soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop mix, CA is believed to enhance soil fertility and rehabilitate soil structure, with the resulting preservation of ecosystem service flows. By providing calibrated financial incentives, we demonstrate that it is possible to substantially increase the extent and intensity of CA adoption. What’s more, we show that a novel incentive mechanisms that leverages social networks for the consolidation of fragmented land may be more effective at bringing more land under conservation objectives, even if some of the additional land does not officially fall under the purview of the PES program. We also demonstrate that some of the supposed weaknesses hindering the adoption of CA – lower yields in the short-run and higher expenditures on weed control – were not necessarily obstacles in our study area, perhaps suggesting that the provision of subsidies need not continue into perpetuity, but may only be needed to overcome short-term transition costs.
Women’s empowerment and gender equality in agricultural value chains: Evidence from four countries in Asia and Africa
Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Heckert, Jessica; Faas, Simone; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Malapit, Hazel J.; The pro-WEAI for Market Inclusion Study Team. 2021
Food Security
13
Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Heckert, Jessica; Faas, Simone; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Malapit, Hazel J.; The pro-WEAI for Market Inclusion Study Team. 2021
Food Security
13
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-021-01193-5
Abstract | View
Women play important roles at different nodes of both agricultural and off-farm value chains, but in many countries their contributions are either underestimated or limited by prevailing societal norms or gender-specific barriers. We use primary data collected in Asia (Bangladesh, Philippines) and Africa (Benin, Malawi) to examine the relationships between women’s empowerment, gender equality, and participation in a variety of local agricultural value chains that comprise the food system. We find that the value chain and the specific node of engagement matter, as do other individual and household characteristics, but in different ways depending on country context. Entrepreneurship—often engaged in by wealthier households with greater ability to take risks—is not necessarily empowering for women; nor is household wealth, as proxied by their asset ownership. Increased involvement in the market is not necessarily correlated with greater gender equality. Education is positively correlated with higher empowerment of both men and women, but the strength of this association varies. Training and extension services are generally positively associated with empowerment but could also exacerbate the inequality in empowerment between men and women in the same household. All in all, culture and context determine whether participation in value chains—and which node of the value chain—is empowering. In designing food systems interventions, care should be taken to consider the social and cultural contexts in which these food systems operate, so that interventions do not exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
Economic evaluation of an early childhood development center–based agriculture and nutrition intervention in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Kemp, C. G.; Margolies, Amy; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Levin, Carol E.. 2022
Food Security
14
Gelli, Aulo; Kemp, C. G.; Margolies, Amy; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Levin, Carol E.. 2022
Food Security
14
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-021-01203-6
Abstract | View
Malnutrition is a leading cause of death and disability among children in low-income countries. Nutrition-sensitive interventions show promise in increasing food access and improving diets. There are possible synergies of integrating these programs with other sectors, improving effectiveness by leveraging resources. However, economic evaluations of these multi-sectoral programs are limited. We aimed to estimate the cost efficiency, cost-effectiveness, benefit-cost ratio, and net benefit of using community-based early childhood development (ECD) centers as platforms for an intervention promoting agricultural production and nutrition among households with young children in Malawi. The intervention was costed using bottom-up micro-costing and top-down expenditure analysis with a societal perspective and a 12-month horizon. Effectiveness estimates were derived from a cluster-randomized control trial. Premature deaths and stunting cases averted were estimated using the Lived Saved Tool. We calculated DALYs averted, and the value of three benefits streams resulting from reductions in premature mortality, increases in lifetime productivity and household agricultural productivity. We transferred the US value of a statistical life (VSL) to Malawi using an income elasticity of 1.5, and a 10% discount rate. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted using a Monte Carlo model. The intervention cost $197,377, reaching 4,806 beneficiaries at $41 per beneficiary, $595 per case of stunting, $18,310 per death, and $516 per DALY averted. Net benefit estimates ranged from $507,589 to $4,678,258, and benefit-cost ratios from 3.57 to 24.70. Sensitivity analyses confirmed a positive return on investment. Implementing agriculture-nutrition interventions through ECD platforms may be an efficient use of resources in Malawi and similar contexts.
Follow the leader? A field experiment on social influence
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
188(August 2021)
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
188(August 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.05.022
Abstract | View
We conduct an artefactual field experiment in endogenously formed groups in rural Malawi to investigate social influence in risk taking. Treatments vary whether individuals observe the behavior of a formally elected leader, an external leader, or a random peer. Results show social influence in risk taking with differential influence by leader type. The decisions made by peers are most influential, followed by those made by formal leaders, and then external leaders. Exploratory analysis suggests that participants follow peers because they extract information from their choices and share risks with them; while other forms of social utility are gained from following the example of leaders.
Soil health and grain yield impacts of climate resilient agriculture projects: Evidence from southern Malawi
Amadu, Festus O.; McNamara, Paul E.; Davis, Kristin E.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
193(October 2021)
Amadu, Festus O.; McNamara, Paul E.; Davis, Kristin E.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
193(October 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103230
Earned and unearned income: Experimental evidence on expenditures and labor supply in Malawi
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
187(July 2021)
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
187(July 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.03.039
Abstract | View
Though the differential impacts of earned and unearned income have long been of interest to economists and policymakers, the study of this question is often conflated by other differences between the income streams. We conduct a field experiment in Malawi in which we examine the differential short-term effect of earned and unearned income on the allocation of expenditures and labor supply, holding all other factors constant. All participants receive an equal size cash payment and make the same time investment; half are required to work, and half are not. Our main finding is that the work requirement results in a reallocation of labor supply away from household work in the very short term. Conversely, there is no evidence that the allocation of expenditures across categories is affected.
When communities pull their weight: The economic costs of an integrated agriculture and nutrition home-grown preschool meal intervention in Malawi
Margolies, Amy; Gelli, Aulo; Daryanani, Roshan; Twalibu, Aisha; Levin, Carol. 2021
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
42(1)
Margolies, Amy; Gelli, Aulo; Daryanani, Roshan; Twalibu, Aisha; Levin, Carol. 2021
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
42(1)
DOI : 10.1177/0379572120986693
Malawi’s slowly changing employment landscape and its implications for youth
Benson, Todd; Baulch, Bob; Lifeyo, Yanjanani; Mkweta, Priscilla. 2022
Development Southern Africa
39(6)
Benson, Todd; Baulch, Bob; Lifeyo, Yanjanani; Mkweta, Priscilla. 2022
Development Southern Africa
39(6)
DOI : 10.1080/0376835X.2021.1915750
Conservation agriculture improves adaptive capacity of cropping systems to climate stress in Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Thierfelder, Christian; Steward, Peter R.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
190(May 2021)
Komarek, Adam M.; Thierfelder, Christian; Steward, Peter R.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
190(May 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103117
Abstract | View
Adaptation to climate stress is an unprecedented challenge facing cropping systems. Most adaptation assessments focus on how adaptation options affect yields of a single crop under different weather or climate conditions. Yet, cropping systems often comprise more than one crop, and holistic assessments should consider all crops grown in a cropping system. One adaptation option is Conservation Agriculture that is commonly defined around a set of three principles: minimum mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil organic cover, and crop species diversification.
