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Hybrid Seed and the Economic Well-Being of Smallholder Maize Farmers in Zambia

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  • Melinda Smale
  • Nicole Mason

Abstract

The development and diffusion of hybrid maize in Zambia since the 1970s is a major achievement in African agriculture, but other than profitability studies, analyses of how this process has affected the economic well-being of smallholder farmers have been few. We test the relationship of hybrid seed use with six indicators of economic well-being. After using the control function/instrumental variables approach to test for the endogeneity of hybrid seed use, we estimate correlated random effects (CRE) fractional response, CRE Tobit, and fixed effects models with a panel of nationally representative data collected in 2002/3 and 2006/7. Findings suggest that use of maize hybrids is associated with higher values of household income, assets, farm and processing equipment, and livestock, and less deprivation compared to other farmers in nearby villages.

Suggested Citation

  • Melinda Smale & Nicole Mason, 2014. "Hybrid Seed and the Economic Well-Being of Smallholder Maize Farmers in Zambia," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(5), pages 680-695, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:50:y:2014:i:5:p:680-695
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2014.887690
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    5. Kumar, Shubh K., 1994. "Adoption of hybrid maize in Zambia: effects on gender roles, food consumption, and nutrition," Research reports 100, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    6. Hamazakaza, Petan & Smale, Melinda & Kasalu, Helen, 2013. "The Impact of Hybrid Maize on Smallholder Livelihoods in Zambia:Findings of a Household Survey in Katete, Mkushi, and Sinazongwe Districts," Food Security Collaborative Working Papers 148808, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
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