Abstract

The study assessed the capacity building needs of rice value chain actors in Benue and Nasarawa States. The population of the study comprised of all rice value chain actors in both states. Specific objectives were, examining available critical facilities, ascertain local practices and determine the use of improved practices. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 320 respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The highest (52.7%) pooled for both states of respondents fall within the age bracket of 21 – 40 years and 41- 60 years. Majority (78.9%) and (67.8%) of the rice value chain actors were married. Highest (83.3%) Pooled input suppliers possessed post-secondary school qualification (OND, HND, NCE and B.Sc). It was found that majority (71.1%) of the respondents had farm size of 1.1 hectares and (61.1%) of the actors had household sizes of < 5 persons. The result obtained showed an estimated annual income of less than one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000). Some (22.5%) pooled of the rice value chain actors where engaged in the use of traditional hoe for cultivation, while about (21.2%) pooled respondents were involved in the use of cutlers and machetes for land clearing. The result also indicated that the local seeds were replaced by improved varieties like ITA. 150, Faro 55 and type 56. All the rice value chain actors required capacity building. Three categories of factors affecting capacity building needs of rice value chain actors, socio-political, economic, managerial and environment and climatic factors were identified. The level of use of improved practices was higher (x=241) in Nasarawa than in Benue State (Z=1.89) for producers, processors and marketers. The z-test of no different show a significant difference in the use of improved practices by rice processors between Nasarawa and Benue State with z-value of 2.579. The result of multiple regression estimates revealed a significant relationship between sex, occupation, farm size (socio-economic factors) of both producers and input suppliers, implying the rejection of null hypothesis and accepting the alternative, while occupation and experience were significant at 5% level in explaining the capacity building of rice processors. Rice marketer’s capacity building were significantly explained by all the socio economic factors with the exception of age, marital status, experience and size of rice farm. Base on the findings of the study concludes that capacity building should be provided for all the actors within the two states in order to achieve self-reliance through strengthening of human and institutional capabilities in rice economic. In view of this findings, it was recommended therefore government, non-governmental organization should be involved in the provision of critical infrastructural facilities like electricity, transportation and water to enhance rice value chain activities and reduce rice importation.