The role of cassava in smallholder maize marketing in Zambia and Mozambique

This study investigates the relationship between cassava production and maize marketing for smallholder farming households in Zambia and Mozambique. Three different econometric models are estimated for two years of data each in Zambia and Mozambique to explore the relationship between cassava hectares and kilograms of maize sold. It is hypothesized that households with cassava stocks in addition to maize are better able to meet their staple food consumption needs, thereby freeing surplus maize for sale. Findings indicate that cassava hectares are positively related to maize market participation and level of maize sales for two good rainfall years in Zambia. In Mozambique cassava hectares have little impact on maize sales in a good rainfall year, and a slightly greater impact during a year of poor rainfall. These results indicate that cassava hectares are an important determinant for maize sales in Zambia, and imply that in Mozambique households may depend upon cassava more during years of poor maize production.