ABSTRACT
This research work evaluated the effect of the World Bank Assisted Commercial Agricultural Development Project on rice farmers’ productivity and profitability in Badagry of Lagos state with a view to ascertain the availability of the intervention variables, their effects on farmers’ productivity, profitability and constraint that may be militating against the desired result. In pursuant of these objectives, a sample size of 134 of registered rice farmers was used and survey research method was adopted. Data collected through questionnaire were presented in tables and analyzed. The hypotheses were tested using T-test and the rice farmers’ productivity and profitability during the first three years of the project were compared with the last three years before the inception of the project. The findings revealed among others the availability of the intervention variables and confirms the fact that the World Bank assisted CADP has done well in some areas like the provision of access road, erosion control measures and farmers’ training and supervision by extension officers. This reflects the first objective of the study which is to confirm the availability of the intervention variables. Also, Productivity and profitability increased more during the CADP period than the pre-CADP period. This reflects the second objective which is to determine the effects if any of the World Bank Assisted CADP on rice farmers productivity and profitability in Badagry of Lagos state. However, areas like the provision of revolving loan for farmers, improved variety of rice seedling, modern farming techniques, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were abandoned and therefore need improvement.
These are some of the constraints that may be militating against the desired result that were sought to confirm in the third objective. Hypothesis 1 tested shows that the alternate hypothesis which states that Rice farmers in Badagry local government of Lagos state have benefitted immensely from the World Bank Assisted Commercial Agriculture Development Project ,hence, there is positive effect on rice farmers’ productivity and profitability is accepted and the null hypothesis reject .Also, in hypothesis 2 the alternate hypothesis which states that the World Bank Assisted Commercial Agriculture Development Project has made some significant effects on rice farmers’ productivity and profitability in Badagry local government of Lagos state is accepted and the null hypothesis rejected. Based on the findings, the major recommendations are: That trained extension officers should be encouraged to continue with their supervisory roles to the farmers. The modern farming techniques and practices should be taught the farmers to enable them keep abreast with the current practices of increasing output. There should be availability of credit facilities for the farmers to enable them run their business. The provision of infrastructure should be encouraged especially in the area of provision of erosion and irrigation control as this will encourage all year round farming. There should be proper monitoring of this project to ensure compliance and proper implementation of the policies and monies mapped out for the project should be judiciously used and accounted for.