Resource Use Efficiency of Rice Farmers Participating in Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State of Nigeria

The research empirically determined the efficiency of the productive resources used in rice production among IFAD beneficiaries in Niger State of Nigeria using field survey data of 2018 production season elicited from 111 farmers through structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule and the representative sample size was arrived at through multi-stage sampling design. The multiple regression model which adopted ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique was used to analyze the data collected. The empirical findings showed that the farmers were operating within the economic region of production but were not at the economic optimum point owing to inefficiency in the utilization of the available recommended technologies at their disposal coupled with market imperfections. Thus, sequel to this, the study recommends the need for capacity building for the farmers on the recommended technologies viz. efficient extension services delivery (e.g. farmers field school) and adoption of neo-classical extension approach (farmer to farmer extension approach). In addition, provisions of consumption credit apart from the advanced production credit for the productivity of the latter and agro-inputs subsidies due to the farmers’ poor economic status and the prevailing market imperfections are suggested in the studied area.

Farmers were not efficient in the utilization of the farm resources at their disposal given the available technology.

There is need for capacity building so as to enhance productivity of rice in the studied area.