Abstract
To avoid the moribund path of most of the earlier implemented agricultural-based development projects and programmes, this article reviewed the implementation modalities of the Anchor Borrowers’ programme while making useful suggestions for effective and sustainable results-based implementation. The article relied on content analyses and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats strategic planning tool to reach its conclusion. While noting the strength of the programme, there is doubt as to the conduct of project appraisal; implementation arrangements are unclear, while overlaps exist in the roles of stakeholders. Thus, the study affirms that political pressure should never be made to becloud sound project preparation, while sustaining awareness for increased programme participation to avoid exclusion and confusion. It is also imperative to put in place a credible results-based framework and modalities for the conduct of baseline and subsequent performance assessment structure for the purposes of learning and accountability to Nigerians.Keywords: Anchor borrowers’ programme, results, performance assessment, learning, accountability, Central Bank of Nigeria
Highlights
Towards enhancing agricultural development and attaining self sufficiency in food production in Nigeria, governments at various levels had implemented numerous programmes and projects, which have evolved over time
Agricultural Lending (2011-Date), Value Chain Development Programme (2015-2019), Agricultural Transformation Support Programme - Phase 1 (2014-2019) and the Ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (2015 - Date), which is the focus of this study
Nigeria suffers from policy instability driven by high rate of turnover of programmes and personnel, which in turn has made the application of policy instruments unstable (Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD), 2016)
Summary
Towards enhancing agricultural development and attaining self sufficiency in food production in Nigeria, governments at various levels had implemented numerous programmes and projects, which have evolved over time. The outcome is an uneven development pathway for agriculture; lack of policy accountability, transparency and due process of law, relating to willful violation of the constitution and subsidiary legislations governing the agriculture sector (FMARD, 2016). This development made the business environment unpredictable, while discouraging investors. Most of these projects were largely stand alone with weak linkage to the government’s development efforts The implications of these outcomes are that agricultural GDP declined from 7% between 2003 and 2007 to an average of 4.2% between 2010 and 2013. This study was undertaken to ensure that the recently launched Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) do not go the way of the other agricultural development projects and is properly implemented to contribute meaningfully to the economy, while ensuring food security and enhancing inclusive economic growth
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