Technical Efficiency Analysis of Broiler Production in the Mampong Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

This study adopted the stochastic frontier model to assess the technical efficiency of broiler farmers in the Mampong Municipality using cross-sectional data collected from the last production cycle 2017. By using the Cobb-Douglas functional form, inputs such as feed, flock size and water were all found to be statistically significant and had positive influence on technical efficiency of the sampled broiler farmers in the study area. Individual levels of technical efficiency ranged between 42% and 99% with a mean of 87%, suggesting that in the short run, the poultry farmers can still increase the efficiency of resources used at the farm level up by 13%. The determinants of technical inefficiency among the poultry farmers included age, education, farmers’ experience and number of extension visits. Issues related to predators prevalence and competition from foreign imports were ranked high among the challenges of the broiler production sector. For improved efficiency and maximum production of broilers, there is the need for increased feed and water intake while encouraging farmers to increase their capacities of stocking. There is also the need to increase extension contact and introduction of non – formal education to farmers.

Keywords: Stochastic frontier, technical efficiency, broiler poultry, Mampong, Ghana

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-14-15

Publication date:July 31^st 2019