Assessment of Public Participation in Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme: Toward Attaining Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was inspired by efforts made by government through TRIMING to enhance food production amidst fear of food insecurity as a result of multi-faceted negative events which made over 60% of households vulnerable. DKIS was initiated as an institutional framework to bring succour to farmers in Gombe and Borno States who share a common river- River Gongola. This study assesses how stakeholders participated in DKIS by appraising public participation strategy used in the implementation of the scheme. The study’s findings were based on the core values of public participation and the Ainstern’s ladder of public participation to gauge the level at which respondents were involved in the scheme. Research findings revealed that there was low level of literacy among the respondents. Women participation was very low. They were only consulted and informed of the project as against higher levels of partnership. Respondents see the scheme as another government intervention to increase food production controlled by its officials and not necessarily owned by the people. The study recommended empowering the rural people in education to be able to make informed choices and well-articulated contributions at meetings and to be able to take up the project management.