Effect of Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Project on the Income of Farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Project on the income of farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 120 smallholder farmers were randomly selected, and data were collected using questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, mean and a paired sample t-test were used for analysis. Results showed that mean annual income increased from ₦412,500 before participation to ₦685,000 after participation, representing a 66.1% increase. The paired sample t-test confirmed that the income difference was statistically significant (t = 9.84, p = 0.000). Despite the income gains, farmers faced key constraints such as inadequate access to credit (ms=3.42), high cost of farm inputs (ms=3.31), poor market access and price fluctuations (ms=3.18), and inadequate irrigation facilities (2.97). SHEP improved farmers’ income greatly. Enhanced credit access, input support, market stabilization, improved extension services, and infrastructural development to sustain and strengthen project benefits are recommended by the researcher.