Assessment of Paddy Rice Farmers’ Perception of theValue ChainDevelopment Programme Implementation in Anambra State,Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on paddy rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 beneficiaries, and data were collected via questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and mean scores were employed for analysis. Results showed that most rice farmers were male (59.17%), aged 31–40 years (34.17%), married (67.5%), and had secondary education (42.5%). Household sizes of 6–10 people (67.5%) and farming experience of 11–20 years (67.5%) were common. Farmers sourced information mainly through farmers’ associations (mean=2.71), fellow farmers (mean=2.66), and extension agents (mean=2.53). Key programme activities included improved seed provision (mean=2.82), training (mean=2.71), and farmer group formation (mean=2.65). Farmers expressed satisfaction with programme objectives (mean=3.80), input disbursement (mean=3.61), and training frequency (mean=3.48). Challenges included poor credit access (mean=3.75), corruption among staff (mean=3.56), late input distribution (mean=3.32), and insufficient milling machines (mean=3.11). A significant increase in rice production (t=-9.735, p≤0.05) was observed post-programme. Recommendations included government and stakeholder collaboration to address milling machine shortages through subsidized partnerships with manufacturers.