The study assessed the application of e-wallet scheme in Benue state with a random sample of 120 participants. Dominant analysis, descriptive statistics and chi square were used to analyze the data. The study explores the effect of the e-wallet scheme on timeliness of receipt, perception of respondents on the satisfaction with the scheme, and challenges encountered with the scheme. The study observed that farmers generally support the e-wallet scheme and remarked that it is more effective in delivering subsidized inputs than previous arrangements. However, it was observed that fertilizers received during the 2012 and 2013 e-wallet scheme were supplied late with 66.67% of the respondents claiming that the scheme was launched after the planting season in most of the areas visited. The major challenges of e-wallet scheme as pointed out by respondents were: inadequate supply of fertilizer at the redemption center, a mismatch between the redemption codes sent to the beneficiaries and that obtainable at the redemption centers, longer time it takes to complete the registration and long distance to the redemption centers. The study therefore, recommends that early preparations should be made to ensure that inputs are supplied to the farmers before the planting season commence. Also, adequate and timely provision of funds should be made to agro dealers to ensure that inputs are available at redemption centers.Keywords: Assessment, Distribution, e-wallet and farm inputs
Author Biographies
Torjape Samuel Demenongu, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication,University of Agriculture, Makurdi
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication. Lecturer II
Mohammed Yahaya, Federal Ministry of Agriculture,Makurdi Office
Department of Extension ServicesChief Agric.Officer
Ruth Jiriko, Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication,University of Agriculture, Makurdi
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication. Senior Lecturer
