THE IMPACT OF THE SECOND NATIONAL FADAMA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ON THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF DADIN-KOWA COMMUNITY OF YAMALTU-DEBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF GOMBE STATE (2004-2010)

This study investigated the impact of Fadama II Project on the standard of living of the people of Dadin-Kowa community of Yamaltu-Deba Lcal Government Area of Gombe State. Data were generated using the structured questionnaire using simple descriptive and cost/return analysis. The result revealed that most farmers were females (67%) and had informal education (48%). Furthermore, about (50%) of the sampled farmers are aware of modern technology transfer through extension agents and majority of the farmers used the benefit derived from Fadama Irrigation Project to acquire assets (35.8%), educate children (29%). The production and cost analysis revealed that irrigation farming is profitable. However, the 10% counterpart contributions by the beneficiaries and elites interference were the major implementation problems among others. To fully actualize the potentials of agriculture and the rural community through Fadama II, there is need to review the 10% beneficiary contribution, ensure prompt release and disbursement of funds/input through associations thereby reducing elites interference and a complete re-orientation package in form of public enlightenments, talks and seminars should be embarked upon in order to change the attitudinal disposition of youths in the study area towards agriculture.