Trend analysis of nigerian rice sub-sector indices: lessons for rice self sufficiency in nigeria

Abstract

This study was undertaken to empirically examine the trends of rice consumption, rice production, rice import and rice area harvested in Nigeria over the period of 1960 to 2011 with the special interest on drawing up lessons for achieving rice self sufficiency in Nigeria. Secondary data were employed in this study and were analysed using descriptive statistics notably graphical analysis. It was noted that rice consumption is growing faster than rice production in Nigeria and therefore, the growing trend of rice importation to meet local demand will incessantly continue leading to a steady loss of revenue in importing rice. It was recommended that adequate policies aimed at boosting rice production through increase in rice productivity other than just the expansion of rice area harvested should be embraced  by all the stakeholders in the Nigerian rice subsector so as to achieve rice self sufficiency in line with the agricultural transformation agenda of Nigeria.