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The last mile(s) in modern input distribution: Evidence from Northwestern Ethiopia

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  • Minten, Bart
  • Koro, Bethlehem
  • Stifel, David

Abstract

Based on unique data from a quasi-experimental setting in northwestern Ethiopia, this study examines the “last mile(s)”—from the input distribution center to the farmer—in the chemical fertilizer and improved seed distribution system. We find that increasing transaction and transportation costs over a 35 kilometer distance, along a route mainly accessible to foot traffic only, lead to a 50 percent increase of the prices of chemical fertilizer and to a 75 percent reduction in its use.

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  • Minten, Bart & Koro, Bethlehem & Stifel, David, 2013. "The last mile(s) in modern input distribution: Evidence from Northwestern Ethiopia," ESSP working papers 51, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:esspwp:51
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    Cited by:

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    2. Estelle Koussoubé & Céline Nauges, 2017. "Returns to fertiliser use: Does it pay enough? Some new evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 44(2), pages 183-210.
    3. Bjorn Van Campenhout & Anusha De, 2023. "Gendered perceptions in maize supply chains: Evidence from Uganda," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(2), March.
    4. Kabirigi, Michel & Sekabira, Haruna & Sun, Zhanli & Hermans, Frans, 2023. "The use of mobile phones and the heterogeneity of banana farmers in Rwanda," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 25(6), pages 5315-5335.
    5. Enid M. Katungi & Catherine Larochelle & Josephat R. Mugabo & Robin Buruchara, 2018. "The effect of climbing bean adoption on the welfare of smallholder common bean growers in Rwanda," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(1), pages 61-79, February.
    6. Kassie, Menale & Stage, Jesper & Diiro, Gracious & Muriithi, Beatrice & Muricho, Geoffrey & Ledermann, Samuel T. & Pittchar, Jimmy & Midega, Charles & Khan, Zeyaur, 2018. "Push–pull farming system in Kenya: Implications for economic and social welfare," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 186-198.
    7. Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane & Berhane, Guush & Minten, Bart & Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum, 2015. "Agricultural growth in Ethiopia (2004-2014): Evidence and drivers:," ESSP working papers 81, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    8. Rashid, Shahidur & Tefera, Nigussie & Minot, Nicholas & Ayele, Gezahegn, 2013. "Fertilizer in Ethiopia: An assessment of policies, value chain, and profitability:," IFPRI discussion papers 1304, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    9. Kibrom A. Abay & Guush Berhane & Garrick Blalock, 2018. "Locus of Control and Technology Adoption in Africa: Evidence from Ethiopia," Working Papers PMMA 2018-04, PEP-PMMA.

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    Keywords

    Agricultural inputs; modern inputs; fertilizer; improved seed; remoteness;
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