Background of the Study
Agriculture remains a key sector of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and GDP growth (Ahmed & Yusuf, 2024). However, small-scale farmers, who make up the majority of agricultural producers, often struggle with inadequate funding, limited access to credit facilities, and poor infrastructural support (Bello & Musa, 2025). Financial assistance from local governments plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, providing farmers with the necessary resources to improve yield, adopt modern farming techniques, and invest in sustainable agricultural practices (Ibrahim et al., 2023).
In Ilorin West Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, agriculture remains a vital source of livelihood for many rural households (Suleiman & Danjuma, 2024). Over the years, the local government has introduced various initiatives such as microcredit programs, subsidized farm inputs, and financial grants to support farmers (Aliyu & Salisu, 2023). However, despite these efforts, many farmers continue to face challenges in accessing financial support due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, lack of awareness about available funding opportunities, and inefficiencies in policy implementation (Mohammed & Garba, 2025).
Research highlights that well-structured financial support systems for agriculture lead to increased productivity, reduced poverty rates, and improved rural development (Usman & Yakubu, 2024). However, issues such as corruption, misallocation of funds, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms have often hindered the success of agricultural financing programs (Abubakar & Musa, 2023). This study aims to investigate the role of local governments in providing financial support to agriculture in Ilorin West LGA, assessing the effectiveness of existing programs, identifying key challenges, and recommending strategies for improvement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite various financial support initiatives by the local government, many farmers in Ilorin West LGA still struggle with low productivity, limited access to credit facilities, and inadequate resources for agricultural expansion (Ahmed & Yusuf, 2024). Poor implementation of funding programs, lack of transparency, and weak policy frameworks have continued to hinder the effectiveness of agricultural financing efforts (Bello & Musa, 2025). This study seeks to evaluate the role of local governments in supporting agriculture, identify key challenges, and propose policy recommendations for improving financial assistance to farmers.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
• To examine the effectiveness of local government financial support programs for agriculture in Ilorin West LGA.
• To identify challenges affecting farmers’ access to financial support.
• To propose strategies for improving financial assistance programs for agriculture.
1.4 Research Questions
• How effective are local government financial support programs for agriculture in Ilorin West LGA?
• What challenges hinder farmers' access to financial support?
• What policy measures can enhance the effectiveness of financial assistance to farmers in Ilorin West LGA?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
• H1: Local government financial support significantly enhances agricultural productivity in Ilorin West LGA.
• H2: Limited access to credit facilities negatively affects small-scale farmers.
• H3: Strengthening financial support mechanisms will improve agricultural sustainability.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and local farmers as it provides an in-depth evaluation of local government efforts in financing agriculture. Understanding the effectiveness of financial assistance programs will enable policymakers to design better funding strategies that directly benefit farmers (Usman & Yakubu, 2024). The research will also contribute to existing literature on agricultural development, offering valuable insights into the challenges of financing small-scale farmers (Mohammed & Garba, 2025). Additionally, the study will serve as a reference for local authorities and development agencies interested in improving agricultural funding policies to enhance food security and economic growth in rural areas.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on local government financial support for agriculture in Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State. It examines the effectiveness of funding programs, challenges in implementation, and potential policy improvements. Limitations may include difficulty in obtaining financial records of government agricultural programs and reluctance of farmers to disclose financial constraints.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Financial Support: Monetary assistance provided by the local government to enhance agricultural productivity.
• Agricultural Productivity: The efficiency and output of farming activities in relation to resources used.
• Microcredit Programs: Small loan schemes aimed at supporting small-scale farmers.
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