If smallholder farmers have access to the world market: the case of tobacco marketing in Malawi
研究马拉维小农户烟草种植面积和产量如何受交易成本降低的影响，发现距离拍卖场每减少10%，种植面积和产量分别增加约4%和10%，对改善营销基础设施有政策启示。
Abstract We measure the impact of a reduction in transaction costs on crop area and production of smallholder tobacco growers in Malawi. For identification, we exploit the introduction of an additional tobacco auction floor. Estimations are based on annual data by extension planning area. A 10 per cent reduction in distance to auction floor is shown to increase crop area and production around 4 and 10 per cent, respectively. Supply response weakens beyond a distance to auction floor of 60 km and runs along the intensive margin: existing tobacco growers improve productivity of cultivation. Impacts are robust for non-random placement of auction floors and several other threats. The results point to potentially large welfare benefits for smallholders if marketing infrastructure is improved and if more auction floors are introduced.