Resource Use Efficiency among Small-Scale Yam Farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined resource use efficiency among small-scale yam farmers in Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria during the 2023 cropping season. Specifically, the sub-objectives were to estimate the level of technical and allocative efficiency in yam production and identify the constraints encountered by farmers in yam production. Two hundred and forty small scale yam farmers were selected using multistage sampling. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using an efficiency model and stochastic frontier function. The study revealed that inputs such as fertilizer, labour, seedlings, and credit were underutilized, while farm size was overutilized. The marginal value product (MVP) adjustment revealed a 95.14%, 91.42%, 99.89%, and 99.86% increase for fertilizer, labour, seedlings, and credit, respectively, from the current level to attain the highest levels of allocative efficiency and profit. The technical efficiency of yam farmers ranged from 6% to 99%, with a mean technical efficiency of 0.63 (63%). The farmers operate in the first stage of production (Ep > 1), implying increasing returns to scale (2.70). High farm input costs (71), land tenure (70), inadequate access to credit (67), poor access to extension services (66), and pest and disease incidence (65) were identified as problems militating against yam production. This study highlighted the importance of targeted interventions to address constraints and improve input use. The study recommends that farmers should be provided with targeted training programs on efficient input utilization, including best fertilizer practices, seed spacing, and crop rotation to ensure efficient resource use and higher productivity. Low-interest credit and subsidized inputs should be provided to yam farmers. Government should employ more trained extension personnel and increase participation in extension activities to ensure the proper implementation of new farming practices. Farmers should be educated on proper herbicide application using knapsack sprayers.