scholarly journals Technical Inefficiency Determinants in Potato Production: The case of Potato Farmers in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Hailu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Land Fragmentation

The study identified the factors that cause variation in the level of efficiency in potato production. The study used household level cross sectional data collected in 2015/16 from 196 sample farmers selected by multistage sampling technique. For the data collection, a personally administered structured questionnaire was used. In the analyses, descriptive statistics, a stochastic frontier model (SFM) and a two-limit Tobit regression model were employed. Tobit model revealed that technical efficiency was positively and significantly affected by education, land tenure status, extension service, credit and soil fertility whereas variables such as sex of household head, age of household head, farm size and land fragmentation affected it negatively. Therefore the study suggested the need for policies to discourage land fragmentation and promote education, extension visits, access to credit and soil fertility for improvement in technical efficiency.

scholarly journals Adoption Intensity of Selected Organic-Based Soil Fertility Management Technologies in the Central Highlands of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
George G. Mwaura ◽  
Milka N. Kiboi ◽  
Eric K. Bett ◽  
Jayne N. Mugwe ◽  
Anne Muriuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Cultivated Land ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Central Highlands ◽  
Adoption Intensity

Soil fertility decline continues to be a major challenge limiting agricultural productivity globally. Despite the novelty of organic-based technologies in enhancing agricultural production in Kenya's central highlands, adoption is low. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional household survey of 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers to determine the specific organic-based practices by farmers; and the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the data and the Tobit regression model to evaluate the socioeconomic determinants of adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We identified nine organic-based technologies that had different adoption rates among the farmers. The majority of the farmers had adopted manure (97%) and manure combined with fertilizer (92%) in Murang'a and Tharaka-Nithi, respectively. Manure was applied to the largest land in Murang'a with 31% of the cultivated land. In comparison, manure combined with fertilizer had the highest adoption intensity in Tharaka-Nithi applied to about 25% of the cultivated land. Gender, age of the household head, level of education, household size, access to external labor, training, Tropical Livestock Unit, agriculture group membership, access to credit, land cultivated, and farming experience influenced the adoption intensity of organic-based technologies among smallholder farmers. Based on the smallholder farmers' adoption behavior, this study can be used to disaggregate the farming households better in order to tailor specific organic-based soil fertility technologies solutions that meet their unique needs. One group would be those households that face specific constraints, as reflected in their low adoption rates, women-headed households and older farmers, and thus require more targeted / intensive efforts to overcome these barriers. The other group would be those households that require less focus because, when confronted with the technologies, they are more likely to adopt them easily, for example, the male-headed households. Hence, the smallholder farmers' adoption behavior, can enable policymakers to form a base for designing appropriate policies that encourage the adoption of organic-based soil fertility technology by smallholder farmers.

Determinants of technical efficiency of potato farmers and effects of constraints on potato production in Northern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 699-709
Author(s):  
Adino Andaregie ◽  
Tessema Astatkie
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Efficiency Score ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Factors

AbstractTo improve the national average yield of potato in Ethiopia, which is very low as compared to its potential, factors that influence technical efficiency of potato production need to be determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of technical efficiency using a cross-sectional data collected from 368 randomly selected potato producers in Northern Ethiopia using a multi-stage sampling technique. The study employed Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier model to get farm-level technical efficiency scores. Tobit model and principal component analysis were used to determine the factors that influence technical efficiency of farm households. The results revealed that chemical fertiliser, seed potato, plot size and labour are statistically significant factors that affect potato yield. The average technical efficiency score was estimated to be 75%; and education, experience, off-farm income, household size, membership in a farmers’ association, use of irrigation water, extension contact, use of improved seed, access to product market and weak coordination of stakeholders’ were significant factors influencing technical efficiency. The findings of the study suggest that there is a need for government intervention to create strong market linkage between producers and buyers and to give appropriate training to agricultural extension agents.

scholarly journals Assessment of hired labour use and food security among rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kemi Omotesho ◽  
Azeez Muhammad-Lawal ◽  
Damilare Ismaila
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Extension Education ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Older Farmers ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Farming Households

This study examined the relationship between hired labour use and food security among rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. It determined the food security status of rural farming households and investigated the determinants of hired labour use. A four-stage random sampling technique was used to select 135 rural farming households from which data were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and the Tobit regression model were the analytical tools used for the study. The study revealed that only about half of the households (51.1%) were food secure and that there is a positive correlation between the hired labour use and their food security status. Dependency ratio, age and educational qualification of the household head, total household size, and household income significantly influenced hired labour use (p<0.01). The study recommends the need for agricultural credit schemes in Nigeria to accord higher priority to older farmers and poor rural households. In addition, extension education which emphasizes agriculture as a business rather than a mere way of life should be promoted among farmers.

