Factors influencing the profitability of fertilizer use on maize in Zambia

TR Number

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Association of Agricultural Economists

Abstract

Despite government subsidies and the potential benefits to yield and income, fertilizer use in most of Africa remains low. Determining the barriers to its use and the factors influencing its profitability is critical in increasing its popularity. This study uses longitudinal farm data in a generalized asymmetrical production model in order to approximate maize yields in response to household features, traditional production inputs, and government programs in Zambia. The analysis determined that both input and non-input factors, such as market conditions, application rate, fertilizer availability, animal use, and even death of a family member, played roles in determining yield response and overall profitability of fertilizer use on maize. This research illustrates the importance of considering household heterogeneity in regards to fertilizer use and yield response in both productions models and, perhaps more importantly, in government programming and planning.

Description

Metadata only record

Keywords

Farm planning, Cash crops, Economic analyses, Small-scale farming, Low input agriculture, Nutrient management, Traditional farming, Subsistence production, Small holder enterprise, Fertilization, Maize, Zambia, Asymmetrical production model, Yield scaling factor, Fertilizers, Application rate, Government subsidies, Farm/Enterprise Scale Field Scale Governance

Citation

Agricultural Economics 40(4): 437-446