Faculty of AgriSciences

Permanent URI for this community

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/9

The Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) is held in high esteem at national and international levels for the quality of its training and research and also as consultant in the agricultural and forestry industry.

Browse

Browsing Faculty of AgriSciences by Subject "(Corn or) maize -- Production economics agricultural -- Malawi"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessing technical efficiency of traditional and hybrid maize farmers in Malawi
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Shakankale, Kabanga Tabo; Mungatana, Eric Dada; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agricultural Economics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The productivity of smallholder maize farmers in Malawi has remained relatively stagnant in recent years, despite the implementation of policies aimed at increasing production through the use of hybrid seed. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to the productivity and efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Malawi, with a focus on the role of hybrid seed adoption. Data from the Fifth Integrated Household Survey (IHS5) conducted in 2019-2020 was used, including information on output and input data for maize production as well as socio-economic variables. The study found that there was a significant difference in technical efficiency between hybrid and local maize seed farmers. Land, seed, and fertiliser were found to be output inelastic, suggesting that expanding the use of these inputs alone will have limited impact on increasing output. However, there was potential for increasing productivity by shifting production resources from local to hybrid maize. The inefficiency model revealed that several factors can contribute to increasing maize production efficiency in Malawi. These include addressing the gender gap in productivity by offering training and extension services specifically for female maize farmers and enhancing their access to credit and markets. Policy should also focus on supporting and encouraging younger or inexperienced farmers, as well as addressing any factors that may be contributing to a decline in technical efficiency among older farmers, such as age-related health issues, access to training and information, and limited access to markets. Overall, the study concludes that policy in Malawi should support the transition of maize farmers from local to hybrid production, such as providing access to improved seed and fertiliser, and promoting the benefits of hybrid maize production. Investments in education, infrastructure, and support services that improve market, extension, and credit access are also needed. In addition, more accurate measurement of labour input is needed to fully understand its contribution to output production. By addressing these issues, it is possible to increase the productivity and efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Malawi, leading to increased food security and economic growth.