Influence of Agricultural Input Subsidy on Potato Profitability Among Smallholder Farmers in Marakwet West Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County (Kenya)

This study examined the influence of agricultural input subsidies on the profitability of Irish potato production among smallholder farmers in Marakwet West Sub?county, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Agricultural input subsidies, particularly for fertilizers and certified seeds, are widely recognized as policy tools for enhancing smallholder productivity and household incomes, yet their profitability outcomes remain underexplored in highland potato-growing areas of Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and targeted 5,499 smallholder potato farmers, from which 326 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and supplemented with field observations and secondary records from the Department of Agriculture. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, enterprise budgeting, and multiple linear regression to determine the effect of subsidies on profitability. Results revealed that 58% of farmers accessed fertilizer subsidies and 83% accessed seed subsidies, with average coverage meeting 91% and 72% of total input needs, respectively. Profitability analysis showed that farmers receiving both fertilizer and seed subsidies achieved the highest net returns above total variable costs (Ksh 718,564) and profit margins (69%), compared to only 31% for farmers without subsidies. Regression results confirmed that the quantity of subsidized fertilizers received, access to certified seed subsidies, and combined input support were significant positive predictors of profitability (p < 0.05). Conversely, higher subsidized seed prices were negatively associated with net returns, highlighting the importance of affordable input delivery. The study concludes that integrated fertilizer and seed subsidies substantially enhance smallholder potato profitability and recommends timely, multi?seasonal distribution of adequate input packages alongside improved market access and post?harvest management to sustain economic gains. Implementing these measures would strengthen household incomes, promote market?oriented production, and support Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.