DETERMINANTS OF CREDIT ACCESSIBILITY AMONG SMALL-SCALE RICE FARMERS IN DOMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the determinants of credit accessibility among small-scale rice farmers in doma local government area of nasarawa state, nigeria. the specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers in the study area, identify the sources of credit available to small-scale rice farmers, determine the factors influencing credit accessibility among small-scale rice farmers, and identify the constraints faced by small-scale rice farmers in accessing credit. primary data were collected from 120 respondents using structured questionnaires administered through multistage sampling technique. data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and means, as well as inferential statistics including logistic regression analysis. results revealed that the majority of the farmers were male, middle-aged, married, and had at least primary education. the dominant sources of credit were informal sources such as cooperative societies, money lenders, and family/friends, while formal sources like banks and government agencies were less patronized. logistic regression results showed that farm size, educational level, membership of cooperative society, farming experience, and household income were the significant determinants of credit accessibility among small-scale rice farmers in the study area. the major constraints to credit access included high interest rates, lack of collateral, complex loan application procedures, and inadequate information about credit facilities. it was recommended that government and financial institutions should simplify credit access procedures, reduce interest rates, and strengthen cooperative societies to improve credit accessibility among small-scale rice farmers in the study area.