EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF INPUT SUBSIDY ON POTATO PRODUCTION, PRODUCTIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MARAKWET WEST SUB- COUNTY, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Agricultural input subsidies are widely promoted to improve access to critical farm inputs such as fertilizers and certified seeds, especially among resource-constrained smallholder farmers in developing countries. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the extent to which such subsidies impact productivity, profitability, and technology adoption among Potato farmers in Kenya. This study evaluated the influence of agricultural input subsidies on the livelihoods of smallholder Potato farmers in Marakwet West Sub-county. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of subsidies on Potato yields, determine their influence on profitability, and examine their role in the adoption of improved production technologies. The study was guided by the Theory of Production and the Cobb-Douglas production function, applying both descriptive and explanatory research designs. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 372 smallholder farmers from a target population of 5,499, from whom data were collected using structured questionnaires. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, the Cobb-Douglas model, and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that 58.0% of farmers received subsidized fertilizers, averaging 537 kg per household, while 83.1% received subsidized Potato seeds, averaging 1,600 kg. Most farmers received fertilizer and seed subsidies once per year, indicating limited seasonal coverage. The average yield of Potato was 9.8 t/ha without subsidies, increasing to 17.1 t/ha with fertilizer subsidy, 12.9 t/ha with seed subsidy, and 21.8 t/ha when both subsidies were received. Profitability also followed a similar trend, with net returns above total variable cost increasing from Kshs 145,764 (31%) without subsidies to Kshs 458,439 (56%) with fertilizer subsidy, Kshs 291,364 (47%) with seed subsidy, and Kshs 718,564 (69%) with both. However, only 32.2% of farmers adopted certified potato production technologies despite the availability of subsidies. Regression analysis showed that agricultural subsidies significantly influenced potato yield (R2 = 0.714, P < 0.01), profitability, and technology adoption. Fertilizer quantity (β = 0.679, P < 0.001), seed quantity (β = 0.481, P = 0.012), and combined subsidy access (β = 1.315, P < 0.001) were the most influential predictors driving observed improvements. The study concludes that fertilizer and seed subsidies are effective in improving yields, profitability, and the uptake of certified agricultural technologies, thereby contributing positively to farmer livelihoods. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government enhance the reach, targeting, and consistency of input subsidy programs, including increasing access to both fertilizers and certified potato seeds. There is also a need to support research on high-yielding, drought- and disease-resistant potato varieties, and strengthen market access through the elimination of brokers and improved farm-to-market linkages. For future research, longitudinal studies are suggested to evaluate the long-term livelihood effects of input subsidies, particularly

on income stability and food security. Further studies should examine gender- disaggregated impacts of subsidies and assess the efficiency of digital delivery

systems such as e-vouchers in enhancing transparency and accountability in subsidy distribution.