THE IMPACT OF ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME ON THE PRODUCTIVITY LEVEL AMONG SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMERS IN BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Umar Dahiru Tata, Naziru Mohammed Musalli and Yusuf Abdu Yusuf
Volume 11 Issue 1
Abstract
The Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) is a federal government initiative aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy by fostering a sustainable agricultural sector. The program provides smallholder farmers with agricultural inputs and financial support, linking them with processors (Anchors) through contractual agreements to ensure stable input supply and boost agricultural productivity. This study examines the impact of ABP and its challenges on the productivity level among smallholder rice farmers (SHFs) in Bauchi Local Government Area (BLGA), Bauchi State. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 334 beneficiaries, including 279 male and female farmers, through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis, utilizing Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 25). The findings reveal that ABP has significantly improved SHFs’ livelihoods in BLGA by enhancing productivity of rice farmers with significant number of farmers reporting higher yield on harvest season. However, beneficiaries faced challenges such as delays in fund disbursement, late arrival of farm inputs, and substandard agrochemicals and seeds. The study recommends that the federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), enhance access to finance, improve infrastructure, strengthen market linkages, and provide training, and comprehensive extension services to beneficiaries. Keywords: ABP, Smallholder farmers, Rice Productivity, Programme Participation, Yield output.
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