Effect of Fertilizer Subsidy Policy on Rice Productivity: A Cross-sectional Survey among Smallholder Rice Farmers in Western Kenya

Abstract

Rice farming remains an important pillar of Kenya's economy due to its positive impact on increasing household food security, raising farmers’ income, and providing employment. However, domestic rice production still falls short of demand. This study aimed to assess the effect of Kenya’s National Fertilizer Subsidy Program (NFSP) on rice productivity in Western Kenya. An analytic cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 480 randomly selected rice farmers in Kisumu and Busia counties. Rice yield per acre was used as the productivity measure. Fertilizer use was categorized into four groups: subsidized, unsubsidized, both, and none. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Farmers using both subsidized and unsubsidized fertilizers achieved the highest mean yield of 3.09 t/acre. In irrigated areas (n=62), this group recorded 3.17 t/acre, while in rain-fed areas (n=26), they achieved 2.91 t/acre. The combined fertilizer group had a significantly higher yield overall (mean = 3.01 t/acre; p < 0.05) compared to the other categories. It has been established that, combining subsidized and unsubsidized fertilizers gives higher rice yields. Enhancing fertilizer access, improving distribution systems, and promoting best practices in both irrigated and rain-fed ecosystems can boost rice productivity in Kenya.