Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Contribution to Rice Production in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the determinants of smallholder farmers’ contribution to rice production in Ogun State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling proceudure was used to select 124 farmers from three major rice-producing local government areas in the State. The study collected data using a structured questionnaire and analysed them using percentages, mean scores, and Chi-Square. All the rice farmers cultivated the Ofada variety, and 66.9% operated on 0.5-2.0 hectares. Mean yield was 1.8 tons per hectare, below the national average of 3 tons, reflecting low productivity. Production was strongly motivated by ready market access (1.9 ± 0.26) and profit (1.8 ± 0.37). Key constraints included pests (2.0 ± 0.00), climate-related challenges (1.8 ± 0.26) and inadequate finance (1.8 ± 0.45). Level of education (χ²=14.055, p=0.007) had a significant relationship with the level of farmers contribution to rice production. The study concludes that smallholder farmers’ contribution remains low and highlights the need to strengthen farmer cooperatives and institutional linkages to improve access to inputs, credit, and extension services to enhance productivity.