Efficiency of Resource Use in Rainfed Maize Production System by Small-Scale Farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined resource use efficiency in maize crop production by small-scale farmers in the Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State Nigeria. It specifically examined the allocative efficiency of resources used by small-scale farmers in rainfed maize production in the area. Primary data were used to conduct the study. Statistical tools employed were multiple regression analysis and allocative efficiency index (AEI). The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the variables of farm size (x1), farm capital (x3), fertilizer (x4), farm credit (x6), extension service (x7), seeds planted (x8) had a positive relationship with the output of maize. The allocative efficiency index (AEI) of the various productive resources showed that farm size (x1), fertilizer (x3), and herbicides (x5) were found to be underutilized since their allocative efficiency index (AEI) was greater than one (1) and their marginal value product (MVP) were greater than their marginal factor cost (MFC) while Labour(x2) was over-utilized as the allocative efficiency index (AEI) was less than one (1). Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; maize farmers should improve their use of productive resources such as land, capital, fertilizers, herbicide and seeds. Labour factor should be maximally utilized to create a favourable return to a unit of man day employed in maize production in the area.