Evaluation of the Effects of Fadama Rivers State Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (riv-Cares) Programme on Small Scale Cassava Farmers Output in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

This study evaluated the effects of the Fadama Rivers State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) Programme on small-scale cassava farmers' output in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The programme aimed to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing farmers with essential inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural equipment, as well as financial support and technical training. A total of 64 cassava farmers from eight villages participated in the study, with data collected through structured questionnaires. The results indicated that 100% of respondents reported increased cassava yields since joining the programme, with 34% experiencing yield increases of over 30%. Furthermore, 98.4% of respondents reported an increase in income, with more than half seeing income growth between 10-30%. Despite these gains, the study identified several challenges: insufficient financial support (44.44%), delayed payments (22.22%), and inadequate supply of farm inputs (22.22%). These challenges underscore the need for timely delivery of inputs and more robust financial support. Nevertheless, the programme led to significant improvements in household welfare, particularly in education and food security. The findings suggest that the Fadama RIV-CARES Programme has positively impacted both agricultural productivity and the socio-economic conditions of farmers in Gokana. To sustain these benefits, recommendations include regular evaluations of programme strategies, improved financial support mechanisms, and enhanced input distribution.