title: Agricultural Sector Policy Reforms: Implications for Poverty and the Environment in Malawi

authors: Mkwara, Bentry

abstract: Since independence in 1964, Malawi has implemented a number of agricultural reforms particularly in the tobacco and maize sectors. These reforms have been designed with four key objectives as follows: (a) to improve smallholder prices particularly in the tobacco sector; (b) to increase income for the poor especially in the rural areas; (c) to reduce income inequality between smallholders and estate owners; (d) to ensure food security both at national and household levels. In this thesis, econometric and optimization techniques were employed to examine and explore the extent to which these objectives have been achieved. In addition, the links between poverty and deforestation in the country were investigated.

Although some objectives have been achieved, there is underperformance in a number of areas. For instance, while there were improvements in the prices of tobacco that smallholders receive, reforms in the tobacco sector did not lead to a sustainable reduction in income inequality between small and large growers. In the maize sector, fertilizer subsidies were found to improve food security at the national level. However, at household level, maize production was heavily skewed with the south lagging behind the centre and the north. Although maize sector reforms improved income distribution for smallholders, they failed to improve the income level and poverty status of non-agricultural households in rural areas. 

Finally, it was demonstrated that cultivation of maize on customary land by poor smallholders, is the primary causative agent of deforestation in Malawi, with cultivation of tobacco and pulses being the next most important causes. It is therefore recommended that Malawi should adopt improved farming techniques and technology to ensure that farmers are able to produce more output from less land. In addition, there is a need to ensure that farmers, especially the poor, cultivating plots on customary land are granted stronger property rights. This would give smallholders the incentive to consider the issue of reforestation more seriously than is the case today.

text: Agricultural Sector Policy Reforms: Implications for Poverty and the Environment in Malawi Since independence in 1964, Malawi has implemented a number of agricultural reforms particularly in the tobacco and maize sectors. These reforms have been designed with four key objectives as follows: (a) to improve smallholder prices particularly in the tobacco sector; (b) to increase income for the poor especially in the rural areas; (c) to reduce income inequality between smallholders and estate owners; (d) to ensure food security both at national and household levels. In this thesis, econometric and optimization techniques were employed to examine and explore the extent to which these objectives have been achieved. In addition, the links between poverty and deforestation in the country were investigated.

Although some objectives have been achieved, there is underperformance in a number of areas. For instance, while there were improvements in the prices of tobacco that smallholders receive, reforms in the tobacco sector did not lead to a sustainable reduction in income inequality between small and large growers. In the maize sector, fertilizer subsidies were found to improve food security at the national level. However, at household level, maize production was heavily skewed with the south lagging behind the centre and the north. Although maize sector reforms improved income distribution for smallholders, they failed to improve the income level and poverty status of non-agricultural households in rural areas. 

Finally, it was demonstrated that cultivation of maize on customary land by poor smallholders, is the primary causative agent of deforestation in Malawi, with cultivation of tobacco and pulses being the next most important causes. It is therefore recommended that Malawi should adopt improved farming techniques and technology to ensure that farmers are able to produce more output from less land. In addition, there is a need to ensure that farmers, especially the poor, cultivating plots on customary land are granted stronger property rights. This would give smallholders the incentive to consider the issue of reforestation more seriously than is the case today.

year: 2012

title: Healthy Relationships? An Examination of Health and Physical Education School-Provider Relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Fellows, Sam Bryce

subjects: Physical Education

abstract: Recent research in New Zealand and internationally has indicated an abundance of external providers operating in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) sector and an increasing use of programmes created by these providers during curriculum time. This is a recent phenomenon with limited research about the way multiple programmes operate within schools and the way the relationships between providers and schools are managed. Much of the previous research related to external providers of HPE programmes has examined the effectiveness of a single programme or has been part of broader HPE research. The study undertaken for this thesis examined the relationships between external providers and schools in an attempt to develop some key principles for both schools and providers to take into account when engaging in a relationship with the other. The research examined how each of the parties within a school-provider relationship viewed the relationship, the curriculum and programmes offered by the providers. The study also looked at the way the programmes worked within schools, the reasons for their use and the effects of using the programmes during curriculum time. This thesis reports on strong relationships between the providers and schools based on mutual trust. The research also found both parties within school-provider relationships believed the use of providers provided higher quality HPE as it allowed students greater opportunities in HPE led by experts in the area. The discussion considers further effects of these relationships and potential principles that may be used for schools and providers to ensure the breadth and depth of the HPE curriculum is taught to students.

text: Healthy Relationships? An Examination of Health and Physical Education School-Provider Relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand Recent research in New Zealand and internationally has indicated an abundance of external providers operating in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) sector and an increasing use of programmes created by these providers during curriculum time. This is a recent phenomenon with limited research about the way multiple programmes operate within schools and the way the relationships between providers and schools are managed. Much of the previous research related to external providers of HPE programmes has examined the effectiveness of a single programme or has been part of broader HPE research. The study undertaken for this thesis examined the relationships between external providers and schools in an attempt to develop some key principles for both schools and providers to take into account when engaging in a relationship with the other. The research examined how each of the parties within a school-provider relationship viewed the relationship, the curriculum and programmes offered by the providers. The study also looked at the way the programmes worked within schools, the reasons for their use and the effects of using the programmes during curriculum time. This thesis reports on strong relationships between the providers and schools based on mutual trust. The research also found both parties within school-provider relationships believed the use of providers provided higher quality HPE as it allowed students greater opportunities in HPE led by experts in the area. The discussion considers further effects of these relationships and potential principles that may be used for schools and providers to ensure the breadth and depth of the HPE curriculum is taught to students.

year: 2013

title: Voices of the land: Richard Nunns in conversation with Martin Lodge

authors: Nunns, Richard

abstract: Richard Nunns in conversation with Martin Lodge

text: Voices of the land: Richard Nunns in conversation with Martin Lodge Richard Nunns in conversation with Martin Lodge

year: 2008