RICE PRODUCTION, IMPORTS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: AN APPLICATION OF AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG

Inconsistent and inefficient policies, climate issues general poor funding have been adjudged to hinder increased domestic rice production in Nigeria. Rather than tackling these challenges, the nation has continued opt for importation supplement her production, if not recently, as a ‘stop-gap’ food security. Geared towards strengthening resilient efforts of small holder farmers driving this paper examined trends imports between 1980 2021; also identified determinants Secondary data were used study, while descriptive statistics ARDL model analyze data. The results showed that average quantities 3.51 0.24 million tons over periods. periods 1998 2007 experienced wide volatility production. Again, implied exchange rate, GDP quantity statistically significant influencing changes area. Therefore, since had negative relationship with imports, it would be suggested geared at increasing Nigeria should tailored revamping agricultural extension services enhance genuine two-way communication researchers vis-à-vis increase production.
 Keywords: Rice Imports, Trends, Production, Model,