CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the Study
The issue of poverty alleviation, through a
coordinated system of food security, is a matter of universal concern. Poverty
and food crises are global phenomena, especially with the astronomical rise in
world population. This situation is very critical in Africa, Asia and other
parts of the developing world. Nigeria out of circumstance of food security
issues was classified as one of the 82 low income food deficit countries (World
Food Summit 1996). As a follow up of this outcome and in a bid to improve the
performance of the agricultural sector, successive governments in Nigeria
formulated agricultural policies and implemented a number of programmes and
projects to address the related problems of poverty, food insecurity and
unemployment. Some of these projects were the Root and Tuber Expansion
Programme (RTEP) and cassava multiplication programme (CMP) which was
successfully completed in 1997.
Over the years, the issue of poverty alleviation, food
security and general improvement in the living standard of the population has
been a vital element in the socio-economic focus of successive governments in
Nigeria at both the federal and local levels. It affects nations and people
differently. It afflicts people in various levels and depths and at different
phases of existence. No nation or society is absolutely free from poverty and
its attendant effects. What matters, however, is the intensity and
pervasiveness, that is, the level of poverty within a given ratio of the
population. According to the UNDP (2006), poverty entails the absence of the
basic requirements essential for the survival, and to an extent, comfort of
man.
Among the most basic needs of man,
food and other nutritional components rank among the highest and most vital.
Everson (2000) notes that food occupies a central position in the life of the
individual, and one’s ability to engage in various activities that shape the
condition of the society can only follow a successful and reasonable condition
of basic food sufficiency.
Alcock (1997) echoes this view when
he asserts that people live in poverty when resources are not there to obtain
the type of simple diet, participate in the activities and have the living
condition and amenities which are customary in the society to which they
belong.
Nigeria has one of the greatest development
potentials in Africa given the vastness of her resources and above all her
human resources endowment. Abia State, in particular, is among the states in
Nigeria that has these resource potentials, yet could not meet up with basic
household needs of her citizens. The economy is mired by multiple difficulties.
On the basis of widespread economic crises, the country is unable to raise the
standard of living of its citizens to an appreciable height. Thus, poverty,
both in absolute and relative terms, is afflicting most Nigerians. Poverty in
Nigeria has been a long standing issue and its reality manifests in worsening
incidence and severity over the years. It is multi-dimensional and encompasses
issues such as inadequate income, malnutrition, poor social and political
status and grossly inadequate health care delivery. Statistically, the poverty
level in Nigeria covered about 28 percent of the population between 1960 and
1980. Between 1996 and 2000, it rose to an alarming 66 percent (Aliyu, 2001). Available
records show that the last decade has not fared much better.
According to the UNDP Human
Development report (2008-2009) which combined such components as level of
inequality, life expectancy at birth, standard of living and access to
knowledge and education between 2004 and 2009, poverty in Nigeria has worsened,
rising from 0.43 to 0.49. This shows that despite its vast resources, Nigeria
ranks among the 25 poorest countries in the world. Thus, in the year 2000, the
nationwide special programme for food security (SPFS) was developed by Federal Government
of Nigeria (FGN) and Food and Agriculture Organisation, (FAO) officials under
joint consultative committee. An agreement was signed between FGN and FAO for
the SPFS to be executed over a period of five years.
Then, SPFS became a practical
vehicle for extending the application of innovative low-cost approaches, both
technical and institutional, to improving the productivity and sustainability
of agricultural systems with the ultimate aim of contributing to the
livelihoods, reduction in malnutrition and enhancing the income of poor
resource farmers.
In Abia state, the systematic and
participative analysis of constraints faced by rural communities in adopting innovative
technologies, and comprehensive community need assessment which is central to
the SPFS concept, constituted an essential ingredient in the process of
formulating improved agricultural and poverty alleviation strategies. Though
the climate is always humid all year round, the vegetation is predominantly
lowland rain forest. Human activity (bush burning, cultivation and planting)
has been so intense that most of the forests have become degraded. The general
land use pattern is subsistence cultivation with attendant bush fallow system/land
rotation. The average farm holding by each producer is less than one hectare.
This situation makes land preparation quite cumbersome and expensive as it is
generally done manually with, low opportunity of embarking on mechanical agriculture,
and so, production in Abia state is mostly by mixed cropping system involving
compatible crops. It is on the basis of the major compatible crops in Abia
state that yam, cassava, maize, rice, plantain/banana were approved for Abia
State in the SPFS programme, while sheep, goat and poultry are the animals of
interest.
In the face of the nature and
magnitude of poverty situation in Nigeria, successive governments have
attempted to grapple with the poverty situation in the country. Regrettably,
the lopsided application of capitalist policies and strategies and
mismanagement of resources by state officials has not been able to provide
reprieve. On the contrary, poverty level has continued to soar instead of
diminishing. As Ukpong (1999) noted, the first three National Development Plans,
as a means of reducing poverty and enhancing development, placed premium on
“the real income of the average citizen, more even distribution of income among
individuals and socio-economic groups.” This however did not serve the required
purpose due largely to the economic crises of the 1980s.
In order to confront the problem of
poverty in the face of economic difficulties, more concrete programmes were
introduced. These include the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) and the Green
Revolution (GR) launched by the regimes of General Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari,
respectively, between 1976 and 1980. The Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural
Infrastructure (DFRRI), the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), the Better
Life Programme (BLP), and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) were set
up by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military administration in the 1980s.
On assumption of office as a
civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo launched the National Poverty Eradication
Programme (NAPEP) in 2001 as a means of lifting the poor out of their
deplorable situation. This was followed by the introduction of the National
Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) in 2004. This programme
was to be duplicated by all the 36 states in Nigeria under the rubric of the
State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS). The modus here was
to encourage all Nigerians to be actively involved in thinking, knowing and
contributing to all aspects of development with a view to eradicating poverty
in the land.
In 2007 when Umaru Musa Yar’adua
ascended as Nigeria’s president, he left no one in doubt as to his desire to
effect a positive socio economic transformation of the country. This,
naturally, flowed from his campaign promises entrenched in the manifesto
entitled “End Poverty, Develop Nigeria”. He promised Nigerians that he would
launch a massive assault on poverty using the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals (UN-MDGs) as a guide. Thereupon, he launched his seven point
agenda which would serve as a focal point of his vision for the revitalization
of the Agricultural sector in order to boost food security in Nigeria among
other things.
Indeed, the issue of poverty
alleviation food security and general improvement in the living standard of the
population has been a vital element in the socio-economic focus of successive
Governments in Nigeria at all levels. The various efforts to democratize are
intended to complement economic liberalism in order to touch the blissful state
and to satisfy the physiological needs of the people as well as their
socio-cultural and political needs.
Unfortunately, evidence suggests
that achievement in this regard has been rather disappointing. The question
remains - why have successive efforts at poverty alleviation in Nigeria failed?
Why do these efforts go down the drain
repeatedly? The indication therefore is that poverty in Nigeria is not just an
economic phenomenon. It encompasses socio-cultural and political aspects of
life. Though attention has been focused exclusively on economic aspects of
poverty, ignoring the non-economic aspects of poverty may prove to be a mistake
on the long run because of the interactions among components of the human needs
and societal institutions.
Nigeria is endowed with 74 million hectares of arable
land and additional 25 million hectares of irrigable land, yet the country has
not being able to take comparative advantage of the climate conditions, the
large expanse of land and an ever increasing population to make her sufficient
in food production. This is despite the fact that variety of crops thrive well
with maximum yield in different eco-zones of the country. Fundamentally, the
Nigerian environment is characterized by fair to good soils but poor and
unreliabe rainfall and low quantity as is the case in arid and semi-arid
regions.
Generally, food security is currently constrained for
many households in Nigeria. Localized production deficits in the 2007 harvest season
occurred as a result of localized poor rainfall and an early end to the rainy
season in mid-September. Consequently, prices started rising earlier in the
north fuelled by speculative hoarding from traders and high industrial demand
for grains. Many poor households have had to turn to the market earlier than
normal in the season to purchase food, resulting in moderate food insecurity
and localized high food insecurity in the north.
Trade liberalization stimulated the
growth of exports of agricultural commodities in Nigeria. The boost in the
agricultural export took a downturn and with the advent of democracy, massive
imports of heavy goods began to dominate the economic scene. In essence, over
the last 25 years since the SAP programme came into existence, the nation had
witnessed a gross neglect of the food production sector. As such, when food
prices began to rise significantly in late 2010, our response mechanism were no
longer existing, rather, policy makers could only think of food imports as the
solution.
The Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (Abia
ADP) was established in 1991 to enhance agricultural output and support
extension services in rural institutional development. Abia ADP also aims at
providing financial support in the areas of training, monitoring and evaluation
of technologically related studies. The project was designed to provide funds
needed for environmental protection, with focus on agro-forestry, land
degradation, soil conservation and horticultural development.
Some of the questions that agitate
the mind revolve around what alternatives we have as well as what pragmatic
approaches we can adopt to address the problems of food insecurity. Can we
effectively curb the rising cost of food? Is it possible to reverse increasing
trends in food prices? Can Nigerians be food secure? Attempts have been made to
provide answers to these questions and more during the course of the work.
1.2 STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
In the area of public development
and administration, the basic processes of conception, formulation and
administration of public policy are one of the most important processes of
governance and societal development in the modern state.
The issue of whether a household is
poor is widely recognized as an important, though crude indicator of the
wellbeing of households. This is reflected in the central role the concept of poverty
plays in the analysis of poverty reduction.
Poverty alleviation, food security
and human development are major determining variables of national incomes. It
has to do with the creation of an environment in which people can develop their
full potentials and lead productive lives in accordance with the demands of
their interests and needs either as individuals or as groups within the
society. In view of this, poverty alleviation and food security improves the
quality of life of the people and provides them with the means to achieve and
maintain their basic needs but the country remains vulnerable to hunger and
poverty. It therefore follows that it is necessary to probe into what makes
rural people have different segments in terms of demographic and occupational
compositions and characteristics of the community in which the people reside.
The Nigerian government, at all
levels - Federal, State, Local - has over the years placed enormous emphasis on
rural development in shaping efforts and strategies aimed at reducing poverty
and improved food security and the level of underdevelopment within all phases
of the national economy but both theoretical and empirical literature have
failed to capture the real factors as to why the poverty rate and food insecurity
in the country is still high.
Kehinde (2005) observes that many
countries of Africa today see the eradication of poverty and food insecurity as
a decisive aspect of their development programmes. He notes further that every
government must contend with the issue of “making life better and more
meaningful to the citizenry” irrespective of whether such government is a
democracy or military dictatorship.
Olayinka (2003) similarly holds the
view that the ability to sustain a reasonable standard of living for the
citizens is what confers legitimacy and relevance on a regime irrespective of
the circumstance of its emergence into power. Over the years, successive
governments in Nigeria have introduced a number of programmes and policies
aimed at alleviating poverty and securing reasonable sufficiency in the area of
food production. This was further expected to provide an appreciable
environment for the overall enhanced growth and stability of the national economy.
Agriculture contributes 42 percent of the GDP,
provides employment for the citizens and constitutes a means of livelihood for
more than 60 percent of the productively engaged population. Yet, it receives
less than 10 percent of the annual budgetary allocation of the federal
government. Under-funding in this regard is central to the crisis of food
production and food security in Nigeria.
The connections among dwindling food
production capacity, rising food prices and dependency on food importation are
nowhere more clearly demonstrated in recent times than in the Sahel food crisis
which also affected about eleven northern states of Nigeria situated in the
Sahel belt especially during 2007 and 2008. Compounding the problem is the
seeming unresolvable incoherence in government’s policy formulations and
implementation strategies. Thus, as a response to the recent food crisis in the
country, the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture
facilitated the development of a National Food Crisis Response Programme
(NFCRP) and the Food Security Thematic Group (FSTG) in 2009. However, despite
the demonstrated effort at building institutions to address poverty situation
in the country, no further steps have been taken to consolidate the set agenda.
Recognizing the threat posed by the
endemic food insecurity and related problems in Nigeria, each state in the
country was encouraged to embark on campaigns and programmes aimed at creating
state-wide agricultural policy frameworks. The Abia State Agricultural
Development Programme (Abia ADP) was created to develop and implement measures
aimed at realizing the goals of food security in the state.
To get to the core of this inquiry,
there are central questions which must serve as guides in determining the direction
and focus of our research. With this in view, the study has addressed the
following questions:
(a) What are the relationship between the Abia ADP
guidelines and attainment of food production per annum by Abia farmers?
(b) What are the
programme orientation geared towards poverty reduction and how new farm
implements have improved the attainment of food production per annum in the
State?
(c) What are the factors that militated against the
adequate food production per annum in the State?
(d) How do modern technologies increase food production
and creation of employment in
The ultimate aim of every
socio-economic development programme is to reduce the level of hardship and
poverty within a given setting and propel the recipients towards a greater
level of well-being and better living standard considered commensurate with
life in a modern society.
Generally, the main objective of
this work is to investigate the twin issues of poverty alleviation and food
security in Nigeria with particular attention to Abia State. In other words, we
will aim to deepen our understanding of how poverty alleviation programmes and
food security in Abia State has improved over time and the effects of those
strategies and programmes in the state. The success or otherwise of this
programme will determine its relevance as a tool for national development and
economic growth.
More
specifically,
1.
To examine the relationship between Abia ADP service delivery guidelines and
the attainment of food production per annum by Abia farmers.
2. To investigate the programme orientation geared
towards poverty reduction and how new farm implements have improved the
attainment of food production per annum in the State.
3. To identify factors that militated against the
adequate food production in the State.
4. To find out the extent modern technologies have
increased food production and creation of employment in the State.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
Poverty alleviation and
self-sufficiency in food production have become a catalyst for development in
Africa and other developing countries of the world. Over the years, successive
regimes in Nigeria have embarked on various economic programmes aimed at
reducing poverty level in Nigeria and opening up the nation’s economic base
towards greater responsiveness to growth and development.
This work is premised on the need to
examine the issue of poverty alleviation, food security and related matters
that impact critically on the general economic development of the society. We
believe therefore, that the outcome of this research will contribute to the
field of knowledge and scholarship on the essential issue of enhancement of the
living standard of the citizens. We also underline its importance to policy
formulation and implementation for governments at all levels in the following
ways;
The goal of this research work is to provide a basic
tool for research and understanding of the basic framework necessary for the
actualization of the basic needs of society required to effect positive outcome
in the living standard of its citizens.
Successive regimes in Nigeria have experimented with
one form of policy or the other aimed at reducing poverty and encouraging
general economic development. This goal has remained largely elusive over the
years. It is hoped that this work will provide ideas and suggestions on how
these goals could be pursued for more realistic and result oriented policy
objectives and goal attainment. The relevance of policy is determined by the
end result.
