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Kassie, M.

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Kassie
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M.
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Kassie, M.
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0000-0002-5898-3877

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2016 - 20173
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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Farm production, market access and dietary diversity in Malawi
    (Cambridge University Press, 2016) Koppmair, S.; Kassie, M.; Qaim, M.
    The association between farm production diversity and dietary diversity in rural smallholder households was recently analysed. Most existing studies build on household-level dietary diversity indicators calculated from 7d food consumption recalls. Herein, this association is revisited with individual-level 24 h recall data. The robustness of the results is tested by comparing household- and individual-level estimates. The role of other factors that may influence dietary diversity, such as market access and agricultural technology, is also analysed. Design A survey of smallholder farm households was carried out in Malawi in 2014. Dietary diversity scores are calculated from 24 h recall data. Production diversity scores are calculated from farm production data covering a period of 12 months. Individual- and household-level regression models are developed and estimated. Setting Data were collected in sixteen districts of central and southern Malawi. Subjects Smallholder farm households (n 408), young children (n 519) and mothers (n 408). Results Farm production diversity is positively associated with dietary diversity. However, the estimated effects are small. Access to markets for buying food and selling farm produce and use of chemical fertilizers are shown to be more important for dietary diversity than diverse farm production. Results with household- and individual-level dietary data are very similar. Conclusions Further increasing production diversity may not be the most effective strategy to improve diets in smallholder farm households. Improving access to markets, productivity-enhancing inputs and technologies seems to be more promising.
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    Response to climate risks among smallholder farmers in Malawi: a multivariate probit assessment of the role of information, household demographics, and farm characteristics
    (Elsevier, 2017) Mulwa, C.; Marenya, P.P.; Rahut, D.B.; Kassie, M.
    Why do many smallholder farmers fail to adopt what appear to be relatively simple agronomic or management practices which can help them cope with climate-induced stressors? Using household and plot level data collected in 2011, we implement a multivariate probit model to assess the determinants of farmer adaptation behavior to climatic risks and the relative contribution of information, credit and education on the probability of adopting specific practices in response to adverse changes in weather patterns. We find that plot characteristics, credit constraints and availability of climate-related information explain the adoption of several of these practices. In relative terms, we also find that even when financial limitations are binding, making climate-related information available can still motivate farmers to adapt. Policy implications are that the deepening of extension access with information on the appropriate adaptation strategies is crucial to help farmers make adaptation choices. The need to foster credit markets for easy accessibility and affordability by farmers or otherwise strengthening access to assets is also important.
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    From few to many: taking Conservation Agriculture practices to scale in Malawi
    (CIMMYT, 2016) Tione, S.; Marenya, P.P.; Mutenje, M.; Mwale, C.; Ndambuleni, K.; Kassie, M.
    In the sample of the farmers who were in the vicinity of the farm trial sites and who were contacted for this study, 90 percent reported that they were aware of technologies being promoted. Approximately 63 percent had actually tried the technologies. Farmer preference voting showed that zero or minimum tillage under maize as a sole crop were viewed favorably by most farmers. This was followed by zero/ minimum tillage in maize/legume rotation. The reduction in labor use seem to be a major driver of these preference leanings.
    Publication