Aug 2026· FUDMA Journal of Sciences· 0 citations· 2 references
Abstract
Onion production is an important source of food, income, and employment for many rural households in Nigeria. Despite its economic importance, productivity among smallholder onion farmers remains below potential due to technical inefficiency in the use of available production resources. This study examined the technical efficiency of onion farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 254 onion farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production model. The results revealed that the respondents were relatively young and economically active, with a mean age of 38 years, an average household size of 6 persons, and an average farming experience of 10 years. The estimated mean technical efficiency was 0.658, indicating that farmers achieved only 65.8% of the potential output, leaving room for a 34.2% improvement through more efficient use of existing resources. The estimated sigma-square value (0.0027) was statistically significant, confirming the suitability of the stochastic frontier model, while lambda value (2.23298) indicated that the differences between observed and potential output were mainly due to technical inefficiency. The gamma estimate of 0.83 further showed that 83% of the variation in onion output was attributable to technical inefficiency. Education, farming experience and age significantly improved farmers’ technical efficiency, whereas limited access to extension services and credit reduced efficiency. The study concludes that onion production in Taraba State has considerable potential for increased productivity through improved resource-use efficiency.
This study assessed the technical efficiency and profitability of cassava production in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, estimated their technical efficiency, identified the determinants of technical inefficiency, and examined the costs and returns of cassava production. Primary data were collected from 200 cassava farmers selected through a simple proportionate random sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and the Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 45 years, with an average farming experience of 16 years. The mean technical efficiency was 0.88, indicating that farmers realized about 88% of their potential output, leaving a 12% scope for improvement. Farm size (β = 0.655; p < 0.01), fertilizer (β = 0.116; p < 0.05), and herbicide (β = 0.366; p < 0.01) significantly increased cassava output, while age, household size, farming experience, extension contact, and access to credit significantly reduced technical inefficiency. Cost and return analysis revealed a total revenue of ₦765,892.00, a total production cost of ₦549,990.00, and a gross margin of ₦317,771.00, confirming that cassava farming is profitable in the study area. The study concludes that cassava farmers are highly technically efficient and that improving access to extension services, affordable credit, improved inputs, and farmer cooperatives will further enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability. It recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, improving farmers' access to credit, promoting cooperative membership.
A. Akinsulu, Olaniyi Adegoke Odusina, Happiness Temitayo Ebofin· FUDMA Journal of Sciences· 0 citations
Ethiopia faces persistent food security challenges owing to rapid population growth and low agricultural productivity. This study examines the technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of smallholder rice producers in Shabe Sombo District, Oromia Region, and identifies factors influencing efficiency. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 255 farmers; primary data were collected for the 2022/23 production year. A stochastic frontier approach with a Cobb–Douglas production function was applied to estimate efficiency levels, while a two-limit Tobit model was used to identify determinants of efficiency. Land, chemical inputs, oxen power, and seed positively and significantly influence rice output, with estimated returns to scale of 0.96 indicating decreasing returns. Mean technical, allocative, and economic efficiency stood at 94%, 75%, and 70% respectively, indicating that allocative inefficiency is the dominant source of overall efficiency loss. Tobit results show that farm distance from homestead, household size, and market distance negatively affect technical efficiency, while sex of household head, farm size, and extension contact frequency have positive effects. Age, education level, and livestock ownership negatively influence allocative and economic efficiency; training participation has a positive effect. Policy interventions should focus on strengthening extension services, expanding access to training and education, improving rural infrastructure and access to credit.
Wasihun Mitiku, Amsalu Mitiku, Ibrahim Aliyi· Journal of Business and Eco...· 0 citations
Information is an essential ingredient for any successful enterprise. For farm business to thrive
farmers should be kept abreast of new methods of production through relevant and timely
information as this will help to increase their productivity. This study investigated the role of
agricultural information in enhancing productivity among farmers in Ibarapa North local
Government, area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from fifty respondents randomly
selected for the study. Collected data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential
statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product
Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result of the study showed that majority of the respondents
were male indicating that male still dominate farming in the area. On sources of information
available to the farmers, the respondents revealed that they obtain information from various
sources such as extension agents, farmers union, radio, television, workshop etc. They also
indicated that they always source information from extension agents, farmers union, radio, input
dealers, newspaper and fellow farmers. On how agricultural information enhances their
productivity, the respondents agreed with the entire stated items as reasons while agricultural
information improves their productivity. The study therefore recommended provision of relevant
and timely information for farmers, encouragement of farmers to seek and utilise information as
these will assist in bringing improvement to their productivity.
