Effect of Fadama III Programme on dry-season vegetable growers in Kwara State, Nigeria.
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI), Kasetsart University, Thailand.
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of the Fadama III program on dry-season vegetable growers
in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study emanated from the need to know how well agricultural
programs have achieved their targets. Data collected from 200 beneficiaries selected
through a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques were used for the
study. The data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics, a five-point Likert scale,
and a t test. The results showed that the beneficiaries were mainly female, married, and
relatively old, with farming as their primary occupation. The benefits accrued from the
program by the farmers were a knapsack sprayer, training on record keeping, agrochemicals,
fertilizer, improved seeds, a watering can, pest and disease management,
conflict resolution, and the construction of a well, borehole, cooling shed and market stall.
The mean farm size of the farmers before and after participating in the program was 1.15
and 2.15 ha, respectively, with a corresponding average monthly income of NGN 6,833.75
and NGN 16,137.50, respectively (USD 1 ¼ NGN 165). The study further revealed a positive
effect of the program on the farmers' livelihoods. The major problems faced by the farmers
were inadequate credit, conflict with herdsmen, land ownership problems, inadequate
labor, and poor market linkage. Therefore, the study recommends the provision of credit
facilities by relevant stakeholders, putting lasting conflict resolution measures in place,
encouraging youths to practice agriculture, and training farmers on market linkage.
Description
Keywords
Agricultural programmes, farming problems, program benefits, vegetable growers
Citation
51. Matanmi, B. M., Falola, A., Animashaun, J. O. & Atanda, T. O. (2017): Effect of Fadama III Programme on dry-season vegetable growers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 38(2):1-6. Published by Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute (KURDI), Kasetsart University, Thailand. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2016.04.002.