Challenges and Opportunities of Rice Production Libokemkem Woreda in the Case of Fogera Area South Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is emerging as an important rice growing country in Horn of Africa. Cultivation of rice in Ethiopia is generally a recent phenomenon it was started first at Fogera and Gambella Plains in the early 1970’s, which is preceded by its utilization as a food crop. However, there are several challenges which drastically affect rice production. The study was conducted in fogera Area, Libokemkemworeda, south Gondar Zone, Amhara National Regional State. This study aimed at Assessing Challenges and Opportunities Of Rice Production in the study area. Three rice producing kebeles (Banbiko, Shina, and Tezamba kebeles)among the 3 rice producing kebeles were selected a total of 100 households and 10 key informants were selected as a sample interviewee using structured and semi-structured questionnaire and interview to generate primary data .Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to analyze and collected data. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and the data analyzed by Descriptive statistics ,percentage , frequency, Chi-square Test of Independence, One Sample t Test, . The objectives of the study challenges and opportunities of rice production .Adaptation of the land , the limited possibility for expanding harvested area , high cost of inputs, selling rice at a slow price, Declining rice yield growth ,Pest and disease and labor problem were the challenges .On the other hand the land is being water logged , Availability of rice technology, Availability of fertile soil, Increase interest of population rice production, Education and training in rice production, Availability chemical fertilizer are the opportunities .The study recommends that any effort in promoting improved rice production are farmers should use intensive farming by increasing productivity of the land using improved verities, .Use other alternatives adopting labor saving technology and management of seed rate (agronomic practices)during sowing.