Abstract
This study was carried out with the aim to find out the level and socio-economic determinants of the adoption of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) using Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria as a case study. One hundred and sixteen rice farmers were randomly selected in this area, twenty eight of which adopted NERICA rice varieties within 2009/2010 cropping season. Information was gathered through the use of well structured questionnaire and personal interview of the farmers. Descriptive statistics, ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression analysis and T-test statistics were used for the analysis of the data collected. It was discovered through the findings that the rate of adoption was 33.36%, while the socio-economic determinants of the adoption of the technologies include farming experience, age of the farmer, frequency of contact with the officials of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in the state and farm size. Moreover, the findings show that the nonadopters of NERICA technological package had higher average output and average yield than the adopters of the technologies. Lastly, the study gave valuable recommendations which could be helpful toward enhancing improved rate of adoption of NERICA rice technologies by the farmers in the study area.
Highlights
Since the introduction of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in the mid 1990’s, the NERICA has carved a special niche for itself among upland rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is a symbol of hope for food security in SSA, the most impoverished region in the world where a staggering one-third of the people are under-nourished and half of the population struggle to survive on US $1 a day or less (Think Quest Team, 2006)
The NERICA is a group of rice varieties resulting from the inter-specific crossing between the Asian rice (Oryza sativa) and the African rice (Oryza glaberrima)
The objective of this study is to determine the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of the NERICA technology and to examine the level of adoption of NERICA rice by farmers in the study area
Summary
Since the introduction of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in the mid 1990’s, the NERICA has carved a special niche for itself among upland rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Today, it is a symbol of hope for food security in SSA, the most impoverished region in the world where a staggering one-third of the people are under-nourished and half of the population struggle to survive on US $1 a day or less (Think Quest Team, 2006). The NERICA is a group of rice varieties resulting from the inter-specific crossing between the Asian rice (Oryza sativa) and the African rice (Oryza glaberrima). They are the output of the hybridization breeding programme started in 1991 by the Africa Rice Centre (WARDA). Up to eighteen (18) NERICA varieties have been disseminated in numerous countries across SSA such as Nigeria, Sierra-Leone, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Cote
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
