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Author:
Agada S.G., Ashaolu O.F , Akerele D
Department of Agribusiness, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria.

DOI: doi.org/10.58924/rjhss.v5.iss4.p4

Published Date: 12-Sep, 2026

Keywords: Rice-farming households; Large farms; Socio-economic characteristics; Northwest Nigeria.

Abstract:
This study examined factors influencing socio-economic characteristics of rice-farming households on the probability of operating large farm sizesin Northwest Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 387 rice-farming households from Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa States. Primary datawere collected with the useof a structured questionnaire. Farm size was categorised into small (0.1–1.99 ha), medium (2.00–4.99 ha), and large (5.00 ha and above) holdings. Descriptive statistics and an Ordered Logit model to analyse the data. The results showed that 69.0% of the households operated small farms, 23.0% operated medium farms, while 8.0% operated large farms, with a mean farm size of 1.45 ha. The Ordered Logit model revealed that sex (β = 1.05; p < 0.01), household size (β = 0.29; p < 0.05), and land tenure security (β = 0.65; p < 0.01) had significant positive effects on the likelihood of operating larger farm sizes. The findings indicate that household characteristics and security of land tenure are important determinants of farm-size category among rice-farming households. The study concluded that improving land tenure security and strengthening farmers’ access to productive resources could increase the likelihood of rice-farming households operating larger and more economically viable farm holdings. It recommended policies that enhance secure access to agricultural land, promote efficient land utilisation, and improve access to productive resources for rice-farming households in Northwest Nigeria.

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