New IFPRI study: “Fertilizer Subsidies in Africa: Are Vouchers the Answer?”
A new study released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) – “Fertlizer Subsidies in Africa: Are Vouchers the Answer?” – looks at the efficacy of providing fertilizer vouchers for African farmers to improve their livelihoods and the productivity of their crops.
The findings discuss the fact that the impact which fertilizer subisidies have depends on existing farmer knowledge and the external conditions of the local area. The best justifications for these subsidies are when farmers are unfamiliar with the benefits of fertilizer or are too poor to purchase it themselves, or when there is demonstrated profitability to be had and a sufficient distribution network for accessing those being targeted.
The authors review both sides of the debate and argue for “smart” subsidies, which do not undercut the development of efficient, broad markets and target the areas where the most benefit can be found.
Nonethless, African farmers still use on average only about one-seventh the amount of fetilizer that other developing countries use. And, the recent successes of Malawi’s input subsidy programme (watch the Farming First interview with the coordinator of this programme here) have made the subject of fertlizer vouchers and greater agricultural support a new priority for many African governments.
Source:
Minot, N., and T. Benson. 2009. Fertilizer subsidies in Africa: Are vouchers the answer? Issue Brief 60. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute.
Tags: Africa, fertilizers, Malawi, principle2, principle3
Jul 31, 2009
I agree that fertiliser subsidies should form part of the Agricultural Support Programme in Africa but the impementation should be free of nepotism and corruption, that is, subsidised fertilisers should reach the correct target group, ie, small farmers and not in the rural fertiliser shops to be resold with an added margin.
Nov 14, 2009
sir,
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Agro Consultant & Market Analyst
Sandeep
India
skype: edamanat
et_sandeep@yahoo.com
May 09, 2010
I am a farmer and growing vegetables to sell. For more efficency i use fertilizers but while using them it is important to
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Jun 08, 2010
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