The Effectiveness of the Electronic Voucher System in Promoting Agricultural Development Among Small-Scale Farmers in Chongwe District, Zambia

Description

This dataset supports a mixed-methods study assessing the effectiveness of the electronic voucher (e-Voucher) system under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in Zambia. It contains anonymized responses from 96 participants, including small-scale farmers, agro-dealers, village heads, and Ministry of Agriculture officials. The study evaluates outcomes in: • Access to agricultural inputs • Agricultural productivity • Household income • Food security • Agro-dealer participation Notable findings indicate that the e-Voucher system significantly improved access to agricultural inputs and contributed to increased crop productivity and household income among small-scale farmers. The data is structured to support replication, comparative analysis, and policy evaluation.

Steps to reproduce

1. Research Design The study used a mixed-methods design, combining: Quantitative approach → to measure effectiveness statistically (e.g., access to inputs, yields, income changes) Qualitative approach → to understand farmer experiences, challenges, and perceptions of the e-voucher system Design type: Cross-sectional survey (quantitative) Descriptive phenomenological approach (qualitative interviews / focus groups) 2. Study Area and Population Location: Selected districts in Zambia where the e-voucher/FISP system was implemented Target population: Small-scale farmers (main beneficiaries) Agricultural extension officers Agro-dealers Traditional leaders / village heads (context validation) 3. Sampling Procedure 3.1 Sampling Technique Farmers: Stratified random sampling (by camp or cooperative) Key informants (extension officers, agro-dealers, village heads): Purposive sampling 3.2 Sample Size Determination Sample size calculated using a statistical formula (e.g., Cochran’s or Slovin’s formula depending on population size) Final sample included: Small-scale farmers (major group), Extension officers, Agro-dealers, Village leaders 4. Data Collection Methods 4.1 Quantitative Data Collection Instrument: Structured questionnaire (closed-ended) Sections included: Demographics (age, gender, farm size) Access to e-voucher inputs Input utilization patterns Crop yields before and after e-voucher Income changes Satisfaction level (Likert scale) Administration method: Face-to-face interviews (assisted where literacy is low) 4.2 Qualitative Data Collection Instruments: Semi-structured interview guide Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide Participants: Farmers (group discussions), Extension officers, Agro-dealers,Village heads Key themes explored: Experiences with e-voucher system Challenges in redemption process Input availability and quality Perceived fairness and efficiency Suggestions for improvement 5. Instruments and Tools Used 5.1 Survey Tools Paper-based questionnaires OR digital forms (ODK/KoBoToolbox if used) Likert scale measurement tools (1–5 scale) 5.2 Interview Tools Audio recorder (with consent) Note-taking sheets Interview guide checklist 5.3 Data Processing Software SPSS or Stata → quantitative analysis NVivo / Atlas.ti → qualitative coding and thematic analysis Microsoft Excel → data cleaning and entry 6. Data Analysis Methods 6.1 Quantitative Analysis Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, percentages) Comparative analysis (before vs after e-voucher impact) Regression analysis (to test effectiveness predictors such as access, timeliness, input quality) Chi-square tests (associations between variables) 6.2 Qualitative Analysis Thematic analysis: Coding transcripts Grouping into themes Interpretation of patterns 7. Validity and Reliability Measures Pilot testing of questionnaire Triangulation

Institutions

• University of Zambia

  Lusaka Province, Lusaka

Categories

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