Determinants of Adoption Rate of Rice Production Technologies Introduced by Agricultural Research Outreach Centres (AROCs) by Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the determinants of adoption rate of rice production technologies introduced by Agricultural Research Outreach Centres in Nigeria. Data were collected using a multi-sampling technique. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results revealed that respondents’ mean age was 50 years; level of formal education of farmers was low and farm size was 2.5ha on the average. Age, farming experience, years of schooling and number of extension visits were the socioeconomic determinants affecting rate of adoption. It was recommended that more villages should be selected with partnership between government and the private sector in order to cover more grounds and increase the rate of adoption of new technologies. Also, government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize establishment of the best extension teaching methods and systems as well as administration to help increase adoption rate of innovations and sustainability of the use of these technologies over time.