Endogenous measures for stifling corruption within selected agricultural and food development projects in Benue State, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Due to the increasing cases of failed agricultural intervention projects in Benue State, as a result of corruption and sharp practices, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of endogenous measures used for stifling corruption within selected agricultural intervention projects in Benue State, North Central, Nigeria. key players' attitudes toward stifling corruption were also studied. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Benue State populace, but regrettably, this sector has deteriorated, and it is barely an agent of development and empowerment because of the effect of corruption on it. A preliminary survey was carried out to identify and ascertain the existence of endogenous measures employed in stifling corruption in the three local government zones (A, B, and C) of Benue State. Consequently, zone ‘C’ was randomly selected. A total of 129 respondents from all of the selected agricultural intervention projects in the zone were used. Focus Group Discussions (FGD), In-depth interviews (IDIs) with key players, and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The dimension of sharp practices in the selected agricultural development projects was more pronounced in allocating agricultural supplies to the farmers and less pronounced in bribery, influence peddling, pricing, and duty abandonment. FGD and IDIs with key players revealed that Ekaa or Okpa (oath taking), Aolode (local vigilante), Echi (protective charms), public denouncement, tying of palm frond leaves, Enumajeje (Mucuna pruriens), withdrawal of project from the community, and Onyonkpo (village cult) were the endogenous measures deployed to stifle corruption in the selected agricultural development projects. These various endogenous measures deployed by some key players of the selected agricultural development projects to curb sharp practices significantly prevented intended culprits from indulging in deviant behavior for fear of its instant judgment on culprits. It is recommended based on the findings that endogenous measures should be encouraged to complement the government's efforts and the crude aspects of the measures conflicting with natural justice should be ejected.