Farmers Adoption Level of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) Varieties in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties were developed at the Africa Rice Centre (WARDA) in 1990s, based on crossings between African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) and Asian rice (O. sativa L.). Nigeria has been one of the seven West African countries that benefited from multinational NERICA rice disseminated project. The purpose of the study is to examine farmers' adoption level of NERICA rice varieties in Ekiti State Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting ninety NERICA rice farmers for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule and were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression. The result showed that the mean age of farmers is 46 years, implying that they are in their active age. Extension agents (72.0%) were the major sources of information to farmers on NERICA rice varieties. It also revealed that farmers had low adoption index of 23.3% as regards NERICA rice varieties. This means that the NERICA rice varieties have not been highly adopted by majority of the farmers. The study further revealed that years of farming experience were positively significant and influence the adoption of NERICA rice varieties. This implies that, if adoption rate is to be increased, then this variety needs to be disseminated among experienced farmers. The major constraints to the adoption of NERICA rice varieties include pest infestation ( x = 1.92), climate change ( x = 1.59) and inadequate capital for adopting the technology ( x = 1.51). Based on the above findings, efforts should be made by research institutes, extension agents and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in encouraging the farmers in the adoption of this proven rice variety in order to enhance Nigeria's rice production by minimizing the constraints.

Socioeconomic Determinants of African Yam Bean (<i>Sphenostylis stenocarpa</i>) Production among Smallholder Crop Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

“…This reveals that the bulk of agricultural-related information such as sources of planting materials, input prices, crop varieties, modern agricultural production practices and technologies are made known to the farmers through agricultural extension services. Akinnagbe and Akinbobola (2022) found that extension agents are responsible for about 72.0% of the sources of information to farmers on NERICA rice varieties in Ekiti State. Maulu, et al (2021) reported that agricultural extension as a major source of information to farmers plays a significant role in disseminating research-based agricultural knowledge and technology to farmers.…”

“…in a study identified challenges confronting AYB farmers in southeast Nigeria as diseases and pests, unavailability of farm input, high labour cost, inadequate funds, lack of farm credit and literacy level of farmers which could be linked to their old age. According to the findings ofAkinnagbe and Akinbobola (2022) pest infestation, climate change and inadequate capital for adopting the technology are some of the challenges facing food crop farmers.…”