Assessment of The Performance of IFAD’s Farmer Field School on Resource Productivity of Smallholder Rice Farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the performance of IFAD-Farmer Field School program implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development on resource productivity among smallholder rice farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The primary objective is to assess how participation in FFS influences farmers' socio-economic characteristics, production practices, overall productivity of smallholder rice farmers compared to non- participating farmers. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaire and Interview Schedule of the 14 Local Government Areas where the FFS has operated in Kebbi State. A Multistage sampling Method was used to achieve the stated objectives giving a sample size of 252 FFS participating and non-participating farmers respectively giving a total sample size of 504 farmers. Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square Multiple Regression Analysis were employed to analyze the data. The results reveal that IFAD-FFS participants were on average older (53.2 years), had more farming experience (25.5 years), and larger farm sizes (1.6 ha) compared to non-participants average age of 47 years, 15 years of farming experience and an average farm size of 1 hectare. They also had higher levels of education, better access to training and markets, and higher productivity. The result reveal that IFAD-FFS participants achieved 20% higher crop yields (4,100 kg/ha) compared to non-participants (3,400 kg/ha). This suggests that FFS program improved the farmers' ability to maximize output from their available resources. Based on these findings, the study recommends scaling up the FFS program as an effective agricultural extension model to address the inadequacies of traditional extension services in Nigeria. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize investment in such participatory approaches to foster sustainable agricultural development, improve farmer livelihoods, and ultimately contribute to poverty reduction and food security in Nigeria.

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