IMPLICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE VARIETIES ON FARMERS' WELL-BEING IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Adoption of innovation and agricultural technology is expected to transform the livelihood outcome of farmers. But, in the case of smallholder farmers, the assumption has not been evident as expected. In this study, we investigated the effects of adoption of Improved Rice Varieties (IRV) on poverty status of rice
farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria. Sampling about 200 rice farmers from the clusters. Primary data was obtained through the use of well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, Foster Greer Thorbecke (FGT) and Instrumental Variable Regression methods were used to analyze the data.
Findings indicated that most adopters were ages averaged at 46.82 years and 45.52 years for non-adopters. Educational levels were for both adopters and non-adopters was high, which may support higher adoption rate of agricultural innovations. Farming experience is also a factor, with adopters averaging 21.2 years
compared to 19.56 years for non-adopters. The poverty analysis reveals that 25% of rice farmers were below the poverty line, with adopters significantly less likely to be poor.Also, the regression analysis shows that the adoption of improved rice varieties negatively influence poverty, reducing the poverty gap among farmers. The key factors influencing poverty include sex (p=0.023), farming experience (p=0.041), and contact with extension agents (p=0.004), adoption of IRV ((p=0.066), discontinuity of IRV (p=0.049) and agricultural information (p=0.052). The study recommends promoting educational programs and training workshops on modern farming techniques, improving interactions between farmers and agricultural extension agents, and strengthening extension services to provide up-to-date information and technical support.