Impact of interactive radio programming on agricultural technology adoption and crop diversification in Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2021
Journal of Development Effectiveness
13(2)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2021
Journal of Development Effectiveness
13(2)
DOI : 10.1080/19439342.2020.1853793
Measurement error mechanisms matter: Agricultural intensification with farmer misperceptions and misreporting
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. 2021
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
103(2)
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. 2021
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
103(2)
DOI : 10.1111/ajae.12173
Abstract | View
The mechanism(s) that generate measurement error matter for inference. Survey measurement error is typically thought to represent simple misreporting correctable through improved measurement. But errors might also or alternatively reflect respondent misperceptions that materially affect the respondent decisions under study. We show analytically that these alternate data generating processes imply different appropriate regression specifications and have distinct effects on the bias in parameter estimates. We introduce a simple empirical technique to generate unbiased estimates under more general conditions and to apportion measurement error between misreporting and misperceptions in measurement error when one has both self‐reported and objectively measured observations of the same explanatory variable. We then apply these techniques to the longstanding question of agricultural intensification: Do farmers increase input application rates per unit area as the size of the plots they cultivate decreases? Using nationally representative data from four sub‐Saharan African countries, we find evidence that measurement error in plot size reflects a mixture of farmer misreporting and misperceptions. The results matter for inference around the intensification hypothesis and call into question whether more objective, precise measures are always preferable when estimating behavioral parameters.
Effectiveness of the lead farmer approach in agricultural extension service provision: Nationally representative panel data analysis in Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
Land Use Policy
99(December 2020)
Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
Land Use Policy
99(December 2020)
DOI : 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104966
Consumer choices and demand for tilapia in urban Malawi: What are the complementarities and trade-offs?
Chikowi, Christopher T. M.; Ochieng, Dennis O.; Jumbe, Charles B. L.. 2021
Aquaculture
530(January 2021)
Chikowi, Christopher T. M.; Ochieng, Dennis O.; Jumbe, Charles B. L.. 2021
Aquaculture
530(January 2021)
DOI : 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.735755
Disclosure, reporting and help seeking among child survivors of violence: A cross-country analysis
Pereira, Audrey; Peterman, Amber; Neijhoft, Anastasia Naomi; Buluma, Robert; Daban, Rocio Aznar. 2020
BMC Public Health
20(1)
Pereira, Audrey; Peterman, Amber; Neijhoft, Anastasia Naomi; Buluma, Robert; Daban, Rocio Aznar. 2020
BMC Public Health
20(1)
DOI : 10.1186/s12889-020-09069-7
Abstract | View
Violence against children is a pervasive public health issue, with limited data available across multiple contexts. This study explores the rarely studied prevalence and dynamics around disclosure, reporting and help-seeking behaviours of children who ever experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
Employment exposure: Employment and wage effects in urban Malawi
Godlonton, Susan. Chicago, IL, USA 2020
Economic Development and Cultural Change
68(2)
Godlonton, Susan. Chicago, IL, USA 2020
Economic Development and Cultural Change
68(2)
DOI : 10.1086/700635
To sell or consume? Gendered household decision-making on crop production, consumption, and sale in Malawi
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terry. 2020
Food Security
12
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terry. 2020
Food Security
12
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-020-01021-2
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Malawian farmers on pre- and post-harvest crop management to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, maize and sorghum: Implication for behavioral change
Anitha, Seetha; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Njoroge, Samuel; Kumwenda, Nelson; Botha, Rosemary. Basel, Switzerland 2019
Toxins
11(12)
Anitha, Seetha; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Njoroge, Samuel; Kumwenda, Nelson; Botha, Rosemary. Basel, Switzerland 2019
Toxins
11(12)
DOI : 10.3390/toxins11120716
Abstract | View
A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study was conducted in three districts of Malawi to test whether the training had resulted in increased knowledge and adoption of recommended pre- and post-harvest crop management practices, and their contribution to reducing aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, maize and sorghum. The study was conducted with 900 farmers at the baseline and 624 farmers at the end-line, while 726 and 696 harvested crop samples were collected for aflatoxin testing at the baseline and end-line, respectively. Results show that the knowledge and practice of pre- and post-harvest crop management for mitigating aflatoxin were inadequate among the farmers at the baseline but somewhat improved after the training as shown at the end-line. As a result, despite unfavorable weather, the mean aflatoxin contamination level in their grain samples decreased from 83.6 to 55.8 ppb (p < 0.001). However, it was also noted that increased knowledge did not significantly change farmers’ attitude toward not consuming grade-outs because of economic incentive incompatibility, leaving potential for improving the practices further. This existing gap in the adoption of aflatoxin mitigation practices calls for approaches that take into account farmers’ needs and incentives to attain sustainable behavioral change.
Designing interventions in local value chains for improved health and nutrition: Insights from Malawi
Donovan, Jason; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
World Development Perspectives
16(December 2019)
Donovan, Jason; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
World Development Perspectives
16(December 2019)
DOI : 10.1016/j.wdp.2019.100149
Abstract | View
Despite the strong interest on the role of agri-food value chains in advancing health and nutrition goals, guidance on how to actually design and assess related development programming has only recently emerged. This paper begins with a brief review of research on nutrition-sensitive value chains in developing countries. It then presents the Value Chains and Nutrition framework for intervention design that explores food supply and demand conditions across a portfolio of local value chains that are relevant for improving nutrition outcomes. We explore the framework in a case study on rural Malawi. Available evidence highlights the dominance of maize in diets, but also the willingness of rural households to consume other nutritious foods (e.g. leafy greens, tree fruits, dried fish) during the year. Addressing the supply constraints (e.g. low productivity, seasonality) and demand constraints (e.g. low income, preference for maize) along local value chains will require carefully sequenced interventions within and across value chains. Strategies for achieving nutrition goals in this context will require stronger collaborative ties between NGOs, government agencies and the private sector and deeper learning among stakeholders than has typically been the case. We conclude with recommendations for future work on frameworks and tools for supporting the design of value chain interventions with potential to advance health and nutrition goals.
