This study examined adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Factors influencing the output of rice produced and choice of marketing outlets among smallholder rural farming households are the main focus to improve rice production and increase the income of the farmers. Primary data were used for this study. Data were obtained using a well-designed well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to two hundred and seven (207) small-holder rural rice farming households. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. Data were analyzed using Multinomial Logit Model, Gini-Coefficient, Double-Log Regression Model, (Cobb-Douglas) and Principal Component Analysis. The results of the Multinomial Logit regression model show that among the significant factors that influence the choice of rice market outlets were: sex of the household head (P<0.10), educational level (P<0.10), access to credit facilities (P<0.05), extension services (P<0.01), price information (P<0.05), market information (P<0.01) and, marketing experience ((P<0.05). The value of Gini-Coefficient calculated was 0.91429. The observed inequality in income distribution among small-holder rural rice farmers was a reflection of inefficiency in the market structure for rice. The results of Double-Log Regression model revealed that quantity of rice output harvested was positively and significantly influenced by farm size (P<0.05), the quantity of seed planted (P<0.01), the volume of chemical applied (P<0.05), labour input (P<0.01), and contract farming (P<0.05). Quantity of fertilizer and expected price of output was negative and significant at (P<0.01), and (P<0.05) probability levels respectively. The coefficient of the multiple determinations (R 2 ) in the production model was 0.51. This signifies that the explanatory variables included in the model accounted for about 51% variations in the quantity of rice output harvested in the study area. Smallholder rice farmers were faced with the following challenges in rice production and market outlet choice which include: Fire outbreak, thieves, cattle herdsmen attack, flood occurrence, transportation problem, poor storage facility, inadequate capital, lack of land/ tractor, poor price, high cost of chemical, inadequate fertilizer, lack of improved seed, inadequate extension officers, and lack of credit facilities. This study recommends that new innovations and technology that targets increased productivity should be promoted, provision of adequate extension officers is needed, input market supply for provision of seeds, fertilizers and storage facilities should be made accessible to farmers, provision of rice processing equipment should be made available, contract farming and marketing should be encouraged for increased rice production and market out choice for profit maximization among rice farmers to eradicate poverty and improve their welfare.
Information is very important for sustainable agricultural development. In order to increase
This study focuses on determinants of the agricultural loan decision-making process of rice (Oryza sativa) farmers in Abuja, Nigeria, using the Heckman two-stage model and factor analysis. This study was designed specifically to achieve the following objectives: determine the socio-economic profiles or characteristics of rice farmers, analyze the costs and returns of rice production, evaluate factors influencing rice farmers’ decision to obtain an agricultural loan, evaluate socio-economic factors influencing the amount of the agricultural loan, and determine the constraints or problems facing rice farmers. A multi-stage sampling design was employed. A total sample of one hundred (100) rice farmers was included, and primary data were utilized. Data were obtained through the use of a well-structured and well-designed questionnaire. Statistical and econometric tools used in analyzing data included descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, financial analysis, the Heckman two-stage model, and principal component analysis. The results show that 63% of rice farmers were between the age of 31–50 years. The mean age was 41.90 years. About 65% of rice farmers were male, and 54% of them were married. Also, 93% of rice farmers had formal education and were literate. The household sizes were large, with an average of six persons per household. An average of 71,550 nairas was the loan amount granted to rice farmers by financial institutions. The average farm size amounted to 1.49 hectares. Factors influencing the decision of rice farmers to obtain agricultural loan included age (P < 0.01), marital status (P < 0.05), household size (P < 0.10), educational level (P < 0.05), farm size (P < 0.05), farm and non-farm income (P < 0.10), farm experience (P < 0.05), collateral property (P < 0.05), extension services (P < 0.10), and awareness of loan or credit facilities (P < 0.05). Rice production was profitable with a net farm income of 744,300 nairas. The gross margin ratio of 0.95 means that 95 kobos covered profits, taxes, expenses, interest, and depreciation for every naira invested in rice production activities. Socio-economic factors statistically and significantly influencing the amount of agricultural loan obtained by rice farmers included (P < 0.05) sex (P < 0.01), household size (P < 0.05) and educational level (P < 0.01). The constraints facing rice farmers in obtaining the agricultural loan and production activities included lack of collateral property, lack of fertilizer input, poor-quality feeder roads, lack of credit facilities, inadequate labor input, and complicated and costly administrative procedures to obtain a loan. It is recommended that agricultural loans be made available to rice farmers in sufficient amounts and at low-interest rates. Also, farm inputs, fertilizer inputs, improved seeds, and chemicals should be made available to rice farmers
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