期刊名称：The Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
电子版ISSN：1520-5509
出版年度：2010
卷号：12
期号：3
出版社：Institute of Sustainable Development in Africa
摘要：This paper presents early field lessons on Ghana’s Fertilizer Subsidy Program from two farming communities in
the Central Region. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approach was used to assess the availability,
access, and use of subsidized fertilizer by small-holder farmers in the two communities. The findings show that
there is considerable scope for improvement in the distribution of coupons and fertilizers to ensure higher
effectiveness of fertilizer and to render farmers’ participation in the program more sustainable. Price and nonprice
factors combine to constrain access to subsidized fertilizer. Finally, few farmers have actually benefited
from the subsidy program. The respondents, though were generally dissatisfied, conceded that the program is
essential and needs to be continued. The paper signals the need for adjustments, which could have macro-scale
implications for the sustainable management of the subsidy program.
关键词：Key words: Fertilizer subsidy and food security, small-holder farmers, sustainability
