Analysis of Smallholder Maize Farmer’s Technical Efficiency and Farm Management Practices in the West Region of Cameroon

Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani (), Majory Ongie Meliko, Rayner Tabetando, Udeme Henrietta Ukpe () and Gama Emmanuel Nkwi ()
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Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani: University of Buea, South West Region
Majory Ongie Meliko: University of Buea, South West Region
Rayner Tabetando: University of Buea, South West Region
Udeme Henrietta Ukpe: Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
Gama Emmanuel Nkwi: Federal University Dutse

A chapter in Agricultural Transformation in Africa, 2023, pp 31-45 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This study was undertaken to identify factors that influence smallholder maize farmers’ technical efficiency and farm Management practices in The West Region of Cameroon. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 maize farmers from eight divisions. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function. Results show that age, farming experience, maize variety, and extension contact were identified as key factors that influence farmers’ technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency shows that maize farmers’ output could be increased using the available technology. The estimated production function further revealed that farm size, labor, the quantity of fertilizer, and the quantity of seed significantly influenced maize production. Farming experience, extension contact, maize variety, and household size are positively and significantly related to their technical efficiency. Results show that maize production is profitable in the study area with an average profit of 35,000 FCFA per hectare despite poor record-keeping, an inadequate mechanism to finance family farms, and a lack of improved varieties. To raise maize production, the government should assist smallholder maize farmers by constructing good roads and providing input subsidies. Further, experienced farmers should be encouraged to remain in farming activities since they can acquire and master all stages of production. Efforts should also be made by the government to ensure efficient and viable extension contact.

Keywords: Technical efficiency; Maize farmers; Farm management; Socioeconomic factors; Profitability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:aaechp:978-3-031-19527-3_4

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-19527-3_4

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