1.9 Objectives of the Study

GAP among the farmers. This study is therefore an attempt to evaluate the progression of adoption of disseminated technologies under ATASP-1 in the various zones and across the entire country.

1.9 Objectives of the Study The major objective of the study is to determine the yield and technology adoption rates and assess the effect of the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) of ATASP-1 beneficiary farmers who are supported in rice, cassava and sorghum production under Outreach Program at the Adani-Omor, Bida-Badeggi, Kano-Jigawa and Kebbi-Sokoto Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZs). In specific terms, the objectives of the survey are to: (i) Obtain representative yield data of ATASP-1 farmers (for rice, cassava and sorghum) in the Program implementing states across Nigeria; (ii) Compare the yield of the promoted commodities of ATASP-1 across the SCPZs; (iii) Identify and assess the agricultural techniques applied by ATASP-1 farmers in their crop production activities that could affect yield; (iv) Validate the inclusiveness of the ATASP-1 beneficiaries in terms of youth and gender. (v) identify the Good Agronomic Practices extended to the ATASP-1 smallholder famers; (vi) determine the perception of smallholder farmers on adoption of Good Agronomic Practices; (vii) examine the extent of adoption of Good Agronomic Practices; (viii) determine the effects of the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices on crop productivity and production; (ix) Ascertain the factors influencing the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices amongst ATASP-1 farmers; (x) Identify the constraints militating against the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices among farmers, and (xi) Make recommendations for improvement in the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices.

The Program is also in line with the Bank's Agricultural Sector Strategy (AgSS) (20102014) which emphasizes investment in agricultural infrastructure as means of boosting agricultural productivity, food and nutrition security, and wealth creation; and Bank's Strategy (2013-2022) as it pertains to inclusive growth objective through the involvement of youth, women and skills development. It is also in alignment with Pillar 2 (improving rural infrastructure and trade-related capacities for market access) and Pillar 3 (increasing food supply and reducing hunger) of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP). Furthermore, the Program is relevant to Pillar I (Linking Regional Markets) of the Regional Integration Strategy Paper of March 2011by potential increase in volumes of processed food commodities transported to landlocked countries such as Niger and Chad through rehabilitated access and trunk roads.