Module 2.2 Markets & Rural Livelihoods Qualitative Study

Qualitative Methods Language Case Studies Diversity* * In part 2 of report, not in presentation

Subjects Covered Malawian cultural values (language) Impoverishment in rural Malawi (case studies) Regional variations in farming (diversity)

A Critical Image of Free Inputs Feel-good factor Distortion of costing Not sustainable Creating dependency

Assumptions Underlying Free Inputs High value on growing your own food Lack of food crucial in poverty Free inputs are effective

Example of Methodology: Provoking Response on Growing Own Food Not growing ones own food is a reason for shame. Ganyu or business is a better way to get food than working on ones own land.

Growing your own food Universal value on growing own food Lack of food associated with anti-social behaviour Begging Ganyu Theft

Example of Methodology: Provoking Response Poverty and Food Food is the major expense of poor families therefore growing more food is the best way to be less poor People may not grow their own food, but that doesnt mean they are poor.

Food and Poverty Lack of food hallmark of poverty Food is wealth Food pre-condition for enjoying cash

Example of Methodology: Provoking Response Effect of Free Inputs Free inputs make people lazy. Poor people are only really helped by money instead of free maize or more food on the farm.

Free Inputs and Money Preference for inputs over cash Money makes a person restless Money is sweet

Free Inputs and Laziness Rejection of dependency Free inputs make people work harder

Impoverishment in Rural Malawi Non-commercial nature of maize production Maize and its links to other markets Paradox of involvement in the market

Ganyu and Labour Markets A narrow definition of ganyu Ganyu as compared to wage labour Ganyu as the poverty trap Free inputs and the supply of ganyu

Mechanism of Impoverishment Loss of soil fertility High price of fertiliser Weak integration in produce markets Collapse of credit Depletion of assets Shortage of capital Trade pays; agriculture doesnt

Two Possible Roles for Free Inputs Poverty in Malawi is a transitory phase towards market clearing: free inputs a temporary phenomenon Poverty in Malawi is structural and needs a supply-driven approach: free inputs should be part of development policy