Journal of
Development and Agricultural Economics

  • Abbreviation: J. Dev. Agric. Econ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9774
  • DOI: 10.5897/JDAE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 556

Full Length Research Paper

Analysis of institutional credit accessibility among small-holder poultry farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria

Zelda Anne Elum
  • Zelda Anne Elum
  • Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
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Ugochi Obiajunwa
  • Ugochi Obiajunwa
  • Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 17 January 2022
  •  Accepted: 31 March 2022
  •  Published: 30 April 2022

Abstract

Agricultural finance is needed for sustainable agricultural production and improved farm income. The study analysed the accessibility of institutional credit among poultry farmers in Rivers State. Specifically, it described the socio-economic features of the farmers, identified the institutionally-based agricultural credit sources and credit amount requested by farmers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and logit regression. Results showed that majority of the farmers (71.85%) were male, averagely 40 years old. The average household size of the farmers was 4 persons. Majority (66.67%) indicated they had tertiary education. Most (60%) of the farmers had access to credit through institutional sources of which 40.74% of them got the credit through cooperatives. On the other hand, less number of farmers (40%) accessed credit from non-institutional sources. The variables: Sex, credit awareness, education, and credit demand were significant influencers of credit accessibility. Major constraints limiting farmers’ access to credit included lack of understanding of existing agricultural credit programs, loan transaction costs, granted credit amounts that were too little, and excessive interest rates. The study suggests that relevant agencies should engage in creating greater awareness and enlightenment on available agricultural credits and how to obtain the agricultural loans and more so, the farmers should be encouraged to participate in cooperative groups.

Key words: Agriculture, credit access, financial institutions, poultry, smallholder farmers.