The impact of rural Agricultural development projects on agricultural products in preferred area of Benin

Abstract

In this study, data collected from 120 rural households located in two distinct socio-cultural locales of
Benin was used to assess the impact of 20 development projects on agricultural productivity. A ‘withwithout’ approach of impact evaluation is followed using ANOVA and econometric regressions. Results
reveal no significant differences of projects on agricultural productivity between participants in the two
study zones. Econometric regression estimates show significantly positive impacts on agricultural
productivity for two selected project indicators in the two study zones. However, the goal achievement
index was more remarked in the Adja area, where the projects were found to have better addressed
development problems and provided higher impact. The results suggest the need to improve
management of agricultural projects to enhance their impact. Likewise, objectives and activities of the
projects should be oriented to deal better with development problems of rural people, in particular
those of the poorest and marginalized communities.