An investigation into the Infrastructure, Rice Cropping Intensity and Land Use Dynamics in Benue State, Nigeria,

Abstract

The possible results of infrastructure, rice copping intensity and land use dynamics in areas of Benue State are not known as to equip policy makers in government in their pursuance of land resource utilization towards increased rice production intensity. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the infrastructure, rice cropping intensity and land use dynamics in Benue State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of farming families in the area, (ii) identify land use pattern of rice farmers relative to their socio-economic characteristics, (iii) identify and describe rural infrastructure and new technologies available to farmers, (iv) describe the effects of infrastructure on rice cropping intensity, and (v) determine the effects of adoption of new technology on rice land use intensity. The study adopted survey design. Makurdi, Guma, and Gwer were selected from the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State based on their geographical advantage of the River Benue flood basin to rice production and proximity to marketing infrastructure and other available infrastructures in the state as well as their productivity level. Nine villages, 3 from each LGA were selected Thirteen rice farmers were randomly selected within the nine surveyed areas making a total of 117 respondents. Primary data were collected for the study that made use of panel data from 2009 to 2014 based on the experience of the farmers. The data were generated by a team of well-trained enumerators consisting of village extension agents of the BNARDA, EGAS ventures and local government councils in the study area under the supervision of the researcher using structured and pretested questionnaire covering the farmers’ demographic/socio economic characteristics, land holding and biophysical characteristics, rice production, marketing and land use, agricultural technology, practices and inputs, water management infrastructure market accessibility and travel distances. Both descriptive and relevant inferential statistics such as frequency, percentages, means and multiple regression analysis were used for data analyses. Socio-economic characteristics of farming families, biophysical characteristics of the area, land use pattern of rice farmers, rural infrastructure and new technologies available to the farmers constitute the descriptive features of the study, while the effects of infrastructure on rice cropping intensity and the effects of the adoption of new technologies on rice land use intensity constitute the explanatory variables of the multiple regression analytical model. Improved access to extension services, modern varieties and use of tractor significantly influence rice cropping intensity and its production. The number of plots distributed among land characteristics suitable for rice production is positively significant to land use intensity. Time taken to farm as an accessibility indicator is a reflection of transportation infrastructure Synergy among rice farmers in terms of cooperative societies is essential to bridge the extension gap between Government and the farmers. Surveys and land development relative to rice production is essential to increase number of plots suitable for rice production and rice land use intensity. Development of irrigation system through dams and governments effort in subsidizing inputs like fertilizers and tractors is also vital to the cropping intensity in the area.