Comparative analysis of male and female adopters of improved rice production technology in Ogun and Ekiti states, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable food production in developing nations is retarded by gender-related constraints and uneven access to production inputs and opportunities. Gender-linked differences in the adoption of improved rice production technology are responsible for the low production of the crop in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper investigates the differences between male and female adopters of improved rice production technology in Ogun and Ekiti states with hope of facilitating wider adoption of the technology in Nigeria. Following a survey of male and female rice farmers in Ogun and Ekiti states in Nigeria, t-test and the factor analyses, there was significant difference between male and female farmers' adoption of improved rice production technology in the study areas. Institutional, motivational, innovational, attitudinal, environmental and different socio-economic variables are the key factors influencing male and female farmers' decisions on technology adoption. These key factors need to be taken into consideration when expanded program on technology adoption is to be considered.