Authors:
Anthony, I. Nwanneamaka KAINE,
John, Ofiaju ABOJEI and
Ifeoma, Abigail AJIE, Nigeria |
Abstract:
The study examined the technical efficiency of micro – agro female headed household cassava
farmers in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria using a Stochastic Frontier Production Function Model
Approach. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain the primary source of data. Multi – stage
random sampling technique was used to select the Local Government Areas, communities and
the farmers that were used for the study. The result established that the farmers were relatively
young, literacy level was high, household size was small and that cassava farming in the study
was not gender specific. The result of the farm size obtained supported the conclusion that the
crofters were micro – agro cassava farmers. The result of the technical efficiency estimate of the
micro – agro female headed household cassava farmers showed that coefficients of farm size,
expenditure on cassava stem and labour were positive significant determinants of technical
efficiency. The coefficient of depreciation was inversely related to efficiency. Technical
inefficiency result indicated that the coefficients of age and education were positive. Household
size had a positive sign of coefficient. Farmers with longer years of farming experience were
more technical efficient. Farm size had a negative coefficient. Based on the study of technical
efficiency of the farmers, increasing the farm size, expenditure on cassava cuttings and labour
will lead to increase in efficiency. A reduction in the use of the production resource
(depreciation) was strongly advocated. Youths in the study area embracing cassava production,
will increase efficiency with an upturn in production and output. A reduction in the use of labour
cost as a productive resource was also necessary to reduce inefficiency. |
