Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Farmers through Input Supply Programs in Zambia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide a review and recommendations on enhancing agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Zambia. The paper also evaluates how small-scale farmers can better access inputs, value-added services, marketing, and export markets. This study is non-empirical and exploratory in nature with an extensive review of the literature. The paper analyzed small-scale farmers' access to finance, input supply, and high-value chain markets. The study also sought to understand the impact of lack of formal financial access on farmers’ welfare including their social lives. One of the recommendations the researcher makes is the need for the government to decentralize farmer support programs to community level, and task the local leadership with the purchasing and distribution of inputs so as to maximize the reach of intended beneficiaries on time, and avoid the impact of delayed input distribution such as late planting of crops. The research is a non-empirical study which relied on available literature to conduct research on this topic.