FINANCIAL COMPETITIVENESS OF RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSISFINANCIAL COMPETITIVENESS OF RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In recent years, the Nigerian Government has increased the attention paid to rice production as one of the options in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in food production and reduce its huge import bills. This has led to the implementation of numerousprograms and projects that haveraised questionsabout whether the Government is achieving its goals. The Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) methodology for private profitability is used in this study to ascertain the competitiveness of rice production systems in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Using primary data collected in 2018 for the 2017 cropping season, average data points were used in estimating the variables for the analysis. PAM indicators used include Private Profits (PP), andPrivate Cost Ratio (PCR).The values of the PP were found to be positive for all rice production systems which indicatecompetitiveness given current market prices and policy transfers.The study recommends policies that would reduce costs of domestic inputs such as land and those that would lead to increased level of output through provision of improved technology.