The New Generation of African Fertilizer Subsidies: Panacea or Pandora’s Box?

For several reasons, fertilizer subsidies are again popular policy tools. First, there is broad agreement that fertilizer is a critical yet still-underused input for improving productivity and food security in Africa. Second, politicians have felt greater urgency to increase domestic food production since the 2007/08 food price crisis. Third, subsidy programs are highly visible, popular with voters, and viewed as politically beneficial. Fourth, donor budget support has made it easier for governments to pay for subsidies.