The rural areas are essentially the areas which lack
basic urban facilities in the form of physical structures, modern equipment and
distinctive settlement and non-urban environment. Characteristically, rural
communities are known to be backward, with low economy, low standard of living,
low purchasing power and appalling conditions of living. The rural population
is often made up of the very old and the very young because those within the
productive range, the active young and the educated, have migrated to the urban
areas in search of a better life.
The findings of this research and
the recommendations contained therein will form a robust working material for
researchers and government agencies in creating a fountain of knowledge for the
experimentation and substantiation of their policies and programmes on food
security in the state and the country as a whole.
The study will help the policy
makers to draw a conclusion on where to strengthen the efforts of Abia ADP in
areas such as training of farmers, provision of new innovations and better
funding of the project.
The study will extend the frontiers
of the exiting literature by emphasizing the roles of the agency in Abia State.
1.5 SCOPE
AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study covers the entire Abia
State. Special issues concerning each of the administrative zones of Abia ADP
namely: Aba, Ohaofia and Umuahia zones were equally noted. The time frame covered
the activities of the Abia ADP programme since inception in 1991. Participants’ attention would focus on the area
of food production and related programmes aimed at the development of the rural
areas.
In a study of this nature, it is
vital to talk with people, obtain information and assess their views and ideas
on the issue in question. In Nigeria, people like to hoard information
unnecessarily even when such pieces of information are innocuous and meant for
public consumption. As a result, it was difficult to get at certain vital
information because those in custody of such information felt that it may be
used for purposes other than what they were meant for. The materials needed
were therefore scarce or at best, difficult to come by.
At
other levels, some of those interviewed were either too naïve in their
perceptions and grasp, too unwilling to engage, too reluctant or indifferent or
simply too occupied with the pursuits of life to provide the required
attention. Unavoidably, these were collectively time consuming and rather
frustrating.
Finance constitute great limitations because the
researcher hadn’t enough money to carry on the project and the government was
not willing to provide any assistance. The University administration did not
fare better in this regard. Without adequate finance, the author faces
insurmountable problems which ultimately hindered the speed and effectiveness
of the work.
However, in spite of these numerous
constraints, we were still able to make reasonable progress. It was possible to
meet people who were able and knowledgeable enough to respond competently to
the needs of the research. We were able to source credible materials from
various sources in their bits and pieces. On the issue of finance we have
continued to maximize the little we have and this has enabled us to meet our
necessary obligations.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review is one of the most
essential aspects of any research work. It enables both the researcher and the
reader to make critical incursions into the vital realms of the subject matter.
This way, a wider and greater expansion of knowledge is created which
facilitates a greater understanding of the issue or issues at hand.
Literature review helps illuminate
the ideas and thoughts of other scholars and researchers and situates their
contributions within a given field of study. The nature, scope and extent to
which a review is conducted is determined by the researcher’s grasp of
knowledge and the materials available on the subject matter. All given, our
review shall be selective rather than exhaustive.
In our effort to review the subject
of poverty alleviation and food security vis a vis the activities of Abia ADP,
the work shall be organized along the following headings:
1. The concept of poverty.
2. Economic Development
3. Rural Development
4. Food security in Nigeria
5. Food security and poverty
6. Poverty alleviation
7. Approaches to poverty alleviation
8. Problems and challenges
2.1.1
THE CONCEPT OF POVERTY
Poverty and the issues that go with
it are very common and they form an integral part of our every day existence.
Quite a lot have been said about poverty and the strategies aimed at combating
it is a global phenomena. Poverty affects continents, nations and people
differently. It affects people in various dimensions and degrees at different
phases of their existence. For Ekpo, (2002), poverty is a condition of living
whereby income and consumption are excruciatingly low and one’s general
existence is riddled with “disease, illiteracy, malnutrition and squalor”, to
the extent that the realization of one’s potentials could be seriously
imperiled.
The above view was echoed by Narayan
(2000:17) when he asserts that “poverty is a situation of inadequate income,
malnutrition, lack of access to social services, lack of social and political
status and lack of esteem”. It therefore follows that poverty could exist as a
result of inaccessibility to certain goals or amenities required to make life
more meaningful. Poverty could also take the form of psychological and
socio-political deficiencies.
Further studies show that poverty
could be experienced in terms of wide range of non-material and intangible
qualities such as insecurity, lack of dignity and status and denial of
opportunities. This is why Oguchi (2011), sees poverty as a state of
deprivation ranging from infant mortality, low life expectancy, low educational
opportunities to a “lack of active participation in the decision making
process”.
The Central Bank of Nigeria report
(2009) views poverty as a state where one is unable to cater for the basic
needs of life – food, shelter, clothing and social and economic infrastructure.
It also includes the inability to meet social and economic obligations such as
gainful employment, skill, assets, self esteem and a limited chance of
advancing his or her welfare to the limit of his or her capabilities.
The non material aspects of poverty
further manifest themselves in one’s inability to participate fully in the
political process or other socio-cultural activities of his community. Poverty
in this sense simply means powerlessness Nuhu, (2000).
From our different explanations of poverty, one outstanding fact is that for a
given country in a given circumstance, poverty must be conceived, defined and
measured in absolute ways that are relevant and valid for purposes of analysis
and policy making in a given time and situation such that poverty specifically
could become relative when circumstances change.
2.1.2 Economic
Development
Development as a concept has been
subjected to various theoretical interpretations and empirical
operationalizations. Though it eludes any precise definition, most scholars
would agree with the notion that development is a process by which continuous
increase in the system’s efficiency produces the conditions which result in
general enlistment or advancement (Bello-Iman, 1986).
From the above standpoint,
development, in this context, implies the quantitative and qualitative change,
not only in the standard of living of the members of the society but also in
what Anyinda and Onitiri (1981) identified as the transformation of the society
in all its ramifications, especially at the grassroots levels.
Edame (2002), further identified the
availability of such development indications as high literacy rate, good road
network, constant power supply, improved medical facilities, decent housing as
well as equitable distribution of income as indicative of a developed society,
which according to Nwosu (1995), is a manifestation of the will and capacity to
induce social change by the use of labour, power and available resources to improve
the living standards of the citizens.
Okowa (1989), sees development as a
determined and conscious effort to concentrate on the overall upliftment of
man’s living condition in every part of a given society or polity. On a broader
perspective, development seeks to achieve, among other things, improvement in
the quality and standard of living of the majority of the people in the
society. This is achieved through radical approach aimed at improving the
quality, value, nutritional balance of food intake, raising the standard and
quality of both rural and urban housing, health standards, creating employment
opportunities and enhancing better purchasing power of both rural and urban
communities (Odu and Ayinda, 2003).
Economic development could be seen as
a determined attempt to focus on the general upliftment of man’s living
condition at the national level in a given polity. It refers to the improvement
of the people’s physical socio-economic and cultural condition of living with
emphasis on the alleviation of poverty and enhancement of the quality of
national life. This can be achieved through the joint efforts of the people and
both government and non-governmental agencies aimed at integrating the people
into the life of the entire nation and enabling them to contribute fully to
national well being.
2.1.3 Rural
Development
As a developing country, the rural
communities occupy strategic positions in Nigeria’s national life. According to
available records, a greater percentage of Nigerian populations are rural
dwellers (Odu and Ogida, 2003).
Yahaya (1979) believes that the
rural dwellers have a vital role to play, not only in the development of the
rural area, but also in Urban and national development. He advocates a
readiness to meet the basic needs of the local population with greater speed
and effectiveness which would serve as a framework for the mobilization of the
resources of the rural areas.
In advocating the effective
participation of the rural communities in determining the issues that affect their
lives, Laski (1969) argued that all problems are not central in their incidence
and that people must be allowed to take decision on issues as it affects their
particular locality and with specific reference to their population
circumstances.
Sady (1962) identified effective
recognition of the peculiar needs of rural dwellers as the best instrument for
rural transformation. He stated that such recognition fosters the principles of
democracy and mass mobilization of the people in the process of governance and
development.
Enoch (1991) stated that rural
development depends on making conscious efforts to contribute to the overall
rate of economic growth and the process of structural and attitudinal
transformation of rural areas.
Todaro (1992) blamed the serious
setback to rural development on widespread poverty. The prevailing position is
that neither direct farming nor the non farm occupation is vibrant enough to
liberate the rural poor from poverty. Seer (1989) sees rural poverty as arising
from lack of co-operation and mistrust among rural dwellers. This, in his view
makes it impossible for them to pull their resources together and take
meaningful steps towards reasonable growth and development under a co-operative
arrangement.
For Aguocha (2002) the success of rural development in
Nigeria hinges on planning and execution of the policy. Planning in relation to
rural development is the act of identifying the problems of the area and the
people on the spot and development techniques and methods towards their
solution at the level of the people affected.
Ezekiel
(2006) listed a catalogue of woes which must be tackled if the issues of rural
development in Nigeria must become a reality. These include inadequate access
to goods and services produced/provided by the rural poor, inadequate access to
market for such goods and services and inadequate access to education, health,
sanitation and water services. These pitfalls lead to inequitable social
services delivery which consequently results in the inability to live healthy
and active life. It also denies them the capacity to take full advantage of
employment and other related opportunities.
2.1.4 Food
Security in Nigeria
Several administrations in the past have made ambitious
moves at eradicating poverty among Nigerians with each setting up its own
agencies or programmes to tackle the ugly phenomenon but very little have been
achieved.
Usman and Lemo (2007) in their recent estimates put
the number of hungry people in Nigeria at over 53 million, which is about 30
percent of the country’s total population of 150 million. The records further
show that 52 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. These are
matters of grave concern because Nigeria was self sufficient in food production
and was indeed a net exporter of food to other regions of the continent in the
1950’s and 1960’s. Things changed dramatically for the worse following the
global economic crisis that hit the developing countries beginning from the
late 1970’s onwards. The discovery of crude oil and rising revenue from the
country’s petroleum sector encouraged official neglect of the agricultural
sector and turned Nigeria into a net importer of food.
Akpan
(2009) laments that although agriculture contributes 42 percent of the GDP
provides employment and a means of livelihood for more than 60 percent of the
productively engaged population; it receives less than 10 percent of the annual
budgetary allocations. Under-funding in this regard is central to the crisis of
food production and food security in Nigeria. It explains the persistence of
poverty. The loss of food sovereignty and the dependence on food importation is
also making the country quite susceptible to fluctuations in global food
crisis. This is why Nigeria was strongly affected by the global food crisis in
2007/2008. Nnoke (2010) the connections among dwindling food production
capacity, rising food prices and dependency on food importation are nowhere
more clearly demonstrated in recent times than in the Sahel food crisis which
also affected many of the eleven Northern states of Nigeria situated in the
Sahel belt. The National Emergencies Management Agency (NEMA) says roughly 30
percent of the population in this region are food insecure and have established
strong correlation between hunger and the rising trends in poverty. Indeed,
those poor lacks the basic access to market and their food are unable to vary
or enrich their diets.
Omonona (2010) argued that compounding the problem is
the seemingly irresolvable incoherence in government’s policy formulation and
implementation strategies. For example, as a response to the recent food crisis
in the country, the federal government through its federal ministry of
agriculture (FEMA) facilitated the development of a National Food Crisis
Response Programme (NFCRP). The Food Security Thematic Group (FSTG) was also
established 2009 and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) was invited
to provide guidance. Despite demonstrated efforts at building institutions to
address hunger and poverty in the country, no further step has since been taken
to consolidate set agenda.
Recognizing in general that most African countries are
failing to allocate no less than 10 percent of their annual budget commitment
to agricultural development and food production, regional organizations on the
continent have proceeded on campaigns partly aimed at creating and developing
alternative regional and continent wide agriculture policy frameworks. As a
matter of fact, the major challenges and solutions to food security in Nigeria
may be adumbrated as inadequate investment in agriculture, support for small
holder farmers and policy incoherence and inconsistencies (Laderchi, 2003).
2.2.5 Food
Security and Poverty
The evidence of poverty and food insecurity has never
been so clear and alarming in their proliferation as in the last decades but
more worrisome is the conflict in the manifestations. The world food summit
secured international commitment, in 1990 to reduce the number of
undernourished people by half, by the year 2015. For the first ten years,
statistics show that an increasing number of people remained food insecure
(World Development Report 2000). Yet this contrasts with the supposed progress
being made to reduce by half the world’s populations living in absolute poverty
over the same period, which indicates that the international development
community is the relatively on track (Meyers, 2001). This implies that
different indices are being measured or equally likely than progress in one
area is negatively affecting the other. So the issue remains whether hunger or
food insecurity is the symptoms of poverty and in what ways are they linked?
The above paradox makes a clear distinction between
food production and food access. It is here that poverty comes into the equation
of food security. A poor nation may increase its food production, national food
self sufficiency and economic growth to lift itself upward in the poverty
statistics, but sections of its people may remain food insecure because of
other factors that affect their access to food. Suffice it to say, then that
development indices that focus on increased production of food alone are
inadequate to capture the pattern of its distribution between populations and
within populations (Akanji, 2002).
Todero and Smith (2004) poverty characteristics are
important in the construction of poverty indicators. Therefore, the relevance
of human development indicators (HDI) rather than money-metric or income measures,
GDP measures or other macro-economic structures have been seen to be more
appropriate. The characteristics of the poor are also contextual and so are the
manifestations of poverty in different populations. The need for the voice of
the people in poverty assessment and the design of poverty reduction measures
remain very valid.
Akanji (1998) asserts that the
gender dimension of poverty is particularly reinforced in agrarian economies
where the poor are characterized by landlessness, invariable (inelastic) supply of labour, likely to live in
female-headed households, likely to be farm laborers rather than farm owners
remote from development assistance due to time constraint, hunger as well as
literacy and health constraints and so on. As a result, the consonance of
gender development indicators with other human development measures is
necessary condition in poverty assessment.
2.1.6 Poverty
Alleviation
The eradication of poverty at a
global level is a central objective of governments, the United Nations, the World
Bank, IMF and other related International Development Agencies and partners.
However, eradicating poverty has become a debilitating problem whose solution
is both elusive and intractable, (Tadoro, 2002). As a result of this
difficulty, the Nigerian government feels compelled to pursue poverty
alleviation measures as a prelude to the greater goals of total eradication. Past
Nigerian governments, military or civilian have initiated one programme or the
other to fight poverty.
According to Aribisala (2002), a
global consensus has emerged on the need to alleviate human suffering brought
about by poverty in order to achieve reasonable growth among countries of the
world. In designing development programmes aimed at alleviating the plight of
the poor, Olayinola (1999) insists that conscious efforts must be made to involve
the communities who are the target beneficiaries of such programmes. Knowledge
of local culture, politics, power structure and other local peculiarities must
be considered for adequate community participation in the development process.
