ECONOMICS OF FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND RESOURCE - USE EFFICIENCY OF COWPEA IN NORTH – EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined the economics analysis of factors affecting production and resource – use efficiency of cowpea in North – eastern States of Nigeria. Bauchi, Gombe and Borno States were purposively selected. A total of 4,739 small (2,300), medium (1,180) and large scale (1,259) cowpea farmers were selected using random sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used as instrument for data collection. Data were analysed by the used of Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Cost Function. The Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLE) result of the stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) for cowpea farmers indicated the presence of inefficiency. Farm size and herbicide were significant at (P>0.001), seed was significant at (P>0.05%) and family labour was significant at (P>0.01). In the efficiency effects, farming experience and household size were both significant at (P>0.001); extension contact and literacy level were significant at (P>0.05). The literacy level of the farmers was found to be an important factor that increases output in the area, therefore, it is recommended that farmers should be given proper orientation and/or basic trainings in major farm management techniques as this will help them increase their productivity and hence to be more efficient.