Assessing the effect of false bottom technology on the economic performance of rice processing in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The quality disparity among different rice varieties in Nigeria has raised significant concerns. Despite increased production, the country still struggles to meet its rice demand. This study assessed the effect of False Bottom Technology (FBT) on the economic performance of rice processing in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the cost and returns, and determinants of economic performance of rice processing by adopters and non-adopters of False Bottom Technology. A set of questionnaires was administered to 135 respondents selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive and Inferential statistics, Budgetary Analysis Performance and Probit regression were used to analyze the data. This study revealed that 45.9% were adopters, while non-adopters were 54.1%. Female respondents were 43.8% higher than male, 40.74% of the respondents fell between 41-50 years of age, with a mean (x̄) of 50. The cost and return analysis revealed that adopters have a higher Return on Investment (ROI) at 612%, while non-adopters have their ROI of 386%. Age, gender, education, household, experience, government policy, and compatibility with existing technology were significant factors of influence on adoption at 5% level of confidence. Government policy, with a mean (x̄) of 3.51, ranks first and the scale/size of business at (x̄) = 3.43 ranks second for constraints to use of the FBT. Despite adopters’ efficiency, non-adopters exist. It is therefore recommended that public-private partnerships should set up monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the adoption and impact of the false bottom technology after its introduction, to identify area-specific bottlenecks such as the impossible fabrication of an exact model, and to make improved adjustments alongside its distributions.