Adoption Differentials and Benefits of Improved Rice Production Technologies among Farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria

This study was undertaken to investigate adoption differentials and benefits of improved rice production technologies among farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Multi-stage random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select a total of 240 (two hundred and forty) rice farmers from the three agricultural zones of the State. Primary data were sourced directly from the rice farmers and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of data analysis indicates that most of the rice farmers adopted soil improving technologies such as use of agrochemicals (X = 3.3), zero tillage (X = 3.2), fertilizer application (X = 3.1) whereas, improved processing (X = 2.1) and use of modern rice milling (X = 2.0 were the least adopted. Further analysis reveals that most of the farmers sourced information on improved rice production technologies from extension agents (80%), fellow farmers/ neighbours (75.83%), and ADP contact farmers (66.67%). Agricultural shows (18.33%) and meetings (17.5%) were the least sources of information. The result of multiple regression analysis revealed an R2 of 0.678 and adjusted R2 of 0.591. All the independent variables were positively signed and statistically significant; indicating that they greatly influenced the dependent variables. The null hypotheses indicate significant differences between yield, income, level of living of the rice farmers before and after adoption. It was concluded that low production of rice in the study area was due to low technology adoption. Recommendations such as formation of rice farmers into cooperative societies and complementing recommended technology package with sources of inputs were made, among others. Keywords: Adoption, Rice Farmers, Improved Rice Technologies, Ebonyi State, Nigeri