Abstract:
Dadin Kowa community of Gombe State is noted for rice production due
to the presence of dams that ensure all year rice production. However,
low patronage and high price of local rice in local markets are putting
many farmers and women processors out of business. The paper shares
results of an action research process that led to the determination of rice
consumer preferences and strengthening of women processors group to
improve processing quality of local rice. Forty-seven respondents were
sampled using purposive and snow balling sampling techniques to
provide views on consumers’ preference for rice. Frequencies and
percentages were used to analyse and describe the results of the study.
The study concluded that paddy rice contains 0.21% stones and sand
which could be eliminated using a destoner. Furthermore, a locally
manufactured wooden winnower reduces winnowing time by 25 minutes
and improves purity by 20% when compared to traditional winnowing
process. The processed rice from the action methodology process
received 30- and 16-point difference for appearance and acceptability by
consumers respectively when compared to the traditional method. Finally,
an extra income of N2400 was realised per 100kg bag of improved rice.
Both the study methodology and conclusions have implications for
agricultural training and extension delivery, which together help forge
functional linkages among the major sub-systems of the agricultural
knowledge systems. Resultantly, clientele’s experience is integrated into
total learning process, thereby entraining the planned change
