Resource Use Efficiency in Sugarcane Production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: An Application of Stochastic Frontier Production Function

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study is twofold; to determine how the resource inputs were efficiently used and describe how socio-economic characteristics of sugarcane farmers affected the efficiency of sugarcane producers in Kaduna state. Study Design: Primary data were collected for this study from sugarcane farmers through the use of well structured questionnaires. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Maigana Agricultural Zone of Kaduna state, Nigeria between September and December 2014 cropping season. Methodology: Multistage-stage sampling technique was employed for data collection. Results: A total of 330 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. The analysis revealed that the coefficients of the resource inputs farm size, cutting (sett), fertilizer, labour and agrochemical had positive sign, thus conformed to the a priori expectation. The average practice technical efficiency was found to be 89% Conclusion: These resource inputs were found to be inelastic and not intensively being utilized. Hence, the farmers should increase the rate of inputs used in order to optimize efficiency in sugarcane production in the study area.