The 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program: Key Implementation Issues and Messages

Christone J. Nyondo, Zephaniah Nyirenda, Thokozani Sentala, Milu Muyanga, Solomon Mkumbwa and William J. Burke

No 329245, Policy Briefs from Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics

Abstract: • Consider re-introducing legumes to the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP). Removal of legumes diminishes the programʼs contribution to farm productivity, incomes and nutrition. • Delays in planning and implementation hinder the programʼs effectiveness. • Invest time and resources to update the beneficiary database that is aligned to the National Registration Bureau to increase implementation efficiency. • Insufficient sensitization of beneficiaries and input suppliers hampered the AIP in its inaugural year regarding how benefits would be distributed and redeemed. • Upgrade the AIP mobile application to allow for manual and offline input redemptions through the reference number on the national ID card to reduce the effect of network disruptions. • Alternatively, consider a manual backstopping system for the electronic identification and redemption system to circumvent network disruptions. • Strengthen the enforcement of input supplier contracts to ensure timely distribution. • Align AIP inputs supplies with seasonality, agro-ecological zones, and farmer preferences. • Consider only contracting well established and reputable suppliers to supply subsidized inputs to avoid delayed deliveries. • Open AIP outlet markets as early as during the harvest season, when farmers have enough liquidity to purchase inputs. • Incentivize agro-dealers to supply subsidized inputs to assigned areas throughout the year.

Keywords: Agricultural and Food Policy; Crop Production/Industries; Food Security and Poverty; International Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 5
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:maappb:329245

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.329245

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