OXFAM RESEARCH CONSULTANCY ON AGRICULTURAL INPUTS SUPPORT PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND
Since the inception of the project in 2016, it has continuously supported over 70,000 rural farmers with training using FFTS modules and delivery of quality inputs for both wet and dry seasons farming, this has resulted to increase in Agricultural productivity. Recent researches indicated over 250% yield increased by rice and maize farmers in Adamawa and Kebbi states. The original plan by the project is to provide 35,000 bags of fertilizer to rural farmers in 4 years, but the project was be able to deliver 78,414 bags of fertilizer for 2017/18 season; 22, 860 bags for 2018/19 and 24, 439 bags of fertilizer for 2020 farming season. The project has delivered 125,713 bags of quality fertilizer to small holder farmers in 3 years for both wet and dry seasons farming.

To boost Agricultural productivity and encourage dry season farming among small holder farmers in the two states, over 600 water pumping machines were made available to them(1). Similarly, 70 sets of milling and grinding machines were also delivered to farmers to reduce the hardship in transporting the farm produce for long distance for processing, this has not only enhanced Agricultural production but also served as a source of income to farmers and feed became readily available to Livestock during the dry season when fodders are scarce(2). The above mentioned inputs were given to VSLA groups as a loan payable after some period of time which led to the creation of INPUT REVOLVING ACCOUNT and the season more rural households were reached than in the initial plan.

The Federal Government has developed several Agricultural policies in the past like Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP). These were all aimed at supporting the farmers but ended not successful. If the Federal and other Governments can channel their Agricultural intervention like Anchor borrowers’ programme using the PROACT methodology to smallholder farmers, they would be able to reach more farmers and improve the livelihood of the people.
1 and 2, machines can be seen in the field during the research work, figures also available in Logistics and MELSA documents.

Objectives of the Research consultancy
a. To identify the key successes derived from inputs support to smallholder farmers in Adamawa and Kebbi states
b. Assess the effectiveness of PROACT and Government inputs intervention to smallholder farmers
c. To identify major challenges or shortcomings of the interventions, the approach used and the unintended consequences in targeted rural communities;
d. To make recommendations for the government or other Actors to improve on their programming strategy.
e. To identify the possible replication of any of the Agricultural interventions by any governments or other stakeholders or communities.

Methodology
A hired consultant will conduct the research work on Agricultural input support program in project locations in Nigeria; also looking at lessons from PROACT approach. He will meet stakeholders on inputs value chain both within and outside the project, PROACT staff, Government of Adamawa and Kebbi states. This will involve key informant interview and focus group discussions.**