TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS AMONG RAIN FED FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyses the technical efficiency of maize-based cropping systems among rain fed farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 310 randomly selected maize farmers in eight Local Government Areas of the State using structured questionnaire. The stochastic production frontier model was used to determine the technical efficiency of the farmers. The results revealed that majority (68.08%) of the farmers were male and with a mean age of 47 years with mean household size of 8 members and 77.42% possess varied levels of formal education. Similarly, Maize intercropped with other crops was the dominant (73.11%) cropping system and accounted for 56.78% of total area cultivated by the farmers. The findings also revealed that the farmers were technically efficient in their production, with a mean technical efficiency of 0.73. The factors such as education, farming experience and extension contact were significant variables that positively influence technical efficiency, while age negatively affects technical efficiency. Most of the farmers operated below the production frontier, hence will not be able to maximize their yield per hectare. This therefore, translates to low income and hence low revenue. More production incentives such as subsidized farm inputs should be put in place and promoted to farmers for increase efficiency.