Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technologies among Youth Farmers in Gbako Local Government Area, Niger State

The study examined the adoption of improved rice production technologies by youths in Gbako L.G.A. of Niger State. To achieve the study objectives, 74 youth rice farmers were randomly selected from eight villages in the area using simple random technique. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Findings showed that fertilizer application was adopted by 79.72% of the respondents, while the least technology adopted was plant spacing practice as reported by 18.92% of the respondents. Results of the study also revealed that adoption of rice technologies had increased output/income, encouraged children education and improved health condition of the respondents. The study equally indicated that preferences for grains quality and straw yield are some of the reasons for adopting improved rice varieties. Furthermore, income, extension contact and social participation had significant relationship with adoption (p < 0.05). The major constraints identified include pest invasion reported by 55.41 percent, followed by inadequate knowledge on plant spacing and planting time with 45.95% response and grazing problem as indicated by 25.68% of the respondents. Based on the findings, it was suggested that more promising rice varieties that will meet the respondents' preference and requirement for grains and straw yield should be developed. Moreso, a team approach to rice extension should be introduced to find holistic solution to the problems of pest and inadequate knowledge.