Though input vouchers are increasingly being used as a mechanism to target subsidies in developing
countries, limited empirical evidence of their performance relative to other distribution mechanisms exist.
Consequently this study contributes to this scarce literature by comparing an input voucher program
piloted in Nigeria in 2009 to the previous government led distribution mechanism. Input purchase
experiences are compared when subsidized fertilizer was distributed through a voucher program or by the
government. Using propensity score matching techniques, the study finds that voucher program
participants received more bags of subsidized fertilizer than nonparticipants and paid a price significantly
lower than the market price. However, they received their fertilizer later than nonparticipants and where
significant had more underweight bags than nonparticipants. Given the costs associated with voucher
programs, this study demonstrates when the distribution of subsidized fertilizer via vouchers improved
farmers’ timely access to good and more affordable fertilizer.