Findings of the Starter Pack and TIP M&E Programmes Implications for Policy in and Beyond Sarah Levy & Carlos Barahona May 2002

The evidence Findings are based on 2 ½ years of research Consultants from University of Reading (UK) working with Malawian teams The study had 6 teams, employed 25 researchers & around 180 field staff, etc. The study visited 329 villages in 27 districts; interviewed some 8,000 households

Production Of total smallholder maize production: : SP1 contributed around ¼; : SP2 contributed 15-30%; : TIP contributed only 5% Total smallholder maize output fell by 40% in 2001 compared with 2000 Prices rose sharply after the 2001 harvest

Food security impact SP contributes 300, ,000 tonnes Key to success of SP1 & SP2 = scale Output … Prices Smallholder farmers are net purchasers of maize – especially in January-April A small-scale, Safety Net-type SP (TIP) will not output and prices Only a universal SP will food security

But is it SP or the weather? –SP1 and SP2 = A –TIP = D Good weatherBad weather Inputs A B No inputs C D

Inputs – a key constraint 2/3 farmers that did not receive TIP used NO fertiliser or improved seed in SP has BIG production impact, although the pack is tiny Demand for inputs is weak because of high prices & low purchasing power, NOT SP Need to boost farmers income: –cash crops; sale of livestock; trade; small business and crafts; employment opportunties Higher demand for inputs, benefits for private traders

Medium-term Strategy Supply-side Universal SP to combat under-production and food insecurity Demand-side Marketing channels for cash crops Credit for small business development Infrastructure, esp. roads (+ employment) … a balanced approach

Value for money (1)

Value for money (2) If we accept less than optimal production and food insecurity as the norm, we can cut costs – no SP and fewer maize imports But this leads to: High prices of food Malnourished people, hunger crises Slow growth and development

Looking ahead Content of the pack –OPV vs. hybrid maize –Other things (medium term), to diversify food sources The technology (intercropping) Extension system Written messages Timing of procurement Co-ordination with food aid effort, including radio campaign Update register of recipients