ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALL-SCALE RICE PROCESSING AMONG WOMEN IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This research investigates the technical efficiency, challenges, and contributions of women in the small-scale rice processing sector in Lafia Local Government Area (L.G.A.), highlighting their dominance in the rice production value chain. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the study determined a mean technical efficiency of 57%, indicating significant room for improvement, as inefficiencies suggest a potential 43% increase in processed rice output if less efficient processors adopt better strategies and techniques. The analysis identified multiple challenges faced by women in the sector, including epileptic power supply (87%), the adverse impact of foreign rice on local demand (30%), poor pricing of polished rice (27%), high levels of impurities and broken grains (26%), lack of access to credit facilities (17%), and the poor state of infrastructure, particularly outdated or insufficient rice mills (15%). Furthermore, societal constraints related to marriage and childcare, though less significant, were mentioned by a minority. Despite these limitations, women play a central role in the processing sector, with their resilience and entrepreneurial efforts sustaining small-scale rice production. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to address infrastructural deficits, improve access to credit, stabilize local rice pricing, and enhance technical capacity through training and innovation. By resolving these issues, the efficiency and output of women processors can be greatly enhanced, contributing to improved livelihoods and greater food security in the region.