Efficiency of Sorghum Production in Selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria: A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors/Creators
- 1. Dept. of Agric. Econs & Ext., Alioko Dangote University of Sci. And Tech., Wudil, Kano State.
- 2. Dept. of Agric. Econs. & Farm Management, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
- 3. Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Katsina, State.
Description
ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of sorghum production in selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 215 sorghum farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic production frontier function. The results indicate that the average age of sorghum farmers was 42 years with a mean farming experience of 25 years. The majority (76.75%) had some form of formal education. It was further found that membership of cooperative (p<0.05), extension contact (p<0.01), and access to credit (p < 0.01) were key determinants responsible for the variation in efficiency among sorghum producers in the study area. The mean technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies were 0.61, 0.62 and 0.37 respectively. It is concluded that sorghum farmers were not economically efficient and it is recommended that farmers receive training on improved agronomic practices and have increased access to credit facilities to boost productivity and efficiency.