Trend analysis of area, production and productivity of Rice in Nigeria, 1986- 2006

Abstract

This study examined the trends in the output, area and productivity of rice in Nigeria from 1986-2006 and investigated the pattern of the observed growth by fitting exponential trend equations to the output, area and productivity of rice. The computed growth rates for output and area were positive and significant for the period. However, statistically significant deceleration was confirmed for output, area and productivity. Significant acceleration and or stagnation was not observed for either area, production or productivity of rice in Nigeria during the period under investigation. The study recommends the expansion of the area currently under rice cultivation in addition to agricultural extension, market liberalization, greater investments to improve the well-being and productivity of farmers through education, improving farmers' access to productive inputs, strengthening of research and networking, technology development and transfer as well as an effective and efficient input delivery system to the farmers and guaranteed output markets.