Impact Of Irrigation Farming On The Socioeconomic Status Of Households In Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of irrigation farming on the socioeconomic status of rural households in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Using a sample of 375 respondents drawn from Demsa, Fufore, Numan, and Yola North Local Government Areas, data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics and ordered logit regression models. Findings show that irrigation farming significantly improves household income, educational attainment of farmers’ children, and food security. Key determinants of benefits include land size, access to irrigation infrastructure, farming experience, and educational level of household heads. The study concludes that irrigation farming reduces rural poverty, enhances resilience, and strengthens livelihoods. It recommends strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure, capacity building for farmers, and innovative financing models tailored to irrigation adoption.