Investigating The Problems Of Agricultural Credit In Adamawa State (Case Study; Yola South)

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted with the aim of pointing out the problems that prevent farmers from having access to credit in Yola south. The research also gives an analysis of the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area and their access to credit. Furthermore, the research also identifies the main sources of credit to farmers in the study area and the benefits derived from the credit obtained. During this research, three communities were purposively selected in Yola south; Wuro-chekke, Bole and Mbamba. These communities house the majority of farmers in the study area and 20 farmers were randomly selected from each of the community thereby making a total of 60 farmers. Questionnaires were administered to the 60 farmers selected and the data obtained was analyzed using statistics such as mean, frequency and percentages in Microsoft excel. The results in the study showed that factors such as lack of collateral, religious beliefs and long application procedures are the main factors that prevent farmers from having access to credit. The results also showed that farming in the study area is dominated by male farmers of who are small scale farmers as well. The results of the study showed that farmers in the study area have access to credit but at a very low level and the main source of credit in the study area is the microfinance bank. Furthermore, the research of the study also showed that the credits obtained by the farmers are utilized and some benefits (such as increase in productivity and income) were derived. Findings in the study also showed that farmers in the study lack access to extension agents and most of them are members of the cooperative society which helps its members in obtaining credit.