Assessment of Anchor Borrower Programme among rice farmers in Birnin-gwari Local Government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Anchor Borrower’s Programme (ABP), Nigerian government programme intended to improve rice production and boost the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This research assessed ABP among rice farmers in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to collect primary data from 127 sampled rice farmers in Birnin-Gwari LGA. Frequency, percentage, mean, and t-test were utilized to analyse the collected data. Findings revealed that ABP participation increased rice yields by 1.2 tons (41%) and income by N220,000 (48%) among rice farmers after participation in in the programme. Furthermore, major benefits derived from involvement in ABP include inputs supply 77%, farm equipment 60%, and agricultural training 43%. Major constraints faced by rice farmers who participated in ABP include inadequate land 81%, untimely inputs delivery 80%, high cost of labour 78%, high cost of inputs 74% and late distribution of loan 71%. The study recommends renting farm land at a subsidised rate, enhancing loan accessibility and acuminating funds through cooperative associations to enable farmers purchase farm inputs at a reduced price.