Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

The study examined the characteristics of farmers participating in USAID MARKETS II soybean production project in Benue State, Nigeria. The population for the study included all project participant soybean farmers of USAID MARKETS II project. A total sample of 150 respondents were purposively selected from all the eight soybean producing local government areas participating in the project in the State. While interview schedule was used for data collection. Percentage and mean score were used to present and analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that USAID MARKETS II soybean farmers in Benue State were mainly male, middle aged, with long years of farming experience, large household size and attained formal education. Majority of them acquired land mainly through inheritance and borrowing. They also purchased farm inputs from open market at high price. Greater proportion of the farmers likewise sold their farm produce at open markets at giveaway prices. All the participants grew improved varieties of soybeans but had inadequate extension services. Consequently, the farmers had low farm output, yield and income. The study therefore recommends closer examination and consideration of various attributes of the soybean farmers in designing and implementing future phases of the project to enhance its success in the study area in order to improve the welfare of the local farmers participating in the project.