Assessment of the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers’ Programme on Rice Production in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the Central Bank of Nigeria anchor borrowers’ programme on rice production in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study aims to determine the impact of ABP on the beneficiaries in the study area. One important question addressed in this study is, how ABP impacts beneficiaries' income.   Methods: The study used a well-structured questionnaire and obtained data from 320 rice farmers (160 each of those who benefit and those who benefit not from the fund). Additionally, data were analysed using binary logistic regression models, average treatment effect, and descriptive statistics.   Results:  The empirical strategy, indicated that membership in cooperatives increases the chances of rice farmers’ access to ABP’s funds. Findings further reveal that the income of the beneficiaries has been positively impacted by ABP funds with explanatory variables like farm size, experience, age, extension visit and adequate input correlated positively with ABP intervention.   Conclusion: The study concludes that ABP is a success, even though there is a need for sustainability of the programme as well as proper monitoring and evaluation to maintain and improve on the gains recorded so far.