Food production in Zambia: The impact of selected structural adjustment policies
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Date
2006-09-06
Authors
Simatele, Munacinga C.H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Economic Research consortium
Abstract
The paper examines the impact of selected structural adjustment policies on food
production in Zambia. Using a four-year panel of post-harvest data, a system of six
crops, two variable inputs and three fixed inputs is estimated. The resulting supply
responses suggest a negatively sloped supply curve for sorghum and millet, which is
attributed to the presence of credit constraints. Simulations are conducted to asses the
impact of the removal of subsidies and exchange rate controls. The results indicate that
these policies have led to increased food production although the magnitude of the
increase is in general not very large. The results also indicate a significant fall in fertilizer
use. Information, credit and distance to markets are also very important variables for
food production. Deliberate efforts are needed to develop both input and output markets
and to provide more formal credit institutions targeted at small-scale farmers.