Evaluation of Fadama III Project in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria: Constraints and Strategies Perceptions

The study evaluated the constraints to the Fadama III project in some Niger Delta areas; namely, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and the Delta States of Nigeria. A multistage sampling process was engaged to choose a sample of 420 respondents for the study. Data analyzed was done using means and ANOVA. Results obtained revealed that some constraint such as inadequate fund (𝑥̅=3.78), inadequate inputs support (𝑥̅=3.35) and high bureaucracy of donor agencies (𝑥̅=3.31) were identified as serious constraints by the respondents. The pooled mean constraints of respondents in the study area were Bayelsa, 2.40; Akwa Ibom, 2.32; and Delta, 2.24 accordingly. High values were placed on proposed strategies to overcome Fadama III constraints such as the conduct of regular farmers training sessions (mean=3.36) and improved FUG management team (mean = 3.30). The study concluded that some constraints are serious and others not serious; and accepted the null hypothesis (p>0.05) that there was no significant variation in the constraints facing the Fadama III project among the selected Niger Delta States. The study noted that there should be more support in the provision of farm inputs and assets to catapult productivity and timely delivery of advisory support.