Value chains to improve diets: Diagnostics to support intervention design in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim W.; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. 2020
Global Food Security
25(June 2020)
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim W.; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. 2020
Global Food Security
25(June 2020)
DOI : 10.1016/j.gfs.2019.09.006
Abstract | View
Governments and development partners looking to accelerate progress in addressing malnutrition have been examining how to use interventions in value-chains to improve diets. However, the links between interventions in value chains and diets involve a range of direct and indirect effects that are not yet well understood. We apply a mixed-method multisectoral diagnostic to examine potential interventions in food systems to improve diets of smallholder farmers in Malawi. We examine entry points for interventions involving public and private-sectors, and explore the methodological requirements for undertaking this type of multisectoral analysis. We find that although food consumption is dominated by maize, a range of nutritious foods are also being consumed; including leafy greens, fruits, chicken, dried fish, dried beans and peas, and groundnuts. Yet important deficits in nutrient intake remain prevalent in low-income households due to inadequate quantity of consumption. While increasing consumption through own-production is one potentially important channel to increase quantity of nutritious foods available (particularly fruits and leafy green vegetables), markets also play a potentially important role. Nutritious foods are available on markets year-round, although strong seasonality impacts the availability and price of perishable products. For beans, peas and groundnuts, supply appears to be available throughout the year, with price fluctuations relatively controlled due to storage capacity and imports. The capacity of markets to supply safe and nutritious food is limited by a number of issues, including poor hygiene; lack of infrastructure for storage and selling; limited information on nutrition, and weak coordination among sellers and producers. Other bottlenecks include: on-farm constraints for expanded production, consumers with limited purchasing capacity, intense competition among sellers and few services for sellers to increase volume of product sold during peak demand. The diagnostics identify the role of information-related interventions to optimize decisions related to food choices, involving a range of different foods and value-chains, that could potentially lead to short- and medium-term improvements in diets. Longer-term and more resource-intensive interventions are also identified, such as improving capacity for product differentiation, processing, storage, and market infrastructure across a different range of food chains, so as to maximise coherence between short- and long-term planning. The findings highlight the benefits of applying a strategic, food systems-based approach of identifying specific and complementary actions for both the public and private sectors that can improve the diets of low-income populations.
Perspectives of adolescent and young adults on poverty-related stressors: a qualitative study in Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania
Hall, Brian J.; Garabiles, Melissa R.; de Hoop, Jacobus; Pereira, Audrey; Prencipe, Leah; Palermo, Tia. 2019
BMJ Open
9(10)
Hall, Brian J.; Garabiles, Melissa R.; de Hoop, Jacobus; Pereira, Audrey; Prencipe, Leah; Palermo, Tia. 2019
BMJ Open
9(10)
DOI : 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027047
The impact on farmer incomes of a nationwide scaling up of the farmer business school program: Lessons and insights from central Malawi
Chilemba, Joanna; Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
European Journal of Development Research
32
Chilemba, Joanna; Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
European Journal of Development Research
32
DOI : 10.1057/s41287-019-00246-y
A community-based early childhood development center platform promoting diversified diets and food production increases the mean probability of adequacy of intake of preschoolers in Malawi: A cluster randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. 2020
Journal of Nutrition
150(2)
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. 2020
Journal of Nutrition
150(2)
DOI : 10.1093/jn/nxz245
Abstract | View
Background: Young children in Malawi consume low-quality diets lacking micronutrients critical for their development.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
Effect of changes in population density and crop productivity on farm households in Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Msangi, Siwa. 2019
Agricultural Economics
50(5)
Komarek, Adam M.; Msangi, Siwa. 2019
Agricultural Economics
50(5)
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12513
Abstract | View
This study examines the ex‐ante farm‐household effects of changes in family size, yield potential, and yield gaps using a farm‐household simulation model that reflects the economic and biophysical conditions of central Malawi. Disparities between growth in human population and crop yields present challenges for farm‐household crop production and income in sub‐Saharan Africa. We focus on the effect of growth in yield potential and a more efficient use of livestock manure as approaches to improving crop production and incomes in the face of looming population pressures. Our results suggest that, even without considering climate change, expected changes in population density and crop prices in 2050 mean that per person crop production and income may fall by 21% compared to 2013 values if yield potential and yield gaps remain constant. However, per person crop production and income could increase in 2050 by 8% compared to 2013 values if (1) growth rates of yield potential rise for maize by 1.13% each year and for legumes rise by at least 0.4% each year, and (2) farmers use livestock manure more efficiently. Our foresight approach to considering crop production at the farm‐household scale supplements macro‐scale analyses of the production dimension of food security.
Climate change and developing country growth: The cases of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia
Arndt, Channing; Chinowsky, Paul; Fant, Charles; Paltsev, Sergey; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Tarp, Finn; Thurlow, James. 2019
Climatic Change
154(3-4)
Arndt, Channing; Chinowsky, Paul; Fant, Charles; Paltsev, Sergey; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Tarp, Finn; Thurlow, James. 2019
Climatic Change
154(3-4)
DOI : 10.1007/s10584-019-02428-3
Abstract | View
We consider the interplay of climate change impacts, global mitigation policies, and the economic interests of developing countries to 2050. Focusing on Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, we employ a structural approach to biophysical and economic modeling that incorporates climate uncertainty and allows for rigorous comparison of climate, biophysical, and economic outcomes across global mitigation regimes. We find that effective global mitigation policies generate two sources of benefit. First, less distorted climate outcomes result in typically more favorable and less variable economic outcomes. Second, successful global mitigation policies reduce global fossil fuel producer prices, relative to unconstrained emissions, providing a substantial terms of trade boost of structural fuel importers. Combined, these gains are on the order of or greater than estimates of mitigation costs. These results highlight the interests of most developing countries in effective global mitigation policies, even in the relatively near term, with much larger benefits post-2050.
Does providing agricultural and nutrition information to both men and women improve household food security? Evidence from Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Alvarez Mingote, Cristina. 2019
Global Food Security
20(March 2019)
Ragasa, Catherine; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Alvarez Mingote, Cristina. 2019
Global Food Security
20(March 2019)
DOI : 10.1016/j.gfs.2018.12.007
Risk factors for childhood violence and polyvictimization: A cross-country analysis from three regions
Palermo, Tia; Pereira, Audrey; Neijhoft, Naomi; Bello, Ghaji; Buluma, Robert; Diem, Pierre; Aznar Daban, Rocio; Fatoumata Kaloga, Inah; Islam, Aminul; Kheam, They; Lund-Henriksen, Birgithe; Maksud, Nankali; Maternowska, M. Catherine; Potts, Alina; Rottanak, Chivith; Samnang, Chea; Shawa, Mary; Yoshikawa, Miho; Peterman, Amber. 2019
Child Abuse and Neglect
88(February 2019)
Palermo, Tia; Pereira, Audrey; Neijhoft, Naomi; Bello, Ghaji; Buluma, Robert; Diem, Pierre; Aznar Daban, Rocio; Fatoumata Kaloga, Inah; Islam, Aminul; Kheam, They; Lund-Henriksen, Birgithe; Maksud, Nankali; Maternowska, M. Catherine; Potts, Alina; Rottanak, Chivith; Samnang, Chea; Shawa, Mary; Yoshikawa, Miho; Peterman, Amber. 2019
Child Abuse and Neglect
88(February 2019)
DOI : 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.10.012
Using a community-based early childhood development center as a platform to promote production and consumption diversity increases children's dietary intake and reduces stunting in Malawi: A cluster-randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Moestue, Helen; Alderman, Harold; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
Journal of Nutrition
148(10)
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Moestue, Helen; Alderman, Harold; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
Journal of Nutrition
148(10)
DOI : 10.1093/jn/nxy148
Abstract | View
Children in Malawi face nutritional risks related to low-quality diets and chronic malnutrition. This study evaluated the impact of a 1-y early childhood development (ECD) center–based agriculture and nutrition intervention aimed at improving household production diversity, maternal knowledge on child nutrition and feeding practices, and children's diets and anthropometric measures.
