Empirical study of World Bank agricultural development programme in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the extent World Bank sponsored Agricultural Development Project has gone in Nigeria with a view to identifying the areas of problems. In pursuant of this objective, survey research method was adopted. Data collected through questionnaire were presented in tables and analyzed. The findings revealed among others, that policy approach that excluded the beneficiaries from participating in the project design, planning and implementation is not desirable. Recruitment of extension staff were not based on expertise and professionalism, but on political considerations. The three financiers – World Bank, Federal and State governments of Nigeria do not make their contributions as and when due. Frequent change in leadership has also affected the operation of World Bank sponsored ADP. Based on the findings, the major recommendations are: That ADP should open a dialogue with the government explaining the need to maintain a recruitment policy based on merit as well as less government intervention in the recruitment policy of the Programme. The Federal Government of Nigeria should as a matter of necessity, redesign the ADP to give each state ADP a corporate status that will enable it have access to the financial market in order to procure development loans on its own capacity. There is need to involve the project beneficiaries in the design, planning and execution of the project. This will equally avoid top down approach in policy coordination. It will also stimulate the interest of the recipients or host communities.