The World Bank has outlined six
basic principles that should form the framework for effective action at
alleviating poverty in the third world countries. These are as follows:
(a) Poverty
reduction must be at the heart of any economic and social development strategy.
(b) The
political will and commitment by government towards poverty alleviation must be
backed up by economic actions.
(c) The improvement of human capital should
be a part of the programme.
(d) The
design and implementation of efforts must be guided by the poor as identified
by them.
(e) Poverty
alleviation should be targeted at the women because they are more vulnerable to
social and economic burdens.
(f) Poverty
alleviation must be viewed as an environmental issue since it engenders
resource degradation and other forms of impoverishment.
Critics of our system of development
hold the view that the rate of development in Nigeria could have been higher if
the abundant material resources of the nation were properly co-ordinated and
managed. They point out that the improper management of resources with lack of
technological skills, as well as the apparent lack of direction in development
efforts have accounted for the lack of success in our poverty alleviation
efforts, Naraya (2000), Bassey (2005), Uruakpa (1996).
National Development is a dynamic
process especially in new states beset with numerous problems. These may
include political instability, cultural disintegration, brain-drain and the evaporation
of intellectual capital. In addition, the effect of externally oriented
capitalist economy and our elitist political system which have been described
as colonial inheritance cannot be overlooked. Nwosu (1995) laments that instead
of radical break from colonial structures, the post-independence political leadership
maintained the status-quo with even greater enthusiasm than its original
formulators. The economic marginalization of the colonial master and the sustenance
of this same abnormality by the indigenous rulers have a direct relation to the
present pattern of development in Nigeria. This has increased rather than
reduced the level of poverty.
2.1.7 Approaches
to Poverty Alleviation:
The strategies for poverty
alleviation have been broadly grouped into four. Economic Growth Strategy,
Basic Needs Approach, Employment Oriented Approach and the Rural Development
Approach, Olayemi (1995), Omale & Moslem (1995), Onah (1996), Ekpenyong
(1996) and Ogwumike (1998). Other scholars include Adeyeye (2001) and Obadan
(1995) who classified poverty alleviation into sectoral approach and
multicultural approach.
i. Economic
Growth Approach:
Given the low labour absorption
capacity of the industrial sector, broad economic growth should be encouraged.
This is to focus on capital formation as it relates to stock and human capital.
The assumption was that the gains of economic growth will trickle down to the
various segments of the society, thereby leading to poverty alleviation. The
1996 World Bank poverty assessment of Nigeria (1996) which states that if there
is to be a reduction in the number of people affected, there must be a growth
rate of at least five to seven percent per annum, lends credence to this
approach.
Rowntree (1992), for effective
poverty reduction, a growing economy is a must but growth in economy does not
necessarily translate into reduction in poverty rate. In Nigeria, massive
investment in the modern sector through capital intensive system of production
to the detriment of agriculture and re-distribution led to the poor in the
development process. The recognition of this led to a shift in emphasis from
“just growth” to the “pattern of growth” approach. Instead of focusing on capital formations as
it relates to capital stock, human capital was brought to the fore, Streeten
(1979). Human capital emphasizes education, health, nutrition, housing etc. The
argument here is that investment in human resources improves the quality of
labour and hence, its productivity.
ii. Basic
Needs Approach
This approach is concerned with
improving the income-earning opportunities of the poor, the public services
that reach the poor, flow of goods and services to meet the needs of all
members of households and the participation of the poor in the ways in which their
needs are met. (Streeten, 1979). The objective of this approach therefore is to
increase access to services such as pipe borne water, electricity, satisfactory
refuse disposal facilities and other services that constitute the major
indicators of level of poverty.
iii. Rural
Development Approach:
This approach is premised on the
fact that majority of the poor in most countries, particularly developing
countries, live in rural areas and developing rural areas is central in poverty
alleviation efforts. The central pillar in this approach as identified by
Idachaba (1998) is the provision of rural infrastructure. He classified this
rural infrastructure into three namely: physical, social and institutional
infrastructure.
iv. Employment
Oriented Approach
Appleton’s (1995) employment
oriented approach favors the process of directing poverty alleviation
programmes to specific groups within the country. This approach includes such
programmes as social safety nets, micro-credits and school meal programmes.
This identification requires proper identification of the target groups so as
to minimize leakages.
2.1.8 Problems
and Challenges
Poverty alleviation efforts in
Nigeria have been pursued through the application of orthodox capitalist
strategies. In addition, government had on many occasions taken calculated
steps to combat poverty through institution building. Some of these capitalist
strategies have worsened the level of poverty. Some bourgeoisie scholars
attribute this to the fact that many of the programmes either were not well
designed, formulated or properly implemented in a co-ordinated manner, Nwosu
(2005), Ajakaiye and Olomola (1999).
Todaro and Smith (2004), the
fundamental reasons why government strategies and programmes have not been able
to alleviate poverty are rooted in the capitalist economic system which Nigeria
operates. Such problems are dominance, dependence and vulnerability of the
economies of the third world.
Omoke (2005) strongly contends that
the most crucial factor that accounts for the persistent low level of living,
rising unemployment and growing income inequality in the third world is the
highly asymmetrical distribution of economic and political power between the
rich and poor countries. This situation makes the rich nations to not only
control the pattern of international trade but also to dictate the terms
whereby technology, foreign aid and private capital are transferred to
developing countries. Given the highly unequal distribution of world resources
between the north and the south, it is not surprising that the economies of the
latter cannot be resilient and self-reliant. Under this situation, poverty
alleviation is untenable and cannot be sustained.
For Oduah, (2008) the problem with
the capitalist economic system is that is makes the economies of the third
world countries in general, and Nigeria in particular, to be externally
oriented. This inhibits the development efforts of these poor nations. Indeed
this has been manifested through the transfer of developed world values,
attitudes, institutions and standards of behaviour to the poor countries. For instance, the transfer of inappropriate
educational structures, curriculum and school of health services in accordance
with the curative rather than preventive model, and the importation of
inappropriate structures and procedures for public bureaucratic and
administrative system.
Okoro (2009), the impact of social
and economic standards of the salary scales, elite lifestyles and general
attitude towards the private accumulation of wealth tends to weaken any
meaningful efforts at poverty alleviation. This is so because whether or not
there are market friendly policies or a well focused government intervention
such attitudes tend to exacerbate the level of corruption and economic plunder
by a privileged minority.
In Nigeria for instance, the
federal-accrued revenue in the first eight years of democracy (1999-2007) was N27.7
trillion. This amount unfortunately was not translated into employment
generation or the provision of social amenities and infrastructure. This huge
amount was dissipated into private pockets which nobody ever accounted for. Yusufu
(2010) observed that the roads and power sectors remained in states of total
collapse despite the N500 billion which Olusegun Obasanjo claimed was invested
in these sectors during his presidency.
Another fundamental problem of
capitalism with respect to poverty reduction is that it enhances the
deterioration of the position of the working class. Given the fact that production
under capitalist economic framework is geared towards profit maximization, this
leads to conditions in which parts of the working population is ousted from production
and driven into poverty, (Burkina, 1985).
In Nigeria, many workers lost their
jobs due to the adoption of capital intensive methods of production in some
sectors of the economy. Many were laid off due to the rationalization exercise
that was adopted during the SAP years. Rather than provide positive results,
the SAP which was introduced in Nigeria in 1986 worsened the incidence of
poverty in the country. According to Obadan (2001), SAP accentuated socio-economic
problems of income inequality and led to unequal access to food, shelter,
education, health and other essential materials of life.
Toyo, (1990) holds the view that
capitalism nurtures inequality and deprivation. The more the economy is
monetized and capitalist accumulation develops in all sectors, the more the
national wealth gets concentrated in capitalist hands and property-less forms.
The “occupy” campaign which disrupted business activities in New York,
Washington and London, the bastion of the free enterprise regime, in late 2011,
is a notice that the average citizens, who are often at the receiving end of
capitalist ruthlessness, are no longer willing to accept the status-quo without
a fight.
The accumulation of capital affects
the vital interests of all classes of the capitalist society. It makes the rich
to become richer while the poor is further impoverished. In absolute terms, it
worsens the conditions of the working people. According to Abalkin, Dzarasor
and Kulikov (1993), Levy (1991), Moser (1968) and Nkpa (1977), one of the major
manifestations of the absolute impoverishment of the working class is the gap
between its wants and the real living standard. Given the fact that in spite of
the growth of real incomes, the gap between wants and the extent of their
satisfaction, is not bridged, the capitalist economic system cannot alleviate
poverty. Anyanwu (1984) submits that the problem with poverty is that it tends
to destroy the social structure and cohesion of the society thus making it
impossible for communal efforts and local networks for local enterprises to
thrive.
2.2 SYNTHESIS
OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW
We have made some reasonable efforts
to articulate the ideas and views of several authors and commentators on the
poverty alleviation issue in Nigeria. In the process, several revelations have
become quite apparent.
Poverty in Nigeria is widespread and
very severe and despite the number of agencies and programmes that have been
put in place by various administrations, poverty appears to be on the increase.
These material agencies and programmes are geared towards the provision of
universal access to services. The poor is pressured to accept services they do
not really want or which have little bearing on their basic issues.
For poverty alleviation projects to
be successful, it requires an implementation agency to establish and maintain
an institutional culture that encourages innovative strategies and functional
operational approaches as highlighted in our study.
2.3 GAP
IN LITERATURE
The large amount of literature we have accumulated
dealt on poverty alleviation and food security in the wider Nigerian context.
However, a careful and detailed examination reveal that present area of our subject
matter which rests on Abia ADP as a case study, is largely bereft of
information and attention. In other words, while many scholars have dissipated
considerable energy and concern on poverty alleviation and food security issue
as a component of its own, none has drawn specific and particular attention to
the instrument established by the Abia State government known as Abia ADP since
its inception in 1991.
Thus, the study has neglected the ways of improving
the service delivery efficiency of these programmes by various levels of
government involved in the implementation of the programme. The study have also
failed to assess the effectiveness of foreign aid in reducing poverty and food insecurity
through its impact on human development indicators and, whether foreign aid
reduces government efforts in achieving the much desired goals of food
security. The study also fails to investigate the role of International
Monetary Fund (IMF) and World bank aid to low income countries, what and how
well IMF and World bank has done on aid in sub- Saharan Africa.
In order to fill this gap in literature, efforts were
made to close the yawning gap without which our efforts would not achieve the
required results. In this respect, we went into a dissection of the objectives,
apparatuses and functions of Abia ADP. We examined what Abia ADP has meant to
represent since its inception in 1991, the steps that have been taken and the
successes and failures so far recorded.
Finally, during the course of this work, drawing from
the primary and secondary data available, we have been able to establish the
authenticity of Abia ADP situation in the last two decades of its existence.
2.4 HYPOTHESES
1. Abia ADP service delivery guidelines
has no significant relationship with increased food production by Abia State
farmers per annum
2. Abia ADP programme orientation geared towards
poverty reduction and provision of farm implements to Abia farmers has not
improved the attainment of food production per annum in the State.
3. Modern technologies provided by Abia ADP to Abia
farmers have not led to the attainment of improved food production and creation
of employment in the State.
2.5 OPERATIONALISATION
OF KEY CONCEPTS:
1. Poverty:
Poverty is a condition in which an entity is faced
with economic, social, cultural and environmental deprivations laced with
vulnerability and powerlessness.
2. Poverty
Alleviation:
Poverty alleviation is the process by which the
socioeconomic and political statuses of the poor and deprived are seen to have
been meaningfully transformed or reasonably improved.
3. Economic
Development:
Economic development is a type of social and economic
system that produces higher and improved capability on the peoples’ physical,
social and economic condition of living and enhancement of the quality of
national life.
4. Food
Security:
Food security is the ability to
provide consequently the food and nutritional needs of the population at a
reasonable cost.
5. Rural
Development:
Rural development is the ability to enhance the
quality of life in the rural areas/communities through the provision of basic
infrastructural, socio-economic conditions.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH
DESIGN:
This research study adopted the
descriptive survey research design. The essence of adopting this research
design was to elicit data from target population through questionnaire and
interview instruments. The data generated therefore were subjected to
statistical analysis for the purpose of drawing necessary conclusions.
This research study was carried out
on the 17 local government areas in Abia state. Abia state is made up into
three senatorial zones – Aba, Ohafia, and Umuahia zones. Two distinctive local governments were therefore selected from
each of the three senatorial zones, one urban and one rural local government.
The total number of local governments selected for the study was six which
comprises three urban and three rural areas from the three senatorial zones.
Data for the study were collected
from these six local governments. The questionnaire was designed based on the
main variables of the hypotheses to get the required information for the study
and also for quick data analysis. The items of the questionnaire were carefully
structured to avoid diversionary responses from the respondents.
3.2 METHOD
OF DATA COLLECTION
Data for the study were generated
from both primary and secondary sources.
3.2.1 Primary
Source of Data
Data were obtained from direct
responses from interviews with some of the respondents in the local governments
under study. Structured and unstructured questionnaire items not only served as
supplementary sources of data, but also as means of validating the consistency
of the results of the interviews.
We utilized the questionnaire method
extensively in eliciting information for this study. The interview method was
also used for its usual in-depth study. Interview is a “data gathering
instrument that enables a seeker of information to have in dept investigation,
deeper probing and knowledge of an issue of concern through a face-to-face
interaction with the provider of such information”. Obasi, (2006:165).
3.2.2 Secondary
Sources of Data
Secondary sources of Data include
text books, journals, monographs, articles, and unpublished materials, official
documents from Abia State Agricultural Development programme, Abia ADP and
internet materials. Secondary sources of data have been considered quite useful
in research especially for survey and descriptive purposes. They are relatively
cheap in terms of cost and the expressive documents are capable of bringing to
the fore the significant variables in a specific problem and suggesting
hypotheses embodying these variables.
3.3 Population
of the Study
The population for the study was made
up of all the 7,636 staff of All Farmers
Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the 17 local Government areas in Abia State.
(Abia ADP, 2011) and 463 staff of Abia ADP. We used 6 of the 17 Local
Government Areas for the study. These were (a) Urban Local governments,
comprising Aba North, Umuahia South and Bende. (b) Rural Local governments
comprising Ukwa East, Umunneochi and Ugwunagbo. The population of these six (6)
local governments used for the study was 2,560 from AFAN and 43 staff from Abia
ADP. (Abia ADP, 2011).
