FARMERS’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS AGRICULTURAL CREDITS FOR JOB CREATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATES IN OSHIMILI SOUTH L.G.A., DELTA STATE.

Abstract

The sourcing, utilization and repayment of agricultural credits represent a major source of worry to farmers in Nigeria. Information regarding these may prove critical for secondary school graduates who are intending to create job in agriculture to solve unemployment problems. This study therefore reviewed primary and secondary data from farmers in Oshimili South L.G.A. to assess their perception towards agricultural credits; and its implications for job creation for secondary school graduates. One hundred and twenty (120) farmers randomly selected from farming communities in the study area responded to the structured questionnaire developed by the researchers and 115 copies were retrieved. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, frequencies and means with the use of SPSS 21 statistical package. Findings of the study showed that credits were very important to farmers and they seek different sources of agricultural credits, but lack collaterals. The study therefore recommended among others that there should be proper co-ordination of policies of agriculture to ensure that credit facilities get to farmer on time for improved productivity, and commercial banks should support farmers by giving credits at reduced interest rates and longer repayment time.  The findings of this study have implications for secondary school graduates in job creation.