Farmers' Attitudes toward Certified Rice Seeds in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study investigated farmers' attitudes towards certified rice seeds in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It ascertained respondents' attitudes toward certified seeds, described their expectations and determined their constraints in cultivating certified seeds. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected for the study through a multi-stage sampling procedure, while structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analysed using percentages, means and regression analysis at p=0.05. Results show that farmers major expectations of certified rice seeds included increased yield (89%), increased income (78%), and ease of harvesting and processing (69%). Farmers' attitudes toward cultivating certified rice seeds were not very favourable ((x) over bar =2.10). Weak role of agricultural extension ((x) over bar =2.9), cost of seed ((x) over bar =2.9) and lack of agricultural insurance ((x) over bar =2.8) were constraints to their cultivation of certified rice seeds. Education (beta=2.325), distance to the source of certified seed (beta=-1.274) and access to extension services (beta=3.155) were the factors that influenced farmers' attitudes toward certified rice seed. Farmers do not have a favourable attitude towards certified seeds. Certified seed distribution networks should be increased to reduce the distance covered by farmers while accessing certified seeds. Dissemination of information on certified seeds should be monitored to prevent misinformation and improve farmer's attitudes towards it.