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A comparative political economic analysis of maize sector policies in eastern and southern Africa

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  • Sitko, Nicholas J.
  • Chamberlin, Jordan
  • Cunguara, Benedito
  • Muyanga, Milu
  • Mangisoni, Julius

Abstract

Maize sector policies in eastern and southern Africa are characterized by a large and often growing presence of the state. Yet the scope, scale, and modalities of state activities vary substantially across countries. Drawing on data from Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, and Mozambique this article compares the relative degree of state intervention in the maize sector. We show that relative preferences for output market subsidies, input market subsidies, trade restrictions, or non-interventionist approaches reflect the interplay of interest group lobbying, patronage networks, and ethnic and regional political affiliations. These relationships have deep historical roots and have often been intensified in the context of the emergence of multiparty politics. We show that interventionist orientations in output markets and trade do not translate into better performance or welfare outcomes. Input subsidy preferences produce more ambiguous welfare results, when the opportunity costs are not fully accounted for.

Suggested Citation

  • Sitko, Nicholas J. & Chamberlin, Jordan & Cunguara, Benedito & Muyanga, Milu & Mangisoni, Julius, 2017. "A comparative political economic analysis of maize sector policies in eastern and southern Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 243-255.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:69:y:2017:i:c:p:243-255
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.04.010
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    7. Fredrick Ajwang & Saurabh Arora & Joanes Atela & Joel Onyango & Mohammad Kyari, 2023. "Enabling modernisation, marginalising alternatives? Kenya's agricultural policy and smallholders," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(1), pages 3-20, January.
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    9. Winnie Fung & Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool‐Tasie & Nicole M. Mason & Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere, 2020. "Do crop purchase programs improve smallholder welfare? The case of Zambia's Food Reserve Agency," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(4), pages 519-533, July.

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