An assessment of the performance of input voucher subsidies in Maize production in Mbeya district
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Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
The University of Dodoma
Abstract
This research was aimed to make an assessment of the performance of input voucher subsidies in maize production in Mbeya district. The specific objectives aimed to examine the nature and extent of input voucher subsidies system practices for maize cultivation in Mbeya district, to identify the hurdles experienced by smallholder farmers in availing the input voucher subsidies system and to bring out the challenges in making the input voucher subsidies system achieve its aim of increasing the maize production. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected at once. Primary data were collected through survey method using a questionnaire and interview method using an interview guide. The study was covering 85 maize farmers selected from two villages i.e. Songwe viwandani and Idiga in Mbeya district. This district was selected to represent similar Tanzanian districts which had maize farmers who received inputs though voucher system. The research findings revealed that, the performance of input voucher subsidies system on maize production was not satisfactory because for majority farmers the impact of agricultural input voucher was really unseen. It was claimed that the benefits of the vouchers were captured by powerful people, such as Village Voucher Committee members, financially capable farmers and few powerful local politicians. The study recommended that in order to realize the vitality of input voucher subsidies to maize farmers, inputs need to be distributed to maize farmers at the right time. Also strong strategies needed to be taken to reduce corrupt practices such as voucher being distributed to the people who were not intended by the program or few powerful people, such as Village Voucher Committee members who were using the vouchers mostly for their own use.
Description
Dissertation (MA Development Studies)
Keywords
Mbeya, Maize, Zea mays, Maize production, Voucher subsidies, Maize cultivation
Citation
Mtekele, N. (2013). An assessment of the performance of input voucher subsidies in Maize production in Mbeya district. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma