IMPACT ANALYSIS OF FADAMA III PROJECT IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of Fadama III project in Gombe State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 beneficiaries and 120 non beneficiaries of Fadama III project. Data were collected using structural questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage change was used to estimate the changes between each period of evaluation) and combination of propensity score matching (PSM) and double difference (DD) estimator to determine average treatment effect (ATE) on project beneficiaries. The result shows that, the value of productive assets increase by 50.18%. The result further shows that income of beneficiaries increased by 51.21% (baseline-midline) and 95.84% (baseline-midline) meaning that Fadama project III has superseded it target of 40% of 75% of all beneficiaries. The overall result indicated that there was a substantial increase in the productivities of both the crop and livestock sub-sectors which increase male and female houselod income by 61% and 33% respectively. Fadama III beneficiaries’ access to extension advisory services contributed to agricultural productivity and income by 10% at baseline, 44% at midline compared to 58% increase contribution in the endline evaluation. Therefore it can be concluded that Fadama III project impacted positively both the intermediate and ultimate target of the project have been adequately met. There is the need for the policy makers/ authorities to consider community-driven development approach for Fadama III project meant to benefit the rural communities more.