FADAMA III PROGRAMME: POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG RICE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS

From the findings of the study, it has been possible to conclude that the degree of women, that participated in the programme was very low, Fadama III programme, the per capita income of the beneficiary rice farmers significantly more than that of the non-beneficiaries’ per capita income. The poverty line and headcount analysis shows that, the number of poor rice farmers below the poverty line was much higher, compared to the Beneficiaries. The poverty gap analysis result further proved the fact that the relative increase in income realized by the beneficiary rice farmers was attributed to their participation in Fadama III project based on the positive income differential value obtained which was significant at 5% level of probability level. The t- test analysis shows that there was inequality and heterogeneity in the coefficients and slope respectively between project beneficiary and non beneficiary farmers’ income function and expenditure. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected.Also the major problems encountered in the course of the programme as identified by the beneficiaries includes access to loan, funding and Transportation.