Membership of Rice Farmers Associations and Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technology in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria

The study examined adoption of recommended practices on improved rice production technology among members and non-members of Rice Farmers Associations in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of 282 respondents comprising of 141 members and 141 non-members from both States and semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was done by using descriptive statistics and Z-test. Results of the study showed that apart from number of years of formal education and use of mobile phones, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in age, household size, household labour, size of rice field and years of experience in rice production among members and non-members. In terms of adoption of recommended practices on improved rice production technology, performance of members was significantly better (P<0.05) than that of non-members in Kaduna whereas no significant difference was observed among members and non-members in Kano. Encouraging farmers to join Rice Farmers Associations alone may not lead to better adoption of improved rice production technology. It is recommended that the capacity of Rice Farmers Associations should be strengthened for them to operate as business entities and gain access to formal markets. Keywords: Adoption, Improved Rice Production Technology, Rice Farmers Associations and Socioeconomic Characteristic

Effects of Membership of Rice Farmers Associations on Access to Institutional Support for Rice Production in Kaduna and Kano States, Northwest Nigeria

The study examined the effects of membership of Rice Farmers Associations (RFAs) on access to institutional support for rice production in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of 282 respondents comprising of 141 members and 141 non-members from both States while semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Z-test. Results of the study showed that members had significantly higher amount of agricultural credit than non-members in Kaduna and Kano. There was no significant difference at P<0.05 in access to agricultural extension services among members and non-members in Kaduna.  In Kano, access to agricultural extension services was significantly better among members than non-members. Access to improved seeds and subsidised fertiliser through the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme of the Federal Government was not influenced by membership of RFAs in the study area. The study concluded that access to institutional support for rice production was similar among members and non-members of RFAs. It is recommended that the government should ensure that farmers are not only encouraged to join associations but are supported with necessary inputs and extension advisory services to boost food production. Existing local structures that farmers depend on for support in food production should be identified and strengthened for them to provide better services. Keywords: Rice Farmers Associations, access to credit, access to extension services, access to seeds and subsidised fertiliser, Nigeri