ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE NATIONAL FADAMA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN KANO STATE

ABSTRACT
Fadama farming has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agriculture in particular and thecountry in general, but the contributions have remained largely unmeasured. As a result, thisstudy examined the influence of the National Fadama Development Project on Fadama farmersin Kano State. Primary and secondary data were sought. A set of questionnaires was developedand information was collected from 108 respondents who were randomly selected from thethree agricultural zones in the study area. Multiple regression analysis and simple statisticaltools, such as, means, frequency, range and percentages were used to realize the objectives ofthe study. Analysis of the data revealed that fadama farming was a profitable venture amongthe farmers studied. A majority of respondents owned and purchased their farm land and thehouses they lived in. A large percentage also owned radio, television, bicycle and irrigationpump. Water from tube-wells and wash bores were used for irrigation and drinking. Thecustomary land system was practiced in the study area. About 46% of the respondents inheritedtheir farm land while 26.9% purchased theirs. Majority of respondents practiced mixedcropping to ensure maximum plot utilization. There was efficient use of facilities provided bythe loan package. Inputs such as pumps, fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides were used by

farmers.

Respondents also admitted adequate visit to farms by extension agents. There was asignificant difference between the average income of the two groups (beneficiaries and nonbeneficiaries)at a probability level of 95%. Some constraints, such as, high cost of farm inputs,chronic shortage of petrol and petroleum products, seasonal glut of some perishable agriculturalcommodities, poor storage facilities, poor access roads to Fadama areas and difficulties ingetting registered as members of Fadama Users Association (FUA), were experienced byrespondents. Recommendations included subsidization of prices of fertilizers and other farminputs, frequent conduct of soil survey to determine level of salinity, creation of more micro

credit facilities to enhance productivity and provision of infrastructural facilities.

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