Estimating the Geographical Influence of Rice Consumption from a Regional Agropole in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Rice is a commodity of strong economic importance with vital implications for regional development. Rice is the main crop in Igbemo-Ekiti, Nigeria, yet the full economic effect of its production is yet to be determined. This study explores the geographical influence of rice consumption from Igbemo, a regional agropole in Ekiti state. Five hundred respondents were interviewed in 18 of the 69 residential quarters that constitute the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the study region. Using the double-log version of the multiple linear regression models for analysis, the study discovered that the level of availability of the rice, the regularity of its consumption, its sourcing, its market price, its quality, and the income of the consumer are crucial factors impacting consumption of rice from Igbemo. Policy measures are discussed based on research findings.