Determinants of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) Among Sugarcane Farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria

Abstract

The competing demand for land for other purposes and the consequence of climate change is shrinking the available arable land, thus threatening the food security and livelihood of the farmers and the nation. Therefore, the present research empirically determined the factors influencing Total factor productivity (TFP) of sugarcane producers in Kwara State of Nigeria. The 2017/2018 sugarcane cropping season field survey data obtained through administration of structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule on 105 sugarcane farmers selected via multi-stage sampling technique was used. The collected data were analyzed using conventional TFP index and censored regression model. From the empirical findings, it was observed that inefficiency in the allocation of working capitals; capital consumption and health-related challenges decrease TFP of sugarcane farmers in the studied area. However, the study advised the extension agents to educate farmers to be rational in resource allocation in order to optimize their productivity in sugarcane production. In addition, the study advised farmers to adopt health precautious measures in order not to predispose their family members to tropical diseases and should imbibe savings and investment cultures.

Keywords: TFP, Sugarcane, Farmers, Kwara State, Nigeria.