O. Oluremi· International Journal of Agr...· 0 citations
This study investigates the production efficiency of smallholder dairy farmers in Dai Tam commune, Can Tho City, Vietnam, with the aim of identifying the key factors that influence productivity and sustainability. To achieve this objective, the research applies a combination of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression models. The DEA approach is used to measure both Technical Efficiency (TE) and Scale Efficiency (SE), while the Tobit model is employed to examine the socio-economic determinants affecting production performance. The results show that the average technical efficiency of dairy farmers under constant returns to scale and variable returns to scale is 0.732 and 0.904, respectively. These findings suggest that milk output could be improved by approximately 26–27% through more efficient use of existing inputs, without requiring an expansion in herd size. The Tobit regression results further indicate that farming experience, participation in cooperatives, technical training, and access to credit have significant positive effects on production efficiency. Although the overall performance of the surveyed farmers is relatively stable, production efficiency remains constrained by uneven adoption of technology, limited capital resources, and the use of substandard breeds. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening technical training programs, promoting cooperative linkages, improving farmers’ access to financial resources, and enhancing farm management practices. These measures are expected to contribute to higher productivity and support the sustainable development of the dairy sector in the Mekong Delta.
Quang Nguyen Phuong· Research on World Agricultur...· 0 citations
Farmland access remains a key constraint for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, with increasing reliance on the land rental market. This study investigates the determinants of farmland market participation among smallholder farmers in Ogun State across different land arrangement types, socio-economic characteristics, and participation outcomes. Primary data from 150 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, bivariate logit model, and a problem ranking index. Result of the socio-economic analysis revealed that most farmers were above 40 years, with farming as a secondary occupation for many. Participation in the rental market was notable, with 58% renting in land and 41.3% renting out. Multinomial regression results showed that education significantly reduced the likelihood of choosing ownership (p < 0.001), communal (p = 0.056), and sharecropping (p = 0.009). Farm size positively influenced selection of ownership (B = 0.81, p = 0.001) and communal (B = 1.11, p = 0.004) arrangements. Bivariate logit estimates showed land size significantly reduced the likelihood of renting in (B = -0.84, p = 0.012) but increased renting out (B = 1.02, p = 0.018). Household size increased rent-in participation (B = 0.56, p = 0.031), whereas age significantly influenced rent-out decisions (B = 0.44, p = 0.022). The significant correlation coefficient (rho = 0.411, p = 0.008) indicated interdependence between both decisions. The findings reveal a dynamic farmland market shaped by socio-economic pressures and land scarcity. Land tenure arrangements, farmers' cooperatives, and land information services need to be strengthened to improve land access and rural productivity.
Q. G. Nafiu, W. M. Ashagidigbi, A. O. Ijaoba et al.· FUDMA Journal of Agriculture...· 0 citations
This paper assessed the effect of agricultural sector output on economic growth in Nigeria.
Background: Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with huge arable land, but is unfortunately
facing food importation and high cost of domestic food. Agriculture contributed 63.8% to GDP by
1960 but have dropped so low to average of 24% from 2020 to 2022. Commercial banks loans &
advances to this sector stood at 6% in 2021 and 2022 which is considered low. Aims: The specific
objectives were to assess the effect of: crop production; livestock; forestry and fishing output on
gross domestic product of Nigeria. Methods: This study adopted the ex-post facto research design.
Annual time series data were obtained from CBN bulletin, 2022 and analyzed using descriptive
statistics and ordinary least square. The hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance.
Results: Crop production had a positive (0.057245) and non-significant effect (0.9417); Livestock
output had a positive (27.64295) and significant effect (0.0321); Forestry output had positive
(161.2027) and non-significant effect (0.2081); Fishing had a positive (30.14201) and significant
effect (0.0001) on GDP for the period reviewed. The probability (f-statistic) was 0.000000 while
adjusted R2
value was 92.9%. Conclusion: The variables used in the study are found to be relevant
in explaining agricultural sector effect on economic growth of Nigeria. Recommendation:Government and agriculturists should strive for more financing, improved variety inputs and right
policies to sustain and improve the significant effect of agriculture on GDP in Nigeria.
Ejinkonye, Remigius Chinwoke· INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOC...· 0 citations