Impact Assessment of Developing Sustainable and Impact-Oriented Groundnut Seed System Under the Tropical Legumes (III) Project in Northern Nigeria

AbstractTropical Legumes III project as a development intervention focused on enhancing smallholder farmers’ access to seeds of improved groundnut varieties using multi-stakeholder platforms. Open Data Kit was used to collect information from the platform members using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive statistics and adoption score were used to analyze the data. Selection of appropriate project location, reliable beneficiaries, timely supply of seeds, and training on good agronomic practices (GAPs) and effective supervision on production were the major thrusts of the TL III project. The results indicated that the IP members accrued additional income ranging from $214 to $453 per hectare for wet season. The same increase in beneficiaries’ income was reported per hectare for dry season from $193 to $823, respectively; all due to the TL III intervention. The results further indicated increasing access by farmers to services (e.g., improved seeds, extension, credit facilities, market, etc.) and enhanced productivity (farm size, pod and haulm yields). Findings further revealed an average increased market price of 21.5% and 18% for dry and wet season groundnut production, respectively. There was high adoption score (78%) of improved seeds and other GAPs. The study recommends the need to replicate similar interventions in other areas. Continued capacity building on GAPs and improved business management skills to Extension Agents and farmer groups will sustain the successes achieved by the TL III project.