Input access constraints in Azerbaijan’s agriculture: the case of fertilizer use

This study examines the relationship between fertilizer use and agricultural value added, with a specific focus on input access constraints in Azerbaijan’s agriculture. Using cross-country data for 161 countries in 2023, a simple linear regression model estimates the association between fertilizer application per hectare and agricultural value added. The results show a positive and statistically significant relationship (β = 700.8, p < 0.001), indicating that higher fertilizer intensity tends to correspond with higher agricultural output. However, the model explains only about 11% of crosscountry variation, confirming that agricultural performance depends on multiple structural and institutional factors. Azerbaijan’s fertilizer use (38.8 kg/ha) remains substantially below that of developed economies and many emerging agricultural producers. This low input intensity likely reflects broader constraints, including limited farmer financing, import dependence, and weak distribution systems. The findings suggest that improving access to fertilizers could contribute to productivity growth, though policy interventions must address underlying structural barriers.