EFFECTS OF INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ON FARMERS’ INCOME IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the effects of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Community-Based Natural Resource Management programme on Farmers’ Income in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; the livelihood activities embarked upon by the participants, determined the level of farmers’ participation in community driven development activities of the programme, assessed the effects of programme activities on beneficiaries’ income and identified the constraints faced by farmers in participating in the programme. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting one hundred and fifty-three (153) participating farmers. Interview schedule was used in collecting data from the participating farmers of IFAD programme. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 49.6 years. Majority (88.9%) were married while 56.9% were male and had an average household size of nine (9) persons. The study further revealed that majority engaged in arable farming before (66.0%) and after (70.6%) the programme. Respondents highly participated in various levels of community driven development activities of the programme. It was further revealed that average farmers’ income increased from N256,633.99 to N542,843.14 before and after participating in IFAD programme, showing a percentage change of 111.5%. Major constraints to participating in the programme were non payment of counterpart fund by States and LGAs (x=3.88), lack of fund to support farm operations (x=3.87) and inadequate mobilization facilities for the programme (x=3.63). There was no significant relationship between age (r=0.0024; >0.05), household size (r=0.006; >0.05), farming experience (r=0.004; >0.05) and level of participation. There was no significant association between sex (χ2= 0.334; >0.05), marital status (χ2= 0.945; >0.05), level of education (χ2= 0.577; >0.05) and level of participation. The results of the study further revealed that there was a significant difference between farmers’ income before and after the programme (t= -12.88; 0.05). In order to improve on the programme, the study recommended that the programme be replicated in non-IFAD benefiting Local Government Areas of Ondo State for rural farmers to benefit more. There should be prompt payment of counterpart fund by state and local governments at appropriate time.