Fadama III Development Project and Sustainable Income of Rural Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (2009 – 2022)

The study focused on Fadama III and the sustainable income of rural farmers in Akwa Ibom State. Agriculture from the antediluvian times has been the fulcrum of human growth and development, hence, its inexplicability in a state development. Given this, many climes and organizations have instituted policies, programmes, and projects to ensure its development. In Nigeria, agricultural development has hit a continuous low since the discovery and commercialization of crude oil in 1956 hence, the broadening food insecurity in the country, and indeed, Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to examine the impact of the Fadama III project on agricultural development in Akwa Ibom State, with an emphasis on the income of rural farmers. The comparative advantage and the group theory were used for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The sources of data were both primary and secondary. Primary data were sourced using a questionnaire and interview method. Secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journal publications, and online sources. The population of the study was 2730 Fadama users in Akwa Ibom State. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a Sample size of 400 was determined and administered, out of which 354 were successfully retrieved. The Simple linear regression analysis was the method of data analysis. It was discovered that there is a significant relationship between Fadama III and a sustainable increase in the income of rural farmers in Akwa Ibom state. The study recommended, among others, that the government expand the scope of the Fadama III project on agriculture beyond cultivation, rearing and production of agricultural produce to include agro-business to boost the income of farmers and beneficiaries in the State.