Abstract
This study analysed the Impact of Participation in USAID MARKETS Programme on Sorghum
Farmers’ Livelihood in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was
employed in sample selection. Six hundred and twenty six (626) respondents were randomly
selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were analysed
using both descriptive (frequency and mean) and inferential statistics (PSM, Z-test, logit and
probit). The result of level of participation showed about 44% of the participating sorghum
farmers participated only in a few USAID MARKETS programme, i.e. they received only one or
two packages. The decision to participate in USAID MARKETS programme is significantly
determined by sex, primary occupation, marital status, household size and membership of the
cooperative while the intensity of participation is significantly determined by age, sex, primary
occupation, educational level, household size, farming experience, membership of cooperative and
access to credit. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used in estimating the impact
of participation in USAID MARKETS programme on the total output of USAID MARKETS
sorghum farmers where participants had an increase of 242kg/ha in output while the Potential
Outcome mean (POMean) was 2829kg/ha. The Nearest Neighbour showed an increase of
₦52,072/ha while the Potential Outcome means (POMean) was ₦89,732. The programme should
encourage farmer associations which can play an important role in the process of adoption.
Households should increase their human assets by educating the younger members of the
households, this will enable their knowledge and skills to be improved.
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