AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

THE OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis) ENTERPRISE FINANCING UNDER AGRICULTURAL CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME IN NIGERIA

Author:  Umoren, Aniefiok Akpan and Akpan, Sunday Brownson

Abstract
The limited engagement of financial institutions in providing loans and advances to oil palm enterprises under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) has impeded the sustainable development of these enterprises. This study examined the trends in ACGS loan guarantees, repayments, and outreach to oil palm beneficiaries in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022. The analysis utilized time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria's statistical bulletin. Both exponential and quadratic trend equations were estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. The findings indicated a positive exponential growth rate for the value of guaranteed loans (25.05%), repaid loans (15.20%), and the number of beneficiaries (7.37%) over the specified period. The quadratic trend equations suggested stagnation in growth rates over time for both guaranteed loans and repayments by beneficiaries. Furthermore, the quadratic analysis indicated a significant deceleration in growth over a double time period, suggesting that the growth occurred at a diminishing rate. It is recommended that the volume of ACGS loans allocated to the oil palm sector be increased in accordance with the prevailing inflation rate, and that the selection of beneficiaries be refined to ensure that only genuine applicants are identified.