Effect of entrepreneurial skills training on performance of small holder farmer Cooperatives in Niger State.

Abstract

Agriculture has been the major contribution of the rural dwellers in Nigeria but their productivity and growth are hindered by limited access to many inputs amongst which are entrepreneurial skills. This has resulted in the declining performance in their agricultural output, farm profit, management and income. It was on this basis that this study examined the effects of entrepreneurial skills and smallholder farmer’s performance in Niger State. The research design used was survey which was cross sectional in nature. A sample of 10 farmer cooperatives with membership of 20 each that partook in the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) training program in Niger State were selected. Primary data was used while questionnaire was the data collection instrument adopted. The training program entailed managerial and critical training skill development. Data was analyzed using regression analysis with aid of SPSS 20.0 to process the data. The study revealed that innovative skills and managerial skills are positively related to the farmer’s performance in Niger State. It was recommended that for the present and future improvement in agricultural activities by smallholder farmers, the BOA should extend its entrepreneurial training programs to rural areas where a bulk of smallholder farmers reside.