An empirical investigation of activity choice, labor allocation, and forest use in Southern Malawi.

摘要: In this paper we explore forest use and activity choice among low-income households in Malawi. Using data from three villages southern Malawi investigate factors related to by jointly estimating four labor share equations for use, maize production, wagework, self-employment. This approach allows us examine influencing competing synergistic livelihood strategies simultaneously undertaken living at the margin. Results constrained ML estimation indicate greater incentives degrade forests where returns are high. Factors that reduce pressure on include availability of low-cost fuel substitutes, tree planting farm, favorable wagework opportunities self-employment sector. We find wealth is inversely pressure. JEL classification: J22; O13; Q12;