Analysis of Rice Processing in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed rice processing in Otukpo local government area of Benue State, and specific objectives were to: examine the socio-economic characteristics of rice processing, the cost structure associated with rice processing, and the constraints faced by rice processing in the study area. The total population of registered rice processors was 80, and the sample size was 80 because the population was manageable.  The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. The primary data was obtained through interviews with eighty (80) rice processing workers using questionnaires and verbal interviews. The results showed that 62.5% of the rice processors were female, while 37.5% were male. This indicates that females dominate the rice processing business in the study area, though there is also notable male participation, which may reflect growing gender inclusiveness in agro-enterprises. The mean age was 39 years, with the largest proportion (37.5%) in the 29–39 age group, followed by 23.75% below 21 years. The study concluded that there is a poor state of adequate technology, technical know-how, government incentive and training. High cost and drudgery equally constitute significant constraints to the rice business in Otukpo, Benue State. Based on the research findings in this work, the following recommendations are put forward: Rice processing in Otukpo, Benue state, should be given general attention by all, ranging from the processors to government and NGOs, and the processors should put up co-operatives to enable them make more efficiency and assess NGOs and government incentives and loans.