Fadama III Additional Finance Project and Sustainable Agricultural Development in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study sought to assess the effect of the Fadama III AF project on sustainable agricultural development in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design using well-structured questionnaire to achieve the objectives of evaluating the project’s effects on productivity, livelihood, and environmental sustainability. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 220 cassava farmers who benefited from the project. Data were presented in tables and the corresponding values in percentages. The hypothesis was tested with multiple linear regression along with paired sample t-test. The study found that Fadama III AF project has significant effect on productivity of the beneficiaries. However, a significant decrease in livelihood with most pronounced aspects being electricity supply by 1.13, health care services by 1.08 while least decrease in transportation by 0.60 was noted. The multiple linear regression results showed that at 95% confidence level, all constructs of Fadama III AF project does not have significant effect on environmental sustainability with most noted being asset acquisition (β=0.253) followed by “advisory service†(β=0.174). The study concluded that Fadama III AF project has had a mixed effect on sustainable agricultural development in Akure, enhancing productivity but offering limited benefits in terms of environmental sustainability and comprehensive livelihood enhancement. The study recommended the need for the early release of funds and inputs, enhanced capacity building, and greater emphasis on environmental management practices to bolster the project’s holistic contribution to sustainable agricultural development.