Economics of System of Rice Intensification Technology Usage among Rice Farmers in Nigeria

Abstract

Rice production in Nigeria is produced using traditional methods, which made it more difficult for farmers to reach their full output capacity. Modern methods such as the system of rice intensification (SRI) was created in the rice-growing industry to increase productivity. However, there are limited studies on the economic viability of SRI technology and the factors influencing its usage among farmers in Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the costs and returns, and factors influencing the adoption of SRI among rice farmers in Nigeria. We used a questionnaire to collect the relevant information needed for the study from 180 rice farmers that adopt SRI technology. Descriptive statistics, costs and returns analysis, and multivariate logistic regression were methods of data analysis. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the rice farmers using SRI technology in Nigeria were males who are within the economically active age. The rice farmers that adopted SRI technology made a profitability ratio of 0.41, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.68 and a gross margin of USD 370.55 per hectare of land cultivated. These imply that the use of SRI technology in rice farming is profitable. Furthermore, educational level, household size, association membership, farming experience, and the availability of extension services were the determinants of the use of SRI technology. This research call for the promotion of SRI technology through farmers' participation in training programs, extension demonstrations and knowledge exchange.