Science Letters

Challenges of Oyo State Agricultural Development Program (OYSADEP) For Rural Farmers in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria

Olowoporoku Ayodeji John 1, Babarinde Samuel Adelani 2, Joshua Abolade Opeyemi 3, Ajayi Adeola 4*, Babarinde Isaac Adeyemi 5, Shiyanbade Bolanle Waliu 6, Ajayi Olaniyi Adewale 7, Oyebola Blessed Olalekan 8

1 Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

2 Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

3 Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

4 Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

5 Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Department of Genetics, Miura, Japan

6 Department of Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

7 Department of Education Foundation and Management, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

8 Department of Computer Engineering Technology Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic Saapade, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural production is central to the overall wellbeing of the populace including Nigerian people. It presents the only viable opportunity to Nigeria's economic development in the face of the recent economic challenges. The Agricultural Development Program (ADPs) is one of the structural platforms established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to support the State Government effort in the development of agricultural projects. After 27 years of its existence, studies to assess the challenges of the agency on rural farmers in the state have not been explored. It is on this note that this study examines the challenges of the Oyo State Agricultural Development Program (OYSADEP) on rural farmers in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Primary and Secondary data were used in this study. Primary data include personal observation and interviews with officials of the OYSADEP and key informants. The findings of the study show that despite the good intention and policy design of the OYSADEP, the program has not fared well in the state. Some of the challenges that constrained the agency's activities include poor funding, shortage of extension service staff, lack of mobility for proper supervision, lack of working materials, lack of publicity and campaigns and increasing population of farmers. The study recommended that government should increase funding to the agency, employ more extension service staff and increase the capacity of the agency through training of workers.