Abstract:
Rice imports play a significant role in satisfying the high demand for rice in most West African countries
including Nigeria. This has made these countries focus more on increased rice production. Climate change is a
major issue for the sustainable development goals hence greenhouse gas emissions from rice production systems
are of great concern. The study employed the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) to assess the effect of carbon balance
on the competitiveness and comparative advantage of rice production systems in the northern region of Nigeria.
The Ex-Ante Carbon Balance Tool was used to assess the carbon balance of rice production systems. Results of
the analysis implied all production systems are competitive and have comparative advantage except for the
irrigation system. Incorporation of carbon balance in the economic analysis reduces the comparative advantage of
irrigated rice production system further. The study also revealed that the irrigation system benefits more from
Government’s policies. It was observed that investing in technologies that would increase productivity will not
guarantee low carbon emission hence the need to also go for climate-smart agriculture. This would advance
climate-friendly rice production leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and steady rice supply. This
will in turn lessen the necessity for distorting policies.