Myth-busting? Confronting six common perceptions about unconditional cash transfers as a poverty reduction strategy in Africa
Handa, Sudhanshu; Daidone, Silvio; Peterman, Amber; Davis, Benjamin; Pereira, Audrey; Palermo, Tia; Yablonski, Jennifer. 2018
The World Bank Research Observer
33(2)
Handa, Sudhanshu; Daidone, Silvio; Peterman, Amber; Davis, Benjamin; Pereira, Audrey; Palermo, Tia; Yablonski, Jennifer. 2018
The World Bank Research Observer
33(2)
DOI : 10.1093/wbro/lky003
Abstract | View
This paper summarizes evidence on six perceptions associated with cash transfer programming, using eight rigorous evaluations conducted on large-scale government unconditional cash transfers in sub-Saharan Africa under the Transfer Project. Specifically, it investigates if transfers: 1) induce higher spending on alcohol or tobacco; 2) are fully consumed (rather than invested); 3) create dependency (reduce participation in productive activities); 4) increase fertility; 5) lead to negative community-level economic impacts (including price distortion and inflation); and 6) are fiscally unsustainable. The paper presents evidence refuting each claim, leading to the conclusion that these perceptions—insofar as they are utilized in policy debates—undercut potential improvements in well-being and livelihood strengthening among the poor, which these programs can bring about in sub-Saharan Africa, and globally. It concludes by underscoring outstanding research gaps and policy implications for the continued expansion of unconditional cash transfers in the region and beyond.
Selective attention and information loss in the lab-to-farm knowledge chain: The case of Malawian agricultural extension programs
Niu, Chiyu; Ragasa, Catherine. 2018
Agricultural Systems
165(September 2018)
Niu, Chiyu; Ragasa, Catherine. 2018
Agricultural Systems
165(September 2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2018.06.003
Evaluating irrigation investments in Malawi: economy‐wide impacts under uncertainty and labor constraints
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Meyer, Stefan; Robertson, Richard; Rodrigues, Joao. 2018
Agricultural Economics
49(2)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Meyer, Stefan; Robertson, Richard; Rodrigues, Joao. 2018
Agricultural Economics
49(2)
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12412
Trade-offs and synergies between yield, labor, profit, and risk in Malawian maize-based cropping systems
Komarek, Adam M.; Koo, Jawoo; Haile, Beliyou; Msangi, Siwa; Azzarri, Carlo;. 2018
Agronomy for Sustainable Development
38
Komarek, Adam M.; Koo, Jawoo; Haile, Beliyou; Msangi, Siwa; Azzarri, Carlo;. 2018
Agronomy for Sustainable Development
38
DOI : 10.1007/s13593-018-0506-6
Abstract | View
Land degradation, population growth, and chronic poverty in Eastern and Southern Africa challenge the sustainability of livelihoods for smallholder farmers. These farmers often manage soils depleted of nutrients, apply limited amounts of mineral fertilizer, and take decisions about their cropping systems that involve multiple trade-offs. The rotation of cereals with legumes bears agronomic and ecological merit; however, the socio-economic implications of the cereal-legume rotation require a deeper understanding. This study explores the yield, labor, profit, and risk implications of different legume and mineral fertilizer practices in maize-based cropping systems in central Malawi. Our method involves coupling crop modeling and an agricultural household survey with a socio-economic analysis. We use a process-based cropping systems model to simulate the yield effects of integrating legumes into maize monocultures and applying mineral fertilizer over multiple seasons. We combine the simulated yields with socio-economic data from an agricultural household survey to calculate indicators of cropping-system performance. Our results show that a maize-groundnut rotation increases average economic profits by 75% compared with maize monoculture that uses more mineral fertilizer than in the rotation. The maize-groundnut rotation increases the stability of profits, reduces the likelihood of negative profits, and increases risk-adjusted profits. In contrast, the maize-groundnut rotation has a 54% lower average caloric yield and uses more labor than the maize monoculture with mineral fertilization. By comparing labor requirements with labor supply at the household scale, we show for the first time that the additional labor requirements of the maize-groundnut rotation can increase the likelihood of experiencing a labor shortage, if this rotation is undertaken by farm households in central Malawi. We demonstrate that risk and labor factors can be important when examining trade-offs among alternative cropping systems.
Achieving food security and industrial development in Malawi: Are export restrictions the solution?
Aragie, Emerta; Pauw, Karl; Pernechele, Valentina. 2018
World Development
108 (August 2018)
Aragie, Emerta; Pauw, Karl; Pernechele, Valentina. 2018
World Development
108 (August 2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.03.020
Abstract | View
This study assesses the economy-wide effects of Malawi’s long-term maize export ban, which was only recently lifted, and a proposed oilseed export levy intended to improve food security and support local processing industries, respectively. We find that maize export bans only benefit the urban non-poor, while poor farmers’ incomes and maize consumption levels decline in the longer run. The oilseed export levy also fails to achieve its long run objectives: even when tax revenues are used to further subsidize food processors, their gains in value-addition are outweighed by declining agricultural value-addition. More generally, these results show that while export restrictions may have the desired outcomes in the short run, production responses may render the policies ineffective in the medium to long run. Ultimately, such restrictive policies reinforce a subsistence approach to agriculture, which is inconsistent with the stated economic transformation goals of many Sub-Saharan countries.
How diversified is cropping in Malawi? Patterns, determinants and policy implications
Kankwamba, Henry; Kadzamira, Mariam; Pauw, Karl. 2018
Food Security
Kankwamba, Henry; Kadzamira, Mariam; Pauw, Karl. 2018
Food Security
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-018-0771-x
Youth migration and labour constraints in African agrarian households
Mueller, Valerie; Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
The Journal of Development Studies
54(5)
Mueller, Valerie; Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
The Journal of Development Studies
54(5)
DOI : 10.1080/00220388.2018.1430770
Do as they did: Peer effects explain adoption of conservation agriculture in Malawi
Bell, Andrew; Zavaleta Cheek, Jennifer; Mataya, Frazer; Ward, Patrick S.. 2018
Water
10(1)
Bell, Andrew; Zavaleta Cheek, Jennifer; Mataya, Frazer; Ward, Patrick S.. 2018
Water
10(1)
DOI : 10.3390/w10010051
Abstract | View
Adoption of the trinity of practices known commonly today as conservation agriculture (CA)—maintaining soil cover, reducing tillage, and enhancing soil nitrogen through legumes—is a critical process to the management of erosion in rural landscapes, and maintenance of aquatic habitats and hydropower potential. However, the large literature on the benefits and risks of CA fails to find any universal determinants of adoption, with competing uses for crop residues, availability of labor, and access to physical inputs common constraints appearing in different contexts. We conduct a study in the specific context of Malawi, using ethnographic interviewing to draw out possible decision criteria and machine learning to identify their explanatory power. This study is structured to inform the question: “How do farmers decide to adopt the specific activities of CA in Malawi?” We find that more than any other factor, adoption by neighbors (i.e., peer effects) matters, with possible implications for the overall cost of encouraging CA (e.g., through subsidies) as it is taken up across a landscape.
