The relationships between the Socio-Economic profile of farmers and paddy productivity in North-West Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Paddy is the main food crop in Malaysia, but due to a low rate of productivity, the land area for paddy production is gradually decreasing. As a consequence, it is critically important to know the socio-economic characteristics of the paddy farmers and their linkage with agricultural productivity to ensure the sustainability of paddy farms as well as farmers’ livelihood. This study analyses the relationships between the paddy yields and the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA), North-West Selangor, Malaysia. The data was collected through a survey. To analyse the data, this study conducted cross-sectional multiple OLS regressions. The findings of the study revealed that several socio-economic and physical characteristics had significant effects on paddy productivity in Malaysia. Based on the findings, some policy recommendations and action plans have been proposed focusing on paddy productivity in relation to the socioeconomic sustainability of the livelihood. The findings of the study are important for the policymakers and relevant agencies.