Utilization of Emerging Agricultural Production Technologies for Enhancing Sustainable Food Security among Rural Farmers in Rivers State

Abstract

Using a descriptive research survey design, the study assessed the extent utilization of emerging 
agricultural production technologies will enhance sustainable food security among rural farmers in 
Rivers State. the study was guided by five objectives, five research questions and a null hypothesis 
tested at significance level of 0.05. The population of the study was 4,836 (4,763 registered farmers 
from rural communities and 73 extension officers in Rivers State). Multistage sampling technique 
was used to sample 370 (297 registered farmers and 73 extension officers) respondents. A structured 
Questionnaire designed in 4-point rating scale was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha 
Reliability Coefficient method was used to test the consistency of the instrument, which yielded a 
reliability index of 0.83. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean, percentage, and standard 
deviation, while the hypothesis was tested using multiple regression. The study found out that 
awareness programmes such as farmer-farmer technology awareness, plots demonstration 
programme, technology existence campaign, and field-base production campaign among others 
would help in farmers’ utilization of emerging agricultural production. In addition, it was found that 
utilization of automated cleaning system and dairy technologies for increased milk production, image 
recognition technologies, direct-fed microbial and enzymes technologies for feed additive will play 
significant role in achieving food security in Rivers State. The study thus recommends proper 
implementation of agricultural technology awareness programme in rural areas to keep farmers 
abreast of the emerging technologies required for improved food production and adequate credit 
facilities be made available to motivate farmers’ utilization of these technologies for sustainable food 
production.