Impact of USAID Markets Programme on Sorghum Farmers’ Livelihood in Northwest, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the Impact of Participation in USAID MARKETS Programme on Sorghum Farmers’ Livelihood in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in sample selection. Six hundred and twenty six (626) respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were analysed using both descriptive (frequency and mean) and inferential statistics (PSM, Z-test, logit and probit). The result of level of participation showed about 44% of the participating sorghum farmers participated only in a few USAID MARKETS programme, i.e. they received only one or two packages. The decision to participate in USAID MARKETS programme is significantly determined by sex, primary occupation, marital status, household size and membership of the cooperative while the intensity of participation is significantly determined by age, sex, primary occupation, educational level, household size, farming experience, membership of cooperative and access to credit. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used in estimating the impact of participation in USAID MARKETS programme on the total output of USAID MARKETS sorghum farmers where participants had an increase of 242kg/ha in output while the Potential Outcome mean (POMean) was 2829kg/ha. The Nearest Neighbour showed an increase of ₦52,072/ha while the Potential Outcome means (POMean) was ₦89,732. The programme should encourage farmer associations which can play an important role in the process of adoption. Households should increase their human assets by educating the younger members of the households, this will enable their knowledge and skills to be improved.