The impact of agricultural extension services in the context of a heavily subsidized input system: The case of Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mazunda, John. 2018
World Development
105(2018)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mazunda, John. 2018
World Development
105(2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.12.004
Agricultural correlates of aggregate nutritional outcomes in Malawi: District-level rank analysis
Benson, Todd. 2017
Outlook on Agriculture
46(4)
Benson, Todd. 2017
Outlook on Agriculture
46(4)
DOI : 10.1177/0030727017744940
Policies for a sustainable biomass energy sector in Malawi: Enhancing energy and food security simultaneously
Schuenemann, Franziska; Msangi, Siwa; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
World Development
103(2018)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Msangi, Siwa; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
World Development
103(2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.10.011
Early adoption of conservation agriculture practices: Understanding partial compliance in programs with multiple adoption decisions
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim G.. 2018
Land Use Policy
70(2018)
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim G.. 2018
Land Use Policy
70(2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.10.001
Measuring postharvest losses at the farm level in Malawi
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2018
Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2018
Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
DOI : 10.1111/1467-8489.12237
Improving child nutrition and development through community-based childcare centres in Malawi – The NEEP-IE study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Sproule, Kathryn; Theis, Sophie; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Chidalengwa, George; Cooper, Amrik; Moorhead, Tyler; Gladstone, Melissa; Kariger, Patricia; Kutundu, Mangani. 2017
Trials
18
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Sproule, Kathryn; Theis, Sophie; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Chidalengwa, George; Cooper, Amrik; Moorhead, Tyler; Gladstone, Melissa; Kariger, Patricia; Kutundu, Mangani. 2017
Trials
18
DOI : 10.1186/s13063-017-2003-7
Tracking agricultural spending when government structures and accounting systems change: The case of Malawi
Mwabutwa, Chance; Pauw, Karl. 2017
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
12(2)
Mwabutwa, Chance; Pauw, Karl. 2017
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
12(2)
Agricultural household effects of fertilizer price changes for smallholder farmers in central Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Drogue, Sophie; Chenoune, Roza; Hawkins, James; Msangi, Siwa; Belhouchette, Hatem; Flichman, Guillermo. 2017
Agricultural Systems
154(June 2017)
Komarek, Adam M.; Drogue, Sophie; Chenoune, Roza; Hawkins, James; Msangi, Siwa; Belhouchette, Hatem; Flichman, Guillermo. 2017
Agricultural Systems
154(June 2017)
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2017.03.016
Variable returns to fertiliser use and the geography of poverty: Experimental and simulation evidence from Malawi
Harou, Aurélie P.; Liu, Yanyan; Barrett, Christopher B.; You, Liangzhi. 2017
Journal of African Economies
26(3)
Harou, Aurélie P.; Liu, Yanyan; Barrett, Christopher B.; You, Liangzhi. 2017
Journal of African Economies
26(3)
DOI : 10.1093/jae/ejx002
Lean-season food transfers affect children’s diets and household food security: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Baulch, Bob; Chirwa, Ephraim. 2017
Journal of Nutrition
147(5)
Gelli, Aulo; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Baulch, Bob; Chirwa, Ephraim. 2017
Journal of Nutrition
147(5)
DOI : 10.3945/jn.116.246652
Leveling the field for biofuels: Comparing the economic and environmental impacts of biofuel and other export crops in Malawi
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12335
Targeting, bias, and expected impact of complex innovations on developing-country agriculture: Evidence from Malawi
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12336
Responding to risk: Circumcision, information, and HIV prevention
Godlonton, Susan; Munthali, Alister; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2016
Review of Economics and Statistics
98(2)
Godlonton, Susan; Munthali, Alister; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2016
Review of Economics and Statistics
98(2)
DOI : 10.1162/REST_a_00516
Medical male circumcision: How does price affect the risk-profile of take-up?
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
Preventive Medicine
92(November 2016)
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
Preventive Medicine
92(November 2016)
DOI : 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.06.003
Beyond agriculture versus non-agriculture: Decomposing sectoral growth–poverty linkages in five African countries
Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James. 2018
World Development
109 (September 2018)
Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James. 2018
World Development
109 (September 2018)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.08.014
Abstract | View
Africa’s development debate is often cast as “agriculture versus non-agriculture”, with agriculture’s proponents arguing that agricultural growth is more effective at reducing poverty. This “dual economy” perspective overlooks the heterogeneity within and synergies between these two broad sectors. Recent studies decompose agriculture into subsectors and find that agricultural growth led by smallholder farmers is even more effective at reducing poverty than larger-scale estate farms. In contrast, few studies estimate subsectoral growth–poverty linkages for non-agriculture. Yet we strongly expect, for example, that growth led by informal traders or foreign-owned mining companies will have quite different implications for poverty reduction. Different perspectives on what constitutes “non-agriculture” might therefore explain divergent views on its relative importance for poverty reduction. To address this gap in our understanding, we estimate sectoral poverty–growth elasticities using economy-wide models for five African countries. While our estimated elasticities are higher for agriculture than for non-agriculture as a whole, the extent to which this is true varies considerably across nonagricultural subsectors (and across countries). We find that the poverty–growth elasticities for trade and transport services and manufacturing, especially agro-processing, are often close to, and sometimes exceed, agriculture’s. This means that growth led by these nonagricultural subsectors might be as effective as agriculture at reaching the poor. This confirms the need for a more nuanced treatment of non-agriculture in Africa’s policy debate, and may explain conflicting perspectives on agriculture’s role vis-à-vis non-agriculture.
Heterogeneous preferences and the effects of incentives in promoting conservation agriculture in Malawi
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Parkhurst, Gregory M.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mapemba, Lawrence. 2016
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
222
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Parkhurst, Gregory M.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mapemba, Lawrence. 2016
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
222
DOI : 10.1016/j.agee.2016.02.005
Association between irrigated farming and improved nutrition in farm households in Malawi
Benson, Todd. 2015
Agrekon
Benson, Todd. 2015
Agrekon
DOI : 10.1080/03031853.2015.1084940
The economywide impacts and risks of Malawi’s farm input subsidy program
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. 2016
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. 2016
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
DOI : 10.1093/ajae/aav048
Measuring the forest and income impacts of forest user group participation under Malawi's Forest Co-management Program
Mazunda, John; Shively, Gerald. 2015
Ecological Economics
Mazunda, John; Shively, Gerald. 2015
Ecological Economics
DOI : 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2015.09.016
Does a ban on informal health providers save lives?
