Factors Influencing the Adoption FARO-44 Rice among Smallholder Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the factors determining the adoption of FARO-44 rice variety among smallholder farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting the 175 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model. The result revealed that majority of the respondents were young in age, educated and married. The result also showed that majority of the respondents were aware of the FARO-44 rice variety and also adopted the improved variety. Furthermore, the study showed that age, primary occupation, farming experience, access institutional credit, monthly farm income, cost of FARO-44 rice seeds and access to extension services were influencing the adoption of the FARO-44 rice variety in the study area. To increase rice production in the study area, the study recommended that the State government should make access to institutional credit a single digit interest rate, subsidies on farm inputs and more extension services which will enhance and improve the adoption/planting of the improved rice variety in the study area.