Identification of the Strategies for Transformation Funding and Start-Up Support for Family Farming in Delta State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Ojiako, Edith Obiageli
  • Uzoka, Iwalewa Omikhekpe
  • Olaroye, Ebhodaghe Roseline

Abstract

Family farming dominates agriculture in Nigeria ensuring Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) and providing employment to millions of people. Family farms are also essential in safeguarding agro-biodiversity and sustaining communities and cultures. However, family farming faces numerous challenges that make their productivity very low. There is need to revamp family farming so that the Farmers will increase their productivity, competitiveness and contribute greatly not only to addressing FNS challenges in the country but also sustainable national economic growth. The study made use of questionnaire using the 4-point likert scaling method which were analysed using the mean and ANOVA/F-Test statistics at .05 level of significance. Among the major findings were that family farmers were facing daunting challenges which includes climate change and global warming;  insecurity/terrorism; limited access to finance; poor marketing; processing and storage facilities etc.  Types of start-up support and assistance needed by farmers include; better technologies for producing and distributing food; Human Capacity Development (HCD) on the Most Impactful Practice (MIP) ; know-how and where to market package and brand agro products. Several sources of funds were available to the farmers both local sources and international agencies. Major strategies for transformation of Nigerian agriculture include: climate-start/resilient agricultural practices; subsidisation of inputs; investment in technology to drive mechanization etc. The study made some recommendations to help transform Nigerian agriculture which include that government should help farmers adopt the latest technology to increase their productivity; industrialisation can make a transformational difference; youth potentials and energy should be properly harnessed among others.

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Published

2022-05-05