EFFECT OF VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON SMALL-SCALE RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined the effect of the International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) on the small scale rice farmers’ income in Niger State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used to sample respondents. Three segments (treatment, Spill-over and control group) from 18 villages and 36 farmers’ cooperative groups were considered for the study. A total of 110 participants, 90 of Spill-over groups and 95 of control groups were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of socio-economic characteristics showed that an appreciable number of respondents were in their active and energetic age, male, married with moderate household size and had at least one form of formal education. The cost and return analysis showed that rice production under the IFAD in the study area was profitable. It may be concluded that IFAD had impacted positively the income status of participating rice farmers in the study area. From this finding, it may be recommended that government at all levels and non-governmental organizations should ensure continuity and sustainability of the programme.