Agricultural Input Vouchers in Southern Africa

Abstract

This paper synthesises the findings of research undertaken in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia on the different ways in which relief seed and seed vouchers are programmed, and seeks to identify how such interventions can potentially best benefit both farmers and commercial seed markets. However, the review of the seed interventions in the three case study countries reveals that it is difficult to distinguish relief interventions from the supply of subsidized inputs or social protection and longer-term developmental interventions. This blurring of relief and developmental objectives is due to chronic vulnerability and recurrent drought in the region.

Two main programming mechanisms are used in providing seed and other inputs to vulnerable farmers: direct seed distribution and voucher-based programming. The fundamental differences between direct distribution and voucher-based programming are that: (i) for direct distribution, seeds must be procured in bulk; (ii) beneficiaries have no choice of inputs received through direct distribution, but are able to choose their inputs with vouchers; and (iii) the procurement procedures for direct seed distribution tend to allow only for the provision of improved crop varieties rather than local varieties. In Malawi, direct distribution has been used in conjunction with vouchers or chits, which are used to identify beneficiaries who must present their chit to receive their input package. This should not be confused with the voucher-based programming approach that allows beneficiaries a choice of inputs.

What emerges from the review is the broad range of ways in which direct distribution has been implemented in the three countries, and the limited ways in which voucher-based programming has been used. Variations on direct distribution interventions include the use of commercial agro-dealers as distributing agents, various forms of beneficiary contributions or payments, and the establishment of various secondary structures, such as revolving funds, nurseries and seed banks, and public works infrastructure.