Social and economic effects of state farming: experience from Bendel State of Nigeria

Abstract

To meet the requirement on food, in 1972 the Bendel State Government took a giant step in the direction of state farming by establishing some large-scale farms. These mechanized farms were also expected to provide the needed demonstrations effects which would hopefully result in the adoption of modern techniques by farmers. In what is to follow the differential effects of two State Farms, the Agbede and Warrake Farm, are analysed. Using a combination of methods on a total sample pf 319 farmers and State farmworkers data are presented to show that the Farms made both positive and negative impact on rural life. Specifically, the analysis indicates local elites as the major beneficiares.