Leveraging on GIS to Enhance Efficiency and Promote Good Governance in Subsidized Fertilizer Distribution: Case Study of Njoro Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

In line with its interventions to tackle food insecurity and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, the Government of Kenya in 2022 allocated 3.55 billion Kenya Shillings as a subsidy to support farmers in purchasing fertilizers. Despite this initiative, however, corruption has led to the diversion of fertilizers to private shops, thus jeopardizing the intended distribution to needy farmers. This study aims to demonstrate the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance efficiency and promote good governance in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer. The GIS approach addressed multiple factors, namely, reducing farmers' travel distance to access fertilizers, ensuring proper accountability for distributed fertilizers, guiding farmers in their use of the appropriate type and quantity of fertilizer based on soil and crop types, and increasing overall food production. Data applicable to eligible farmers such as land parcel details, soil information and crop types were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and integrated into a geodatabase. Spatial and statistical analyses revealed that most farmers operate on a small-scale and are located more than 40 km from the main government fertilizer depot, making transportation costs prohibitive. The proposed solution is to establish sub-depots at the ward level within a three-kilometer radius for easier access. A user-friendly dashboard displaying farmers' locations and farm data was created to enhance transparency and accountability, while optimizing fertilizer distribution logistics. The study showed that GIS is a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency and promoting good governance in the distribution of agricultural inputs, thus ultimately contributing to improved food security and sustainable development.