3.4 Sample
Size
The sample for the study was drawn
from the 2,560 staff of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the six local
government areas and 46 staff of Abia ADP. Our choice of sample size was based
on the views of Nwana in Obasi (1999), where he stated that “if the population
is a few hundreds, a 40 percent or more samples would do; if many hundreds, a
20 percent will do. If a few thousands, a 10 percent will do and if several
thousands, a 5 percent or less sample will do”. Since the population of the six
selected local governments for the study was 2,560 Staff of AFAN and 463 staff
of Abia ADP which represented a few thousands, 10 percent of the population was
used as the sample size. This implies 10 percent of 2,560 which gives us 256
and 10 percent of 463 which gives 46. From the sampled local governments, 4
senior staff members of AFAN were selected and interviewed orally. The total
number of senior staff interviewed was 24. When we subtract 24 from 256, we
have 232 staff. To generate data for this study therefore, the questionnaire
items were administered to 232 staff of AFAN and 46 staff of Abia ADP while the
other 24 senior staff of AFAN responded to the interview guides.
3.4.1 Sampling
Technique
The proportional stratified sampling
technique was used to select six local governments (three from the rural and
three from the urban areas of the state), and the 232 staff of the All Farmers
Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and 46
staff of Abia ADP who responded to the questionnaire items. The choice of this
sampling technique was because the urban and rural local governments have
different characteristics and each of them needed to be adequately represented
to increase the generalizability of the findings of the study, (Obasi, 2000).
In addition, purposive sampling was used in the selection of those who were
interviewed. Purposive sampling is used for sourcing expert opinions on an
issue. With this approach in mind, we identified core staff of All Farmers
Association of Nigeria, (AFAN), Abia State chapter, who were considered
knowledgeable, in the focus of our study. They were those who responded to the
interview questions.
Table 3.1: Showing the population of
members of the: All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the 17 local
government Areas of Abia State.
S/N
|
Local
Government Area
|
Number
of Staff
|
1
|
Aba
North
|
603
|
2
|
Aba
South
|
520
|
3
|
Isiala
Ngwa North
|
486
|
4
|
Isiala
Ngwa South
|
506
|
5
|
Obi
Ngwa
|
510
|
6
|
Osisioma
Ngwa
|
416
|
7
|
Ukwa
East
|
312
|
8
|
Ukwa
west
|
298
|
9
|
Arochukwu
|
435
|
10
|
Bende
|
412
|
11
|
Isuikwuato
|
427
|
12
|
Oha
ofia
|
510
|
13
|
Umunneochi
|
391
|
14
|
Ikwuano
|
425
|
15
|
Umuahia
North
|
543
|
16
|
Umuahia
South
|
526
|
17
|
Ugwunagbo
|
314
|
Total
number of staff
|
2560
|
Sources:
Abia state local government service commission, 2011
Table 3.2: Showing the population of
members of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the six (6) selected
local governments in Abia state and the 10 percent sample size for the study
from each L.G.A.
S/N
|
Selected
Local Governments
|
No
of workers
|
10
percent sample size
|
1
|
Aba
North
|
605
|
61
|
2
|
Bende
|
412
|
41
|
3
|
Umuahia
South
|
526
|
53
|
4
|
Ukwa
East
|
312
|
31
|
5
|
Umunneochi
|
391
|
39
|
6
|
Ugwunagbo
|
314
|
31
|
Total
six LGA
|
2.560
|
256
|
Source: Abia State Local Government
Service Commission, 2011
3.5 Validity
and Reliability
Two concepts that are necessary for
ascertaining the appropriateness of the measuring instrument in a research are
reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the consistency of the
measuring instrument. It involves measuring variables and obtaining consistent
results at each repeated measurement (Nzelibe 1995). Reliability refers to
accuracy and precision of the results obtained over a period of time. The
problem of reliability poses such questions as: if measures were applied and
re-applied under precise application of conditions, would the same results be
obtained? Validity of measurement determines the extent to which the researcher
is measuring what he claims to measure. Asika (1991) posited that validity is
defined as the degree to which a measuring instrument measures what it is
designed to measure. A researcher should be concerned about the research
instrument being able to achieve the specific measurement. It is therefore the
duty of the researcher to ensure a correct design in order not to measure
something else. If a research design elicits responses form the sample
subjects, it is viewed as being valid.
To judge the validity of the
questionnaire items and interview schedule, we depended on wide consultations
with specialists in the department of Public Administration and Local
Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. To test for reliability, the pilot
testing was employed. Pilot testing or study is an experimental activity
carried out on small scale (that is, small sample in relation to large one and
the entire population; or micro level in relation to macro level), to find out
how something on large scale will work, (Obasi, 2000). It is an important
aspect of research in that it is useful for improving both the validity and
reliability of measuring instruments.
In this study therefore, ten members
of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) were randomly selected from
each of the three local governments of the three Zones (Isiala Ngwa south,
Ohaofia, and Umuahia North) that were not sampled for the study. This led to a
total number of thirty workers used for the pilot testing of the instruments.
The two instruments for this study were administered to this group of thirty
workers. This was done at an interval of two weeks. The result of the responses
from those used for the pilot testing confirmed the validity and reliability of
the instrument. Besides, based on the result from the pilot testing and remarks
from the specialists indicated above, some of the items of the two instruments
were modified while some others were either expunged or replaced before the
instruments were administered to the group sampled for the actual study.
3.6 Method
of Data Analysis
The research paradigms used by this
study were the qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the presentation of
our data for the study, the quantitative and qualitative data complemented each
other. The presence of these two approaches ensured validity and reliability of
the study. In other words, the information gathered from the literature
reviewed assisted to authenticate the data from the questionnaire and
interview.
Data from the questionnaires were generated
through the use of a five point likert scale. It is a measuring scale that can
be used in a questionnaire to elicit information from respondents. The
information was put in a weighted scale such as, “Strongly Agree” “Agree”
“Undecided,” “Disagree”, “Strongly Disagree”. With these weights, a survey
research which would have ended up as a qualitative study can be quantitatively
analyzed with different types of statistical tools.
SA
A
U D SD
In addition, data collected from the
questionnaire were coded into the statistical package for social sciences
(SPSS), version 17. Based on the coded data, two descriptive statistical tools
(frequency and valid percentage) were used to answer the research questions,
while the research hypotheses were tested at 0.05 levels of significance.
3.7
Method
of Data Presentation.
Method
of data presentation includes the following:
I. Simple
tables: This consists of list of objects containing statistical records in row
and column formation
II. Chi-square
technique: This technique was used to test the hypotheses for the difference
between a set of observed frequencies and a corresponding expected frequency
The
formula is stated below:
Where
X2 = Chi-square
oi
= observed data
ei
= expected data
3.8
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
To further enhance the effectiveness
and general understanding of the subject matter, a research work deserves a
background of systematically organized knowledge of varying levels of
generalizations. This is aimed at providing meaning and relevance from the
development of such knowledge and concepts whose application provides
specifications and relationship based on empirical tests and validations.
A theory provides us the tools with
which we try to analyze issues and causations in order to determine what is
real and what is not. It is important at this juncture to provide an analytical
basis of explanation which would enhance a better appreciation and
understanding of poverty alleviation and food security issues in Nigeria.
There are several existing theories in
the social sciences which would suit our purpose in this work. For a better
analysis, we shall employ the Structural Functionalist theory.
3.8.1 The
Structural Functionalist Theory
The structural functionalist
approach emphasizes the fact that there are certain functions which must be
fulfilled in a given social system if such system must survive (Almond, 1948,
Parson 1946, Durkhein 1890, Comte, 1840).
For such functions to be performed,
however, certain basic structures must be created to ensure their successes. In
the social setting, structures are determined by functions and it is the need
to perform these functions that lead to the establishment of structures.
Deriving from above, it would be
precise to assert that the survival of the political system can be determined
by the strength of the national economy. The primary function of government is
to reduce the level of poverty among the masses as a way of enhancing its
economic base. In order to achieve the functions of poverty alleviation,
successive Nigerian governments have created various structures whose sole
objectives have been to provide the functions of poverty alleviation and if
possible, total poverty eradication.
In Almond’s view, the
structural/functional approach discusses the concept of “function” and
“structure”. In analyzing these concepts, three basic questions are put forward
as follows;
(a) What functions are required to be
performed?
(b) By what structures are these functions
performed?
(c) Under what condition?
Almond further defined function as
“the objective consequence of a pattern of action for the system”, and structures
as “those arrangements within the system which performs the function”. In
analyzing the above definitions, Almond stated that the conversion function,
capabilities function and adaptive and maintenance functions are the functional
requirements of a social system whereas the structure is a single function that
may be fulfilled by a complex combination of structures, just as any given
structural arrangement may perform functions which might have different kinds
of consequences for the structure.
Effecting the structural function to
the poverty alleviation programme in Abia state, the aim of creating Abia ADP
in 1991 is in line with the desire of the Nigerian government in general and
Abia State government in particular to enhance the goals of food security, food
management and improved living standard through a system of poverty alleviation
and method of ensuing maximum food yield and crop improvement.
The Abia ADP, therefore, was an organisational
structure created by Abia state government as a vessel towards the achievement
of these goals. The establishment of Abia ADP was designed as a grass root
measure to provide a specific goal of development through food security and
enhanced crop yield in order to achieve the ultimate function of poverty
eradication as along time objective and poverty reduction in a short time
bases. The activities of Abia ADP are
determined by the role of government in that area. It is believed that in any
political system, society or organization, there are always sub-units and institutions
which are interlinked to form a highly integrated system. The aim of examining
and assessing the governmental functions of poverty, alleviation strategy in
this regard is for improving the national economy and living standard of the
people.
However, a society becomes a
self-maintaining system having certain pre-requisites that make it survive.
Through the economic institutions of Abia ADP, the Abia state government
created a structure for the purpose of enabling the population to achieve their
food security, and fulfill the goals and ends of food security giving the
support and demand inputs and their conversion.
Therefore, the concepts of national
action will be used to identify the activities of those engaged in the
administration of food security, Robert Easton, (1968) in his treatment of
functional analysis of the political machine says, “The machine fulfils the
important social function of harmonizing and personalizing all manner of
assistance to those in need”. The machine also serves the function of providing
alternative channels of social mobility for those otherwise excluded from the
conventional avenues of personal advancement.
Over the years, successive
governments embarked on one form of poverty alleviation strategy or the other.
What has remained unanswered is the structural functionalist postulation. In this
regard, the Abia ADP must satisfy the basic needs of poverty alleviation and
food security for which it was established. With this view, it is certain that
if Abia ADP is not carrying out the activities for which it was established, it
will mean that there are certain things acting as obstruction in the direction
of government and this will affect both Abia ADP members and the entire people
of Abia State.
3.8.2.
Application of the Theoretical Framework
The theory used is considered
essential for the adequate and appropriate understanding of poverty alleviation
programme and food security- a study of Abia State Agricultural Development
Programme. Applying the coercive and normative pressures within the structural
functionalist approach, poverty alleviation, food security and economic
development are interrelated. One complements the other and for success to be
achieved in this goal, certain structures must as of necessity be created and
only then can the desired functions be achieved.
The survival of the political system
as well as the state itself is predicated on responsiveness of the national
economy and this can only be achieved when policy implementation achieves the
goals for which it was formulated.
The input-output functions of the
system guarantee the survival of the system and the attainment of the goals
which the system has set out to achieve. This is made possible by a condition
of harmony and co-operation at both ends of the political system comprising the
leaders and the followers.
3.9 THE
STUDY AREA
Abia State Agricultural Development Programme
(Abia ADP) was created in 1991 by Edict No. 6 of 1991, Gazette No. 3 vol. 1 of
1992. The ADP was also declared a public service by Abia State government
Gazette No 4 of 5th October, 2000. Under the bifurcation arrangement
between old Imo and Abia States, Abia State ADP took off in January, 1992.
Abia State ADP is the Extension and
Research arm of the ministry of Agriculture and charged with the responsibility
to assisting small holder farmers produce good quality food and agro-industrial
raw materials in sustainable manner through Extension and research programmes.
The ADP has the Agricultural
Development Programme Executive Committee (ADPEC) as its apex governing body.
This body has the Executive Governor as its Chairman, the Commissioner for
agriculture as the Deputy Chairman and the ADP Programme Manager as the
Secretary. However, the internal management body is the Programme Management
Unit (PMU) while the programme manager is the Chief Executive of the Programme.
The members of the PMU are the programme manager, the sub-programme heads and
the zonal managers of the three (3) agricultural zones namely, Aba Zone, Umuahia
Zone and Ohafia zone. These zones correspond to the three senatorial zones in
Abia State.
Abia ADP as a parastatal is
structured along the following seven sub-prog
The
technical services and Extension are the core sub-programmes while the rest of
the sub-programmes provides either organization or support services.
3.9.1 Funding
arrangements and staff profile.
The Abia ADP is funded by the State
Government, The Federal government and International Donor agencies. The state
pays the salaries of workers as well as counterpart funds for projects.
Abia state ADP has a dynamic
workforce. As at the end of June 30th, 2011, the staff strength of
direct staff stood at 463 categorized as below:
(a) Senior Management staff - GL13 and above 44
(b) Middle management - GL
07 – GL 12 258
(c) Junior Staff - GL 07 – GL 06 161
Total 463
Source: (Abia ADP statistical bulletin 2012)
3.9.2 Abia
ADP main Objectives:
The main objective of Abia ADP as
being implemented now is to raise the standard of living of 314,910 rural farm
families in the project area through increased output, yield and productivity
hence, income on sustainable basis.
More
specifically,
1. To
disseminate low cost, labour saving messages (packages) to farmers/farming
communities in order to upgrade their knowledge and skills for increased
productivity.
2. To
design, supervise and control all the engineering activities needed to enhance
the small scale farmers in food production for improvement of their living
standards and provide relevant and appropriate production technologies and
quality planting materials in crops, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry and land
management for increased productivity.
3.9.3 Strategies
for Achieving the Objectives:
The Abia ADP achieves its objectives
by providing the following.
i. Training and visit (T & v)
Extension system.
ii. Farmers
field school (FFS) under the united agricultural Extension system (UAES).
iii. Conduct
of on-farm adaptive research (OFAR) trials for the generation of appropriate
technologies.
iv. Development
of rural infrastructure and facilities such as rural feeder roads, irrigation
facilities and water supplies.
v. Strengthening
of farm input supplies through the use of agro-service centres.
vi. Development
of rural institutions through participatory approach and training.
vii. Intensification
of monitoring, advisory and evaluation activities in the ADP area of operation.
viii. Publishing
these activities for consumption and popular use by the ADP clientele.
3.9.4 Abia
ADP Funded Projects:
1. National programme for food security
(NPFS).
This project commenced in 2007 and
it is on-going. The broad objective of the programme is to foster the
development of small holder agriculture and income generation in the rural
areas, improve food security and reduce poverty on economically sustainable
basis.
3,9.5 Strategies of NPFS
1. Empowering
farmers financially in a revolving loan scheme with zero interest rate.
