FINANCIAL INCLUSIVENESS IN DONOR SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE FOR PARTICIPATORY POVERTY REDUCTION

Abstract

Abstract: This paper appraised the financial inclusiveness in donor supported agriculture for participatory poverty reduction and lowering of high food prices in dry season water stressed communities. Through the rural water delivery support of Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP) in water stressed communities of Southeast Nigeria, food production has been sustained substantially without off seasons production in most benefitting agricultural communities. Data sources were primary and personal. The author’s observations were incorporated into the study. The study adopted survey design. Simple Random Survey (SRS) was used with names in hat balloting method for each community studies. One hundred and eighty farmers (180 farmers) were randomly selected from the purposefully selected communities of Enugu and Imo states farmers that benefitted from LEEMP micro-project water-borehole delivery support. The farmers comprised 43% females and 57% males. About 31% of the farmers had tertiary education; 29% of the farmers had secondary school education. 27% had only primary education while 13% had no education. Most of the farmers were within the age bracket of 36-49 years. The data were analyzed using percentages, regression analysis, marginal analysis model, chi-square test and test of differential usage of water levels. The paper concluded that the water delivery and usage for agricultural support were generally positive on agriculture, and, made food and livelihood to be substantially enhanced within the water micro-project recipient communities. However, small scale farmer’s usage of water was below average expectations for sustainable food security. This reveals majorly financial unincorporated small scale farmers. Poverty was reduced by positive impact on the timeliness of farm operations which was 42 minutes on the average from an hour and half. There was reduction in the level of diminishing return (2.41 KM and above).. Only 23% of fishery farmers received credit ranging from N100,000 to N200,000. Also, 67% of the poultry farmers obtained credit ranging from N100,000 to N200,000. Farmers who received credit repaid accordingly. The amount of poultry credit demanded significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the product size (farm output size). Credit for fishery activities was significantly (p < 0.05) low. Other factors that significantly (p < 0.05) influenced Poultry credit were the number of children, leadership position and religion. The study therefore recommends collaborative support with improved varieties of seed stocks and agricultural extension in water benefiting communities by partnering the State Agricultural Development Programme (State ADP). Also, there should be greater expansion of LEEMP/CSDP water delivery support to all water-stressed communities to ensure all seasons’ food security. Moreover, Government and indigenous development partners should earnestly take up the challenge to address the issue of credit for the dry season agricultural livestock fattening farmers.