Factors Influencing the Technical Efficiency of Small-scale Maize Farmers in the Foumbot and Foumban Subdivisions in Cameroon

초록

This study determined the technical efficiency of the maize production by small-scale farmers in the Foumbot and Foumban subdivisions in Cameroon. Multistage sampling technique was used to sample a total of 148 maize-farming households, i.e., 77 in Foumbot and 71 in Foumban. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on farm inputs and outputs and on farm and farmer characteristics. Data envelopment analysis was conducted to estimate efficiency scores, while a Tobit regression analysis model was used to determine the influence of farm and farmer characteristics on technical efficiency. The results indicated that the average technical efficiency was of 35%. This implies that the technical efficiency of the maize production in the Foumbot and Foumban subdivisions is low and could be enhanced by 65% through the improved use of available resources, given the prevailing state of technology. Our findings suggest that technical efficiency is positively influenced by farm and farmer characteristics such as formal education levels of the HHHs, years of maize farming experience, membership to farmer associations, hired labor, use of manure, and production advice received through extension services. To reduce technical inefficiency, farmers should be appropriately trained to improve their agronomic knowledge on maize production. Farmers are also encouraged to form and be active members of farmer associations. Finally, policies and programs that promote extension services should be promoted to improve the maize production in the study areas.

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