2. Emphasis
on group formation, primary production of crops livestock, fisheries, fibers
and processing.
3. Savings mobilization
4. Development of irrigation facilities
and small dams
5. Provision of rural infrastructure.
3.9.6 Funding Arrangements:
The project is domestically funded
by the Federal Government of Nigeria from the Pool of Agricultural fund. It is
purely a grant. However, accessing the fund is subjects to payment of
counterpart fund. The counter part fund and grants from FGN/FAO will be managed
within the state as operational and revolving funds. It is the state governor
that revolving funds. It is the state governor that approves the counterpart
fund.
3.9.7 Roots
and Tubers Expansion Programme (RTEP)
The Root and Tuber Expansion
Programme was designed with a broad objective of empowering poor resource
farmers to increase their income and enhance productivity. It involved
multiplication and distribution of improved roots and tuber crop planting
materials. It laid emphasis on processing utilization and market expansion. The
main objective of the programme is to improve the income and livelihood of
farmers and processors and marketers of Root and tuber crops and their
products. The following table shows the Abia ADP overview of roots and Tuber
Expansion programme (RTEP) implementation between 2001-2009.
|
|
|
1. Development
and commercialization of production and processing and marketing roots and
tuber crops in the state with emphasis on processing.
2. Organization
of groups/dusters of growers processors, marketers and end-users to facilitate
linkages and access to finance and other capital resources.
3.9.9 Funding
Arrangements
It is donor assisted, with a
domestic fund component. Participate is subject to payments of counterpart
fund. The federal Government Funds these projects through different cost
sharing formulae. The federal government also guarantees all loan components.
3.10 Cassava
Implementation Assessment
The crop cassava regarded
traditionally was relegated to the background. However, in the early 1980s,
cassava cultivation suffered a severe setback all over the country resulting
form a devastating outbreak of mealy-bugs and the green spider mite. This
incident significantly reduced production such that the Federal government
sought for Technical assistance from IFAD in 1985. IFAD came in with a project
to increase productivity of the crop through increased use of improved
varieties, better disease and pest control, promotion of better agronomic
practices and introduction of improved processing methods.
A loan package of US $ 12 million
was committed by IFAD and the Nigerian Government in order to promote the
activities of CMP in twelve (12) States of which Imo was one. The resulting bifurcation-SSS subsequent assets sharing enabled ASADEP to
receive US$ 0.731 million. As a result of the project intervention, Cassava
production in Nigeria rose form 12 million metric tons in 1987 to over 31
million metric tone in 1996 while the annual growth rate of cassava production
rose to 15%. The ERR for the project was 10.6% as against 12.7% in SAR.
Figure 3.3 Area Under Cassava
The principal objective of each participating ADP was
to increase the availability of planting materials of high-yielding cassava
varieties and other root crops and to demonstrate methods of processing and
utilization that would reduce drudgery, increase productivity in a
cost-effective way and improve the quality of foods prepared from cassava and
cassava products. The project was to strengthen the following ADP units:
(a) Seed Multiplication: The Project
was to expand the ADP Seeds Unit’s capacities to produce certified cassava
planting material on ADP Seeds farms and by out growers. In addition,
multiplication of planting materials of other root crops where shortages are
seriously limiting production would be supported.
(b) Extension:
(i) Demonstration – Strengthen On-farm
demonstration of improved cassava varieties using the SPAT techniques and
ON-Farm demonstration of improved agronomic practices associated with
maximizing the yield of improved cassava varieties.
(ii) WIA -
The WIA Component was to offer demonstration training in manual methods of
cassava processing and improved methods of utilizing cassava and cassava
products at the household level.
(iii) Adaptive Research: To improve the
relevance and effectiveness of adaptive research, the project was to support:
1. On-farm trials to confirm the
superiority of improved cassava varieties
2. On-farm
trials to confirm agronomic practices for use with improve cassava varieties
and
3. On-farm
demonstrations of methods to minimize soil-erosion through contour planting,
intercropping, alley cropping and the introduction of anti-erosion barrier
vegetation such as votives grass.
(iv) Crop
Processing:
1. Testing
and demonstration of manually operated cassava processing equipment suitable
for adoption by small scale processors:
2. Quantification
of the production costs and profitability of different scales of cassava
processing from manual to mechanized system;
3. Workshops
and Conferences on cassava processing to stimulate uptake of technology in
rural areas; and
4. Promotion
of processing methods which minimize cyanide pollution of water ways.
(v) Project Co-ordination (PME): Assist the
ADP Planning and Evaluation Units to carry out baseline surveys, monitor and
evaluate ongoing activities, and meet their reporting requirements in a timely
manner.
Cost and Financing
The IFAD loan of US $ 0.48 million
was to finance the project in Abia State at 45 interest per annum with a
maturity of 20 years including a five – year grace period. The remaining amount
was to be financed mainly by FGN and Abia State government contributions. In
addition, some costs were expected to be recovered in the form of revenues
generated from sales of engineers, cuttings and cassava roots.
The Redesigned Project
The ‘Redesign’ Exercise added the following features
to the IFAD CMP:
(a) A
processing component: To test and demonstrate smaller-scale processing
equipment in addition to the existing village – scale processing units
installed in the earlier phase of the project by RAIDS;
(b) A
utilization component: To implemented by
the WIA section of the ADP in order to increase the awareness of rural women of
cassava toxicity and its elimination;
(c) Environmental
protection measures to minimize soil – erosion and cyanide pollution; and
(d) Enhanced monitoring and evaluation of all
project’s activities.
3.11 Factors
Affecting Projects Implementation
Nwanjah (2010), the major factors
that affects project implementation by Abia ADP has both positive and negative
effects. The positive effects include:
i. devaluation
of Local currency and the introduction of SAP led to increased families which
boosted the programme.
ii. Effective
extension/research linkage helped to accelerate the adoption of improved
varieties and the associated production techniques.
Equally the negative effects
includes
1. Inadequate counterpart funding
2. Lack of mobility and
3. Late
recognition and arrival of PME into the programme made it difficult to
establish an effective system of monitoring and evaluating the various aspects
of the project from its inception.
3.12
Abia ADP Beneficiaries and Achievements
Uduma (2010), the first and foremost
project outcome was the increased capacity building of farmers and beneficiary
participation in the design, planning and implementation of the project.
Another outcome of the project, among farmers/beneficiaries is enlightenment as
well as credit/fund management.
Equally, the Abia ADP programme has
developed skilled manpower for the management of such farm operations. The
beneficiary groups have gained considerable implementation experience in this
phase which can be employed to improve future operations in the next phase.
SPFS has during the implementation period promoted the high yielding varieties
of cassava, Yam and rice. SPFS also expanded the product base for crops and
animal production as well as processing for the desired value added ness.
Figure 3.4 Overview of AFAN
Beneficiaries of ADP
Okafor
(2010) enumerated other key achievements as follows;
1. Promotion
of high yielding disease resistant and early maturing roots and tubers
varieties.
2. Rise
in yield of roots and tuber products rose vis-a-via the base level. These may
appear small but when translated to money and in view of the quantity involved,
it represents a tremendous difference in productivity to the beneficiaries.
3. There
is a significant increase in income among the beneficiaries. This is high
enough to establish that beneficiaries’ socio-economic status was enhanced by
the project.
4. Farmers
adoption rate of technologies prior to the commencement of RTEP and other
proprammes by Abia ADP was minimal. RTEP promoted and expanded both the roots
and tubes crops improved varieties and transferred there to farmers under the
participatory community extension system.
5. There
is increased capacity building of beneficiaries and staff. All members of staff
that are involved in the programme gained a considerable implementation
experience in the programme which can be employed to improve future operations.
6. Abia ADP
realized that food losses were due to lack of awareness of opportunities. For
Example, RTEP created the realization that the key to minimizing post harvest
losses and raising revenue of small scale producers and agro processors lies in
market development and market expansion.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 PRESENTATION
OF DATA
The previous chapter described the design used in this
study and presented the procedure, population size and sample, source of data
and rate at which questionnaires were returned. This chapter focused on
collected data, analyses of the data, presentation and validation of hypothesis
stated in chapter one. For the purpose of this study, we used “strongly agree”,
“agree”, “undecided”, “disagree” and “strongly disagree” to answer questions.
Table 4.1: Age Distribution of Respondents
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
20-30 years
|
108
|
45.4
|
47.0
|
47.0
|
31-40 years
|
118
|
49.6
|
51.3
|
98.3
|
41-50 years
|
4
|
1.7
|
1.7
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table 4.1 above shows that 108 respondents
representing 45.4 % of the total respondents are within the age bracket of 20
-30 years, 118 respondents representing 49.6 % of the respondents fall between
the ages 31-40 years of. While 4 respondents representing 1.7 % are between the
41-50 years age bracket. Therefore most members of the work force are within
the productive age. This encourages effective performance
Table 4.2: Gender Distribution
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Male
|
120
|
50.4
|
52.2
|
52.2
|
Female
|
109
|
45.8
|
47.4
|
99.6
|
100.0
|
||||
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey,
2012
The
table 4.2 shows that 120 respondents representing 50.4% are male while 109
respondents representing 45.8 % are female.
Table4.3: Occupation of the Respondents
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
civil servants
|
158
|
66.4
|
68.7
|
68.7
|
Farmers
|
57
|
23.9
|
24.8
|
93.5
|
Traders
|
15
|
6.3
|
6.5
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table 4.3 above the data shows that 158
respondents representing 68.75% of the total respondents are civil servants, 57
respondents representing 24.8% of the respondents are farmers. While 15
respondents representing 6.5% are traders.
Table 4.4: Educational Qualifications
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
University graduate
|
135
|
56.7
|
58.7
|
58.7
|
College of education and
polytechnic
|
77
|
32.4
|
33.5
|
92.2
|
Secondary school
|
18
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table 4.4 above shows that 135 respondents
representing 56.7% are university graduates, 77 respondents representing 32.4%
graduated from either colleges of education or polytechnic while 18 respondents
which represent 7.6% are senior school certificate holders.
Table 4.5: Residence of Respondents
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Urban
|
163
|
68.5
|
70.9
|
70.9
|
Rural
|
67
|
28.2
|
29.1
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The
result from table 4.5 above indicates that 163 respondents representing 68.5%
live in urban areas while 67 respondent representing 28.2 % live in the rural
areas.
SECTION A: Abia ADP Service Delivery
Guidelines and Attainment of Food Production in Abia State.
(1)
Has Abia ADP improved the output productivity and income of
farmers?
Table 4.6: Abia ADP Improved Food Security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
80
|
33.6
|
34.8
|
34.8
|
Agree
|
84
|
35.3
|
36.5
|
71.3
|
Undecided
|
52
|
21.8
|
22.6
|
93.9
|
Disagree
|
11
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
98.7
|
Strongly disagree
|
3
|
1.3
|
1.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s Field survey, 2012
The table 4.6 above indicates that 80 respondents,
representing 33.6 % of the population under study strongly agree that Abia ADP
programme has improved food security in Abia State while 84 respondents which represent
35.3% agree that Abia ADP programme has contributed to an improved food
security in the state. 52 respondents
which represent 21.8% were undecided, 11 respondents representing 4.6% disagree
while 3 respondents representing 1.3% strongly disagree.
(2)
Has Abia ADP improved the income yield of Abia farmers per annum?
Table 4.7: Improvement on the Standard of Living of
Abia farmers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
42
|
17.6
|
18.3
|
18.3
|
Agree
|
88
|
37.0
|
38.3
|
56.5
|
Undecided
|
28
|
11.8
|
12.2
|
68.7
|
Disagree
|
61
|
25.6
|
26.5
|
95.2
|
Strongly disagree
|
11
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s Field survey, 2012
The result indicates that 42 respondents representing 18.3%
strongly agree that Abia ADP have improved the standard of living of Abia
farmers through the Abia ADP programme. While 88 respondents representing 38.3
% agree that Abia ADP have improved their
standard of living of farmers through the Abia ADP programme,12.2% were undecided, 26.5 percent disagree and
4.8% strongly disagree that that Abia ADP have improved their standard of living through the Abia ADP programme.
(3) Are you a registered farmer in the
state?
Table 4.8: Registered farmers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
11
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
4.8
|
Agree
|
100
|
42.0
|
43.5
|
48.3
|
Undecided
|
34
|
14.3
|
14.8
|
63.0
|
Disagree
|
44
|
18.5
|
19.1
|
82.2
|
Strongly disagree
|
41
|
17.2
|
17.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 11 respondents which
account for 4.8 % strongly agree that they are registered farmers, 100
respondents representing 43.5% agree that they are registered farmers; 14.8%
were undecided, 44 respondents representing 19.1% disagree while 17.8 percent
disagree that they are registered farmers in the state.
(4) Has
Abia ADP programme improved the output productivity of Abia farmers?
Table 4.9: Abia ADP improvement on the output
productivity of Abia farmers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
17
|
7.1
|
7.4
|
7.4
|
Agree
|
46
|
19.3
|
20.0
|
27.4
|
Undecided
|
10
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
31.7
|
Disagree
|
111
|
46.6
|
48.3
|
80.0
|
Strongly disagree
|
46
|
19.3
|
20.0
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 17 respondents representing
7.1 % of the sampled population strongly agree that Abia ADP has improved the
output productivity of the people, 46 respondents which represent 19.3 % agree
that Abia ADP has improved the output productivity of the people. On the other
hand, 111 respondent representing 46.6% disagree that Abia ADP has improved
output productivity of the people of the state, while 46 respondents which
represent 19.3% strongly disagree that Abia ADP programme has improved the
output productivity of the people.
(5)
The impact of Abia ADP Programmes on inequality and household disparity of
Abians.
Table 4.10: Impact of Abia ADP on inequality and
household disparity.
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
95
|
39.9
|
41.3
|
41.3
|
Agree
|
30
|
12.6
|
13.0
|
54.3
|
Undecided
|
34
|
14.3
|
14.8
|
69.1
|
Disagree
|
31
|
13.0
|
13.5
|
82.6
|
Strongly disagree
|
40
|
16.8
|
17.4
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above indicates that 95 respondents
representing 41.3%of the sampled population strongly agree that Abia ADP in the State has balanced the
inequality in household disparity of Abia citizens; 30 respondents representing
13% of the population agree ,14.8% were undecided, 13.5% disagree and 17.4% of the population strongly
disagree that Poverty Alleviation programme and food security by Abia ADP in
yhe State has balanced the inequality in household disparity of Abia citizens
(6) Have you benefited from Abia ADP activities?
