Application of translog function to productivity estimation in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to evaluate the impact of technology on productivity, and identify the factors limiting the use of improved agricultural technologies in Imo state, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Owerri and Orlu agricultural zones of the state. The method of systematic sampling was used in selecting the sample. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected from Owerri zone while 100 farmers were selected from Orlu zone. The Primary data used were collected between February and September, 2003. Analysis of the data showed that land and labour had significant negative impact on productivity, while planting materials and fertilizer had significant positive impact on productivity. The results also revealed that there are significant positive interaction between land and labour, land and fixed capital inputs, land and fertilizer, labour and planting materials, labour and fertilizer, fixed capital inputs and fertilizer, and planting materials and fertilizer in the state. It was concluded that improved agricultural technologies had significantly impacted on agricultural productivity in Imo state.

Keywords: productivity estimation, translog function, Nigeria

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 6 2005: 26-33