Adoption of Improved Rice Varieties among Small-Holder Farmers in South-Western Nigeria

The research examines the status of adoption of improved rice varieties among small holder farmers in South-west Nigeria with a view to asses the impact of technology transfer on rice production in the region. A total of 157 rice farmers selected through multi-stage sampling technique were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The results show that farmers have responded appreciably to intervention programme that promote the use of the improved rice varieties with an adoption rate of 68.7%. The mean yield of improved rice varieties (1.601 t ha 1) was significantly higher than the yield of the local varieties (1.154 t ha 1) with a yield advantage of 38.7%. Also ITA 150 and Ofada were the most prominent improved and local varieties, respectively. However, the mean yield (1.586 t ha 1) for paddy rice in the area is still considerably low indicating that the improved rice technology is yet to have an appreciable impact on the level of productivity. However, the improved rice technology was estimated to have led to a 19.4% proportional production increase in rice production in the area. Farm size, frequency of extension contact and the yield rating of the improved rice varieties are the significant factors influencing both the decision of farmers to adopt the improved rice varieties and intensity of use (p =<0.10).