Analysis of farm level technical efficiency in maize production in Kogi State, Nigeria: A stochastic frontier approach

Abstract

The technical efficiency, determinants of production and the sources of inefficiency in maize production in Kogi State were investigated using the stochastic translog production function which incorporates a model for efficiency. Data were generated using the multi-stage random sampling techniques. A total of 240 farm households from three agricultural zones were randomly selected. Farm size and labour inputs were the major factors associated with changes in the output of maize-based production in the study area. The technical efficiency of the farmers ranges from 40.2 % — 96.4 % with mean efficiency of 83.9 %. Age of the farmer, level of education, farming experience, household size, credit status and membership of co-operative societies were the factors that significantly accounted for the observed variation in efficiencies among farmers. Expansion of farm holdings, acquisition of formal education and strengthening of the existing extension services were recommended.