Abstract

The study focuses on how informal institutions affect public policy implementation. Specifically. the focus is on whether informal practices involved during the distribution of agricultural inputs namely; the Starter Pack Scheme (SPT). Targeted Input Programme (TIP) and Agricultural Input Subsidy Programme (/\lSP) had impacted food security programme implementations. The main argument is that polities exhibited by these informal practices contribute to the maladministration of the agricultural input programmes and violates the fundamental notion of public accountability. The study seeks to expose the effects of these tendencies on the distribution of the agricultural inputs in the light of effectiveness and accountability. The study is based on the theoretical underpinnings of Helmke and Levitsky’s conceptualization of the impact of informal institutions, and Thomas’ conceptualization of Public Accountability to assess the effects of patronage politics manifested in the distribution. The study adopts a combined research design to evaluate the breadth and depth of the effects of these practices. Machinga and Thyolo districts are used as applicable case areas in the study. Despite the success stories which the agricultural input subsidy programmes registered. the findings indicate that patronage politics. as an informal institution, is a price against effective distribution and public accountability. and produce many repercussions in public policy implementation. From the findings. rules and regulations were violated. coupons and packs were sold out and some was used to Woo political supporters. The study concludes that patronage politics manifested in the distribution of agricultural input programmes undermines public accountability and works against the purpose of the food security programmes

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School	: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issued Date	: 2011

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