Impacts of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) on Rural Dwellers in Nigeria: A Study of Isan-Ekiti

Abstract This study examined the reality of the impact of Agricultural Development Programmes on rural dwellers in Nigeria, using the people of IsanEkiti, Oye Local Government Area of EkitiState as case study. Therefore, it investigated if the programme has brought about increase in the production of foodstuff, income level of farmers, improved seeds, provision of pesticides, and fertilizer for farmers. The research method employed a survey study which involved the administration of questionnaire as the research instrument. A total of seven hundred and seventy three questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics involving percentage frequency distribution, pictorial representation, graphical illustrations and regression approach. The study hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression analysis and the empirical result reveals that Agricultural Development Programmes have significantly increased food production in the locality through increased provision of pesticides and improved seeds to farmers, establishment of new infrastructure and provision of fertilizers. The analysis of the evidence from the result however reveals that accessibility of credit by farmers has no significant effect on increased Agricultural productivity. The study therefore recommends that government should increase its effort in the area of Agricultural credit financing