An evaluation of the effects of the anchor borrowers' programme on the productivity and the income of small holder maize farmers in Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) on the productivity and income of smallholder maize farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. The programme was introduced to improve agricultural productivity through enhanced access to loans, farm inputs, extension services, and structured markets. Two specific objectives were set to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was used, with a population that consisted of 11,353 smallholder maize farmer beneficiaries. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 246 respondents as the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection with a standardized reliability coefficient of 0.826. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and the hypotheses were tested using linear regression. The findings revealed that participation in the ABP had a positive and statistically significant effect on both maize productivity and farmers’ income. The programme’s loans and farm inputs were available and accessible to smallholder maize farmers (P=0.000). Beneficiary farmers recorded higher yields and income levels compared to non-beneficiaries. The study concluded that while the ABP improved productivity and income among maize farmers in Kano State, its impact was limited by implementation inefficiencies. The study recommended strengthened inputs delivery systems, improved monitoring, and enhanced extension support to maximise programme outcomes.