Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of morbidity and mortality on maize production for affected and non-affected farm households using difference in difference estimation technique. Results show that both affected and non-affected households recorded significantly higher maize production during 2006/07 season compared to 2004/05 season. The results reveal gender discrepancies in production levels for both affected and non-affected households. In general, the difference in differences in maize production for affected and non-affected household over the two periods is not statistically significant. The policy implication is that for the majority of households, prime age mortality raises the demand for labour saving agricultural technology. Secondly, given the gender differentials in impact of morbidity and mortality, there is need to overcome gender barriers to women participation in training programs in crop husbandry practices and access to land.

Key words: Maize production differentials, small farm households, Malawi.