Determinants of technical efficiency in rice production under the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the technical efficiency of rice production under the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. One hundred and forty-five (145) farmers were sampled using multi-stage sampling technique and data collected with the aid of questionnaire. The results revealed that respondents were of the mean age of 39.21 years and had mean farm land holding of 1.63 ha. Technical efficiency was estimated to be 82% as the farmers level of education and access to credit were the statistically significant variables negatively influencing the technical inefficiencies of the rice farmers. In other words, these two significant variables aided technical efficiency. Inputs like farm size, seeds and fertilizers were the major inputs observed to also influence the output of rice production in the study area. Agricultural policies that will improve the capacity of farmers to apply the available technologies more efficiently, particularly by raising the educational level of farmers were therefore recommended. Inputs distribution should be strengthened to support timely supply at affordable prices, while land use and accessibility reforms should also be looked into to make land available to counter the prevalent rice production-constraining access by inheritance.