Impact of the World Bank-Assisted Commercial Agriculture Project on the Livelihood of Rice Farmers in Cross River North Senatorial District of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the benefits or otherwise of the World Bank-assisted Commercial Agricultural Project on the livelihood of rice farmers in Northern Cross River State. The study population comprised 991 rice farmers of which 400 were sampled for standard questionnaire administration and data collection, with 363 retrieved. The results showed that most of the rice farmers who benefited from the World Bank grant had an improved capacity in their farming. However, 158 (43.5%) respondents strongly agreed and 196 (54%) agreed that many rice farmers were not aware of the World Bank-assisted project. Concerning the supply of farm inputs, 196 respondents (54%) strongly agreed and 158 (43.5%) agreed that the project often distributed farm inputs to farmers and about 90% of them agreed that their rice farming generally benefit from the input supply, which included improved seeds, fertilizers and herbicides. We suggest that greater awareness through workshops should be frequently organized for the rice-farming communities on current and future World Bank or other donor-supported programmes to benefit more farmers. The existing agricultural extension services should also be utilized to disseminate information and provide guidance to the farmers. However, efforts should be made by the project management to screen out ghost beneficiaries and focus more on the real farmers who are the key contributors to food security in the state.