IMPACT OF THE AGRO-PROCESSING, PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT SUPPORT (APPEALS) PROJECT ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project on the livelihoods of women, youth, and persons with disabilities across seven agricultural value chains in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 300 APPEALS beneficiaries, complemented by qualitative evidence from 20 key informant interviews. Impact assessment employed paired t-tests and transition matrix analysis to examine changes in income, food security, and market access before and after participation in the APPEALS Project. The paired t-test results indicate that the three livelihood indicators improved significantly following participation in the project. Mean annual income rose from ₦512,415 before the project to ₦692,339 after participation, which represents a 35% increase (t = 51.39, p < 0.01). Similarly, the mean food security score increased from 45.00 to 64.45, an improvement of 42% (t = 63.63, p < 0.01). Mean market access also increased from 40.00 to 58.46, representing a 46% increase (t = 47.07, p < 0.01). The results show that these improvements were also observed among the three vulnerable groups considered in the study. Annual income increased by ₦176,142 for women, ₦181,227 for youth, and ₦186,043 for persons with disabilities. Food security scores increased by 18.98, 19.24, and 18.70 points for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, respectively. Market access scores also recorded increases of 18.88, 18.42, and 19.57 points, respectively. The transition analysis further shows a general improvement in beneficiaries’ food security and market access status after participation in the APPEALS Project. In particular, many beneficiaries moved from the low category to the medium category, while others moved from medium to high. Taken together, these results suggest that participation in the APPEALS Project was associated with improved livelihood outcomes among vulnerable groups in Kaduna State. The study therefore concludes that APPEALS participation had a positive and statistically significant association with beneficiaries’ income, food security, and market access. Based on these findings, the study recommends that APPEALS-type interventions should be sustained and strengthened, particularly through continued support and more equitable access for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.