Effect of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme on the Annual Income of Rice Farmers in Aninri Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) on the annual income of rice farmers in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify ABP activities extended to them, and ascertain their annual income. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 120 rice farmers across selected villages. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Findings revealed high participation in training (90%), input supply (75%), extension services (80%), and farming equipment (78.33%), but limited access to credit (50%), water pumps (24.17%), and market linkages (31.67%). The mean annual income of the farmers was N359,745.83. However, the Pearson correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between ABP participation and farmers’ annual income (r = 0.054; p = 0.425), indicating that the programme did not significantly improve farmers' income in the study area. The study concluded that, while the ABP provided valuable support services, its financial impact remains limited. It recommended expanding credit access, improving market linkages, and strengthening irrigation infrastructure to enhance programme effectiveness.

Keywords: Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), Rice farmers, Credits, Participation