Farm Settlement Schemes in Nigeria: Challenges from Akufo Settlement, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Farm settlements were introduced in Nigeria in the late colonial period and early postindependence
era as a rural development strategy aimed at enhancing sustainable food security.
Despite decades of existence, many of these schemes have recorded limited success. This study
investigated the challenges confronting Akufo Farm Settlement in Oyo State, Nigeria, with the
objective of addressing the paucity of empirical evidence on the factors undermining its
sustainability. The study examined settlers’ perceptions of some identified challenges, then
assessed how these challenges affect farmers’ productivity and explored possible mitigation
strategies. This study adopts an integrated analytical framework derived from modernization
theory and dependency theory to explain the persistence of rural underdevelopment in Akufo.
The study adopted a mixed qualitative approach. Primary data were collected through
questionnaires, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with 73 settlement dwellers
selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques in the year 2025. Secondary data
were obtained from policy bulletins, books, and peer-reviewed journals. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Findings revealed persistent
challenges which included deteriorating infrastructure (54%), insufficient capital (90%),
inadequate extension services (66%), youth disengagement from farming (74%), and land
tenure insecurity (89%) respectively as reported by the respondents. The foregoing constraints
have negatively contributed to the decline in agricultural productivity within Akufo settlement.
The study recommends strategic revitalisation of Akufo farm settlement through increased
government involvement, long-term policy commitment infrastructural rehabilitation, secure
land management systems, consistent policy frameworks, and deliberate engagement of
younger farmers. The findings contribute to global discourse on sustainable rural development
and agricultural policy implementation in Nigeria.