TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF FARMERS UNDER DIFFERENT MULTI-CROPPING SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined technical efficiencies of farmers under different multiple-cropping systems in Nigeria. A total of 200 farmers were sampled. The farmers were group on the basis of numbers of crops on their farms. The results showed that farmers with 5 crops relatively perform better than those with less number of crops on their farms in terms of the resource-use efficiency indicators examined such as the estimated input elasticities as well as the returns to scale and average technical efficiency (TE) from the analysis. Further results show that; marginal analysis of the farmer’s years of education recorded highest simulated technical efficiency across the farms followed by extension, and credit. The study suggests implementation of policies that will strengthen present institutional framework on human capital development via education, credit delivery, and extension systems in the country.