Comparing Yields and Profitability in MADER's High- and Low-Input Maize Programs: 1997/98 Survey Results and Analysis

This paper summarizes the results from data collected and analyzed during the study’s second year. The 1997/98 analysis is based on a stratified sample of 210 smallholder maize farmers in Nampula Province. In contrast to the 1996/97 research, when the sample was composed entirely of farmers using the DNER/SG high-input package (improved seed, fertilizer, improved practices), the 1997/98 sample strata represent three different sets of production practices: (1) the DNER/SG high-input, improved management package; (2) an improved management only program implemented by the extension service (improved practices, local seed, no fertilizer); and (3) a control group of farmers who did not participate in any formal program.