Determinants of rice output among ADP contact farmers in mining and non mining locations of Ivo LGA of Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed factors affecting rice output among Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)  contact farmers in the mining and non mining locations of IVO LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select agricultural circles and rice farmers. The sample size was 120 rice farmers (60 mining area rice farmers and 60 non mining area rice farmers). Data for the analysis were collected from a structured questionnaire. The result indicates that mean ages of mining area rice farmers was 36.70 years, while non mining area rice farmers had 39.50 years. The mean farming experience for both farmers were 13.50 years (mining area rice farmers) and 14 years (non mining area rice farmers) with farm sizes of 1.10 and 1.30 hectares for mining area rice farmers and non mining area rice farmers respectively. The extension contact for both farmer groups was 2 times per month. The multiple regression (Exponential) estimates of the determinants of rice output in the two locations showed that the coefficients of farming experience, farm size, farm income and extension contacts as well as age in the non mining areas affected rice output. When the two groups were pooled, farm size, farm income and extension contacts significantly affected rice output at given levels of probability. The results of the test of equality between the two groups revealed that estimated relationships differed significantly, as the chow test showed that F – calculated (56.57) is greater than the F – tabulated (6.47). Review of Land Use Act of 1990, increased extension contacts, subsidy on farm inputs and formation of farmer groups were advocated for increased rice production and thus encouraging youths to engage in the business.

Keywords: Rice output, ADP farmers. Mining and Non-Mining