This study assessed the influence of promotional methods on the adoption of improved rice varieties in Wadelai Subcounty, Pakwach district. It specifically aimed to assess the knowledge gap of farmers on improved rice variety production, to evaluate the influence of promotional methods on the adoption of improved rice varieties and to examine the agronomic practices employed by the farmers for improved rice varieties. A sample size of 94 respondents including rice farmers and key informants was used. Data was collected with the aid of questionnaires and interviews. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 statistical tool. The study established that rice production in Wadelai subcounty was largely caried out by females, married, relatively large households, less educated farmers who engaged in farming and fishing with less experience (<5 years). SUPER (64.8%), NAMUCE (42.9%) and NERICA (48.4%) were improved rice varieties cultivated while Sidani (14.3%) was the least produced local variety. Production was relative at an average of 4.2 acres with farmers producing more than one rice variety at the same time. Specifically, the rice farmers experienced knowledge gaps in soil and water conservation (83.5%), pest management (81.3%), seed bed preparation (76.9%), planting methods 975.8%), management of invasive weed species such as striga (72.5%) and physiological properties of matured rice (60.4%). The study determined that promotional methods including; trainings, demonstrations, farmer filed visits, radio talk shows and price discounts were significantly(p<0.05) associated with complete adoption of improved rice varieties for farmers who adequately participated in them and partial adoption among farmers who had moderate engagement. Agronomic practices; pests and disease management (86.8%), proper tillage (81.3%), timely planting (75.8%), timely weeding (74.7%), harvesting (65.9%) were largely practiced in the production of improved rice varieties however, there was reluctance in using new rice seeds in every planting (47.3%) and fertilisers (15.4%) in production. It can be concluded that adoption of improved rice varieties was high, this was because the promotional methods used were effective in influencing complete and partial adoption. Subsequently farmers followed most of the recommended agronomic practices however, recycling of the improved seeds and non-utilisation of fertilisers in improved rice production was a hinderance for optimum rice performance. Farmers in Wadelai subcounty need to be trained on better agronomic practices in production of improved rice varieties.

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