Comparative Analysis of Profitability of Rice Production among Men and Women Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Aims: Aims of the study were to estimate comparative analysis of profitability of rice production and its determinant in Ebonyi State.

Study Design: Primary data was used for this study. These were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Information on both irrigated and upland rice production was collected.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in three local government area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria between August and November 2014 cropping season.

Methodology: Multistage purposive and random sampling techniques were employed for data collection.

Results: The information collected was subjected to various analyses using the production function analysis model and the gross margin equations. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the regression was 53% and 47% for men and women rice farmers respectively. The results indicate that out of seven variables included in the model, three (farming experience, cost of labour and cost of seed) were found to significantly influence rice profitability among male farmers while four (farming experience, cost of labour, cost of agrochemical and cost of seed) of the variables were significant at influencing rice profitability among female farmers. The Total Variable Cost (TVC) incurred by the male and female respondents averaged N73, 435.00/ha and N60, 906.80/ha, with a Gross Margin (GM) of N86, 328.00/ha and N62, 035.20/ha respectively. Gross Margin/Naira invested was 1.18 and 1.02 for the male and female farmers respectively.

Conclusion: Rice production was a profitable enterprise in the study area as significant profit was recorded per hectare of land cultivated. The study established that if male and female educated farmers are engaged in the production of rice and with proper access to credit, more profit will be realized, hence, the enterprise can serve as a means of employment for the populace as well as improving level of living of both male and female farmers.