Evaluating the Impact of Agricultural Credit Access on Smallholder Maize Farmers’ Productivity in the Northwest Region of Cameroon

Food insecurity and poverty persist in Sub-Saharan Africa, largely driven by low agricultural productivity linked to limited credit access. This study investigates the effect of credit access on the productivity of smallholder maize farmers in Northwest Cameroon. Using cross-sectional data from 404 interviews and an endogenous switching regression model to address self-selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity, we show that access to credit significantly improves maize yields. However, credit access remains limited and is negatively influenced by farmer experience and group membership, while extension services and agricultural training enhance access. We recommend targeted financial support and capacity building to improve credit uptake and boost productivity in the maize sector.