2014年-世界发展银行全球_Tanzania_Public_Expenditure_Review___National_Agricultural_Input_Voucher_Scheme_79页_3mb

Summary of the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) in Tanzania (February 2014)

Core Content

The National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) is a market-based input subsidy program in Tanzania designed to enhance maize and rice production, improve food security, and strengthen input supply chains. Launched in response to the sharp increase in global grain and fertilizer prices in 2007 and 2008, the program aimed to support smallholder farmers by providing them with vouchers redeemable for seed and fertilizer at local agro-dealers, with a 50% cash top-up payment. It was initially targeted at 12 high-potential regions but expanded to 21 regions by 2011/12, including drier areas where returns on improved inputs were expected to be lower.

Main Objectives

• Increase maize and rice production to improve household and national food security.
• Introduce improved seed and chemical fertilizer to more farmers.
• Strengthen input supply chains by promoting the establishment of agro-dealers at the village level.
• Graduate farmers from the program after three years of support, enabling them to purchase inputs independently.

Key Implementation Features

• Targeting: Households were selected based on their ability to pay the 50% cash top-up, with priority given to those who had not previously used improved inputs and female-headed households.
• Voucher Structure: Each farmer received three vouchers for seed, basal fertilizer, and top-dress fertilizer.
• Agro-Dealers: Over 3855 rural agro-dealers were trained to facilitate voucher redemption.
• Redemption Process: Vouchers were redeemable at local retail outlets, with reimbursement to agro-dealers handled through a multi-step process involving district officials and commercial banks.

Financial and Economic Returns

• Impact on Yields: Farmers receiving subsidized inputs increased maize yields by an average of 433 kg/acre and paddy yields by 263 kg/acre.
• Input Usage: The program significantly increased the use of improved seed and chemical fertilizer among participating households.
• Benefit-Cost Analysis: The program demonstrated positive financial returns, with beneficiaries reporting substantial yield gains and cost reductions.
• Economic Growth: The agricultural sector's contribution to GDP declined from 27.6% in 2005 to 23.7% in 2012, reflecting broader economic diversification.

Challenges and Issues

• Graduation Challenges: Many households continued to receive vouchers beyond the three-year period, with up to 60% of 2011/12 beneficiaries obtaining them for a fourth or fifth year.
• Logistical Delays: Vouchers were often delivered late, sometimes after the planting season had begun. The government issued supplementary certificates to mitigate this.
• Delayed Payments: Agro-dealers and suppliers faced delays in receiving reimbursement, which affected their ability to maintain stock and services.
• Misuse of Vouchers: Although less than 1% of vouchers were fraudulently redeemed, there were reports of collusion between officials and agro-dealers, leading to some prosecutions.
• Sustainability Concerns: The program faced challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability, with many farmers still relying on subsidies despite increased yields and income.
• Input Costs and Prices: High input costs and low grain prices limited the profitability of fertilizer for many farmers, especially those with lower yield gains.

Policy and Institutional Context

• Economic Context: Tanzania is an agriculture-based economy, with agriculture accounting for over 25% of GDP and three-quarters of employment.
• Policy Framework: The program was aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, MKUKUTA (National Strategy for Growth and Poverty Reduction), and the TAFSIP (Tanzania Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plan).
• Budget Allocation: Agricultural spending as a share of GDP has fluctuated, peaking at 1.8% in 2010/11 before declining. The NAIVS accounted for 86% of total input subsidies in the sector at its peak in 2010/11.
• Government Commitments: The government has committed to allocating 10% of its budget to agriculture under the Maputo Declaration and CAADP, but has not yet achieved this target.

Conclusion

The NAIVS has had a measurable impact on increasing maize and rice production and improving food security. However, challenges such as graduation, logistical delays, and misuse have limited its long-term sustainability. The program has also played a role in expanding input supply chains and training agro-dealers, contributing to broader agricultural development. Future efforts should focus on reducing input costs, improving yield efficiency, and raising farmgate prices to ensure continued profitability for farmers. The government is now considering subsidized credit programs to support farmers in managing input costs.