Godlonton, Susan; Okeke, Edward N.. 2016
Journal of Development Economics
118(January 2016)
Godlonton, Susan; Okeke, Edward N.. 2016
Journal of Development Economics
118(January 2016)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2015.09.001
Geospatial analysis of condom availability and accessibility in urban Malawi
Schacham, E.; Thornton, Rebecca; Godlonton, Susan; Murphy, R.; Gilliland, J.. 2016
International Journal of STD & AIDS
Schacham, E.; Thornton, Rebecca; Godlonton, Susan; Murphy, R.; Gilliland, J.. 2016
International Journal of STD & AIDS
DOI : 10.1177/0956462415571373
Climate change and economic growth prospects for Malawi
Arndt, Channing; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Thurlow, James. 2014
Journal of African Economies
Arndt, Channing; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Thurlow, James. 2014
Journal of African Economies
DOI : 10.1093/jae/eju013
Resettlement for food security’s sake
Mueller, Valerie; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Lee, Hak Lim; Droppelmann, Klaus. 2014
Land Economics
Mueller, Valerie; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Lee, Hak Lim; Droppelmann, Klaus. 2014
Land Economics
Relative preferences for soil conservation incentives among smallholder farmers
Marenya, Paswel; Smith, Vincent H.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.. 2014
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Marenya, Paswel; Smith, Vincent H.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.. 2014
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
DOI : 10.1093/ajae/aat117
Decentralised beneficiary targeting in large-scale development programmes
Kilic, Talip; Whitney, Edward; Winters, Paul. 2015
Journal of African Economies
Kilic, Talip; Whitney, Edward; Winters, Paul. 2015
Journal of African Economies
DOI : 10.1093/jae/eju021
Who talks to whom in Malawi's agricultural research information network?
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Yauney, Jason; Thangata, Paul; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mazunda, John. 2016
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Yauney, Jason; Thangata, Paul; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mazunda, John. 2016
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
DOI : 10.1080/1389224X.2014.971827
Perceptions of male circumcision among married couples in rural Malawi
Shacham, Enba; Godlonton, Susan; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2014
Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
Shacham, Enba; Godlonton, Susan; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2014
Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
DOI : 10.1177/2325957413508319
The health of HIV-exposed children after early weaning
Parker, Megan E.; Tembo, Martin; Adair, Linda; Chasela, Charles; Piwoz, Ellen G.; Jamieson, Denise J.; Ellington, Sascha; Kayira, Dumbani; Soko, Alice; Mkhomawanthu, Chimwemwe; Martinson, Francis; van der Horst, Charles M.; Bentley, Margaret E.. 2013
Maternal and Child Nutrition
Parker, Megan E.; Tembo, Martin; Adair, Linda; Chasela, Charles; Piwoz, Ellen G.; Jamieson, Denise J.; Ellington, Sascha; Kayira, Dumbani; Soko, Alice; Mkhomawanthu, Chimwemwe; Martinson, Francis; van der Horst, Charles M.; Bentley, Margaret E.. 2013
Maternal and Child Nutrition
DOI : 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00369.x
Soil-type influences human selenium status and underlies widespread selenium deficiency risks in Malawi
Hurst, Rachel; Siyame, Edwin W.P.; Young, Scott D.; Chilimba, Allan D.C.; Joy, Edward J.M.; Black, Colin R.; Ander, E. Louise; Watts, Michael J.; Chilima, Benson; Gondwe, Jellita; Kang'ombe, Dalitso; Stein, Alexander J.; Fairweather-Tait, Susan J.; Gibson, Rosalind S.; Kalimbira, Alexander A.; Broadley, Martin R.. 2013
Scientific Reports
Hurst, Rachel; Siyame, Edwin W.P.; Young, Scott D.; Chilimba, Allan D.C.; Joy, Edward J.M.; Black, Colin R.; Ander, E. Louise; Watts, Michael J.; Chilima, Benson; Gondwe, Jellita; Kang'ombe, Dalitso; Stein, Alexander J.; Fairweather-Tait, Susan J.; Gibson, Rosalind S.; Kalimbira, Alexander A.; Broadley, Martin R.. 2013
Scientific Reports
DOI : 10.1038/srep01425
Cassava commercialization in Southeastern Africa
Haggblade, Steven; Andersson Djurfeldt, Agnes; Banda Nyirenda, Drinah; Bergman Lodin, Johanna; Brimer, Leon; Chiona, Martin; Chitundu, Maureen; Chiwona-Karltun, Linley; Cuambe, Constantino; Dolislager, Michael; Donovan, Cynthia; Droppelmann, Klaus; Jirström, Magnus; Kambewa, Emma; Kambewa, Patrick; Meso Mahungu, Nzola; Mkumbira, Jonathan; Mudema, João; Nielson, Hunter; Nyembe, Mishek; Alexandre Salegua, Venâncio; Tomo, Alda; Weber, Michael. 2012
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
Haggblade, Steven; Andersson Djurfeldt, Agnes; Banda Nyirenda, Drinah; Bergman Lodin, Johanna; Brimer, Leon; Chiona, Martin; Chitundu, Maureen; Chiwona-Karltun, Linley; Cuambe, Constantino; Dolislager, Michael; Donovan, Cynthia; Droppelmann, Klaus; Jirström, Magnus; Kambewa, Emma; Kambewa, Patrick; Meso Mahungu, Nzola; Mkumbira, Jonathan; Mudema, João; Nielson, Hunter; Nyembe, Mishek; Alexandre Salegua, Venâncio; Tomo, Alda; Weber, Michael. 2012
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
DOI : 10.1108/20440831211219219
All eggs in one basket
Droppelmann, Klaus; Makuwira, Jonathan, Kumwenda, Ian. 2012
Journal of African Development
Droppelmann, Klaus; Makuwira, Jonathan, Kumwenda, Ian. 2012
Journal of African Development
Carbon stock and sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in smallholder agroecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa
Thangata, Paul Howard; Hildebrand, P.E.. 2012
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
Thangata, Paul Howard; Hildebrand, P.E.. 2012
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
DOI : 10.1016/j.agee.2012.06.007
Rural nutrition interventions with indigenous plant foods
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2000
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2000
Abstract | View
Identification, propagation, and introduction of a nutritionally rich, indigenous plant species in the existing cropping system are presented in this paper as a method of rural nutrition intervention. A case study of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam., Moringaceae), which is a common tree in Malawi and one of the richest sources of vitamin A and vitamin C compared to the commonly consumed vegetables is presented to address the problem of vitamin A deficiency. After a brief review of the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and the efforts to reduce its incidence in Malawi, Moringa is suggested as a potential solution to the problem. A framework for designing nutrition intervention with Moringa is described for actual implementation. It is argued that attempts to identify, document, and encourage the utilization of nutrient-rich indigenous plants could be cost-effective, and a sustainable method of improving the nutritional status of local populations.
