Role of Fadama III in improving the income of Fadama User Groups (FUGs) through agro-processing and market accessibility in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to evaluate the income status of Fadama III beneficiaries in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with the ultimate aim of determining the effects of the project on Fadama User Groups (FUGs) in the month of June, 2011. A total of six (6) Local Government Areas (Fufore, Girei, Demsa, Mayobelwa, Maiha and Madagali) believed to have established FUGs with functional agro-processing enterprises were purposely selected from the three (3) senatorial districts, SE, (two from each SE) of the State. Data were collected from the FUGs by the use of questionnaire, in addition to oral interviews and group discussions. Results indicated that a larger proportion of the projects participating in adding value to agricultural commodities were concentrated in Madagali LGA, with male membership accounting for the majority in the FUGs. Gender wise, age group of 18 to 39 years recorded the highest in both sexes. The most popular choice of economic venture among the FUGs was maize/corn/rice processing machines. While collectively, the FUGs recorded 10.54% increase in income from the sales/service rendered in terms of value addition on agricultural commodities, about 15.00% were said to have access to market information using modern methods. Of the constraints identified, inadequacy of funds for purchase of inputs, minimal markets linkages and intra-group conflict of interest accounted for the most worrisome among the FUGs. The study recommends massive enlightenments of the FUGs on appropriate measures for conflict resolutions, rational utilization of projects’ resources and accountability, and diverse avenues for sourcing markets for their products, among others.   Key words: Adamawa, agro-processing, Fadama, Fadama User Groups (FUGs), projects, value-addition.