FADAMA III and Poverty Reduction Among Rural Farmers in Akwa Ibom State

This study examined the FADAMA III agricultural development program in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, assessing its impact on poverty reduction, rural employment and economic development. The program was designed to benefit all Nigerian states, including Akwa Ibom, but it faced several implementation challenges. These challenges included, among others, corruption, misappropriation of funds, politicisation, and poor coordination between local, state, and federal authorities. Lack of infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, restricted agricultural productivity and market access, further exacerbating rural poverty. Descriptive and documentary research designs were employed, and data were obtained from secondary sources. The study revealed that FADAMA III’s limited success in Akwa Ibom was due to insufficient professional expertise in managing the program, the politicisation of resource allocation, and the lack of an effective monitoring and evaluation system. The paper offered recommendations for improving rural development initiatives, including better farmer participation, inclusive employment creation, prioritisation of rural infrastructure, and reducing political interference. By addressing these issues, future programs can better achieve their developmental goals.