Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and Food Security in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study titled Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and food security in North-Central Nigeria evaluates the effect of the implementation of the Anchor Borrowers Programme in enhancing food security in North-Central Nigeria. The study adopts Endogenous Growth Theory (EGT) as its theoretical guideline. The research examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme in improving food availability, accessibility and affordability within the period under review. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analysed primary and secondary data to assess the effect of the programme on smallholder farmers across three states (Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue) and its implications for food security in the region. Through qualitative review of policy documents, academic literature and reports, the research identifies critical gaps in policy implementation, including lack of awareness of the programme, inadequate access to credit facility, ramshackle rural infrastructure and climate related issues. Findings from the study reveals that increased credit access through ABP is inadequately insufficient in enhancing food security outcomes due to ineffective awareness campaign and inadequate government policies in tackling the challenges of food security in the region. The study therefore underscores the need for inclusive reforms and enhanced climate-resilient infrastructure to empower smallholder farmers. While existing studies widely address different implementation challenges in Nigeria, there is little attention to the inadequate level of awareness and unique socio-economic, political and ecological dynamics of the North-Central Region.