What is the influence of government programs on farmer organizations and their impacts? Evidence from Zambia

Governments and donors often promote farmer organizations (FOs) in the implementation of their agricultural development programs. Yet, there is a lot uncertainty whether externally supported FOs provide benefits beyond channelling This paper uses Propensity Score Matching (PSM) representative data from 4,074 Zambian households to estimate FO impacts on members, with without controlling for national input-subsidy program. The results show that tend attract better-educated larger farm sizes, but can lead female integration when external subsidies are involved. also have significantly positive effect members’ performance, irrespective members receive input subsidies, while presence program leads an unequal distribution within FOs: performance are, average 13–44% lower amongst who do not benefit government Overall, these findings imply seem go intention subsidy-program, which be used women empowerment smallholder performance. demonstrate, however, governments need carefully design programs reinforce inequality members.