Acta Univ. Agric. Silvic. Mendelianae Brun. 2018, 66(3), 781-789 | DOI: 10.11118/actaun201866030781

Agricultural Inputs Subsidy in Nigeria: an Overview of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS)

Amurtiya Michael, Abdu Karniliyus Tashikalma, David Chinda Maurice
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, PMB 2076, Yola, Nigeria

The Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) was initiated by the Nigerian government to boost agricultural production through the provision of 'smart subsidies' on some farm inputs to small-scale farmers. This review highlights the successes and challenges of the Scheme's implementation process across the country. The study reviewed scholarly articles and other secondary data from government sources on the scheme. Findings from the study revealed that the Scheme was able to deliver subsidised agricultural inputs to small-scale farmers with relative ease and at affordable rate which was able to boost farm output. However, the scheme is affected majorly by its politicization, the inability of the governments to release funds to agro-dealers leading to late delivery of inputs and the lack of support service (extension) to farmers. Based on these findings, it is therefore recommended that, adequate synergy should be established between all collaborating agencies of the government participating in the scheme to ensure adequate release of funds, timely disbursement of farm inputs and the provision of suitable support services to farmers.

Keywords: agricultural input, subsidy, growth enhancement support scheme, Nigeria

Published: June 28, 2018  Show citation

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Michael, A., Tashikalma, A.K., & Maurice, D.C. (2018). Agricultural Inputs Subsidy in Nigeria: an Overview of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS). Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 66(3), 781-789. doi: 10.11118/actaun201866030781
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