Agricultural Finance Support and Enhanced Production: A Role Play Analysis of Anchor Borrowers’ Program in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Agricultural production involves crops cultivation, rearing animals and related activities to produce foods and other products for the various utilizations of man and animals that drive food security in an area. Agricultural production is contingent on a number of factors like climate variability, economic, sociocultural factors, land type and its condition, among others This study evaluates the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-supported Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP) in facilitating increased food production and the socio-economy of small-holder rice farmers, by a factor of up to 75% during the 2019/2020 farming season according to a study involving about 340 respondents from Kebbi State. Using primary data and 320 respondents, study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to assess the effectiveness of the ABP support initiative on rice production and income of beneficiary farmers in the study area. Findings revealed that the ABP substantially improved rice production and farmers' income levels, as well as promoted sustainable agricultural practices in this area. The study recommends expanding ABP’s coverage, diversifying crops, increased funding, improving policy frameworks, and strengthening stakeholder engagement.