Perceived Contribution of Agricultural Transformation Agenda to Rice Production of Farm Families in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Farm families’ perception of the contribution of agricultural programme to improving their farming activities affects sustainability of such programmes. Therefore, the perceived contribution of ATA to rice production of farm families in Southwestern Nigeria was determined.Interview schedule was used to collect data from 103 respondents in Ogun and Osun states. Data collected were described using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, mean, frequency distribution and analysed using Chi-square, Spearman rho rank correlation, Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) and Regression at p = 0.05 . Mean age of respondents was 46.9 years. Also, 54.4% of the respondents were male. More than half of the respondents (50.5%) indicated that credit access as a factor affects their perception of the contribution of ATA to improving production. Also, 55.6% had favourable perception of contribution of ATA to the improvement of their rice production. There was significant relationship between level of education (r=0.240) and perception of the contribution of ATA to the improvement of rice production. Membership of farmers’ association significantly affected respondents’ perception of the contribution of ATA to the improvement of their rice production (B=3.436). Farm families thus perceive that ATA contribute greatly to the improvement of their rice production. Efforts at ensuring easier access to inputs, credit and adequate technical support through ATA would enhance participation.