Maximum Likelihood Estimates and Determinants of Technical Efficiency of Leafy Vegetable Producers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Leafy vegetables are important delicacies in the diet of most people in Nigeria and have played important role in helping to solve food security problems mainly in the rural areas. This study was carried out to determine the influence of some socio-economic and environmental factors on technical efficiency of leafy vegetable producers in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. The results show that leafy vegetable production in the study area is female dominated. The Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) of the Cobb-Douglas stochastic production frontier function indicated that age of vegetable producers have a negative and significant influence on their technical efficiency, while, educational level, farming experience, farm size, household size and soil quality have positive and significant influence on their technical efficiency. The study recommends the formulation and implementation of policies that would encourage establishment of Adult and Continuing Education in the State, and adoption of sustainable systems of farming that will enhance good soil quality and environmental sustainability, with adequate supply of inputs to promote efficient production of vegetables in the area.