Technical Efficiency of Rice Farming in South-western Niger: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Abstract

The study estimated the technical efficiency and its determinants of rice farming in south-western Niger. The data were obtained from a total of 148 respondents who provided useful information through face-face question using prepared questionnaires. The analysis of the data was done using Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production model to find the technical efficiency. A positive coefficient was observed for parameters such as seed, fertilizer, chemicals and the ploughing for all rice farmers which therefore suggested that an increase in each of these variables could increase rice output. However, farm size and labor were recorded with a negative coefficient which presupposed over utilization and hence the inefficient use of these variables in rice production in the area. The technical efficiency had a mean value of 0.612, which implied that on average the producers were able to obtain only 61% of the optimal output from a given combine inputs. The result also showed that experience, gender, cooperative membership and main occupation positively influenced technical efficiency. However, farm size, age, education and land ownership had a negative influence on technical efficiency. The study, therefore, recommends sustainable policies to guarantee the supply fertilizers at suitable prices for farmers to ensure maximum rice output.

Keywords:  Stochastic Frontier Analysis, Rice Production, Farming, Technical Efficiency, Western Niger