Table 4.11: Beneficiaries of Abia ADP activities
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
65
|
27.3
|
28.3
|
28.3
|
Agree
|
60
|
25.2
|
26.1
|
54.3
|
undecided
|
54
|
22.7
|
23.5
|
77.8
|
Disagree
|
51
|
21.4
|
22.2
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 65 respondents representing
27.3% strongly agree that they have received benefit from Abia ADP while 60
respondents representing 25.2 % agree that they have received benefit from Abia
ADP programme. 54 respondents representing 22.7% were undecided. 51 respondent
which represent 21.4% disagree that they have received benefit from the Abia
ADP programme
(7) Has the social and economic standard of Abia indigenes risen through
Abia ADP programme?
Table 4.12: Impact on Social and Economic Standard.
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
70
|
29.4
|
30.4
|
30.4
|
Agree
|
56
|
23.5
|
24.3
|
54.8
|
Undecided
|
35
|
14.7
|
15.2
|
70.0
|
Disagree
|
52
|
21.8
|
22.6
|
92.6
|
Strongly disagree
|
17
|
7.1
|
7.4
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 70 respondents representing
30.4 % strongly agree that the social and economic standard of Abia indigenes
has been raised high through the Abia ADP programme; 24.3% agree, 15.2 were
undecided, 22.6% disagree and 17 respondents representing 7.4% of the population strongly disagree that the
social and economic standard of Abia indigenes has been raised high through the
Abia ADP.
(8) Has Abia ADP increased the gross domestic product of Abia farmers?
Table 4.13: Abia ADP’s effect on Gross Domestic
Product
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
37
|
15.5
|
16.1
|
16.1
|
Agree
|
92
|
38.7
|
40.0
|
56.1
|
Undecided
|
26
|
10.9
|
11.3
|
67.4
|
Disagree
|
52
|
21.8
|
22.6
|
90.0
|
Strongly disagree
|
23
|
9.7
|
10.0
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that of the total respondents, 37
respondents representing 15.5% of the population strongly agree that Abia ADP
programme has contributed to an increase in the gross domestic product of the
state.92 respondents which represent 38.7% agree, 26 respondents representing
10.9% of the sampled population were undecided, 52 respondents which represent
21.8% of the sampled population disagree while 23 respondents representing 9.7%
strongly disagree.
(9) Has Abia ADP helped in building social
structure and enhanced communal efforts in Abia State?
Table 4.14: Abia ADP impact on Social Structure and
Communal Effort
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly Agree
|
93
|
39.1
|
40.4
|
40.4
|
Agree
|
65
|
27.3
|
28.3
|
68.7
|
Undecided
|
63
|
26.5
|
27.4
|
96.1
|
Disagree
|
9
|
3.8
|
3.9
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 93 respondents representing
39.1 % strongly agree that Abia ADP programme has impact on building social
structures and enhancing communal efforts in the state. 65 respondents
representing 27.35 of the sampled population agree that Abia ADP programme has
contributed in building social structure and enhancement of communal efforts in
the state.63 respondents were undecided while 9 respondents which represent
3.9% of the population under study disagree.
(10)
Has Abia ADP Aid in food security improved the human development of Abia
farmers?
Table 4.15: Abia ADP Impact on Human Development
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
19
|
8.0
|
8.3
|
8.3
|
Agree
|
121
|
50.8
|
52.6
|
60.9
|
Undecided
|
10
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
65.2
|
Disagree
|
45
|
18.9
|
19.6
|
84.8
|
Strongly disagree
|
35
|
14.7
|
15.2
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, it can be seen that 19
respondents representing 8.3% strongly agree that Abia ADP programme has
improved human development of farmers in Abia State. 121 respondents
representing 52.6% of the sampled population agree, undecided respondents were
10 respondent representing 4.3%. 45 respondents disagree while 35 respondents
representing 15.2% strongly disagree that Abia ADP programme has improved human
development of farmer in the state.
(11)
Has Abia ADP policy and practice in operations supported by poverty Alleviation
and food security raised the standard of low income earners in the state?
Table 4.16: Abia ADP impact on Low Income Earners
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
31
|
13.0
|
13.5
|
13.5
|
Agree
|
73
|
30.7
|
31.7
|
45.2
|
undecided
|
66
|
27.7
|
28.7
|
73.9
|
Disagree
|
29
|
12.2
|
12.6
|
86.5
|
Strongly disagree
|
31
|
13.0
|
13.5
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above 31 respondents representing 13%
of the sampled population strongly agree that Abia ADP policy and practice in
operations supported by poverty Alleviation and food security has raised the
standard of low income earners in the state. 73 respondents which represents
30.7% of the population agree,66 respondents were undecided;29 respondents
which represent 12..2% of the population
disagree while 31 respondents representing 13%of the sampled population
strongly disagree that Abia ADP policy and practice in operations supported by
poverty Alleviation and food security has raised the standard of low income
earners in the state.
(12)
Has Abia ADP credit facilities programme on food security impacted on the GDP
of people in the state?
Table 4.17: Effects of Abia ADP Credit facilities on GDP
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
96
|
40.3
|
41.7
|
41.7
|
Agree
|
77
|
32.4
|
33.5
|
75.2
|
Undecided
|
9
|
3.8
|
3.9
|
79.1
|
Disagree
|
24
|
10.1
|
10.4
|
89.6
|
Strongly disagree
|
24
|
10.1
|
10.4
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
Of the entire respondents, 41.7% strongly agree that
Abia ADP programme and food security in the state has impacted on the Gross
domestic product of Abia people, 33.5% agree, 3.9% were undecided, 10.4%
disagree while 10.4% strongly disagree that Abia ADP programme and food
security in the state has impacted on the Gross Domestic Product of people in the
State
SECTION B: ABIA ADP PROGRAMME
ORIENTATION TOWARDS POVERTY REDUCTION AND FARM IMPLEMENTS TO FARMERS IN ABIA
STATE.
(1
) Has Abia ADP improved the food
production and food sufficiency of Abia farmers through assistance of farm
implements?
Table 4.18: Impact of farm implements on Abia farmers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
85
|
35.7
|
37.0
|
37.0
|
Agree
|
91
|
38.2
|
39.6
|
76.5
|
undecided
|
16
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
83.5
|
Disagree
|
20
|
8.4
|
8.7
|
92.2
|
Strongly disagree
|
18
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, 85 respondents representing
35.7% of the population strongly agree that Abia ADP has improved the food
production and food sufficiency of Abia farmers through farm implements in the
state. 38.2% agree 6.7% were undecided; 20 respondents representing 8.4%
disagree while 7.6% strongly disagree that Abia ADP has improved the food
production and food sufficiency of Abia farmers in the state.
(2)
Has Abia ADP bridged the unbridled inequality and food insecurity between the
rural and urban dwellers in the state through external loan assistance?
Table 4.19: Abia ADP and Rural/Urban Inequality
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
80
|
33.6
|
34.8
|
34.8
|
Agree
|
90
|
37.8
|
39.1
|
73.9
|
undecided
|
32
|
13.4
|
13.9
|
87.8
|
Disagree
|
18
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
95.7
|
Strongly disagree
|
10
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, it could be seen that 80
respondents representing 34.8 % strongly agree that Abia ADP has bridged the
unbridled inequality and food insecurity between the rural and urban dwellers
in the state; 39.1% agree, 13.9% undecided, 7.8% disagree while 4.3% strongly
disagree that Abia ADP has bridged the unbridled inequality and food insecurity
between the rural and urban dwellers in the state
(3) Has Abia ADP reduced poverty and increased
food security through the creation of employment to Abia citizens?
Table 4.20: Abia ADP and Employment Creation
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
91
|
38.2
|
39.6
|
39.6
|
Agree
|
74
|
31.1
|
32.2
|
71.7
|
Undecided
|
38
|
16.0
|
16.5
|
88.3
|
Disagree
|
21
|
8.8
|
9.1
|
97.4
|
Strongly disagree
|
6
|
2.5
|
2.6
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 91 respondents representing
38.2% strongly agree that Abia ADP has reduced poverty and increased food
security through the creation of employment the citizens.74 respondents
representing 31.1% of the sampled population agree while 16.5% were undecided.
21 respondents representing 9.1% disagree and 6 respondents representing 2.6 %
of the population strongly disagree.
(4)
Can rural dwellers boast of improved standard of living and food security
because of the farm implements supplied by Abia ADP?
Table 4.21: Impact
of Abia ADP farm implements on the Standard of Living of rural dwellers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
25
|
10.5
|
10.9
|
10.9
|
Agree
|
129
|
54.2
|
56.1
|
67.0
|
undecided
|
34
|
14.3
|
14.8
|
81.7
|
Disagree
|
31
|
13.0
|
13.5
|
95.2
|
Strongly disagree
|
11
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Abia ADP field survey, 2012
From the table above, it could be seen that 25
respondents representing 10.9% strongly agree that rural dwellers can boast of
high standard of living and food security because of the farm implements
granted to them by Abia ADP.129 respondents representing 56.1% agree, while 34
respondents, which represent 14.8 % were undecided. Of the total population,
13.5% disagree while 4.8% strongly disagree that rural dwellers can boast of
high standard of living and food security because of the farm implements
granted to them by Abia ADP.
(5)
Does
Abia ADP share equally agricultural implements to rural dwellers?
Table 4.22: Abia ADP and Agricultural Implementation
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
45
|
18.9
|
19.6
|
19.6
|
Agree
|
69
|
29.0
|
30.0
|
49.6
|
undecided
|
30
|
12.6
|
13.0
|
62.6
|
Disagree
|
61
|
25.6
|
26.5
|
89.1
|
Strongly disagree
|
25
|
10.5
|
10.9
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 19.6% of the respondents
strongly agree that does Abia ADP share universally agricultural implements to
rural dwellers in the state. 30 % of the sampled population agreed while 13%
were undecided. Of the total sampled population, 26.5% disagreed while 10.9%
strongly disagreed that Abia ADP shares agricultural implement to rural
dwellers.
(6) Have you benefited from Abia ADP for your
food production and food sufficiency through their farm implements?
Table 4.23: Local Farmers and Abia ADP Assistance
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
40
|
16.8
|
17.4
|
27.4
|
Agree
|
61
|
25.6
|
26.5
|
43.9
|
Undecided
|
22
|
9.2
|
9.6
|
53.5
|
Disagree
|
67
|
28.2
|
29.1
|
82.6
|
Strongly disagree
|
40
|
16.8
|
17.4
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The result indicates that 40 respondents representing
17.3% strongly agree that they have benefited from Abia ADP for their food
production and food sufficiency the provision farm implements. While 61 respondents
representing 26.5% agree they have benefited from Abia ADP for their food
production and food sufficiency, 9.62% were undecided, 29.1 percent disagreed
and 17.4% strongly that they have not benefited form Abia ADP for their food
production and food sufficiency.
(7) Has local farmers gained communally from
Abia ADP for their food production and food sufficiency?
Table 4.24: Local
Farmers and Abia ADP Assistance
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
63
|
26.5
|
27.4
|
27.4
|
Agree
|
58
|
24.4
|
25.2
|
52.6
|
Undecided
|
39
|
16.4
|
17.0
|
69.6
|
Disagree
|
34
|
14.3
|
14.8
|
84.3
|
Strongly disagree
|
36
|
15.1
|
15.7
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 27.4 % percent of the
respondents strongly agree that local farmers have gained communally from Abia
ADP for their food production and food sufficiency. 25.2% agree 17% were
undecided; 14.8% disagree while 15.7% strongly disagree that local farmers have
gained communally from Abia ADP for their food production and food sufficiency
(8) Do you pay anything before the aid grant
by Abia ADP to rural dwellers?
Table 4.25: Conditions for receiving Aid
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Cooperative members
|
36
|
15.1
|
15.7
|
15.7
|
Provision of collateral
|
47
|
19.7
|
20.4
|
36.1
|
Grants
|
61
|
25.6
|
26.5
|
62.6
|
Aids
|
62
|
26.1
|
27.0
|
89.6
|
Communal effort
|
24
|
10.1
|
10.4
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, it could be seen that 36
respondents representing 15.7 % strongly agree that they submit their
registered cooperative membership before aids was granted to them, 20.4% agree
on the provision of collateral, 26.5% undecided on the area of grants, 27%
disagree on aids while 10.4% strongly disagree that communal effort contributes
on the conditions for receiving aid from Abia ADP.
(9)Has Abia ADP relieved entirely rural dwellers
in Abia State?
Table 4.26: Abia ADP Relief to Rural
Dwellers
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Short-term
loan
|
69
|
29.0
|
30.0
|
30.0
|
Middle-term
loan
|
57
|
23.9
|
24.8
|
54.8
|
Grants
|
23
|
9.7
|
10.0
|
64.8
|
Aids
|
37
|
15.5
|
16.1
|
80.9
|
Long-term
loan
|
44
|
18.5
|
19.1
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 69 respondents representing
30% strongly agreed that Abia ADP has relieved entirely rural dwellers in Abia
State through short-term loan. 57 respondents representing 24.8%agree on middle
term loan, while 10% agreed on grants. The table also shows that 37 respondents
representing 16.1% of the sampled population disagreed on aids while 19.1%
strongly disagreed that Abia ADP has relieved entirely rural dwellers in Abia
State through long-term loan
SECTION C: ABIA FARMERS ATTAINMENT OF
FOOD PRODUCTION AND CREATION OF EMPLOYMENT THROUGH MODERN TECHNOLOGIES.
(1)
Has insufficient farm implements affected
food production in Abia State?
Table 4.27: Effects of insufficient farm implements on
Food productivity
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
66
|
27.7
|
28.7
|
28.7
|
Agree
|
78
|
32.8
|
33.9
|
62.6
|
Undecided
|
27
|
11.3
|
11.7
|
74.3
|
Disagree
|
46
|
19.3
|
20.0
|
94.3
|
Strongly
disagree
|
13
|
5.5
|
5.7
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 66 respondents representing
28.7% of the sampled population strongly agree that insufficient farm
implements affects food productivity in Abia State, 78 respondents which
represent 33.9 % agree that insufficient farm implements affects food
productivity in Abia State. On the other hand, 27 respondents representing
11.7% were undecided, 20% disagree, while 46 respondents which represent 19.3%
strongly disagree that insufficient farm implements affects food productivity
in Abia State
(2)
Has lack of commitment by staff affected poverty Alleviation and food security in
the state?
Table 4.28: Lack of Staff commitment and
its impact on productivity.
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
70
|
29.4
|
30.4
|
30.4
|
Agree
|
97
|
40.8
|
42.2
|
72.6
|
Undecided
|
29
|
12.2
|
12.6
|
85.2
|
Disagree
|
16
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
92.2
|
Strongly
disagree
|
18
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, 70 respondents representing
30.4% of the population under study strongly agree that lack of Staff commitment
affects productivity; 97 respondents representing 42.25 agree while 29
respondents representing 12.6% were undecided. 7% of the respondents disagree
while 7.8% strongly disagree that lack of commitment by Abia ADP staff affects
productivity in the state.
