Adoption of improved Production Practices among Rice Farmers in North-western Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the adoption of improved rice production practices by farmers in Northwestern Nigeria. Data were collected from 463 farmers purposively selected from 16 Local Government Areas in Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna and Jigawa States, using structured interview schedule and Focused Group Discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The socioeconomic characteristics of respondents showed that majority 40.2% are youth below 40 years, 58.3% are educated and 53% have farming experience above 10 years. Findings from the study showed that 95.25% of the respondents were aware of improved varieties (95%), while planting techniques were adopted by 94.25% of the farmers. Focused Group Discussion showed that, farmers prepared to grow indigenous variety (Danboto) because it is high yielding. Majority (31%) of the farmers were in the moderate adopter category. High cost of fertilizer recommendations (43.28%), low availability of improved seeds (22.89%) and lack of improved storage facilities (16.92%) were the major constraints to the adoption of improved production practices. This study concluded that majority of the farmers were moderate adopters. Hence, the study recommended improved farmers' access and use of agricultural inputs, especially, fertilizer recommendations and to explore inherent characters of indigenous varieties by breeders to develop ecology specific, high yielding and climate smart rice varieties.

Keywords: Adoption, Production Practices, Rice farmers