EFFECT OF IMPROVED MAIZE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ON THE POVERTY STATUS OF RURAL FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Improved maize production technology will increase output per hectare which could translate into increased income. Maize is a major crop produce in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study examined the effect of improved maize production technology on the poverty status of farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire and interview schedule. Foster-Greer-Thobecke technique was used to obtain the poverty status of the maize farmers and chow test was conducted to test the effect of the use of improved maize technology on poverty status. Two categories of farmers were selected for the study i.e adopters and non-adopters of improved maize production technology. The result of the study showed that 25.34 and 44.44% of the adopter and nonadopters respectively, are still living in poverty. What is required to bring 24.59%, 33.83% and 37.39% of the adopters, non-adopters and the pooled sample to the poverty line was 72,557.99, 66.763.75 and 94.072.70 Naira respectively. The chow test revealed that, the use of improved maize production technology had a significant positive effect on the poverty status of the maize farmers. The study recommends that, sustained use of improved maize production will get the farmers out of poverty. Keywords: Foster-Greer-Thobecke, Production Technology, Poverty, Adopter, Chow Test.