(3)
Has lack of continuity of programme by successive administrations affects
employment by Abia farmers?
Table 4.29: Lack of Continuity of programmes by successive
Administrations affects employment opportunities
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
55
|
23.1
|
23.9
|
23.9
|
Agree
|
110
|
46.2
|
47.8
|
71.7
|
Undecided
|
27
|
11.3
|
11.7
|
83.5
|
Disagree
|
22
|
9.2
|
9.6
|
93.0
|
Strongly
disagree
|
16
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 55 respondents representing
23.9 % strongly agree that non-continuity of existing programme by a new
government impacted negatively in the food security of Abia State. 110
respondents representing 47.8% of the sampled population agree that
non-continuity of existing programme by a new government impacted negatively in
the food security of Abia State 26 respondents were undecided while 16
respondents which represent 7% % of the population under study strongly
disagree.
(4)
Has distrust among staff and Abia farmers affects food security in the state?
Table 4.30: Lack of co-operation between
Abia ADP staff And Abia Farmers Affects Food Security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
78
|
32.8
|
33.9
|
33.9
|
Agree
|
76
|
31.9
|
33.0
|
67.0
|
Undecided
|
36
|
15.1
|
15.7
|
82.6
|
Disagree
|
25
|
10.5
|
10.9
|
93.5
|
Strongly
disagree
|
15
|
6.3
|
6.5
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey 2012
The table above shows that 78 respondents representing
39.9% strongly agree that distrust among Abia ADP and farmers affect food
security in the state; 76 respondents representing33% agree. 15.7% were
undecided, 10 9% disagree while 6.5% strongly disagree that distrust among Abia
ADP and farmers affect food security the in the state.
(5)
Has poor government implementation affected the social and economic living
standard of Abians?
Table 4.31: Effect of Poor Implementation of Poverty
Alleviation Programme by Government affects STD of Living of Abians
Opions
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
84
|
35.3
|
36.5
|
36.5
|
Agree
|
89
|
37.4
|
38.7
|
75.2
|
Undecided
|
16
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
82.2
|
Disagree
|
22
|
9.2
|
9.6
|
91.7
|
Strongly
disagree
|
19
|
8.0
|
8.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From the table above, it can be seen that 84
respondents representing 36.5 % strongly agree that Poor government
implementation has affected the social and economic living standard of the
citizens. 89 respondents representing 38.7 % of the sampled population agree,
undecided respondents were 16 respondent representing 7%. 22 respondents
disagree while 19respondents representing 8.3% strongly disagree that Poor
government implementation has affected the social and economic living standard
of the citizens
(6)
Can capital intensive production and
non-ability of Abia ADP meet up with the needs of Abia farmers.
Table 4.32: Capital Intensive Production
and Food Security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
84
|
35.3
|
36.5
|
36.5
|
Agree
|
94
|
39.5
|
40.9
|
77.4
|
Undecided
|
30
|
12.6
|
13.0
|
90.4
|
Disagree
|
12
|
5.0
|
5.2
|
95.7
|
Strongly
disagree
|
10
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
The table above shows that 84 respondents which represent
36.5% of the population strongly agree that Capital intensive production and
non-ability of Abia ADP to meet up with the needs of Abia farmers affects food
security in the state.; 94 respondents covering 40.9% of the population agree,
13% of the sample were undecided; 5.2% disagree and 4.3% strongly disagree Capital
intensive production and non-ability of Abia ADP to meet up with the needs of
Abia farmers affects food security in the state.
4.2 DATA ANALYSIS
Having presented the data, they were analyzed in
relation to the presentation. They were then used in testing the entire
hypotheses. Chi-square (X2) was used to test the hypotheses listed
in chapter 1.
This
research tested the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance
From
the table, the Chi–square method is applied with the formula:
HYPOTHESIS ONE
Ho: Represents the null hypothesis.
Hi: Represents the alternative hypothesis.
Ho: Abia
ADP service delivery guidelines has no significant relationship with increased
food production by Abia farmers per annum
Hi: Abia
ADP service delivery guidelines has significant relationship with increased
food production by Abia farmers per
annum
From
the data presentation, table
Table 32: Abia ADP Improved Food Security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
80
|
33.6
|
34.8
|
34.8
|
Agree
|
84
|
35.3
|
36.5
|
71.3
|
Undecided
|
52
|
21.8
|
22.6
|
93.9
|
Disagree
|
11
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
98.7
|
Strongly disagree
|
3
|
1.3
|
1.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
Table 33: Have Abia ADP Improved the standard of Living of farmers?
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
42 (18.3)
|
17.6
|
18.3
|
18.3
|
Agree
|
88 (38.3)
|
37.0
|
38.3
|
56.5
|
Undecided
|
28 (12.2)
|
11.8
|
12.2
|
68.7
|
Disagree
|
61 (26.5)
|
25.6
|
26.5
|
95.2
|
Strongly disagree
|
11 (4.8)
|
4.6
|
4.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field
survey, 2012
Contingency table for the relationship
between Abia ADP guidelines and farmers in food security for increased output
and productivity and incomes in Abia State
Options
|
A
|
B
|
Strongly
agree
|
80 (34.8)
|
42 (18.3)
|
Agree
|
84 (36.5)
|
88 (38.3)
|
Undecided
|
52 (22.6)
|
28 (12.2)
|
Disagree
|
11 (4.8)
|
61 (26.5)
|
Strongly
disagree
|
3 (1.3)
|
11 (4.8)
|
Total
|
230
|
230
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
From
the table, the Chi–square method is applied with the formula:
Degree
of freedom (Df)
(DF)
= (R-I) (C-I)
where
R= row
C= column
DF=
(5-1)(2-1)= 4
The
tabulated Chi- square at degree of freedom (4) and level of significance 0.05; (X2 (4) = 9.48773
Decision rule: If the Chi-Square calculated is less than Chi-Square
tabulated, we accept Ho, otherwise, we reject.
Since
our calculated Chi- Square (361.20) is greater than the tabulated Chi Square
under 4 degree of freedom (X2 (4), 0.05) = 9.48773, we reject Ho and accept Hi
and conclude that Abia ADP service delivery guidelines has significant
relationship with increase food production by Abia farmers per annum. This
implies that Abia ADP guidelines in Abia State have contributed to farmers in
enhancing food security of the people.
HYPOTHESIS TWO
Ho: Abia ADP programme orientation geared
towards poverty reduction and provision of farm implements to Abia farmers have
not improved the attainment of food production per annum in the State.
Hi: Abia
ADP programme orientation geared towards poverty reduction and provision of farm implements to Abia farmers
have improved the attainment of food production per annum in the State.
Table 35: Abia ADP has Improved urban
and rural dwellers through the provision of farm implements to Abia farmers for
improved food production.
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
85 (37.0)
|
35.7
|
37.0
|
37.0
|
Agree
|
91 (39.6)
|
38.2
|
39.6
|
76.5
|
Undecided
|
16 (7.0)
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
83.5
|
Disagree
|
20 (8.7)
|
8.4
|
8.7
|
92.2
|
Strongly
disagree
|
18 (7.8)
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source:
Egbo’s field survey, 2012
Table 36: Abia ADP has Bridged Rural and Urban
Inequality through the provision of farm implements to farmers.
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid Percent
|
Cumulative Percent
|
Strongly agree
|
80 (34.8)
|
33.6
|
34.8
|
34.8
|
Agree
|
90 (39.1)
|
37.8
|
39.1
|
73.9
|
Undecided
|
32 (13.9)
|
13.4
|
13.9
|
87.8
|
Disagree
|
18 (7.8)
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
95.7
|
Strongly disagree
|
10 (4.3)
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source:
Egbo’s field survey, 2012.
Contingency table for food production
and food sufficiency level of urban and rural dwellers through the provision of
farm implements in Abia state
Options
|
A
|
B
|
Strongly agree
|
85 (37.0)
|
80 (34.8)
|
Agree
|
91 (39.6)
|
90 (39.1)
|
Undecided
|
16 (7.0)
|
32 (13.9)
|
Disagree
|
20 (8.7)
|
18 (7.8)
|
Strongly disagree
|
18 (7.8)
|
10 (4.3)
|
Total
|
230
|
230
|
From
the table, the Chi–square method is applied with the formula:
Degree
of freedom (Df)
(DF) =
(R-I) (C-I)
where
R = row
C =
column
DF = (5-1)(2-1)= 4
The
tabulated Chi- square at degree of freedom (4) and level of significance
0.05; (X2 (4) =
9.48773
Decision rule: If the Chi-Square calculated is less than Chi-Square
tabulated, we accept Ho, otherwise, we reject.
Since
our calculated Chi- Square (338.003) is greater than the tabulated Chi Square
under 4 degree of freedom (X2 (4), 0.05)
= 9.48773, we reject Ho and accept Hi and conclude that Abia ADP
programme orientation geared towards poverty reduction and provision of farm
implements to Abia farmers have improved the attainment of food production per
annum in the State. The implication is that through the farm implements urban
and rural dwellers benefits immensely by attaining food sufficiency and
improved standard of living.
HYPOTHESIS THREE
Ho: Modern technologies provided by Abia
ADP to Abia farmers have not led to the attainment of improved food production
and creation of employment in the State.
Hi: Modern
technologies provided by Abia ADP to Abia farmers have led to the attainment of
improved food production and creation of employment in the State.
Table A: Insufficient farm implements
Affects Food Security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
66 (28.7)
|
27.7
|
28.7
|
28.7
|
Agree
|
78 (33.9)
|
32.8
|
33.9
|
62.6
|
Undecided
|
27 (11.7)
|
11.3
|
11.7
|
74.3
|
Disagree
|
46 (20.0)
|
19.3
|
20.0
|
94.3
|
Strongly
disagree
|
13 (5.7)
|
5.5
|
5.7
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Table
B: Distrust among Abia ADP staff and farmers affect food security
Options
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
Valid
Percent
|
Cumulative
Percent
|
Strongly
agree
|
70 (30.4)
|
29.4
|
30.4
|
30.4
|
Agree
|
97 (42.2)
|
40.8
|
42.2
|
72.6
|
Undecided
|
29 (12.6)
|
12.2
|
12.6
|
85.2
|
Disagree
|
16 (7.0)
|
6.7
|
7.0
|
92.2
|
Strongly
disagree
|
18 (7.8)
|
7.6
|
7.8
|
100.0
|
Total
|
230
|
96.6
|
100.0
|
Source: Egbo’s field survey, 2012
Contingency table for Poor programme implementation
and successes of poverty alleviation programme in Abia State.
Options
|
A
|
B
|
Strongly
agree
|
66 (28.7)
|
70 (30.4)
|
Agree
|
78 (33.9)
|
97 (42.2)
|
Undecided
|
27 (11.7)
|
29 (12.6)
|
Disagree
|
46 (20.0)
|
16 (7.0)
|
Strongly
disagree
|
13 (5.7)
|
18 (7.8)
|
Total
|
230
|
230
|
From
the table, the Chi–square method is applied with the formula: 
Degree
of freedom (Df)
(DF)
= (R-I) (C-I)
where
R= row
C= column
DF=
(5-1)(2-1)= 4
The
tabulated Chi- square at degree of freedom (2) and level of significance
0.05; (X2 (4) =
9.48773
Decision rule:
If the Chi-Square calculated is less than Chi-Square tabulated, we accept Ho,
otherwise, we reject
Since our calculated Chi-
Square (338.003) is greater than the tabulated Chi Square under 4 degree of
freedom (X2 (4), 0.05) = 9.48773, we
reject Ho and accept Hi that Modern technologies provided by Abia ADP to Abia
farmers have led to the attainment of food production and creation of
employment in the State .
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Summary
of Findings.
This section presents an in-depth
test of the three hypotheses using the chi-square (X2) statistical
technique. The interpretation of the corresponding results of the test
constitutes our findings on these hypotheses.
5.1.1 Hypothesis
1
Abia
ADP service delivery guidelines has no significant relationship with increased
food production by Abia farmers per annum.
The result shows that the chi-square
(X2) method for the testing of the relationship between Abia ADP
service delivery guidelines and farmers potentials for increased output and
food production on a sustainable basis in Abia State is 361.20. This value has
been interpreted to mean a positive relationship between the two variables.
This seems to mean that Abia ADP service delivery guidelines in Abia State has
contributed in enhancing food security, increased output, productivity and
income of farmers in Abia State. This relationship is significant as shown by
the 0.05% significant level at the 4 degree of freedom. This means that at the
4 degree of freedom, the tabulated score of 9.48773 is less than the calculated
score of 361.20. This means that the null hypothesis is rejected. In other
words, Abia farmers benefits through the instruction from Abia ADP guidelines.
5.1.2 Hypothesis
2
Abia
ADP programme orientation geared towards poverty reduction and provision of
farm implements to Abia farmers have not improved the attainment of food
production per annum in the State.
From the result of the hypothesis
testing using chi-square(X2) method between the Abia ADP and Abia
farmers on food production and food sufficiency
level of rural dwellers through the provision of farm implements is 338.003.
Equally, this value has been interpreted to mean positive relationship between
Abia ADP Programmes and food production and food sufficiency level of the urban
and rural dwellers through the provision of farm implements to farmers in the
State. This relationship is significant as shown by the degree of freedom
(df=4) which is less than 0.05, the significant level of this study. This means
that the corresponding null hypothesis is rejected as a result of the tabulated
score of 9.48773. Indeed, food production and food sufficiency level of urban
and rural dwellers has been improved by the effort of Abia ADP through the provision
of farm implements.
5.1.3
Hypothesis 3
Modern technologies provided by Abia ADP
to Abia farmers have not led to the attainment of improved food production and
creation of employment in the State.
The result of hypothesis 3 shows
that chi-square(X2) method for the testing of the relationship
between the effort of the government in the provision of modern technologies
and farmers in the State for improved production, self- sufficiency and
creation of employment in Abia state is 338.003. This value has been
interpreted to mean positive relationship between the two variables. This seems
to mean that poor government efforts in providing agricultural materials to
farmers are constraints to the successes of poverty alleviation Programme and
food security in the state. This relationship is significant as shown by the
level of significance 0.05 (X2c4) = 9.4877.3, the
significant level of this study. In other words, the corresponding null
hypothesis is rejected.
5.2
DISCUSSION
In the beginning of the research work, objectives of
the study and hypotheses were formulated
which were beneficial to the study. The empirical literature revealed that
poverty and food insecurity has never been so clear and alarming in their
proliferation but more worrisome is the conflict in their manifestation. The
discussion of the findings was based on research questions and objectives which
were used to discuss the hypotheses earlier formulated in chapter two.
