Determinants of Technical Inefficiency in Wheat Production: An Application of the Stochastic Frontier Model - Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined wheat farming technical efficiency, its determinants and wheat production constraints among wheat farmers in the wheat producing states of Nigeria. The study did not cover Borno and Yobe wheat producing states due to volatile insecurity situation in the areas. Primary data were obtained from 866 farmers using proportionate selection from the states list of farmers. A structured questionnaire and interview schedule were administered to the farmers to collect data for the study. A Stochastic frontier model was used to capture wheat production efficiency and its determinants while, Likert scale was employed to reveal severity of wheat production constraints among farmers in the study area. Land size, quantity of seed planted, quantity of NPK fertilizer applied, quantity of Urea fertilizer applied and labour used in man-day were found to be positive and statistically significant. The most severe constraints affecting wheat production in the study area were poor access to credit, lack of dependable wheat market outlay, and access to improved and quality seed among others. There should be adequate incentives (timely supply of improved wheat seed, fertilizer and irrigation facilities at affordable prices.