Chimanga cha makolo, hybrids, and composites: an analysis of farmers' adoption of maize technology in Malawi, 1989-91

This paper profiles farmers' adoption behavior and varietal choices with respect to local and improved maize technologies (variety, fertilizer application, and other agronomic practices) in three agroeconomic zones of Malawi. Farmers' consumption preferences, which are related to processing and storage characteristics of flinty varieties, appear to affect adoption decisions. Even when farmers adopt improved maize technology on some of their land, they continue to sow flinty local varieties in order to meet their subsistence requirements. No single variable, however, determines farmers' adoption choices in Malawi; in choosing maize technology, farmers seek to meet multiple objedives while facing multiple constraints. The data presented in this report suggest the need for a flexible policy approach to encourage hybrid maize adoption, which would suit the complexity of farmers' adoption decisions.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Smale, M., Kaunda, Z.H.W., Makina, H.L., Mkandawire, M.M.M.K., Msowoya, M.N.S., Mwale, D.J.E.K., Heisey, P.W.
Format:	Working Paper biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	CIMMYT 1991
Subjects:	AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, FARMERS, FERTILIZER APPLICATION, FOOD PRODUCTION, INNOVATION ADOPTION, SMALL FARMS, ZEA MAYS,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10883/880
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