Mitigating the effects of drought through food security and nutrition monitoring: lessons from Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Chapasuka, Evance. 1997
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Chapasuka, Evance. 1997
Abstract | View
This paper using a case study of Malawi, demonstrates the use of food security and nutrition monitoring system for managing and mitigating the effects of drought. The implementation of Food Security and Nutrition Monitoring during the drought emergency is presented along with a description of the process of information generation and the use of results in emergency interventions. Presenting the lessons learned from the Malawi experience for the benefit of future drought management and disaster prevention efforts in other sub-Saharan African countries, the paper concludes that a decentralized system of data collection, processing, and analysis is more likely to be successful in planning interventions for food security and nutritional improvements during the periods of drought.
Costs and benefits of informed food policy decisions: a case study of food security and nutrition monitoring in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1995
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1995
Economic analysis of yield losses due to disease: a case study of early leaf spot of groundnut in Malawai
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Subrahmanyam, P.; N'Gongola, D. N.. 1995
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Subrahmanyam, P.; N'Gongola, D. N.. 1995
Developing decentralized capacity for development policy analysis: lessons for agricultural development from food security and nutrition monitoring in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Ng'Ong'Ola, D. H.; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1996
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Ng'Ong'Ola, D. H.; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1996
International migration and environmental degradation: the case of Mozambican refugees and forest resources in Malawi.
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Hassan, Rashid M.. 1995
Journal of Environmental Management
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Hassan, Rashid M.. 1995
Journal of Environmental Management
DOI : 10.1016/S0301-4797(95)90414-X
Abstract | View
Considering the continuous influx of Mozambican refugees to Malawi as an external shock to the forest ecosystem, a dynamic model of optimizing the use of forest tree resources is developed in this paper. Land clearing for refugee camp sites, construction material, fuelwood and agricultural crop production constitute a major threat to forest resources in the refugee populated areas. The model presented in the paper provides a framework for analysing various afforestation and technology policies to increase the sustainable use of forest tree resources. The optimal conditions for choosing the levels of land clearing for various uses of refugee population are derived. The model parameters are used to identify the optimal timing and rate of afforestation that will attain a dynamic equilibrium of forest tree resources. Several policy implications are derived from the model results for reducing the environmental degradation of forest resources due to the presence of refugees. It is argued that the general environmental regulation policies based on user-pay principles may not be appropriate under the refugee situation and that additional intervention is needed by the host government and international relief agencies for reversing the trends in deforestation." -- Online Abstract
Developing decentralized capacity for disaster prevention: lessons from food security and nutrition monitoring in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1995
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mthindi, Gadson B.. 1995
Priority-setting in food and agricultural policy research: a case study and lessons from Malawi.
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Khaila, Stanley. 1996
Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Khaila, Stanley. 1996
Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture
Abstract | View
This paper develops a conceptual framework for setting priorities in public policy research at a country level. Using the conceptual framework as a guide, a case study of priority-setting in food and agricultural policy research in Malawi is presented. Lessons are derived from the Malawi approach for similar attempts elsewhere. Priority-setting in policy research provides an opportunity to better organize the research programs and to ensure the user participation in policy research for increased use of research information in policy decisionmaking. It is argued that the process of priority-setting in policy research should be seen as an integral part of the process of policy formulation and implementation.
The sequencing of agricultural market reforms in Malawi
Kherallah, Mylene; Govindan, Kumaresan. 1999
Journal of African Economies
Kherallah, Mylene; Govindan, Kumaresan. 1999
Journal of African Economies
DOI : 10.1093/jae/8.2.125
Designing decentralized food security and nutrition policies: a knowledge based system approach in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1999
Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1999
Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture
Abstract | View
Designing decentralized policies has been recently recognized as more appropriate to address the immediate development problems of local communities. In this paper, a knowledge-based system approach is used to generate decentralized policy recommendations of crop choices in order to achieve household food security and nutrition. Using a case study of smallholder Malawian farmers, a decentralized approach to production-oriented policymaking for household food security and nutrition is presented. Based on solutions of farm level optimization models and with the facilities of macro-programming in spreadsheet programs a rule-based system which is easily understood and modified by the local development agents with little or no knowledge of programming languages is developed. It is argued that similar programs could be written for designing and implementing decentralized policies for other rural development sectors. Given the increased use of microcomputers at district and sub-regional levels in sub-Saharan Africa, the approach developed in this paper could be highly practical in designing decentralized food and nutrition policies where experts in these fields are scarce.
The impact of domestic and global trade liberalization on five Southern African countries
Wobst, Peter. 2003
Journal of Development Studies
Wobst, Peter. 2003
Journal of Development Studies
DOI : 10.1080/00220380412331293777
Abstract | View
We compare the impact of alternative domestic and global trade liberalisation scenarios on five economies in Southern Africa. The study applies a computable general equilibrium model that employs standardised 12-sector social accounting matrices for Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The approach incorporates stylised features, such as own-household consumption and marketing margins, that are of particular importance when a majority of agricultural producers are not sufficiently integrated into formal markets and thus rely on own production to meet their daily diets. Hence, improved infrastructure implies lower marketing costs and better market integration, which translates to increased production opportunities. The comparison of the results across all five countries reveals that common policy measures have different impacts depending on the underlying economic structures." -- Author's Abstract
Fighting famine in Southern Africa: steps out of the crisis
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
Humanitarian Exchange
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
Humanitarian Exchange
Mitigating the food crisis in Southern Africa: from relief to development
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2002
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2002
Avoiding famine in Southern Africa: lessons from IFPRI research
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
New Agriculturist on-line
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
New Agriculturist on-line
Tackling the threat of famine in Southern Africa: lessons from IFPRI research
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Bhouraskar, Ashwin. 2002
Mitigating famine in Southern Africa: what have we learned from the past?
Bhouraskar, Ashwin; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2002
Bhouraskar, Ashwin; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2002
Supply response under market liberalization: a case study of Malawian agriculture
Govindan, Kumaresan; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2001
Govindan, Kumaresan; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2001
Abstract | View
In order to analyse the effects of policy reforms, output supply and factor demand responses to input and output prices for Malawian agriculture are estimated in this article in a multiple-output, multiple-input framework. The implications of various structural adjustment policies implemented in Malawi are analysed using the model results for their impact on the smallholder agricultural sector. The results of the analysis indicate that removal of fertiliser subsidy a major component of market reform policies does not substantially reduce the production of maize, the major staple food in Malawi. However, when implemented in appropriate sequence along with other output market liberalisation policies and increased investment in infrastructure, such a policy is likely to increase the productivity of smallholder agriculture.
