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Maize Hybrids, Diversity of Diets and Sources of Vitamin A among Smallholder Farmers in Zambia

Author

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  • Smale, Melinda
  • Moursi, Mourad
  • Birol, Ekin

Abstract

Since a 1994 study by Kumar, we are not aware of analyses that have related the adoption of hybrid seed to dietary diversity and smallholder farmers in Zambia, despite the policy importance of nutrition and food security. We apply various econometric approaches to test the relationship of hybrid seed use to dietary diversity and diversity in sources of Vitamin A among smallholder maize growers in Zambia, based on a survey of 1,128 households. Four dietary diversity indicators are defined according to recent research advances: food group diversity, vitamin A diversity, food frequency, and frequency of consuming vitamin A-fortified food. Growing hybrid seed, whether measured as a binary variable or in terms of quantities planted, is strongly and positively related to all four indicators. Findings are robust to econometric models. Although it is often hypothesized that growing hybrids promotes crop specialization and reduces the range of on-farm food sources, these results suggest that instead, hybrid growers enjoy a greater range of food sources from farm production, market purchase, or both. In Zambia, smallholder maize farmers who do not grow hybrid seed are therefore a disadvantaged group, not only with respect to maize productivity, but other key, diet-related welfare indicators

Suggested Citation

  • Smale, Melinda & Moursi, Mourad & Birol, Ekin, 2013. "Maize Hybrids, Diversity of Diets and Sources of Vitamin A among Smallholder Farmers in Zambia," 2013 Fourth International Conference, September 22-25, 2013, Hammamet, Tunisia 161475, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaae13:161475
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.161475
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smale, Melinda & Diakité, Lamissa & Keita, Naman, 2012. "Millet transactions in market fairs, millet diversity and farmer welfare in Mali," Environment and Development Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(5), pages 523-546, October.
    2. 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).
    3. Ruel, Marie T., 2002. "Is dietary diversity an indicator of food security or dietary quality?," FCND discussion papers 140, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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