Factors Influencing Participation of Outgrowers in Certified Hybrid Maize Seed Production in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Its Policy Implication for Food Security

The study analyzed factors that influence farmer’s participation in hybrid maize seed production in the study area. A Logit analysis was used to analyze factors influencing farmer’s participation in hybrid maize seed production while T-test was used to analyze if there is difference in the mean yields of farmers growing hybrid seeds and those involved in local maize production. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers based on the 2005 cropping season activities while on the spot observation data were also collected. Results of the Logit analysis has shown that age of farmers, educational qualification and expectation of prompt payment by the contracting company were the factors that facilitate farmers’ participation in hybrid production in the area. Results have also shown that farmers that grow hybrid had yields that were significantly difference than those growing local varieties in the area. This is proof evidence that the hybrid maize technology with complementary packages holds promise for helping in solving the problem of food insecurity in rural areas and the country at large if its production is supported and encouraged. There should therefore be a deliberate policy by government at all levels, non-governmental organizations and the international organization to support and encourage farmers to get involved in the production of hybrid maize as a better alternative to the local maize varieties.