Assessment of the Implementation of Rural Agricultural Development Programme in Area Councils of Abuja, Nigeria

The study assessed the implementation of rural agricultural development programs in Area Councils in Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed surveys and documentary research, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The population of this study is residents and staff of Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were used to analyze the data that was collected for this study.  Findings from the study show that a total of four hundred (400) questionnaires were administered, out of which three hundred and seventy-two (372) were completed and returned, while thirty-nine (39) were not returned. The study's findings indicate that some of the rural agricultural development programs have been implemented by area councils in Abuja. The management of Area Councils has successfully implemented the Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Program (YEAP), thereby enhancing the empowerment of rural farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The management of Area Councils primarily provides the Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Program (YEAP) with agricultural infrastructures such as irrigation facilities, sprinkler systems, drip irrigation systems, center pivot systems, and flood irrigation systems. The study also revealed that the management of Area Councils significantly implemented the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) that improved farmers’ incomes in FCT. The programs implemented in the area councils include the provision of agricultural inputs and extension services. Findings from the study also revealed that the management of the Area Councils did not significantly implement the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP) for the development of rural agriculture in FCT. Based on the findings, they recommend that the management of area councils should properly implement the Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Program (YEAP), which involves providing agricultural infrastructures to rural farmers in FCT. Council should provide financial support to these farmers to enable them to purchase necessary inputs.