ISSN 2329-9797
International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension ISSN 2329-9797 Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Maize production differentials among Malawi rural households: A difference in difference estimation approach
Kisu Simwaka1*, Stuart Ferrer2 and Geoff Harris1
1University of Kwazulu-Natal, School of Economics and Finance, J Block, 3rd Floor, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
2South African Cane Growers Association, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Accepted 15 January, 2019
Abstract
This paper assesses the impact of morbidity and mortality on maize production for affected and non-affected farm households using difference in difference estimation technique. Results show that both affected and non-affected households recorded significantly higher maize production during 2006/07 season compared to 2004/05 season. The results reveal gender discrepancies in production levels for both affected and non-affected households. In general, the difference in differences in maize production for affected and non-affected household over the two periods is not statistically significant. The policy implication is that for the majority of households, prime age mortality raises the demand for labour saving agricultural technology. Secondly, given the gender differentials in impact of morbidity and mortality, there is need to overcome gender barriers to women participation in training programs in crop husbandry practices and access to land.
Key words: Maize production differentials, small farm households, Malawi.