ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to compare the effect of Fadania III project on cassava farmer's productivity in Akwa thorn State with the specific aim to identify the socio-economic characteristic of the cassava farmer's, farm income and productivity of the beneficiaries and non beneficiaries, determinant of cassava productivity among the farmer's and constraint in participating in the project among beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in the study area. Multi-stage sample technique was used to draw a total of 40 Fadama III cassava farmer's each for both beneficiaries and non-beneficiary. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data analyses were done using descriptive statistic z-test and ordinary least square regression. Result showed that majority of the farmers was males, who are educated with large house hold sizes. Majority were fulltime farmers with small farm sizes. There were significant differences in income and yield between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries was 12.86t1hectare compared to 10.46t/hectare for non-beneficiaries. The farm income for beneficiaries was N305,000 per annum compared to the non-beneficiaries who has N212,501.80. Beneficiaries performed better than non-beneficiaries. The result also shows the regression estimate of the determinants of cassava productivity among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of Fadama III project. The CobbDougla, (double log) functional form was chooser as the lead equation due to high R2value number of significant variables and agreement with a priori expectations. The coefficient for household size was negatively signed at 10% significant. The occupational status was negatively signed at 10% significant. The coefficient for farm size was also negatively signed aid highly significant at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of labour is positively signed at 5% significant level of probability. The coefficient for ordinary least square regression was positively signed and significant at 5% level of probability. The important constraint among the beneficiaries was limitedlno access to Fadama ifi team facilitators (80.00%) while non-beneficiaries were insufficient funds to register as a qualified member (60.00%). The result therefore calls for policies aimed at making more land available to farmers, as well as reducing the cost of labour. There is need to increase access to inputs though the Fadama ifi project to increase farmers productivity.