Assessing the effectiveness of the Farmer Input Support Program on the agricultural output of small-scale farmers in Zambia. A Case Study of Lundazi District

The study assessed the effectiveness of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) on the agricultural output of small-scale farmers in Lundazi District, Zambia. The research aimed to evaluate how the quantity of inputs, the timeliness of input delivery, and access to government extension services influenced crop production. A mixed-method research design was employed, with a sample of 100 smallholder farmers. Results indicated that most farmers found FISP inputs fertiliser, seed packs, and pesticides generally effective, though 33–38% reported limitations due to insufficient quantities, delayed delivery, or poor suitability to local conditions. The statistical significant test comparing maize harvests with farmers’ quantity of inputs received yileded a no statistically significant difference (F = 0.00, p = 0.9839). This implies that the quantity of inouts supplied by FISP has no real effect on the yield of farmer and this was due to the fixed pack that farmers receive every season. The output of maize production is mostly determined by other factors initiated by the farmers themselves and less by the packs received from FISP. Timeliness of input delivery showed mixed perceptions, with 53% rating it as effective, while ANOVA analysis indicated no significant relationship with maize output (F = 1.15, p = 0.3329), though Bartlett’s test suggested variability across groups (χ² = 9.52, p = 0.023). Access to extension services moderately influenced productivity, with timely support showing a significant effect on maize yield (F = 3.27, p = 0.0245), whereas the extension ratio had no significant impact (F = 0.13, p = 0.9447). The findings suggested that FISP positively contributed to smallholder agricultural output but was constrained by input adequacy, delivery logistics, and the quality and responsiveness of extension services. External factors such as rainfall, soil fertility, and farm management practices also moderated outcomes. Recommendations included improving input quantity and suitability, enhancing distribution efficiency, and prioritising timely and high-quality extension support to maximise FISP’s impact.