Analysis of Variation for Rain-Fed Rice Production in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Rice has become a prominent food crop the world over. Nigeria is the largest rice producer in Africa, but due to the high population, the current domestic production cannot meet the high demand of the populace. The main focus or objective of this study is to determine the disparity in rain-fed rice production in the Dass Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information on the socio-economic profile, methods of rice planting and inputs used during the production season using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics presented in tables of frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics such as one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression generated from Just Another Statistical Program (JASP) version 0.16.4.0 were employed to give the most basic characteristics of rain-fed rice farmers surveyed in the study area. Results: The majority of the rice farmers fell within the age category of adults and old age and had no extension contact throughout the season with small fragmented landholdings. There was a significant variation in the yield component between broadcasting, direct seeding, or sowing and transplanting (p<0.001). Variable inputs used had significant effect on yield (p<0.05) except labour. Conclusion: Transplanting is the suitable planting method for rice in marshy areas with available and affordable labor. Providing labor-saving technology and encouraging farm mechanization can reduce over-dependency on young household members for manual labor.