Agriculture and Rural Development in Nasarawa State 20 Years After: An Inclusive Growth Approach

Abstract

This study examines access to farm machinery/equipment and rural infrastructure (roads) for the purpose of improving productivity and standard of living among peasant farmers in Nasarawa State 20 years after its creation. Farmers were interviewed and questionnaires administered. Descriptive statistical methods of data analysis (tables and graphs) were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that there is improvement in road construction and some farmers had access to farm machinery/equipment. However, a great number of peasant farmers still use manual and crude implements on farm operations that affect productivity and thus the desired poverty reduction in the state has not been achieved. The study notes that farmers will do better if they can access simple improved tools, both manually operated and motorized for their farm work. This will increase productivity and raise their standard of living and thus, enhance their participation in the economy. This study further recommends that farmers should form cooperative societies and pull resources together to purchase farm machinery and/or to obtain loans from banks. Government and the private sector still need to invest in the sectors and over time launch in to the industrial sector as the state is endowed with mineral potentials.