ABSTRACT:

The study was conducted in 2018 to assess the various risk factors facing farmers in rice production in Niger State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured interview-schedule from 377 randomly selected rice farmers and were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that of the top five risk factors, supply of inputs not in time was appraised to be the highest risk factor having a mean value 3.95. This is closely followed by high price of inputs with a mean value of 3.75. Others include natural disasters having a mean value 3.64, fluctuation in product prices having a mean value of 3.53, and inadequate extension services with a mean value of 3.53.Implication of the findings shows that rice farming in Niger state is in dire need for intervention. The study recommends cooperative formation by farmers for timely access to inputs at affordable prices. This affords them easy access to both Government and non-governmental agencies support in extension services and other underlying risk factors control.