EFFECT OF KADAWA IRRIGATION PROJECT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN KURA AND GARUN MALAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KANO STATE (2000-2015)

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Kadawa irrigation project on agricultural productivity of irrigation farmers in Kura and Garun-Malam Local Government Areas of Kano State from 2000-2015. Problems investigated revolves around the fact that, agricultural productivity in Nigeria is constraints by inadequate access to water, insufficient access to credit, underdeveloped rural roads and transport infrastructures, narrow market support, underprivileged agribusiness activities, poor storage facilities and underinvestment in research and extension. Specifically, it aimed at examining whether Kadawa Irrigation Project has any significant impact on agricultural productivity in the study areas. The data for the study were generated through primary and secondary sources. The instruments of the primary data collection were the questionnaire and interview. The secondary data were generated from Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA, 2015) Annual Reports. The sample of 322 was selected from the population of 2000 (members of ten farmers associations) within the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Regression analysis revealed that, Kadawa Irrigation project has a significant impact on agricultural productivity of the irrigation farmers in Kura and Garun-Malam local Government Areas of Kano state. It was recommended among other things that, government at various levels in the country should make concerted efforts at making irrigation a popular and affordable option for farmers, especially those at the rural areas. The HJRBDA should also intensify its efforts towards provision of storage facilities more especially of perishable products like tomatoes, onions, and pepper among others. HJRBDA should complement the individuals’ effort in establishing more agro-allied industries. This will reduce the wastage of some perishable products and improve the income levels of farmers in the state and the country at large.