Technology adoption and productivity difference among growers of New Rice for Africa in savanna zone of Nigeria.

Summary The use of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) and complementary rice production technology is being promoted by Nigeria government in order to increase productivity of upland rice farming. This study examines the levels, determinants and effects of complementary technology adoption on productivity of NERICA rice farming. Data for the study were obtained from sample survey of 227 NERICA rice farmers in the guinea savanna zone using multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using Tobit regression model and Cobb-Douglas production function. Results showed that the average technology score was 52.1 percent (+ 0.242). Fifty-five percent of the farmers who scored above the mean were categorized as low technology users. Tobit regression estimation shows that farmers’ technology score was affected significantly (P< 0.05) by farmer’s level of education (0.0127), extension visit (0.0145), farming experience (0.0085), land ownership status (0.0687), credit use (0.0698) and level of rice commercialization (0.3783). Cobb-Douglas production estimation shows a neutrally outward shift in production function as the level of complementary technology increases, indicating increasing productivity. Thus, promotion of complementary technology in NERICA rice production is a worthwhile effort and should continue to be funded. Improvement of those factors that significantly affect adoption of complementary technology is recommended.