Analysis of Farmers Use of Electronic Wallet Growth Enhancement Support Scheme in Imo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study analyzed farmers use of e-wallet growth enhancement support scheme in Imo State, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained using structured questionnaire from 240 farmers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency score, percentages, mean and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression model and analysis of variance were used to achieve the stated objectives and hypotheses of this work. Radio and mobile phones were the major sources of information on GESS for all the farmers (100%). Result also showed that fertilizer ( = 2.9) was the most input

farmers procured using e-wallet. The socio–economic characteristics of the farmers had a significant and positive relationship (R2 = 0.670) with their level of use of e-wallet for input procurement. Farmers in the 3 agricultural zones of Imo State differed in their level of use of e- wallet. Farmers were found to have partial level of knowledge on the use of e-wallet for inputs procurement ( = 3.9). The e-wallet GESS was found to be more effective in delivering

subsidize agricultural inputs to farmers than previous programme of a similar nature ( = 4.6)

and has improved farmers access to information on inputs ( = 4.6) while on the other hand has

failed in the supply of the type and quantity of inputs needed by farmers ( = 3.4); and its inputs

get to farmers late ( = 3.5). Far distance and long queues at the collection centers ( = 2.3) and

poor ability of farmers to perform the various operations in the use of e-wallet for input procurement as well as untimely arrival of inputs ( = 2.2) among others were the most

constraining factors to the use of e-wallet. The study concludes that e-wallet was useful and effective, however was associated with untimely delivery of inputs to farmers. Hence, the study recommends among other things that the government and GESS organizers should intensify efforts on the areas of timely supply of inputs to farmers by ensuring that the necessary facilities and funds needed to successfully implement GESS are timely put in place.

Keywords: farmers, use of electronic – wallet, growth enhancement support scheme, Imo state.

 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1