Abstract
This study investigates the role of value addition in enhancing productivity within the context of rice production and processing, with a specific focus on the Adani community in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. The research aims to explore how value addition strategies can contribute to increasing productivity levels in the rice industry, thereby fostering economic growth and development in the region. Employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study will assess current practices, challenges, and opportunities associated with value addition in rice production and processing. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations, and analyzed using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and local communities to formulate strategies and interventions aimed at optimizing productivity and enhancing the competitiveness of the rice sector in Adani and similar agricultural regions.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The struggles of Nigeria farmers in finding ways to increase farm income, interest in “adding value” to raw agricultural products has grown tremendously. The value of farm products can be increased in endless ways: by cleaning and cooling, packaging, processing, distributing, cooking, combining, churning, culturing, grinding, hulling, extracting, drying, smoking, handcrafting, spinning, weaving, labeling, or packaging. According to (Kaplinsky, 2010) value addition means adding value to a raw product by taking it to at least the next stage of production. This can be as simple as retaining ownership of your calves and wintering them on wheat pasture or placing them in a feedlot. Value can be added through membership in a cooperative that processes your products, such
as a cooperative cotton gin. Or, adding value may be as elaborate as going all the way to the consumer with a “case-ready” food product. Hence rice farmers have keen interest in adding value to their rice production and processing so as to enhance the product.
Rice is an important staple food in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have developed tastes for polished and size-sorted medium to long-grained rice. Local production of rice has been increasing over the years. Besides offering a higher return, value addition on rice production and processing can open new markets, create recognition for a farm, expand the market season, and make a positive contribution to the community like in the case of Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state of Nigeria. Though, value addition will enhance productivity in rice production and processing in the area but it is a long-term approach, not a “quick fix.” It requires the willingness and ability to take on risk, as well as adequate capital, management skills, and personal skills such as the ability to interact with the public to succeed (; Kaplinsky and Morris, 2000).
Production is the process of transforming certain goods and services known as inputs into other goods and services known as products (Akubiloet al., 2007). It implies a series of processes, techniques, activities or procedures involved in combining resources of land, labour, capitals, water and management to generate useful effect or products. Value on the other hand implies worth, Benefits price or measure of importance. It is a factor of utility. Value can also be seen as the monetary term in which the utility of a product or an item can be explained.
Therefore, value addition in the production and processing of rice implies all the activities, processes or strategies and distribution of rice which in one way or the other contribute to benefit/utility maximization (Owoh, 2008). It seeks a careful exploration into all the activities, processes or strategies of operation carried out in the production, processing, packaging and distribution of rice which contribute to the maximization of profit or utility derived from rice.
1.2 Problem Statement
Neglect of agricultural activities has been a very serious problem affecting both producers and marketers of agricultural produce in the country.
This situation appears to be aggravated by government and policy makers who have not considered production and marketing of food crops as serious problems to the economic development of the nation. Nigeria has great potential to greatly enhance productivity in rice production and processing. Nigeria is one of the largest rice producing country in Africa. Though the rice locally produced and processed do not compare the foreign rice product in the market and this has made Nigeria the second world largest importer of rice. This is as a result of poor production and processing of locally produced rice. The application of value addition to rice production and processing will enhance the product. Therefore, the basis for value addition is a necessity for enhancing productivity of rice production and processing.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
Based on the aforementioned, the study seeks to answer the following research questions:
• what are the personal and socio-economic characteristics of rice processors in Minna metropolis?
• what are the levels of awareness and sources of awareness of value addition in rice production by the processors?
• what is the level of adoption of the technologies?
• what are the factors influencing the adoption of improved rice technologies in the study area?
• what are the constraints associated with the adoption of improved technologies in the study area?
Hypotheses of the Study
The following null hypotheses (Ho) were to be subjected to empirical validation:
• There is no significant relationship between the personal and socio-economic characteristics of women rice processor such as age, experience, labour availability, education, extension contact, income, access to credit and the rate of adoption of value addition in rice production
• There is no significant difference between income realized by women before and after adoption of improved rice processing of technologies.
• Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study was to determine the level of adoption of value addition in rice production by women in the study area. The specific objectives were to:
• describe socio-economic characteristics of the processors
• describe the level of awareness of the technologies by the women and identify the sources of awareness of value addition in rice production
• determine the level of adoption of the technologies
• determine the factors influencing adoption of value addition in rice production in the study area
• identify constraints associated with adopting the technologies
1.6 Significance of the study
From all indication the rate of rice importation is high due to insufficient production and lack of value addition to enhance the productivity of the rice production and processing. The result of this study will enable researcher, government and policy makers to know the problems and constraints that have hindered adequate local rice production, as this will help them to make policies that will tackle this problem.
Also the result of this study will educate farmers on the importance of value addition on rice production and processing in order to improve productivity.
Furthermore, this study will serve as a useful tool in guiding policy makers and to students who intend to carryout a research on related topic.
1.7 Limitation of Study
This project is centered on value addition as a basis for enhancing productivity in rice production and processing. However, the scope will be limited to Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state.
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