Abstract
This study set out to estimate the effects of large-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) on household food security in one community each in Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique. An endogenous switching regression model was adopted to control for a possible selection bias due to unobserved factors. It was found that households with members employed by large-scale agricultural investment companies were more likely larger households headed by younger migrant males holding smaller plots and fewer livestock than non-engaged households. The endogenous switching regression results confirmed the presence of both a positive and negative selection bias. In general, the results showed that households with a member employed by an LSAI enjoyed better household food security, higher dietary diversity, better food consumption scores and more adequate household food provisioning. Households without employed members could also enjoy these benefits should the LSAIs employ their members. However, the seasonal nature and low wages paid by LSAI may only support the purchase of food and not facilitate savings and investments to significantly improve food security.
Highlights
AbhilashThe acquisition of large-scale agricultural land has increased since the global food and fuel price crisis of 2007/2008 [1]
This paper explores the food security impacts of large-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) in communities in Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique
The descriptive results are presented in the first sub-section, followed by the endogenous switching regression results in the second sub-section
Summary
The acquisition of large-scale agricultural land has increased since the global food and fuel price crisis of 2007/2008 [1] Developed countries such as Europe and the United States of America have sought to acquire land in developing countries to produce cash crop and biofuels [2]. Studies identified the main drivers of LSAI such as food security initiatives, fuel security, climate change mitigation strategies, week land tenure system and contemporary needs for new areas of investment of global capital. Land acquisitions in these three countries (Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique) have been increasing following the 2007/2008 global crisis [4]
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