Does plot size matter? Evidence from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania

Michael Raphael Baha

Development in Practice, 2016, vol. 26, issue 2, 214-222

Abstract: Debates about optimal farm structure and size have a long history in agricultural economics. Agricultural and development economists argue for an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, but debates around this remain inconclusive. This article provides a case from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania. The efficiency level of 122 sampled smallholder farmers was estimated and found to be 62.3%, suggesting 37.7% of inefficiencies. A U-shape relationship between plot size and efficiency scores was found. There was high efficiency at plots 4 ha. Policies stimulating small- and large-scale farms in the country are imperative.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2016.1136592

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