ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effect of Second National Fadama Development Project on farmers productivity in Imo State, Nigeria. It specifically examined socio-economic characteristics of Fadama users and non fadama users; ascertained the techniques and practices extended to Fadama users; determined the infrastructures provided by the Fadama Project; ascertained the productive assets acquired by the Fadama users through the facilitation of Second National Fadama Development Project; determined productivity difference between Fadama users and non Fadama users; and ascertained socio-economic determinants ofthe productivity of Fadama users. A total of two hundred and thirty five (235) respondents were sampled, which comprised one hundred and fifteen (115) Fadama users and one hundred and twenty non Fadama users. They were randomly selected from six local government areas out of the eleven LGAs that participated in the Second National Fadama Development Project in Imo State. Data were collected using two sets of questionnaire administered to Fadama users and non Fadama users respectively. Frequency, percentage, z-test and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. Result showed that the Second National Fadama Development Project had positive significant effect on farmers (Fadama users) productivity in Imo State, Nigeria. It was also found out that age, household size, farming experience, labour and income were the socio-economic characteristics that significantly affected Fadama users productivity. Borehole, bridge, VIP Latrine, cooling shed, cold room and cassava processing machine were provided to some communities that participated in the Fadama Project. Fadama Users were taught some techniques and practices of agricultural production namely the use ofherbicides, planting method of crops, methods offertilizer application, weeding, harvesting early when crops mature, and keeping of farm record. Further more, some productive assets such as processing machine, storage structure, watering cans and farm tools were given to the Fadama users through the aid of Second National Fadama Development Project in Imo State, Nigeria. In conclusion, the Second National Fadama Development Project has helped to increase the productivity offarmers that participated in the Project in Imo State. I therefore recommend that more farmers should be encouraged to participate in the on-going Fadama Development Project since this project helped to increase the productivity offarmers.