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Studies on farmers’ interactions in agricultural projects have reported on the importance of
the interaction of farmers with other actors on their participation in agricultural projects
and subsequent adoption of agricultural technologies. However, there has been little
interest on the influence of farmers’ interactions, alternative income generating
opportunities and biophysical conditions of the farmers’ geographical locations, on
farmers’ participation in agricultural projects. Guided by Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis
and Development (IAD) framework and the social exchange theory, the study sought to
describe the patterns of interactions between farmers and other actors, determine the
influence of interactions on farmers’ participation in agricultural projects and determine
exogenous factors influencing farmers’ interactions. The study adopted a cross-sectional
research design whereby data were collected through a questionnaire survey, focus group
discussion, and key informant interview. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and
inferentially while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study
findings showed that farmers’ interactions with other actors in agricultural projects
increased with decrease in distance from the crop market. Diversity of crops/livestock
produced and number of resources shared by the actors showed a statistically significant
influence on farmers’ interactions. The findings showed further that participation of
farmers in agricultural projects increased with increasing remoteness, and interactions
influenced participation. With alternative income generating opportunities, the farmer may
take up additional income generating activities limiting their participation in agricultural
activities. Institutions, biophysical conditions and group leadership showed statistically
significant influence on participation. The study findings corroborate the IAD framework
that the action situation, that is, biophysical conditions (in this case proximity to the crop
market), interactions and institutions, influence farmer’s decision to participate in
agricultural projects. They also support the social exchange theory which postulates that
cost and rewards (in this case resources shared) are important driving forces for farmers’
interactions. The study suggests that, rather than referring to it just as cost and rewards, it
should be explicit in the social exchange theory that both material and social benefits are
important when it comes to motivating factors for actors’ interactions. For increased
farmers’ participation, it is recommended that government and non-governmental
organizations embrace group approach and the RIPAT approach in designing and
implementing agricultural development projects. Creation of avenues for agricultural
stakeholders’ interactions, improvement of the feeder roads and construction of markets at
strategic locations are also recommended. Lastly, agricultural interventions ought to be
rewarding to farmers. |
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