Technical Efficiency of Table Egg Producers in Imo State, Nigeria
D. O. Ohajianya *
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, P. M. B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
P. N. Onu
Department of Animal Science, Ebony State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
J. N. Ugwu
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.
M. N. Osuji
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, P. M. B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
I. U. Nwaiwu
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, P. M. B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
J. S. Orebiyi
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, P. M. B. 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C. C. Godson-Ibeji
Staff School, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C. O. Enyia
Fadama Coordination Office, Agricultural Development Programme Secretariat, Okigwe Road Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study measured the level of technical efficiency and its determinants in table egg production in Imo State, Nigeria by using a stochastic frontier production function to determine individual technical efficiencies of the farmers. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 105 table egg producers. The estimated technical efficiency ranged from 16.23% to 94.17% with a mean technical efficiency of 62%. The wide variation in the level of technical efficiency indicates that ample opportunities exist for table egg producers to increase their productivity and income through improvements in technical efficiency. Determinants of technical efficiency of table egg producers were found to be credit access, level of education, farming experience, flock size, extension contact and membership of farmers’ associations/cooperatives, since these variables were found to be positively and significantly related to technical efficiency.
Keywords: Frontier production function, Imo state, table egg, technical efficiency.