Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, PMB 117 Gwagwalada-Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
2
Department of Agricultural-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna State, Nigeria.
3
Department of Agricultural-Extension and Management, School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Samaru Kataf Campus, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
4
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146 Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
5
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the socio-economic evaluation and technical efficiency (TE) of soybean (Glycine max) production in North West, Nigeria: a parametric approach. The multistage method of sampling was employed. A sample size totaling 160 soybean farmers was selected. Primary data sources were collected through a well-designed and properly structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was subjected to a validity and reliability test. Data were analyzed using descriptive or summary statistics and the stochastic production efficiency frontier model (SPEFM). The result shows that the mean age of soybean farmers is 46 years. The soybean farmers are literate and attend formal education with an average of 12 years in school. The soybean production is profitable, with an estimated GM (Gross Margin) and NFI (Net Farm Income) of 899,237.80 Naira and 824 468.22 Naira, respectively. The GMR (Gross Margin Ratio) and RORI (Rate of Return on Investment) were calculated at 0.583 and 1.15, respectively. The significant factors influencing TE of soybean production are fertilizer, seed, farm size, labor, and agrochemicals. The significant socio-economic factors increasing the technical efficiency (TE) of soybean production include household size, age, years of experience, level of education, members of cooperatives, and number of extension contacts. The mean TE score of soybean farmers is 53.77%, leaving a gap of 46.23% for improvement. The major constraints soybean farmers face include a lack of improved seeds (1st) and a lack of credit (2nd). The study recommends making credit facilities at single-digit interest rates available for soybean farmers.
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