SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES BY FARMERS IN IBAJI LGA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The broad objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of improved rice processing technologies by farmers in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Sample size of one hundred and twenty respondents were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistic, ordered probit regression and 3 likert-scales were used. The analysis indicates that 52.5% of respondents were male and 47.5% female, with 37.5% of farmers aged 26 to 35 years, and an average age of 37. Most farmers had 1-5 children, and 61.7% attained secondary education or higher, while 25.8% had tertiary education. A significant majority (79.2%) were married, and 66.7% managed 1-2 hectares of land. Additionally, 70.0% had over 10 years of rice processing experience, with 35.8% earning between 451,000-550,000 Naira annually, averaging 500,000 Naira. Notably, 52.5% belonged to farmers' organizations, and 62.5% had no extension visits. The educational status has negative relationship with adopting improved rice processing technologies, significant at 1% confidence level. Major constraints identified included climate fluctuations, high agrochemical costs, and technology complexity. The study recommends that processors form groups for better bargaining power and that stakeholders recruit more extension agents to enhance rice processors' contact with extension services.