Assessment of Inputs Accessibility by Beneficiaries of Electronic-Wallet (E- Wallet) Scheme in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed the accessibility of inputs by beneficiaries of the E-Wallet Scheme in Kaduna State with specific objective to: identify types and quantities of inputs supplied by the scheme; determine the level of accessibility of inputs (fertilizer, improved seeds and herbicides) by the beneficiaries and challenges faced by beneficiaries in the implementation of the scheme. Data were collected through questionnaire and interview. A total of 240 questionnaires were administered to the beneficiaries in the four Zones of Kaduna State Agricultural Development Program (KADP) namely Birnin-Gwari, Maigana, Lere and Samaru that constitute the study. Descriptive statistics and Likert scale measurement were used to analyze the data. Result of the study revealed that most (65.8%) of the farmers were supplied with one bag of NPK and UREA (50 kg each). About 52.1% were supplied with 20kg of improved maize seed. About 62.1 % and 81.7 % of the respondents had access to NPK fertilizer and improved maize seeds respectively. Access to inputs through the scheme enabled about 30% of the farmers to increase their productivity. Major challenges faced by participants of the scheme include; payment above the stipulated price (51.7%), political influence and change in government policy. It was recommended that the quantity of fertilizer per beneficiary should be increased from two to four bags and there should be strict monitoring to curb increase in prices and sale of the inputs by beneficiaries.