ASSESSMENT OF KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING RICE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN EBONYI STATE NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The production and consumption of rice constitute a major stable food in Nigeria.

While it is also estimated that 60% of the world’s population consume the commodity. (Imolehin and Wada, 2000).In major cities in Africa rice has become a stable food for every home. WARDA (1996).In Nigeria the consumption and production of the commodity has become a stable commodity. However the production level is far below the demand for the commodity. According to Imolehin and Wada, 2000 the commodity rank the third position after wheat and maize production globally. The health benefit of rice consumption is enormous as it has the potential of improving nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and sustain land mass. An estimated per capita consumption of rice globally stood at

40% between the years 1961-2002.Consequently rice consumption has continued to increase due to increase in population. Akande, (2003).The increase in the consumption of rice has not been matched with the production levels causing a short fall. The Nigerian agricultural development policy document is aimed at self-sufficiency in basic food commodities such as rice which constitute the large portion of Nigeria’s foreign exchange expenditure. It is believed that the policy will promote the level of production and consumption of rice in the country. The study seeks to proffer an assessment of key factors influencing rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT   OF   THE PROBLEM

The production of rice is faced with some challenges making the sector weak

and inefficient. The channel of distribution of the commodity between the farmers and the market poses difficulty due to poor infrastructure. Other challenges include lack of modern and enhanced processing facilities, poor access to input, low rice productivity,  expensive input, poor storage facility, poor post-harvest handling  expensive and poor access to  quality seed, fertilizer and crop protection products,

Poor market and distribution network. These challenges have affected the level of productivity and income of the farmers especially in Ebonyi state. It has also led to loss of manpower where some of this people have abandoned their farms and left for the city. The problem confronting the study is to proffer an assessment of key factors influencing rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state Nigeria.

1.3 OBJECTIVE   OF THE STUDY

The Main Objective of the study is to proffer an assessment of key factors influencing rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state Nigeria

 ; The specific objectives include

1 To determine the relevance of rice production and marketing in Nigeria.

2 To determine the key factors affecting rice production and marketing in Nigeria.

3 To determine the key factors affecting rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1 What is the relevance of rice production and marketing in Nigeria?

2 What is the factors affecting rice production and marketing in Nigeria?

3 What is the key factors affecting rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study shall provide an evaluative assessment of the challenges facing rice production and marketing in Nigeria and in Ebonyi state; with the view of seeking possible solution to meliorate the weakness.

1.6 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows

HO    The production and marketing in of rice in Ebonnyi state is low

Ho    The challenges facing rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state is high.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study proffers an assessment of key factors influencing rice production and marketing in Ebonyi state Nigeria

 1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUIDY

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

RURAL     DEVELOPMENT   DEFINED

This is the development aimed at the poor in the rural areas.It involves the provision of  good living standard for the people in rural areas.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DEFINED

    The managerial activity involved with the planning and controlling of financial resources of an entity or establishment.

    BUDGETING   DEFINED

    Budgeting involves the process of resource generation, allocation and managements

ACCOUNTABILITY   DEFINED

Accountability: which aims at honesty and judicious use of public funds,

 CONTROL    DEFINED

Control provides organizational structures for effective implementation. Of programs

JAAC DEFINED

 Joint Allocation Account Committee.

NULGE    DEFINED

 Nigerian Union of Local Government.

REFERENCES

Akande, S.O., Akpokodje, G. (2003). Rice prices and market integration. In selected areas in Nigeria. Project report-The Nigerian rice economy in competitive world: constraints, opportunities and strategies choices. Ibadan: Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER,). Pp. 1-20.

[2].Akande, T. (2003). The rice sector in Nigeria. United Nation Crop Project (UNCP) Country Agricultural Project on trade liberalization in Agricultural sector and the environment, Geneva. Pp 10.[3].

.Imolehin, E. D. and Wada, A. C. (2000). Meeting the rice production and consumption demands of Nigeria with improved technologies. National Cereals Research Institute Badger Niger State, Nigeria. 12p.[12].International Institute for Tropical Agricultural IITA (1988)

WARDA (1996) Rice trends in sub Saharan Africa: A synthesis of statistics on rice production, trade and consumption (1973 —1992), West Africa Rice Development Association, Bouake, Cote d‟ Ivoire.