Leveraging on GIS To Increase Efficiency and Transparency in Subsidized Fertilizer Distribution: Case Study of Njoro Sub-County, Kenya.

Abstract

One of the many interventions adopted by the Government of Kenya to address Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 while tackling food insecurity in 2022 included the allocation of Kshs. 3.55 Billion as subsidy to support farmers in purchasing fertilizers. However, despite this intervention, there was a prevalent challenge of fertilizers being diverted to private shops due to corruption, hindering their intended distribution to needy farmers.

The core aim of this study was to showcase the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in optimizing the distribution of subsidized fertilizer. This involved addressing multiple factors such as reducing farmers' travel distance to access fertilizers, ensuring proper accountability for distributed fertilizers, guiding farmers in using the appropriate type and quantity of fertilizer based on soil and crop types, along with an assessment plan of the said parameters and an overall increase in food production.

Data on eligible farmers, including land parcel details, soil information, and crop types, was obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture. This was integrated into a geodatabase, and both spatial and statistical analyses were performed.

The study found that most farmers were small-scale, largely located more than 40 km away from the main government fertilizer depot making transportation costs prohibitive. The solution proposed is to establish sub-depots at the ward level, within a 3 km radius, for easier access to fertilizers. A user-friendly dashboard displaying farmers' locations and farm data was created and used to enhance transparency and accountability while optimizing fertilizer distribution logistics.

Keywords: SDGs, Food Security, Geographic Information System, Fertilizer Distribution