Abstract

The paper attempts an analysis of the problems (their causes and effects) militating against the sustainability, and by implication, the effective performance of the ADP system in Nigeria. A problem tree was constructed based on problems identified by recent reports of the Agricultural Performance Survey and the National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meetings, activities conducted by NAERLS in collaboration with other NARIs and Federal Agencies. The focal problem is inadequate funding. The developed problem tree was then transposed, thus transforming the root causes and consequences identified into root solutions. From the root solutions, the following available practical solutions were advanced: improving funding for the ADPs through deduction of state and federal governments counterpart funds for the ADPs from source i.e. the federation account and formation of an Agricultural Development Tax Fund (ADTF) fashioned not in line with the Education Tax Fund (ETF) to provide additional and sustainable source of funds for agricultural development in Nigeria.

Post-harvest losses, particularly along the rice value chain, have been highlighted as a major source of reduction in revenue among the value chain actors. It is therefore imperative that empirical assessment of the magnitude and determinants be investigated, so as to be able to provide a reliable policy stand that can help reduce these losses. Patigi and Edu local government areas were purposively sampled from Kwara state, Nigeria, since they are the major producers of rice in the State. Data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire from 40 rice farmers, 40 rice processors and 40 rice marketers. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the data. The result showed that the loss was highest for farmers at 41-50 kg (₦14402.40) (1 Naira = 0.002772 U.S. $), 31-40 kg (₦2383.20) for processors and at less than 11 kg (₦398.30) for the marketers. Household size and farm size were significant at 1% in determining post-harvest losses for farmers, while only the household size was significant in determining post-harvest losses for processors. It was thus recommended that efficient milling machine should be introduced, particularly to rural rice processors, such that quality grains can be achieved.