Effects of Maize Fertilizer Subsidies on Food Security in Malawi

Bentry Mkwara () and Dan Marsh
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Bentry Mkwara: University of Waikato

Working Papers in Economics from University of Waikato

Abstract: This study employs spatial analysis to examine the impact of smallholder fertilizer subsidies on national and household food security in Malawi. It illustrates that at national level, food security is positively linked to fertilizer subsidies. However, at household level, maize production is heavily skewed with the south lagging behind the centre and the north. In the short-to-medium term, replacing the current countrywide subsidy program with a more targeted one is highly recommended. Furthermore, by diversifying into other crops or small-scale businesses, smallholders may be able to increase their income and hence food buying power.

Keywords: maize; subsidy; food security; Malawi (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C01 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 18 pages
Date: 2011-11-18
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr and nep-agr
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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