Why Volunteer? Peasant Rationality Re-examined: A Study of What Motivates Farmers to Volunteer in Malawi

Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to understand the rationality behind the decisions of smallholder farmers to volunteer as Farmer Trainers in the absence of direct financial incentives. Farmer Trainers are responsible for passing on agricultural extension knowledge to their peers as part of a participatory agricultural extension approach dubbed ‘Farmer-to-Farmer’ training programme. Using the existing literature on peasant rationality as an entry point, this study employs a holistic framework which includes elements from the economy of affection paradigm and economic theories of volunteering to explore how national and community level factors influence individual rationality, and hence the motivations of farmers to volunteer. Through a combination of a literature review, focus group discussions and interviews with farmers in the central region of Malawi, this study found that in addition to being motivated by self-interest, farmer volunteers are also significantly influenced by a desire to develop their community in taking the decision to volunteer. The study concludes by underlining the importance of employing a wider lens when exploring the concept of rationality, as the complexity of peasant life necessitates the inclusion of social and cultural factors in addition to economic ones, as motivations for actions are not solely based on financial or individual considerations.