Tenure, agricultural investment, and productivity in the customary tenure sector of Malawi
Place, Frank; Otsuka, Keijiro. 2001
Place, Frank; Otsuka, Keijiro. 2001
Capacity strengthening in environmental and natural resource policy: lessons from Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Rhoe, Valerie. 2001
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Rhoe, Valerie. 2001
Abstract | View
This article is based on a case study of environmental and natural resource (ENR) capacity strengthening efforts in Malawi between 1994 1999.The overall objective...was to strengthen the capacity of the Malawian policy analysts in the food, agricultural, and natural re-source sectors. It reports on the process and the lessons learned from the experiences and insights gained in developing institutional and human capacity through graduate programs and short-term training courses in ENR policy analysis. The lessons from the Malawi exercise show that the elements of a successful capacity strengthening effort include assessing the needs for capacity strengthening, designing and implementing courses that match the capacity needs and institutionalizing these courses within local institution for sustainability.
Renforcement des capacités en matière de gestion de l'environnement et des ressources naturelles: l'experience du Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Rhoe, Valerie. 2001
Gestion économique et politique sociale; Développement humain
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Rhoe, Valerie. 2001
Gestion économique et politique sociale; Développement humain
Abstract | View
This article is based on a case study of environmental and natural resource (ENR) capacity strengthening efforts in Malawi between 1994 1999.The overall objective...was to strengthen the capacity of the Malawian policy analysts in the food, agricultural, and natural re-source sectors. It reports on the process and the lessons learned from the experiences and insights gained in developing institutional and human capacity through graduate programs and short-term training courses in ENR policy analysis. The lessons from the Malawi exercise show that the elements of a successful capacity strengthening effort include assessing the needs for capacity strengthening, designing and implementing courses that match the capacity needs and institutionalizing these courses within local institution for sustainability.
Assessing capacity strengthening needs for policy analysis in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mataya, Charles. 1996
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Mataya, Charles. 1996
Abstract | View
Considerable investments have been made in the past three decades in developing and strengthening institutions and the necessary human capacity for analyzing and implementing development policies. However, the impact of such efforts in creating a sustainable core of policy analysts has been limited. This paper is an attempt--both methodological and operational--to assess the capacity strengthening needs in food, agriculture and natural resource planning and policy analysis in Malawi. The main objective of the needs assessment exercise was to identify the constraints affecting individual and institutional performance in policy analysis and policy-making in the decision making systems involved in food, agriculture and natural resources sectors of Malawi. The expected outputs of the needs assessment exercise included: improved understanding of the technical and managerial roles of policy analysts in the decision making systems; improved understanding of the policy analysis skills required for the jobs and the associated gaps in them; increased understanding of the organizational constraints in implementing the results of policy analysis; and suggestions for improving the roles of policy analysts through training.
Multi-disciplinary capacity strengthening for food and nutrition policy analysis: lessons from Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1997
Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1997
Abstract | View
Lack of sufficient analytical capacity in most of the developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa has been frequently suggested as a major factor in determining the appropriateness of food and nutrition policy interventions. This paper documents an approach implemented in Malawi for the past seven years to develop multidisciplinary capacity to analyse food and nutrition policies and programmes. A conceptual framework for identifying the areas of capacity-strengthening in food and nutrition planning and policy analysis is developed. Generalizable lessons from the Malawi experience are presented. Various issues that relate to enhancing the efficiency of capacity-strengthening programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are addressed. It is argued that continuous dialogue between food and nutrition researchers and policy decision makers and between the trainers in academic institutions and donor agencies is fundamental for achieving the goals of improved capacity for food and nutrition policy analysis.
Market access by smallholder farmers in Malawi: implications for technology adoption, agricultural productivity and crop income
Zeller, Manfred; Diagne, Aliou; Mataya, Charles. 1998
Agricultural Economics
Zeller, Manfred; Diagne, Aliou; Mataya, Charles. 1998
Agricultural Economics
DOI : 10.1016/S0169-5150(98)00027-9
Market liberalization and integration of maize markets in Malawi
Goletti, Francesco; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1994
Agricultural Economics
Goletti, Francesco; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 1994
Agricultural Economics
DOI : 10.1016/0169-5150(94)00005-0
An investigation of the spatial determinants of the local prevalence of poverty in rural Malawi
Benson, Todd; Chamberlin, Jordan; Rhinehart, Ingrid. 2005
Food Policy
Benson, Todd; Chamberlin, Jordan; Rhinehart, Ingrid. 2005
Food Policy
DOI : 10.1016/j.foodpol.2005.09.004
The determinants of poverty in Malawi, 1998
Mukherjee, Sanjukta; Benson, Todd. 2003
Mukherjee, Sanjukta; Benson, Todd. 2003
Impact of orphanhood on underweight prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa
Rivers, Jonathan; Mason, John; Silvestre, Eva; Gillespie, Stuart; Mahy, Mary; Monasch, Roeland. 2008
Rivers, Jonathan; Mason, John; Silvestre, Eva; Gillespie, Stuart; Mahy, Mary; Monasch, Roeland. 2008
Marriage behavior response to prime-age adult mortality
Ueyama, Mika; Yamauchi, Futoshi. 2009
Ueyama, Mika; Yamauchi, Futoshi. 2009
Understanding vulnerability in southern Africa
Casale, Marisa; Drimie, Scott; Quinlan, Timothy; Ziervogel, Gina. 2010
Regional Environmental Change
Casale, Marisa; Drimie, Scott; Quinlan, Timothy; Ziervogel, Gina. 2010
Regional Environmental Change
DOI : 10.1007/s10113-009-0103-y
Incontinence and trauma
Peterman, Amber; Johnson, Kiersten. 2009
Social Science & Medicine
Peterman, Amber; Johnson, Kiersten. 2009
Social Science & Medicine
DOI : 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.12.006
The impact of orphanhood on food security in the high-HIV context of Blantyre, Malawi
Rivers, Jonathan; Mason, John B.; Rose, Donald Diego; Eisele, Thomas P; Gillespie, Stuart; Mahy, Mary; Monasch, Roeland. 2010
Rivers, Jonathan; Mason, John B.; Rose, Donald Diego; Eisele, Thomas P; Gillespie, Stuart; Mahy, Mary; Monasch, Roeland. 2010
The economic costs of extreme weather events
Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Bachu, Murthy; Ernst van Seventer, Dirk. 2010
Environment and Development Economics
Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Bachu, Murthy; Ernst van Seventer, Dirk. 2010
Environment and Development Economics
DOI : 10.1017/S1355770X10000471
Do forests help rural households adapt to climate variability
Fisher, Monica; Chaudhury, Moushumi; McCusker, Brent. 2010
World Development
Fisher, Monica; Chaudhury, Moushumi; McCusker, Brent. 2010
World Development
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2010.03.005
Analyzing nutritional impacts of policies
Ecker, Olivier; Qaim, Matin. 2011
World Development
39(3)
Ecker, Olivier; Qaim, Matin. 2011
World Development
39(3)
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2010.08.002
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