Abstract
This study examined the impact of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) on rice value chain development in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with particular focus on productivity, income, and market participation of smallholder farmers. Anchored on the Agricultural Credit Theory of Development by Mellor (1976), the study adopted a survey research design. The population was drawn from the projected 4,536,000 residents of Adamawa State, while a sample of 400 rice farmers was selected across the 21 local government areas using stratified random sampling to ensure representation of producers, processors, and marketers. Primary data were collected through validated structured questionnaires, with reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis in SPSS. Findings revealed that access to credit, inputs, and extension services significantly improved rice farmers’ productivity and household incomes, corroborating theoretical expectations. However, the programme had only a modest impact on market participation, indicating the presence of external constraints such as weak infrastructure and limited market linkages. The study concluded that while the ABP has contributed to productivity growth and poverty reduction among rice farmers, its potential is undermined by marketing challenges. It recommends strengthening credit delivery systems, enhancing input and extension support, and investing in market infrastructure to achieve sustainable agricultural value chain development. These findings provide empirical insights into how targeted credit programmes can transform smallholder agriculture while also exposing gaps that require complementary policy actions.