FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DEMAND FOR CERTIFIED RICE SEEDS IN EKITI AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

The study identified and estimated factors influencing the demand for certified rice seeds in Ekiti and Ondo States. Structured questionnaire supplemented with oral interview were used to elicit information on 196 farmers randomly selected in the study area.   Multiple regression and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results showed that the included regressors: own price of certified seeds; distance travelled; size of the rice plot (ha); yield/ha and price/kg of certified maize seeds as substitute crop explained about 51% of the variations in the quantity of certified seed demanded at 50% level of significance.