Agricultural Policy and Soil Fertility Management in the Maize-based Smallholder Farming System in Malawi

This study assesses the impact of agricultural policy on soil fertility management and productivity in the smallholder maize-based farming system in Malawi. The study applies econometric and farm household modeling to address three specific objectives: to characterize factors affecting farmers' choice and intensity of soil fertility management practices, to assess the productivity, profitability and technical efficiency implications of such practices, and to identify the most feasible options that maximize food security, i. e. household income, with lower soil fertility mining implications. The study recommends a soil fertility management policy based on complimentary strategies.

Autorentext

The Author: Hardwick Tchale received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and his Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Malawi. He conducted his Ph.D. studies at the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn where he graduated in 2005. He currently works as an Agricultural Economist for the World Bank in Malawi.

Inhalt
Contents: Malawi's Agricultural Sector Soil Fertility Management Choice and Intensity among Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-based Farming System Smallholder Productivity, Efficiency and Profitability under Alternative Soil Fertility Management Options: the Case of Maize in Malawi Impact of Soil Fertility Management Options on Productivity, Food Security and Household Income under Alternative Policy Scenarios.