Adenuga A.H. 1, Omotesho O.A.1 , Ojehomon V.E.T.2 , Diagne, A. , Ayinde O.E.1 and Arouna A.

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This study evaluated the impact of improved rice varieties adoption on the multidimensional poverty index of rice farming households in North Central Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 149 rice farming households in the study area. Data were collected by trained enumerators using Mlax application installed in tablet computers. Descriptive statistics, Alkire and Foster Multidimensional Poverty Index methodology and the Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) Model were the major analytical tools employed in analyzing the data. The multidimensional poverty index for the adopters and non-adopters of improved rice varieties were estimated as 0.32 and 0.40, respectively. LATE result showed that improved rice varieties adoption significantly reduced multidimensional poverty index of the rice farming households by 0.18. Generally, the results of the study showed that poverty is more intense among non-adopters of improved rice varieties than adopters and the adoption of improved rice varieties has a negative and significant impact on multidimensional poverty. Consequently, efforts should be made by the government and development institutions to ensure increased access of rice farming households to improved rice seeds varieties to encourage its adoption. Keywords: Multidimensional Poverty Index; Local Average Treatment Effect; Alkire and Foster Methodology; Nigeria.