Impact of river basin development authorities on food Production in Nigeria: a Case Study of Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority.
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Date
1985
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Obafemi Awolowo University
Abstract
High rate of population increase and declining rate of food production have widened the gap between domestic food production end requirement in Nigeria , hence eleven River Basin Development (RBDAs) were created in 196, as a means of food production and achieving development. This study is to assess the impact of the RBDAs on food production. Anambra- Imo Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) was selected for study specifically to assess performance in the area of food crops yield, farmers income and adoption of improved farming technology. Primary data were collected from the project managers and 200 (participating and nonparticipating)farmers. Secondary sources of data included AIRBDA headquarters the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources. The aggregate data were analysed using the regression technique, performance index measures and parametric and non-parametric test statistics.
The study showed a multiplicity of projects, located principally on political grounds, with thinly spread resources and consequent poor performances. Inspite of higher adoption of farm innovations farmers, there were no significant differences in food output, farm income and cultivated hectarages between farmer - participants and non-participants. The production function analysis revealed a general inefficiency among farmers in the use of resources in food production.
However, the participating farmers were less Although, there was no increase in food output by farmer participants, their income improved due to greater cultivation of high valued crops. The farmers generally felt that the AIRBDA had improved their income base living standard and socio-eonomic achievement of their villages. Policy recommendations included more efficient of resources through cutting down of functions, relocation of projects on economic rather than on purely political considerations, decentralisation of authority, strengthening of extension service and non-involvement in direct food production projects
Description
392P
Keywords
Population, food production, Decentralisation, of authority, Government Policy
Citation
Okorie, E.D (1985) Impact of river basin development authorities on food production in Nigeria: a case study of Anambra-Imo river basin development authority