An Appraisal of Socio – Economic Benefits of Irrigation Agriculture in Rigasa, Kaduna Metropolis Northern, Nigeria

The main aim of this study is to appraise the socio-economic benefits of irrigation agriculture in Rigasa, Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State. The study used Focus Group Discussion and interview methods to collect data. The study used 30 respondents from five farming communities. Thus, 6 respondents were drawn from each of the five farming communities. Simple random sampling was applied in selecting the respondents. The research with the help of assistant researcher contacted the respondents at different times for relevant information. Secondary source of data was also used to lay hand on maps, journals, books and other related materials. The study was designed to assess the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, their income increase, ownership of land cultivated by the farmers and acquisition of the means of mobility. The data was analyzed by the use of percentages, table and bar charts. The results of the finding ascertained that most of the farmers that practise irrigation agriculture in the study areas are adults. Their level of education is not up to secondary school. Irrigation agriculture benefited the farmers in different dimensions such as increase in their income, acquisition of farm lands through purchase, ability to own personal means of mobility among others. The following recommendations are made: empowerment to the adult Should be made to boost their irrigation agriculture as they are the dominant irrigation farmers. Loans and other financial supports should be encourage in order the farmers to acquire farmlands for farming policy makers and extention worker should provide a means of buying the farm produce from the irrigations farmers so as to boost their income. Finally, mobility is very vital for farmers, there special loan inform of vehicle loan should be put into consideration in order to allow the irrigation farmers to have easy access of ownership of mobility for easy transportation of their farm produce.