THE EFFECTS OF FARMERS’ ORGANIZATION AND ACCESS TO CREDIT ON FARMERS’ PREFERENCE FOR ATTRIBUTES OF IMPROVED RICE VARIETIES IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background. Currently, in Nigeria, there is a rising anxiety about food security, with particular focus on rice being a staple food. Farmers’ preferences are crucial in improving the development of rice varieties to increase rice production. Therefore, it is important to investigate farmers’ preference for the attributes of improved rice varieties and the factors underlying the preference. Objective. This study was conducted to determine the effect of access to credit and farmers’ organization on farmers’ preference for improved rice variety attributes in Ekiti State. Methodology. A multi stage sampling procedure was employed to select 150 rice farmers for the study. Data were analyzed using conjoint analysis and ordered probit regression model. Results. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were male (68%), married (96%), fell within the age range of 41 to 60 years (66%), belong to an organization (58%), have family size of 6 to 10 persons (76%), had formal education (92%) and access to credit (68%). The results further revealed that the improved rice variety attributes most preferred by rice farmers are yield (1.523) and grain size (0.745), followed by price (0.680). While, maturity has the least utility range (0.196). The findings also revealed that age of respondents, years of farming experience, membership of farmers’ organization and access to credit significantly influenced farmers’ preference for the attributes of improved rice varieties. Implications. The paper adds evidence for a better understanding of factors driving farmers’ preference for improved rice variety attributes. Conclusions. It was concluded that policy strategies aimed at improving farmers’ preference for the attributes of improved rice varieties must consider the farmers’ organization and access to credit.