Effect of Social Capital on Productivity of Rice Farms in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the role of social capital in rice production in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data obtained from 90 rice farming households through a combination of purpose and random sampling techniques were used for the study. The data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics, total factor productivity index, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and probit regression. The study revealed that the farmers participated in religious, cooperative mutual support and farmers groups. Farmers’ participation in the social groups is significantly influenced by age (P˂0.05), education (P<0.05), opinion about influence of membership of social group on one’s religious fervency (P,0.01) and access to extension services (P˂0.01). Further, the study revealed a positive impact of social capital on farm productivity of rice in the study area. It is therefore recommended that government should formulate relevant policies for better coordination of social groups so that farmers would be encouraged to participate in them.