Optimizing the Output of Rice Farmers in Niger and Nassarawa States, Nigeria

This research study focused on optimizing the output of rice farmers in Niger and Nassarawa States, Nigeria. The study collected primary data from 180 rice farmers utilizing structured questionnaires. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the farm specific and farmers features of rice production, optimize and determine the input factors (farm size, labour, fertilizer, agrochemicals, seeds) affecting output of rice producers, evaluate the socio-economic factors affecting the technical inefficiency of rice producers and determine the technical efficiency scores of rice producers. The analytical tools used to achieve the objectives were stochastic production efficiency frontier model (SPEFM), return to scale (RTS), elasticity of production model (EP) and t-Test of difference between means. The findings revealed that rice production generates profits and demonstrated a substantial financial difference between cost and returns. Production elasticity showed a positive result for all farm inputs including farm size, labour, fertilizers, agrochemicals and seeds and as a result, these inputs boost output levels. A proportional increase in input resources results in more than a proportional increase in output at a return to scale ratio of 1.020 in the rice farming operation. The analysis reveals that farm size with combined seeds and fertilizers stands as the significant and primary production factors for rice but actual production efficiency depends mainly on the education level, farm experience and cooperative standing of the producers. Rice productivity will increase through better access to productive inputs combined with available land improvements and financial assistance. The paper suggests policy solutions which support both efficient resource management and technical training initiatives to enhance farmers' output levels.