Effect of socio-economic factors on farmers participating in agricultural transformation support program in Kano-Jigawa staple crop processing zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the impact of the ATASP-1 program's policies on the socio-economic conditions and profitability of sorghum farming among beneficiaries in the Kano-Jigawa sorghum production region, as well as the obstacles they encounter in agriculture. This region was specifically selected because of the widespread practice of sorghum cultivation, which is among the main crops supported by the ATASP-1 program. Data collection for this analysis was conducted through questionnaires distributed to 132 farmers, consisting of 66 program participants and 66 non-participants. The results of the analysis reveal that the program had a positive impact on the farmers' earnings, highlighted by a significant difference in income levels following the implementation of the program. Additionally, the program favorably influenced various factors such as farm sizes, farming experiences, and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. The multiple regression analysis indicated that the age coefficient (0.083) positively and significantly contributed to the performance of the ATASP-1 program. Likewise, the educational level coefficient (0.089), farm size (0.0747), and farming experience (0.077) were found to significantly impact the profitability of the ATASP-1 crop production initiative. The main challenges recognized in the region included poor record-keeping practices and several physical and climatic factors. The study concludes that the ATASP-1 program has substantially reduced farming operation costs, increased yields, and enhanced the incomes of participating farmers, while suggesting improvements in road infrastructure for better market access and agricultural inputs, ensuring adequate capital availability, and providing improved extension services to mitigate potential revenue losses.