Factors Influencing the Total Factor Productivity among Upland Rice Farmers in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

This study focuses on factors influencing total factor productivity among upland rice farmers in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was used to identify 240 rice farmers participating in the study. The data were analyzed using the total factor productivity index, the double-log multiple regression model, and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The results indicate a high level of productivity among farmers. The regression model results indicate that education, experience, farm size, and access to credit positively affect Total Factor Productivity. However, results from Kendall's coefficient of concordance indicate a strong correlation among farmers regarding factors affecting productivity, such as labor shortages, water scarcity, high input costs, limited access to credit, and poor infrastructure. Furthermore, farmers harvesting upland rice have higher productivity. Socioeconomic, institutional, and infrastructural factors are the most important factors affecting productivity. The study recommends that education policies, access to credit, and infrastructure investments be prioritized to increase productivity and sustainability in upland rice-harvesting regions in Nigeria.