Analytical Study of the Socioeconomic Determinants of Fertiliser Use Decisions Among Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State

Fertiliser use intensity in rice production is a major determinant of yield improvement potential, and analytically characterising the socioeconomic and institutional factors that drive fertiliser adoption decisions among Ebonyi State rice farmers provides evidence for targeted input use promotion policy. This study analytically examined the determinants of fertiliser use decisions among 180 lowland rice farmers in Abakaliki, Ohaukwu, and Ikwo LGAs of Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey with analytical econometric modelling was employed. The questionnaire assessed fertiliser type and quantity used, household socioeconomic characteristics, input market access, extension contact, credit access, and land tenure status. A two-stage selection model (probit for adoption decision and OLS for intensity given adoption) was estimated. Results showed fertiliser adoption rate of 73.3 percent. Among adopters, mean NPK application was 168 kg ha-1, below the recommended 250 kg ha-1. Extension contact (OR 3.8, p < 0.001), credit access (OR 2.9, p < 0.01), and market distance below 5 km (OR 2.4, p < 0.05) were the strongest adoption predictors. Land tenancy significantly reduced fertiliser application intensity among adopters (coefficient -42 kg ha-1, p < 0.01), reflecting investment disincentives on rented land. Input price increase in 2022-2023 was associated with a 28 percent reduction in application rate. The study recommends land tenure security reform, input voucher schemes for smallholders, and credit product development as the highest-priority interventions for improving fertiliser use intensity. Keywords: fertiliser use decision, rice farmers, Ebonyi State, socioeconomic determinants, fertiliser adoption