Impact of Access to Agricultural Credit on Agricultural Productivity in Iowa, USA.

Abstract

Agriculture is a critical component for nations' growth and development due to its significant contribution to economic growth. Microcredits are designed to assist rural inhabitants in increasing the productivity of their agriculture, so alleviating issues of hunger and poverty. Country's economic development is aided by agricultural productivity in a variety of ways including increasing the domestic food supply, supplying raw materials for industry and opening up new domestic markets. Improving agricultural productivity is important in order to meet the growing demand for food, reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth in rural areas. The study used the descriptive research design. The target population was 180 farmers.  The study did sampling of 140 respondents that were selected from the target population of 180 in USA. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. It was concluded that better credit access allows for increased agricultural investment, particularly among small farmers, resulting in increased output and value addition. More access to finance is related to higher agricultural output in the United States. In low-income countries the sector not only creates employment but it also contributes to the GDP. Credit enables poor rural farmers to diversify their economic activities, diversify their sources of capital, and manage the inevitable shocks and stress. The study recommended that credit availability should be increased in order to lead to an improvement in the agricultural productivity in the United States. This will make it possible to embrace new technologies and sophisticated inputs, increase efficiency, and modify the input and product mix in reaction to weather unpredictability, climate change, and/or changes in input and output prices. The rural communities should have access to financial institutions to boost productivity since agriculture is the cornerstone of any significant economic progress in emerging countries. Keywords: Agricultural Credit, Agricultural Productivity, USA