AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PRODUCTION PRACTICES AMONG SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN GULANI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

The extent of adoption of improved rice production practices among smallholder farmers in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria, was examined. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 240 smallholder farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The results indicated high adoption rates for tractors in land preparation, planting of improved varieties, seed sorting, seed dressing materials, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides for weed control. In contrast, mechanical winnowers and threshers exhibited low adoption rates. It is recommended that policymakers promote the adoption of modern rice production practices by implementing extension delivery approaches such as Farmers' Field Schools and farm visits.