Remoteness and its impact on productivity growth among Malawi’s smallholder household farmers: A Malmquist and tobit regression approach

Efrem Chilima, Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri, Kennedy Machira, & Horace Happy Phiri

Abstract
This study examines the impact of remoteness on productivity growth among Malawian smallholder farmers. Utilising data from four rounds of the Integrated Household Survey Panel (2010–2019), a combined Malmquist data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression approach suggests remoteness as a crucial determinant of technical change and productivity growth. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly for farmers in remote areas. Policy recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, electronic agricultural extension services, climate-resilient practices, and farm output price transparency initiatives to address spatial disparities and promote inclusivity in Malawi’s smallholder agricultural sector. Specifically, prioritising innovative, decentralised rural development initiatives leveraging electronic platforms and piloting digital villages is recommended. This study informs policy decisions in Malawi and offers valuable insights for similar contexts, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.