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Mar 30, 2024Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Efficiency of Cassava Production Enterprise among Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) Beneficiaries and Non-Beneficiaries in Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study estimates the technical, allocative and economic efficiency of cassava production enterprise among RTEP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in Abia State, Nigeria. The study employed a combination of multi-stage purposive and random sampling techniques to select 120 respondents for the research. A stochastic frontier production function was used to estimate efficiency levels and identify factors influencing efficiency. The result for technical efficiency for RTEP beneficiaries revealed significant positive impacts of planting material, farm size, and agrochemicals on cassava output while RTEP non-beneficiaries show a positive relationship between labour and agrochemicals with output and technical efficiency. The inefficiency model for non-beneficiaries highlights age as a factor contributing to technical inefficiency, while experience and extension contact enhance efficiency. The allocative efficiency result shows that age, education, and farming experience significantly impact the allocative efficiency of RTEP beneficiaries. For non-beneficiaries, extension visits and farming experience play crucial roles in allocative efficiency. Economic efficiency analysis indicates that planting material, rent on land, and agrochemical costs are significant determinants for RTEP beneficiaries. For non-beneficiaries, rent on land and labour costs significantly contribute to total production costs. Age, education, and household size affect the cost efficiency of both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Based on the findings and conclusion of this study, it is therefore recommended that efforts should be directed towards encouraging RTEP non-beneficiaries to partake in subsequent agricultural programmes through adequate awareness creation and sensitization programmes by government, non-governmental organizations and extension agents, as this enhances productivity and efficiency of farmers.
