Effects of national programme for food security on poverty reduction among beneficiaries in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research was conducted to assess the effects of National Programme for Food Security on poverty reduction among beneficiaries in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Three-stage purposive sampling technique was used in the study select one hundred and twenty (120) beneficiaries of the programme that made the sample size. Data collected using structured questionnaire was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Result shows that majority (57.5%) of the beneficiaries fall within the age range of 21-40 years. Majority (77.5%) practice farming as their primary and secondary (58.3%) occupation. Majority of the beneficiaries (64.1%) had Qur'anic education. All the beneficiaries have benefited in one way or the other from programme. However, the effect of the project on poverty reduction has not been appreciated as an average (50%) of the effect remained undecided, 30.8% disagreed, and only 10.8% of the beneficiaries agreed that the project has assisted in addressing poverty in the area. It is recommended that the loan provided per individual should be increased. Agricultural extension service and other inputs like agro-chemicals should be integrated into the programme so as to enable production at commercial quantity.