EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL HOLDER RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE

EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL HOLDER RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE

Abstract:

Nigeria‟s enormous land area under rice cultivation is not augmenting self-sufficiency which has prompted frequent importation of rice into the country. Niger state remains a major rice producer in the country; however, despite being a major rice hub, small holder rice farmers are faced with several setbacks impeding their performance among which are financial services. It was on this note that this study investigated the effects of microfinance services on the performance of small holder rice farmers in Niger state. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 179 rice farmers registered with different cooperatives and transact with three different Microfinance banks were randomly selected from three Senatorial zones with largest rice producing local governments of Niger state. Primary data was collected through questionnaires. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data with the aid of SPSS Version 20. The study revealed that microcredit and entrepreneurial skills training exerted a positive significant effect on small holder rice farmer‟s performance. The study further revealed that microsavings have a negative significant effect on small holder rice farmer performance. It was recommended that, deliberate attempt must be made by microfinance institutions (MFIs) to continue to appraise their financial services in terms of reduction on interest rate on loans, encourage personal savings rather than group cooperatives savings which will foster reinvestment to the bank and continue to provide entrepreneurial training for small holder farmers. This will better improve performance of the agricultural base particularly in rice production not only to cushion production demand, but export as well.

EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE SERVICES ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL HOLDER RICE FARMERS IN NIGER STATE

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