IFAD and Food Security in Taraba State

Abstract

This paper empirically examines IFAD-VCDP and FOOD SECURITY on the productivity and income of smallholder cassava farmers in Taraba State. The major goal is to identify and describe socio-economic changes of implementing the Programme in Ardo-kola, Gassol, Karim-Lamido, Takum and Wukari local government areas. The political economy dimension of IFAD – VCDP interventions in Taraba State shows that the intervention has impacts on the local economy by improving the productivity of the smallholders’ cassava farmers and creating jobs in the value chain. Data for the study are collected from both primary and secondary sources. A purposive sampling technique is used to select 349 respondents. Data collected for study are analyzed using descriptive statistics involving percentage frequency distribution, and a regression approach. The Multi-linear regression analysis and the empirical result reveal that; production level has likely risen from 15-20 tonnes per hectare before the advent of the intervention to 30.3 metric tonnes per hectare after the intervention. Production and productivity of small holder cassava farmers in the programme has improved with farmer’s organization services to members. Similarly, smallholder cassava farmers’ income has improved from N381, 218 – N724, 890 on average during the study period The results show that the intervention has significantly improved the productivity level, income, and access to markets and infrastructure of the targeted beneficiaries in Taraba State. The study therefore, seeks to recommends an urgent need to extend the intervention to other local government areas with cassava potentials in the state, more cassava processing centers should be established in the state; and measures needed to be taken to ensure farm inputs are given to farmers at the beginning of the farming season. Government should strengthen farmer’s organization for better services delivery to members