Analysis of Factors Influencing Crop Farmers Participation in IFAD-CASP Program in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study looked at the characteristics that influence crop farmer involvement in the IFAD-CASP programme in Zamfara State, Nigeria. To  collect data from the 360 respondents chosen for the study, an interview schedule and focused group discussion (FGD) were used.  The respondents were chosen using a multistage and simple random sampling procedure. For data analysis, descriptive statistics (mean,  percentages, frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (logic regression analysis) were utilized. According to the study's findings,  the majority of respondents were married, with an average household size of 8 people and a monthly income of less than N 20,000.  According to the logic regression results, the coefficients for conflict (X1), insecurity (X2), fear (X3), and location (X4) were statistically  significant at the 5% level of significance. Increasing these factors by 1% while maintaining the other variables constant results in a  decrease in the dependent variable (participation Y) of 39.6%, 58.3%, 12.3%, and 10.4%, respectively. Regression coefficient with respect to  experience in conflict (X6) was negative but statistically significant at 10% meaning increase in the variable (X6) by 1% will lead to  decrease in the dependent variable by -86%. The hypothesis shows that, r calculated is 0.9521. This shows a strong positive association  exists between the direct repercussions of rural banditry and respondents' participation in IFAD-CASP. Based on the study's findings, it is  possible to conclude that rural banditry contributes to bad economic growth, increased rural poverty, low participation, and poor  programme execution, as well as instilling fear and uncertainty. As a result, the study recommends that the government urgently provide  adequate security personnel to man the porous borders, enrol the vulnerable in government social investment programmes, organize  training/seminars for peace building purposes, and that the government register all mining sites and properly monitor their activities.