ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF THE SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR ARABLE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BOTSWANA

Abstract

Smallholder farming plays a significant role in ensuring the livelihoods of many rural populations. However, despite poor performance, farmers continually depend on governments to support agriculture. The literature provides inconclusive evidence about the impact of continued support governments provide to farmers despite these challenges. This study evaluated the effects of the Integrated Support Program for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD), a production input subsidy, on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Botswana, specifically focusing on livelihood assets. ISPAAD, which operated from 2008 to 2023, provided financial assistance and agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers to boost food security and improve farmer welfare. Despite its discontinuation due to monitoring issues, the program's replacement, Temo-Letlotlo, aims to address these shortcomings. Using the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) framework, the study examined various livelihood assets—natural, human, financial, social, and physical—of farmers who benefited from the production input subsidy. The study utilized a multistage sampling technique to collect primary data from 470 farmers in the Central District. The results revealed an overall Livelihood Assessment Index (LAI) score of 0.70, indicating a 70% improvement in livelihoods attributed to the input subsidy program. The results demonstrate that human capital improved the most, followed by financial and natural capitals, while physical capital improved the least. Notably, human assets showed the most improvement, particularly in farmers' ability to support their families and achieve self-reliance. However, challenges remain in creating employment opportunities and enhancing productivity, with farmers expressing concerns about the timing of input delivery affecting crop yields. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance farmers’ livelihoods sustainably, recognizing that while subsidies may not be viable in the long term, they are necessary to keep farmers in production and reduce reliance on food handouts. Therefore, subsidies are critical for immediate support, but long-term strategies must be developed to ensure the resilience of smallholder farmers in Botswana's semi-arid conditions.