Analysis of Credit Accessibility and Utilization among Intensive Small- Scale Pig Farmers in Central Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined credit accessibility and utilization among intensive small- scale pig farmers in Central Cross River State. Data were obtained from a random sample of 90 respondents in the study area by means of structured and semi- structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that (2.22%) of the respondents requested for ₦201,000 and above but ₦151,000- ₦180,000 was granted to them. While 14.44% of the respondents requested for less than N50,000.00 as loan but ₦20,000.00 was granted to them as loan of the amount requested. The study revealed several constraints militating against pig production in Central Cross River State, Nigeria. The constraint of delay in loan approval/late arrival of loans, lack of collateral to obtain loans from banks and non-adoption of new technologies in pig production 100%, 88.39% and 87.5% respectively. The constraints associated with obtaining micro-credit by pig farmers if tackled, could pave a way for efficient acquisition, utilization and repayment of loans in the study area.It is recommended that micro-credit institutions should charge low interest rates and remove unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks which naturally introduce delays/late releases of funds to beneficiaries.