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Abstract
The paper analyses the impact of adopting new agricultural technologies on the
multiple dimensions of food security for maize farmers in Tanzania. Relying
on matching techniques, we use a nationally representative dataset collected
over the period 2010/2011 to estimate the causal elects of using improved
seeds and inorganic fertilizers on four dimensions: availability, access, utilization,
and stability. We find an overall positive and significant impact on all the
dimensions of food security even if substantial differences are observed. In
particular, improved seeds show a stronger effect on food availability and access
while inorganic fertilizers guarantee higher stability. In terms of utilization, both
technologies increase the diet diversity while only improved seeds reduce the
dependence on staple food. The study supports the idea that the relationship
between new agricultural technologies and food security is a complex phenomenon
which requires a deeper and more thorough investigation.