Abstract

Rice production plays a critical role in food security and income generation in Nigeria, yet domestic output has consistently lagged behind demand. To address this gap, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1) was introduced to improve productivity, strengthen value chains, and enhance farmers’ livelihoods. This study assessed the impact of ATASP-1 on rice production in Anambra State, Nigeria. Using a sample of 180 rice farmers, the study employed descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and regression analysis to evaluate changes in output, perceived benefits, and income effects. The results showed a substantial improvement in rice production following programme participation. Mean output increased from 2.31 tons before the intervention to 4.93 tons after participation, representing a 53.10% increase. This difference was statistically significant, with a t-value of 20.38 at the 1% level. In addition, 68.9% of farmers reported improved market access, 66.7% reported better farming knowledge, and 58.9% indicated increased productivity. About 50.6% of respondents experienced a direct increase in income. Regression results further confirmed that participation had a positive and significant effect on farmers’ income, with the model explaining approximately 62% of the variation in income (R² = 0.634). The study concludes that ATASP-1 had a strong positive impact on rice production and farmers’ livelihoods in Anambra State. However, uneven access to credit and extension services limited the distribution of benefits. Strengthening these components, alongside market and post-harvest support, is essential for improving the effectiveness of future interventions.