The study examined the adoption of improved rice production technologies by
youths in Gbako L.G.A. of Niger State. To achieve the study objectives, 74 youth
rice farmers were randomly selected from eight villages in the area using simple
random technique. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and
chi-square test. Findings showed that fertilizer application was adopted by
79.72% of the respondents, while the least technology adopted was plant
spacing practice as reported by 18.92% of the respondents. Results of the study
also revealed that adoption of rice technologies had increased output/income,
encouraged children education and improved health condition of the
respondents. The study equally indicated that preferences for grains quality and
straw yield are some of the reasons for adopting improved rice varieties.
Furthermore, income, extension contact and social participation had significant
relationship with adoption ( p< 0.05). The major constraints identified include pest
invasion reported by 55.41 percent, followed by inadequate knowledge on plant
spacing and planting time with 45.95% response and grazing problem as
indicated by 25.68 % of the respondents. Based on the findings, it was
suggested that more promising rice varieties that will meet the respondents’
preference and requirement for grains and straw yield should be developed.
Moreso, a team approach to rice extension should be introduced to find holistic
solution to the problems of pest and inadequate knowledge.