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Table 5 Perceptions of traders’ interactions with brokers and other traders. Percentages are reported in the Likert Scale and t test is used to assess differences in perceptions between firms  that were registered and those that were not

From: Performance, behaviour and organization of maize trading in Malawi

Statement

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Firm registration

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Unregistered

Registered

Difference

t test

Broker has better access to market information

2

2

10

49

35

4.15

4.07

.08

.53

Broker acts as guarantor

2

15

35

43

5

3.33

3.33

0

0

Broker has more contacts

1

2

14

62

22

4.03

3.9

.13

1.03

Broker identifies good quality

2

11

20

49

19

3.72

3.69

.03

.19

I have no choice

3

21

38

32

6

.23

2.93

.3

1.83

Broker gives business advice

3

21

24

45

5

3.35

3.19

.23

1.31

It’s less costly to work with broker

4

16

31

42

6

3.42

3

.42

2.5

I trade with partners I know well

4

30

26

34

6

3.18

2.74

.44

2.47

I know the market well enough

1

1

19

55

24

4.02

3.93

.09

.71

Brokers cheat on prices

3

2

12

58

24

3.99

3.98

.02

.11

I want to save commission fees

1

8

35

51

5

3.5

3.43

.10

.75

I do not need a quick transaction

5

28

35

27

4

3.01

2.83

.18

1.06

I had a disagreement with the broker

1

10

17

53

19

3.77

3.81

− .03

− .20