LABOUR SCARCITY AND ITS EFFECTS ON RICE PRODUCTION AND YIELDS IN UKOUGH COMMUNITY GBOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE NIGERIA.

Dr Nguveren Kyernum

ABSTRACT

 This study centred on the growing scarcity of human labour and how rice production has been affected by the trend in the study area. The objectives pursued among other things includes:  To examine the nature of labour required for rice productivity in the study area,  to assess the nature of labour scarcity in the area of study,  to  evaluate the quantity of rice  producedin the study area, to examine the impact of labour scarcity on rice production in the study area. The Marxist theory of labour was used as a basis for analysis and explanations in these research, while survey methodology was employed. The study was located at Ukough community in Gboko Local Government Area while, the population of the study was all rice farmers in Ukough Community from where a sample of 120 farmers, was purposely drawn. Data were collected using Structured and key informant interview, the analysis of the data was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively using percentages and descriptive interpretive analysis and percentages.  Findings revealed that weeding, ploughing, Spraying and land clearing, weeding and harvesting were the major activities in rice cultivation, these lack workers making it difficult for rice farmers to produce the desired quantity of rice per year. It was recommended among other things that, Rice production be mechanised and agriculture be made more attractive to the youths through provision of social amenities, by government intervention. Rural areas should also be made conducive to attract residence and hence labour and appreciable wages be paid to attract labour on farm. 

Keywords:  Labour scarcity, Rice production, yield