Effects of Climate Variability on Technical Efficiency of Rice in Acholi and Lango Sub-regions, Uganda

Abstract

Despites government positive policies towards rice sector development, its productivity has remained low throughout its main growing areas. Several detrimental conditions that are climatic, biological and household specific are attributed to low and stagnant yield. The objective of this paper was to determine effects of climate variability on technical efficiency of rice production in Acholi and Lango sub-regions. Analysis of Cob-Douglas stochastic production function on 211 households showed that rice producers are operating in stage three of production function with respect to some inputs, production function exhibit decreasing return to scale and mean technical efficiency was 51%. Rainfall and temperatures improved technical efficiency in production while credit and labour reduced technical efficiency. The study concluded the following: More room exists for output improvement through expansion of acreage, inefficiencies characterize rice production in the sub-regions, the current rainfall amount and mean temperatures are adequate for attainment of efficiency while credit and labour constraints pose a serious challenge to attainment of efficiency in rice production. The study recommended: Promote of rice production in the upland areas, introduction of new rice variety suitable for the agro-ecological conditions and increase access to formal credit facilities.

Keywords: Rice, Climate variability, Household characteristics, Technical efficiency, Uganda.