Effects of FADAMA III Development Project on Livestock Farmers’ Productivity and Food Security Status in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the impact of the FADAMA III Development Project on the productivity and food security of livestock farmers in Abuja, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, which included both purposive as well as simple random sampling techniques, 250 livestock farmers were selected. Primary data were collected and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to meet the research objectives. The findings indicated that the average ages of livestock farmers who took part. in the project and the age of those who didn't was 40 and 41, respectively. Approximately 45.8% of participants and 52.3% of non-participants had 10-17 years of farming experience. Additionally, the majority—75.8% of participants and 66.2% of non-participants—had received some level of formal education, which includes elementary to tertiary. Extension agents were crucial, serving as the main source of information about the FADAMA III Development Project for 72% of the participants. Logit regression analysis identified gender, farm size, marital status, association membership, access to inputs, and awareness level as significant factors influencing participation in the project at a 1% significance level. Moreover, the analysis showed that FADAMA III project’s participants exhibited noticeably more productivity than non-participants, with a favorable effect of 234.971 kg/ha at a 1% significance level. Regarding food security, participants experienced lower levels of inadequate access to food compared to non-participants. Lastly, absence of capital was identified as the main challenge for livestock farmers in joining the project. According to the survey, farmers should diversify their sources of income by taking up non-farming endeavors to boost their income and overall productivity.