Malawi

Subsidized Fertilizer Program

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  • Agile Approaches
  • Methodology
  • Overview
  • Findings
  • Research Indicators

Tracking Time, Cost & Validity

Glossary

Agile Data Technologies

  • Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI)

    Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) is a survey method where interviewers conduct face-to-face interviews using a handheld computer or tablet to ask questions and record responses. This technique enhances data accuracy and efficiency by allowing for real-time data entry and the use of complex question formats, making it effective for collecting detailed information in various research settings.
  • Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI)

    Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) is a survey method where interviewers conduct telephone interviews using a computer system to manage questions and responses. This approach improves data accuracy and efficiency by reducing human error and allowing for immediate data entry. CATI is widely used in market research and public opinion polling to collect quantitative data from various respondents.
  • WhatsApp

    Using WhatsApp technology for surveys involves leveraging the messaging platform to distribute and collect survey questions from respondents. This method allows for real-time communication, quick responses, and easy sharing of multimedia content, making it an accessible and cost-effective way to gather data from a wide audience.

Agile Data Indicators

Time

  • Survey Duration

    The mean amount of time it takes for a respondent to complete a survey from start to finish. It is calculated by taking the total time spent by all respondents to complete the survey and dividing it by the number of respondents. This metric is important for assessing the survey’s efficiency.
  • Number of call attempts

    Number of calls made before receiving an answer.

Cost

  • Data Collection Cost

    The reduction in expenses achieved during the data collection phase of a research project compared to the standard costs.

    It reflects the overall financial benefit of optimizing the data collection process.
  • Survey Cost

    The amount of money saved on each individual survey compared to the traditional survey mode Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) cost per survey.

    This metric helps assess the financial efficiency of data collection on a per-unit basis, reflecting how much less it costs to collect data from each respondent.

Validity

  • Sample Size Reached

    Refers to the percentage of individuals that responded to the survey out of the total number of people in the sample.
  • Data Accuracy

    Inaccuracies or deviations between the recorded values and the true values of the variables being measured in a study.
    Sources of measurement errors include:

    • Respondent errors (e.g., misunderstanding questions, providing inaccurate responses).
    • Interviewer errors (e.g., inconsistent question delivery, leading the respondent).
    • Instrument errors (e.g., faulty survey tools, miscalibrated equipment).
    • Environmental factors (e.g., distractions during data collection).

    Minimizing measurement errors improves data quality and ensures that the findings of a study are more accurate and reliable.
  • Replacement rate

    The percentage of individuals who were successfully reached by using phone numbers from a secondary or replacement list over the total number of realized interviews.
  • Response Rate

    The percentage of individuals that respond to the survey out of the total number of people invited to participate.

    It is a key indicator of the survey’s success and representativeness, reflecting how well the target population was reached and how engaged they were.

The Methodology

The Sustain Africa Fertilizer Initiative was launched to address the fertilizer supply deficit and rising cost crises in Africa through privately-led subsidies on fertilizers. The program consisted in distributing e-vouchers through government extension staff and 35 private sector extension staff. The e-vouchers allow farmers to receive 1 bag of 50 kg of NPK fertilizer at a price of 15,000 MGX. Beneficiaries will also be eligible to redeem a 50 kg bag of Urea fertilizer under the government Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) at 15,000 MGX.

Survey

Study research questions were chosen for a holistic approach exploring behavioral and non-behavioral attitudes of various agents involved in the program. The topics included: Accountability and Bureaucracy, Usage, Productivity, Inclusivity and Gender Inclusivity, Awareness, Demand and Supply, Price Affordability: WTP & Financing, Profitability & Economic benefits of the program, and Fertilizer decision mechanism.

Sampling

Around 1,040,00 smallholder farmer beneficiaries of the program.COSA did a census of farmers who were sampled by AFAP for the baseline study ( 592 farmers in production cycle July 2021-July 2022, with usable contact list of 444 farmers from the original list and 76 replacements). COSA asked monitoring questions for the production cycle July 2022-July 2023.

Technology

Smallholders were interviewed using CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews).

Overview

Risk, Resilience and Climate

Resilience is the ability of individuals, households, and communities to prevent, resist, absorb, adapt, respond and recover positively, efficiently and effectively when faced with a wide range of risks, while maintaining an acceptable level of functioning without compromising long-term prospects for sustainable development, peace and security, human rights and well-being for all.
UN(2020)

Service Delivery

Service delivery encompasses the planning, implementation, and management of the program to ensure they meet the needs and expectations of the target audience. This includes aspects like accessibility, quality, efficiency, and inclusivity of the program.

Among those who actually faced a challenge in accessing the program, the most prevalent challenge cited was a lack of accessibility due to farmers living in remote zones (42%). The second most important challenge was with women who faced difficulties in accessing the program (21%).

Business Development

Business development involves strategies and activities aimed at enhancing their economic viability and market presence.

In the event of necessity, 68% of farmers would have access to a loan. Of those who did not have access to a loan, the primary explanation for not seeking a loan was the high interest rate.

Access to credit refers to the ability of farmers to obtain loans or financial resources to fund agricultural activities, purchase inputs, or invest in farm improvements.

Productivity

Productivity refers to the efficiency and effectiveness with which resources are utilized to produce crops. It encompasses various indicators that measure the output relative to inputs used.

The average relative decrease in yield levels by crop was highest in soybean (-20%), and maize (-16%). The average yield increase for all crops was -9.6%.

Profitability

Profitability is a key measure of success and sustainability.

Indicators

The right data drives clear insights
COSA indicators are recognized for their practicality, precision, and ease of adoption, providing managers and researchers with clarity while minimizing data costs. Proven globally, these credible indicators are tested across thousands of applications, delivering science-based data on sustainability.