IMPACT OF THE HADEJA JAMA'ARE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HJRBDA) ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY IN JIGAWA STATE

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Jigawa State, employing a mixed-methods approach within the framework of the hydraulic society theory. Quantitative data were collected from farmers utilising HJRBDA irrigation schemes, while qualitative insights were obtained through key informant interviews with policymakers and agricultural experts. The study findings reveal that while HJRBDA has contributed to increased rice and wheat production, its impact is hindered by infrastructural deficits, inconsistent policy implementation, and climate variability. Previous studies broadly classify River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) as ineffective, but this study identifies localised successes and argues for a differentiated approach to evaluating RBDA performance. The study advances the literature by integrating irrigation governance with food security discourse in semi-arid regions. It recommends increased funding for infrastructure maintenance and a more coordinated policy framework to enhance irrigation efficiency. Additionally, farmer training programs should be institutionalised to improve water management practices. This study contributes to existing scholarship by highlighting both the potentials and limitations of RBDAs in Nigeria, challenging the reductionist view that irrigation alone guarantees food security. It emphasises the need for an integrated policy approach that incorporates climate adaptation, market access, and institutional reforms to maximise the effectiveness of irrigation schemes in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and food security in Jigawa State.