Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the roles of community based organizations (CBOs) in livelihood diversification of farmers in Rivers State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of sampled respondents. Structured questionnaire was administered to generate data from the respondents. A total of 120 respondents were used for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Also, a sample of 60 farmers who were involved in CBOs and 60farmers who were not, were randomly selected from three (3) agricultural zones. Primary data was utilised in this study. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (75%) fell between the age ranges of 31-40 years, 45% were illiterate, 66% had farming experience from 1015years. The result of this study further identified some roles played by community based organization in livelihood diversification of farmers. These include provision of credit facilities, awareness campaign, provision of basic amenities, and organization of farmers? cooperatives, capacity building and opening of ways for farmers? involvement in grassroots development. The mean output and mean income of farmers who were members of CBO were greater than the mean output and mean income of those who were not members. The major constraint to farmers? involvement in CBOs? programmes was inability of CBO to identify farmers? felt needs (100%) which was ranked first, followed by high membership dues (86%) and age discrimination (72%) which were further ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. Other constraints were inadequacy of credits given (55%), high level of illiteracy (46%). These were ranked 4th and 5th respectively. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that, the community based organizations in the study area benefited farmers by diversifying farmers? livelihood on output and income. Therefore, this study recommended that the organized farmers? cooperative societies by CBOs should assist themselves financially. Farmers should make a list of their felt needs known to CBOs.

PDF