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Does adopting legume-based cropping practices improve the food security of small-scale farm households? Panel survey evidence from Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Christine M. Sauer

    (Michigan State University)

  • Nicole M. Mason

    (Michigan State University)

  • Mywish K. Maredia

    (Michigan State University)

  • Rhoda Mofya-Mukuka

    (Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute)

Abstract

This study provides empirical evidence on whether and how integrating legumes into production systems affects measures of small-scale farm households’ food availability and access. We used nationally representative household panel survey data from Zambia to estimate the differential effects on cereal-growing households of incorporating grain legumes into their farms via cereal-legume intercropping, cereal-legume rotation, and other means (such as legume monocropping). Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that with all else equal, cereal-growing small-scale farm households that integrate grain legumes into their production systems have: (1) more availability of food as measured by total production of calories and protein; (2) more income from crop production or sales; and (3) increased food access. Results suggest that cereal-legume rotation was associated with statistically significant increases in production of calories and protein by a household as well as their gross value of crop sales; it may also improve their food access. In contrast, we found little evidence of statistically significant effects of cereal-legume intercropping and other forms of legume production on household food availability and access in Zambia.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine M. Sauer & Nicole M. Mason & Mywish K. Maredia & Rhoda Mofya-Mukuka, 2018. "Does adopting legume-based cropping practices improve the food security of small-scale farm households? Panel survey evidence from Zambia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(6), pages 1463-1478, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:10:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1007_s12571-018-0859-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-018-0859-3
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