Farmers in Tanzania disadvantaged by late distribution of subsidized inputs

Wherever there are subsidized farm inputs, farmers welcome them because most find that they are not able to purchase enough of the inputs for their needs at full market price.

But the high cost of subsidy schemes for governments cause many problems.

Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania are just a few examples of countries where farmers often complain that the the subsidized inputs are made available too late in the crop planting season for optimal yields.

"We have been forced to use substandard seeds instead of quality ones, since the vouchers delay to reach us. We can't afford to buy other seeds in the market," Bakari Somboja, said a farmer from Mabwelebwele village in Kilosa, Tanzania, according to a report in the East African Business Week.  

Somboja said farmers in his area need inputs such as seeds and fertilizer in January, but the subsidy vouchers arrive between February and March. Sometimes they are given 'temporary' vouchers to present, which the agro-dealers reject.

Another frequent complaint is that there are far from enough vouchers distributed for the needs of poor farmers.

 African Agriculture