Effectiveness of subsidized fertilizer delivery system in reaching maize smallholder farmers in Njombe Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Njombe region which was part of Iringa until 2012, has been receiving subsidized fertilizer since the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) was introduced in 2008. This study aimed at assessing whether targeting subsidized fertilizer through its delivery system to reach maize smallholder farmers was achieved as intended under the NAIVS. More specifically the study was undertaken to determine the level of awareness among farmers regarding their eligibility to subsidized fertilizer in Njombe, identify actors and distribution channels (supply chain) for subsidized fertilizers within the study area and assess farmers’ level of satisfaction and factors affecting their satisfaction with the subsidized fertilizer delivery system. A field survey was conducted at Kisilo and Ihalula villages in Njombe district where a total of 123 respondents (including farmers and key informants) were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire and a checklist respectively. Study findings showed that there was high level of awareness in the study area on the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) where 81.7 % of the respondents were aware of the programme. Moreover awareness on eligibility criteria was also high in the study area by 51.7%. Cross tabulation was performed to establish the relationship between farmers’ level of satisfaction across their socio demographic characteristics. Sex of the farmer was the only variable that was statistically significant (ρ<0.05). Regarding the supply chain of subsidized fertilizer, results indicated low diversification of distribution channels of subsidized fertilizer in the study area. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess farmers’ satisfaction with subsidized fertilizer delivery system. Availability of subsidized fertilizer was statistically significant (ρ<0.05). Based on the findings, the following recommendations are made: (i) When programmes such as NAIVS are introduced by the government, awareness creation to intended groups of beneficiaries is of paramount importance to allow for the targeted goals to be achieved (ii) In formulating programmes such as NAIVS, there is need for the government to monitor and evaluate all procedures of the delivery system. The government may in most cases be compelled to introduce implementation control systems