Abstract

The study was carried out in order to determine the level of contribution of North Central States of Nigeria in rice production to the total output of rice in Nigeria. Secondary data were collected from National Bureau of Statistics. The data include land area used for rice cultivation and output of rice from the period of 1994/1995 to 2005/2006 cropping season. For the area of land used for rice cultivation, the regression model was tried under the four basic functional forms and the double log function was chosen as the lead equation. This was based on the value of coefficient of multiple determination (R²) of 0.625 and the significant variables in conformity with a priori expectations. For rice output, the double log function was chosen as the lead equation with R²value of 0.542 and explanatory variables significantly affecting total output of rice in Nigeria in consonance with a priori expectations. All explanatory variables had positive influence on rice output. It is therefore, recommended that the only sustainable and socially acceptable way forward is to enhance the competitiveness of local rice against imported rice, both in terms of quality and price. This calls for improving quality management and increasing efficiency along the entire marketing chain.

Key words: Nigeria, North Central, appraisal, rice production.