ADOPTION DETERMINANTS OF IMPROVED FARMING TECHNOLOGIES: AN ASSESSMENT OF RURAL RICE FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
This study assessed the adoption of improved rice production technologies by rural farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers, assessed the level of adoption of improved rice production technologies, and determined the effect of selected variables on the level of adoption of improved rice production technologies in the area. Using random sampling technique, 240 rural rice farmers were selected from two of the four agricultural zones in the State. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that 74.2% of the farmers were male with an average age of 44 years. Rice farmers in the area had a mean farming experience of 27 years and operated on an average farm size of 2.7 hectares. Furthermore, 77.4% and 60.5% of the farmers adopted the use of improved rice varieties and timely transplanting respectively. The level of adoption of improved rice production technologies among rice farmers was directly determined by age (β=2.02), education (β=3.58), credit (β=0.24), and extension contact (β=0.92) at P < 0.001. The coefficients of marital status (β=-2.92), and household size (β=-0.57) inversely determined rice farmers’ adoption score for improved rice production technologies at P < 0.001. Rice farmers in rural areas of the State generally adopted the use of improved rice varieties and were however not satisfied with the recommended line spacing of 20cm – 25cm. Credit access, extension contact, amongst others determined farmers’ adoption of improved rice production technologies. Credit provision with fair conditionalities was recommended.