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Abstract: This study investigates the effects of ganyu labor on maize output in Malawi. Agricultural policy in Malawi has favored large estates to the detriment of small farmers. The policies enacted by the government in conjunction with the growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, lack of affordable inputs, and significant population growth have negatively impacted the food security situation in the country. Small landowners are now finding it more and more difficult to bridge the food gap especially during the critical hunger season when food stocks are depleted, which peaks in January. Many small farmers are forced to find off own-farm work to bridge this hunger gap. This labor is commonly referred to as ganyu and is predominantly agricultural in nature. Ganyu labor is hypothesized to have a negative impact on overall maize output because it lacks sustainability as a result of very low wages. In addition, diversion from own-farm maintenance is of particular concern because the labor is performed during the rainy season, when it is needed most. This paper estimates the impact of ganyu labor on maize output using household surve