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The Impact of Farmer Input Support Programme Reform on Crop Diversification and Rotation in Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Ndhlovu, Obrian

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Muchapondwa, Edwin

    (University of Cape Town)

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impact of Zambia’s Farmer Input Support Programme reform on the degree of crop diversification and crop rotation. The paper combines a rich two-wave panel of rural household survey data, high resolution satellite rainfall data, and primary in-depth interviews with Agricultural Extension workers. The paper finds that expanding the number of crops supported beyond just maize positively impacted both the level of crop diversification and the intensity of crop rotation. These results show that reforms are effective in stimulating the adoption of climate-smart farming behaviour. However, the impact is undermined by the absence of functioning markets for alternative crops, the entrenched culture of mono-cropping maize, and the general lack of knowledge and resources necessary to adopt new technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ndhlovu, Obrian & Muchapondwa, Edwin, 2021. "The Impact of Farmer Input Support Programme Reform on Crop Diversification and Rotation in Zambia," EfD Discussion Paper 21-10, Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:gunefd:2021_010
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    subsidy; reform; impact evaluation; crop diversification; crop rotation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • Q00 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - General
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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