Demographic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and its Effects on Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the Demographic Characteristics of Rice Farmers and its Effects on Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The different demographic characteristics of farmers which includes various socio-economic status of rice farmers is hypothesized to have significant impact on the farmers life style including the farming activities. Survey design approach was adopted using primary data source. Four hundred questionnaire were administered across the 10 wards / rice farming communities in Kura LGA using purposive stratified sampling frame. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. It was discovered that the literacy level of respondents is low; the highest percentage (39.3%) attained only secondary school as their highest educational qualification; whereas only 20% attained tertiary educational status. This could be attributed to the availability of job opportunities in the rice farming (both rainfed and irrigated) which attract the youths to venture immediately after completing their secondary education, thereby hindering them from furthering education. It is recommended among others that the rice farmers should always be encouraged to further their education through many strategies including awareness campaign.