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Unraveling the effect of targeted input subsidies on dietary diversity in household consumption and child nutrition: The case of Malawi

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  • Harou, Aurélie P.

Abstract

Malawi’s Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) has generated significant attention, with several studies showing an increase in maize production since the inception of the program in 2005, but stagnating poverty levels. In this study, I examine whether and how FISP has affected dietary diversity in household food consumption and child nutrition. I find that children under the age of five living in households that received a voucher between 2008 and 2013 for the purchase of fertilizer have a statistically significantly higher (at the 1% level) weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and body mass index than children living in non-recipient households. I also find that households having received a voucher consume cereals, nuts, vegetables, meats and fruits more frequently than non-recipient households. The analysis uses two stage least squares to account for the endogeneity of selection into the fertilizer subsidy program. I test the robustness of these results using child fixed effects. The results indicate that past studies evaluating FISP failing to account for the positive gains in child nutrition and household food consumption diversity may be underestimating its benefits.

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  • Harou, Aurélie P., 2018. "Unraveling the effect of targeted input subsidies on dietary diversity in household consumption and child nutrition: The case of Malawi," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 124-135.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:106:y:2018:i:c:p:124-135
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.01.011
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    2. Martin Mwale & Dieter von Fintel & Anja Smith, 2022. "School drop out and farm input subsidies: gender and kinship heterogeneity in Malawi," Working Papers 01/2022, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    3. Aimable Nsabimana & Justice Tei Mensah, 2020. "Weather shocks and child nutrition: Evidence from Tanzania," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-57, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. Kwon, Daye & Myers, Robert J. & Mason, Nicole M., 2022. "How do input subsidy programs affect smallholder households’ dietary diversity? Evidence from Zambia," 2022 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Anaheim, California 322493, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    5. Mwale, Martin Limbikani & Kamninga, Tony Mwenda, 2022. "Land rights and the impact of farm input subsidies on poverty convergence," MPRA Paper 112431, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Mwale, Martin & Smith, Anja & von Fintel, Dieter, 2022. "Child nutrition and farm input subsidies: The complementary role of early healthcare and nutrition programs in Malawi," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    7. Mwale, Martin Limbikani, 2022. "Unintended consequences of farm input subsidies: women’s contraceptive usage and knock-on effects on children," MPRA Paper 112689, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Mwale, Martin Limbikani & Fintel, Dieter von & Marchetta, Francesca & Smith, Anja & Kamninga, Tony Mwenda, 2021. "The Negative Impact of Farm Input Subsidies on Women's Agency in Malawi's Matrilocal Settlements," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315041, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    9. Kilugala Malimi, 2023. "Agricultural input subsidies, extension services, and farm labour productivity nexus: Evidence from maize farmers in Tanzania," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 74(3), pages 874-898, September.
    10. Mwale, Martin & Kamninga, Tony Mwenda & Cassim, Lucius, 2021. "The Effects of the Malawi Farm Input Subsidy Program on Household per-Capita Consumption Convergence," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315045, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    11. Morgan, Stephen N. & Mason, Nicole M. & Levine, N. Kendra & Zulu-Mbata, Olipa, 2019. "Dis-incentivizing sustainable intensification? The case of Zambia’s maize-fertilizer subsidy program," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 54-69.
    12. Mwale, Martin Limbikani, 2023. "Do agricultural subsidies matter for women’s attitude towards intimate partner violence? Evidence from Malawi," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    13. Matita, Mirriam & Chiwaula, Levison & Wadonda Chirwa, Ephraim & Mazalale, Jacob & Walls, Helen, 2022. "Subsidizing improved legume seeds for increased household dietary diversity: Evidence from Malawi’s Farm Input Subsidy Programme with implications for addressing malnutrition in all its forms," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    14. Khonje, Makaiko G. & Nyondo, Christone & Mangisoni, Julius H. & Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob & Burke, William J. & Chadza, William & Muyanga, Milu, 2022. "Does subsidizing legume seeds improve farm productivity and nutrition in Malawi?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

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