The Effect of Fertilizer Subsidies on Investment in Soil and Water Conservation and Productivity among Ghanaian Farmers Using Mechanized Irrigation

The fertilizer subsidies reintroduced in various sub-Saharan African countries from 2007 aim to increase agricultural production and assist the development of markets. present study evaluates impact a subsidy program among farmers Ghana who employ highly mechanized irrigation systems. results indicate that received under used 45% more fertilizer. However, they did not use weedicide were likely reduce investment soil water conservation. Thus, income gains resulting programs invested such non-targeted inputs. Moreover, beneficiaries’ reduced conservation may explain finding improve their productivity. since alone productivity, it be necessary target spending explicitly on complementary inputs as investing