From the literature review, the information gathered
dealt on the wider discussion of poverty alleviation and food security. No
attempt was formally made to discuss the role of Abia ADP in improving the
living conditions of Abians. Thus this study on the efforts of Abia ADP in
improving the living standard of Abians through poverty alleviation programme
and provision of modern farm equipment increases the output, productivity and
income of Abia farmers. Abia ADP has equally helped in the delivery of aids
from international organizations and donor agencies which helped in improving
the welfare of every Abians.
In accordance with the raised
hypotheses and in effort to evaluate the hypotheses, some statistical analyses
were employed. Such statistical methods as simple tables consist of list of
objects containing statistical records in row and column formation. Chi-square
(X2) technique was used to test the hypotheses for the difference
between a set of observed frequencies and a corresponding expected frequency.
Some specific questions were administered in the interview guide which were
used to complement and confirm the results of the quantitative analysis.
5.2.1 Hypothesis
one
Abia
ADP service delivery guidelines has significant relationship with increased
food production by Abia farmers per annum.
The effort of the Abia ADP project
implementations assisted Abia farmers in achieving their potentials for
increased output and productivity and income on a sustainable basis through
their service guidelines. The great emphasis the programme laid on various
dimensions of cassava production, processing and utilization gained such wide
acceptability that cassava cultivation shifted from being women’s
responsibility to everybody’s concern. This was evidenced by the increased
hectare under cassava cultivation and a corresponding increase in cassava production.
Equally, the Rot and Tuber Expansion
Programme designed by Abia ADP achieved the objective of empowering poor
resource farmers to increase their income, enhance food production and reduce
poverty in the area. This involved multiplication and distribution of improved
roots and tuber crop planting materials. Also, it laid emphasis on processing
utilization and market expansion.
The factors that led to the
achievement of these Programmes were the management and staff stability of Abia
ADP, the implementation of the UAES, Supervision Support from APMEU, FACU and
IFAD, co-operation of farmers and the joy of a new state and zeal to excel was
overwhelming and formed a strong propelling force that produced an inner drive
which induced most officers to go the extra mile in the performance of their
duties.
This hypothesis was subjected to the
test of the significance of the chi-square (X2) Method between farmers effort in achieving increased output
yield of food security and poverty reduction in Abia State and Abia ADP
programme guidelines. From the result of the test, it was observed that the
success of Food security, increased output production and sustainable income in
Abia state is dependent on the Abia ADP Programme guidelines.
Besides, an item by item analysis of
the relationship between the indicators of Food Security, increased output
productivity, sustainable income and the Abia ADP programmes revealed that:
there is a significant relationship between the entire variables. The
contingency for positive options are 38.4, 36.5, 22.6, 4.8 and 1.3 such as
(Appendix III). The contingency value should always be available for
“cross-checking” and the fact that Abia ADP has access for improved food
security and household improved standard of living. All these contingency
values of the relationship show that the relationship is positive and
significant too (see Appendix III)
The findings in answer to research
question I of this study agree with the above result. Besides, twenty four (24)
out of two hundred and thirty two (232) staff interviewed on this matter
admitted that Abia ADP can be described as their “Supplier Aid”. For this
reason, they argued, it is imperative that farmers in the state should
cooperate with Abia ADP guidelines in order to improve their food security and
standard of living.
5.2.2 Hypothesis
Two:
Abia
ADP programme orientation geared towards poverty reduction and provision of
farm implements to Abia farmers have improved the attainment of food production
per annum in the State.
Abia
ADP consolidated and expanded the processing base of farmers in the sites for
the desired value addedness through the provision of farm implements. From
financing arrangements and implementation, the actual costs of the project were
made up of the IFAD total loan package of US$0.731 million to Abia State
Government plus counter part contributions from Federal and State Governments
which amounted to US $ 113332 (Abia ADP
report on Loan 177NR, 2011) and the provision of agricultural implements such
as fertilizer, seedlings, machineries like tractors, irrigations, dams etc to enable them achieve
food security, reduce poverty and improve the living standard of the people.
The financing arrangement was that
the IFAD soft loan would be paid back at 4% interest rate per annum with a
maturity period of 20 years including a five year period of grace. However, the
implementation time table was affected by the initial late start-up caused by
erroneous regard of IFAD financed activities as a sub-Programme of the much larger
World Bank Financed programme of MSADP – 1. This coupled with untimely release
of counter part/loan funds along with delays in procurement process all
occasioned delays which resulted in the redesigned project and subsequent loan
extension.
Thus, Abia ADP found the performance
of the bank and borrower satisfaction and suggested for improvement in increase
and timely release of both counterpart/loan and load funds, relaxing the
stringent conditions for loan draw down, addition of more incentives to farmers
and structural appraisal of project designs to eliminate flaws at the
implementation stage.
The result of the test of
significance of the chi-square (X2) technique between the Abia ADP
consolidated gains from on-going and closing external loan assisted programmes
to farmers and food production and food sufficiency level of rural dwellers
show that Abia ADP has impacted positively on both variables.
An item by item analysis of the
contents of the relationship between Abia ADP and other variables show that
there is a positive impact. The contingency for positive options are 37.0,
39.6, 7.0, 8.7 and 7.8 such as Appendix (iv). This means there is a positive
impact from Abia ADP activities to the food production and food sufficiency
level of rural dwellers. From the Abia ADP programme, the rural dwellers have
benefited from the programme through the provision of loan facilities and other
necessary assistance as shown in the frequency table 37.0, 39.6, 7.0, 8.7 and
7.8. Equally, Abia ADP has breached the gap between the rural and urban
inequality as described by the frequency table, 34.8. 39.1, 13.9,7.8 and 4.3.
The
findings in answer to research question II of this study agree with the result.
Twenty four (24) out of the two hundred and thirty two (232) staff interviewed on
this matter agreed that Abia ADP has impacted positively to the food production
and food sufficiency level of the rural dwellers. In this case, rural dwellers
should consistently embark on the Abia ADP policies for improved standard of living.
5.2.3 Hypothesis
Three
Modern
technologies provided by Abia ADP to Abia farmers have led to the attainment of
improved food production and creation of employment in the State.
The factor that aroused the interest of farmers to
source alternative sources of raw materials base through increased cassava
production was the ban on importation of wheat. The programme also sensitized
farmers to a new dimension of the growing awareness of the alternative domestic
and industrial uses of cassava products such as cassava flour, starch and the
potentialities of leaves. Increased utilization in cottage industries,
manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies enhanced cassava cultivation through
the provision of modern technologies for efficient and effective production
yield.
Equally, the project completion report (PCR) to
analytical indicate the project outcomes and reporting on the lessons of
implementation. It concentrated on notable successes, failures and factors
responsible for these outcomes, successes and failures. Significant divergences
between actual project outcomes and those originally intended were highlighted.
Suggested actions to maximized farmers benefits were advanced.
The structural adjustment programme (SAP ushered in an
era of looking inwards to discover untapped resources which led to
experimenting with the innovations, technologies and techniques inherent in the
CMP package.
The project outcome is satisfactory to farmers, since
farmers achieved most of their major objectives of self sufficiency, surplus
production and reduced poverty.
Thus, the hypothesis was subjected to the test of
significance of the chi-square (x2) method between Abia farmers and the effort
of the government in providing modern farm equipments for self sufficiency,
surplus production and reduced poverty in the state. From the result of the
test, it was shown that lack of modern equipments are constraints to the
success of poverty alleviation programme in Abia state.
Besides, an item by item analysis of the indicators of
the programme implementation and success of the programme in the state reveal
that modern sufficient farm inputs and other basic aid components provide
necessary boost to increased output production. The contingency for positive
options are 28.7, 33.9, 11.7, 20.0 and 5.7 such as (appendix v) is an
outstanding result that Abia farmers benefit from the effort of government in
providing simple technologies, self sufficiency, surplus production and reduced
poverty. The contingency value should always be available from “cross-checking”
and fact that non provision of modern farm equipments by Abia ADP are constraints to the successes of poverty alleviation
programme in Abia State.
Finally, the findings in answer to
research question three of the study agreed with the above result. Twenty four
(24) out of two hundred and thirty two (232) staff interviewed on this matter
responded that non provision of modern farm equipments has drastic effect on
the successes of poverty alleviation programme in Abia State. For this reason,
they argued, it is imperative that Abia ADP should improve in their
implementation of policies to achieve the successes of poverty alleviation
programme in Abia State.
CHAPTER SIX
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
6.1 SUMMARY
This work is an attempt to
empirically examine the role of Abia State Agricultural Development Programme
in Poverty Alleviation and Food Security. As earlier Stated, Abia ADP has been
established to play a very crucial role in the development of Agriculture and
food security in Abia State. To achieve the target a good understanding of the
government Programme (Poverty Alleviation Programme) was introduced owing to
the fact that Abia ADP has been experiencing serious structural imbalance, low
growth trap, characterized by capitalist economic system such as dominance,
dependency and vulnerability as well as political imbalance among ethnic groups
in the state.
The proportional stratified sampling
technique was used to select the respondents. From a list of seventeen (17)
local government Areas in the State, six local governments (three from the
rural and three from the urban areas of the state) was selected. This gave a
total of 256 staff at 10% of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Abia state
chapter, who responded to the questionnaire. Equally, ten (10) members were
randomly selected from each of the three local governments of the three zones
in the state for pilot testing of the instrument.
Chi-square technique was used to
test the hypotheses for the difference between a set of observed frequencies
and a corresponding expected frequency.
Results of the study showed that
Abia ADP service delivery guidelines have significant relationship with
increased food production by Abia farmers per annum. This was subjected to the
test of significance of chi-square (X2) between food security in
Abia state. Second, Abia ADP programme orientation geared towards poverty
reduction and provision of farm implements to Abia farmers has improved the
attainment of food production in the State per annum. The implication is that
through the Abia ADP Programme orientation, urban and rural dwellers benefited
immensely by attaining food sufficiency. This was equally shown from the result
of the test of significance of the Chi-square (X2) test between the
positive impact of Abia ADP and food production and food sufficiency level of
urban and rural dwellers.
The result of the last study
concludes that Abia farmers benefited from the effort of government in the
provision of modern technologies for self sufficiency, surplus production and
reduced poverty. The hypothesis was subjected to the test of significance of
the chi-square (X2) between the provision of modern farm equipments,
food security and the success of poverty alleviation at 0.05 significance levels.
This poor farm equipments characterized by corrupt practices of Abia ADP staff
has adverse effect on food security in the state and as these implements are
provided there was an increase in food production in the State.
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
The empirical results and the analysis conducted
revealed the best approach to improving food security in Abia State.
1. Considerable
efforts should be made to ensure the availability of improved and adoptable
technologies and the effectiveness of technology transfer.
2. Quality
and commitment of staff must be ensured to carry out the extension delivery
system with respect to the outcome of the programme.
3. Effectiveness
of loan utilization and repayment and mobilization of savings must be looked
into so that there will exist a revolving account which will touch every
intending farmer/group on the long run.
4. Government
should include in its strategic reserve portfolio all kinds of crops. This will
ensure stable prices over time and minimum exploitative attitude of market
intermediaries.
5. Farmers should be urged to register on
time before the farming season so that Abia
ADP should know how to structure their poverty alleviation
programmes and planning techniques amongst them. This is one of the surest ways
of ensuring that the benefits reach those who merit it.
6. Abia ADP staff should avoid corrupt
practices and nepotism if the goals of efficient programme implementation must
be achieved. This is imperative because wide spread corruption by the staff of Abia ADP affects the goals of the programme and this has lasting negative effects on the food
situation of both the urban and rural dwellers.
7. The non-continuity
of existing programme by new government negatively affects Abia ADP and this
has to be avoided. New governments should continue on existing programmes and
build on whatever progress that was already on ground while making adequate
changes where and when necessary. This will help the farmers to enhance their
efforts at food security and food sufficiency in the state through a well
defined pattern.
8. Distrust
among staff of Abia ADP and farmers should be seriously checked to improve food
security and food sufficiency. Both parties should see each other as partners
in progress and work at the same direction. This will avoid unnecessary
disruptions and help in the execution of government policy for enhanced
standard of living.
9. Communal
ownership of land should be avoided and lands provided for capable farmers who
can go into large scale and proper plantation. This will greatly improve food
security and food sufficiency in the state.
10. To
ensure that farmers contribute meaningfully to food security, food sufficiency
and employment opportunities, there should be a memorandum of understanding between
Abia ADP staff and All Farmers Association of Nigeria. This is to curb the
politicization of loan funding, land use, employment of qualified staff and
general efficiency. The spelling out of the conditions and requirement for loan
funding to farmers, employment of staff, etc, will help to actualize high level
of food security and food sufficiency in the state.
11. One of
the key components of economic development is equitable distribution of income.
The situation where Abia ADP is perceived to have worsened inequality among the
rural and urban dwellers should be avoided if the correct image and end result
is achieved.
12. Micro
credit loan to farmers by the Abia ADP should be provided to help rural farmers
advance in their production efficiency. Efforts should be made to enlarge its
outreach and scope to include micro-credit to farmers and establishment of farm
settlements. Further measures include the incubation of small and medium scale
industries and training.
13. Government
should establish better rules of engagement with international donor agencies
and partners for maximum output and results.
14. There
should be continuous recruitment of professional staff as well as in-house
training to help improve the operational efficiency and capability of all
staff.
6.3 CONCLUSION
The work on Poverty Alleviation
Programme and Food Security through Abia State Agricultural Development
Programme (Abia ADP) reveals that even though poverty level in Abia state is
high, Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (Abia ADP) has contributed
immensely to the food production and food sufficiency level of Abia state.
Though the success is very low, it is known that the high level of poverty is
as a result of several factors ranging from poor management, poor policy
evaluation and lack of commitment to programme objectives to inadequate funding
and lack of continuity by successive regimes in the state.
Indeed, analysis showed that poor
implementation of policies adversely affect food security and food sufficiency
in the state. In this case, the government of Abia State should endeavor to
improve in their economic policies to help improve the agricultural yield in
the state.
It is further revealed that other
major problems militating against Abia ADP success in their effort to alleviate
poverty in the state is based on the Abia ADP over reliance on international
development partners. Believing on the international partners, their major
needs are denied and as a result cannot meet up with their demands.
High incidence of corruption in the
administrative body constitutes another major constraint to Abia ADP success in
the state. The top management of Abia ADP is riddled with corruption and this
cannot guarantee efficient service delivery. Above all, mismanagement by all
departments was considered another major constraint why Abia ADP could not
achieve their aim of food security and food sufficiency in Abia State.
Finally, the low level of fund
injected into food production and food sufficiency as well as the level of
funds allocated to rural farmers constitute a major setback. The government
should endeavor to improve on the amount of fund invested in farmers in the
state to help improve food yield in the state.
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