REDUCING FOOD INSECURITY VIA IMPROVED IRRIGATED RICE FARMING PRACTICES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study reviewed food insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the prospects of addressing it through improving the technical efficiency of irrigated rice production in the region. The aim was to identify the existing challenges and prospects of improving the technical efficiency of irrigated rice production in the region as a panacea to food insecurity. Six empirical studies (two from each of the three geo-political zones) of Northern Nigeria were examined. Eleven publications were also reviewed through content analysis to determine the prospects of improving technical efficiency of rice production. The findings showed that technical efficiency under irrigated rice production in the region was 89%. Among other inputs, farm size was positive and significant in Sokoto (p < 0.01), Kwara (p < 0.05), Borno (p < 0.01) and Taraba States (p < 0.01) for increasing the output of irrigated rice. Thus, a unit increase in farm size would increase output by their respective coefficients. The challenges identified included low utilization of irrigable land, sub-optimal use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, inadequate extension services, and low access to farm credit. The northern region has prospects of improving irrigated rice productivity given its vast natural irrigation endowments and the huge investments in irrigation infrastructure and rice farming technologies. The study recommended, among others, strengthening the collaboration between agricultural extension with subject-matter specialists in the rice subsector for the training and retraining of irrigated rice farmers on the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies as pathways for improving irrigated rice productivity and food security in Northern Nigeria