Impact of Land Fragmentation and Soil Fertility on Rice Producers' Technical Efficiency: An Empirical Study in Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. M. Abdullah Al-Amin ◽  
M. Saidur Rahman ◽  
M. Ismail Hossain ◽  
S. M. Sayem
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Land Fragmentation

scholarly journals Assessing Context-Specific Factors to Increase Tree Survival for Scaling Ecosystem Restoration Efforts in East Africa

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 494
Author(s):  
Christine Magaju ◽  
Leigh Ann Winowiecki ◽  
Mary Crossland ◽  
Aymen Frija ◽  
Hassen Ouerghemmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Tenure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Tree Survival ◽  
Context Specific

Increasing tree cover in agricultural lands can contribute to achieving global and national restoration goals, more so in the drylands where trees play a key role in enhancing both ecosystem and livelihood resilience of the communities that depend on them. Despite this, drylands are characterized by low tree survival especially for tree species preferred by local communities. We conducted a study in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya and Ethiopia with 1773 households to assess how different tree planting and management practices influence seedling survival. Using on-farm planned comparisons, farmers experimented and compared tree survival under different planting and management practices as well as under varying socioeconomic and biophysical contexts in the two countries. Seedling survival was monitored at least six months after planting. Results show that watering, manure application, seedling protection by fencing and planting in a small hole (30 cm diameter and 45 cm depth) had a significant effect on tree seedling survival in Kenya, while in Ethiopia, mulching, watering and planting niche were significant to tree survival. Household socioeconomics and farms’ biophysical characteristics such as farm size, education level of the household head, land tenure, age of the household head had significant effects on seedling survival in both Ethiopia and Kenya while presence of soil erosion on the farm had a significant effect in Kenya. Soil quality ranking was positively correlated with tree survival in Ethiopia, regardless of species assessed. Current findings have confirmed effects of context specific variables some involving intrahousehold socioeconomic status such education level of the household head, and farm size that influence survival.

scholarly journals Open Defecation Practices in Lodwar, Kenya: A Mixed-Methods Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117863021982837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phylis Jepkorir Busienei ◽  
George Morara Ogendi ◽  
Millicent A Mokua
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralism ◽  
Cultural Aspects

Background: As of the year 2014, about 2.5 billion people globally lacked access to improved sanitation. The situation is even worse in the sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. The practice of open defecation (OD) peaks beyond 72% of the population in Turkana County, Kenya, despite various interventions to end it. Methods: This article reports on both qualitative and quantitative aspects of a cross-sectional study. A partially mixed sequential dominant (quantitative) status was used to understand various socioeconomic factors associated with OD practice in Lodwar’s human settlements, Turkana County. Simple random sampling technique was chosen to select participants for this study with the sample drawn from various administrative units of Lodwar. Standardized questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Results: The quantitative findings revealed that culture was the leading factor as to why people practiced OD with a frequency of 44%. The findings further revealed that poverty was the major influencing factor for latrine ownership among the households (frequency 27%). Pearson χ2 tests revealed that there was a significant association between latrine presence and education level of the household head (χ2 = 107.317; P < .05), latrine sharing (χ2 = 403; P < .05), and occupation of the household head (χ2 = 74.51; P < .05). The quantitative findings showed that culture was by far the most common factor that contributed to the OD practice with a theme intensity of 31.1%. Further analyses identified 5 major cultural aspects that were associated with OD practice. This included sexual immorality, OD as a common habit, nomadic pastoralism, bride’s dignity and mixing of feces. Open defecation as a common habit among the respondents was the most cited factor that contributed to its rampant practice (theme intensity 31.3%) followed closely by nomadic pastoralism kind of life among the residents that limit latrine construction (theme intensity 28.1%). Conclusions: In addition to cultural aspects, high poverty levels influence latrine adoption and consequently OD practices. Future sanitation interventions addressing OD should assess and factor in these cultural aspects in such communities to come up with appropriate eradication measures which have otherwise been difficult to solve through poverty eradication and sanitation campaigns that have been in existence.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Technical Efficiency of Rubber Smallholders in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 226
Author(s):  
A. Aliyu ◽  
Ismail Abd Latif ◽  
Mad Nasir Shamsudin ◽  
Nolila Mohd Nawi
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Stochastic Frontier Analysis ◽  
Likelihood Function ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Efficiency Score ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontier Analysis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Size Task

The main objective of the study was to figure out, identify and analyse the technical efficiency of rubber smallholders’ production in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Multi-stage data collection procedures, comprising both purposive and random sampling techniques, were used. Using structured questionnaires, farm-level information with cross sectional data from five districts of Negeri Sembilan, were employed in the study. A parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), with a transcendental logarithmic (Translog) functional form, was used in the study. The descriptive statistics results revealed that, the mean rubber yield was 5465 kg while that of the seven inputs used include 1.2 ha, 602.7, 2.33, 363.6 kg, 13.0 lit, 13.2 man days and 2.47 respectively for farm size, task, farm tools, fertilizer, herbicides, labour and rubber clones.The inferential statistics showed that, the mean technical efficiency was found to be 0.73 with a standard deviation of 0.089. Thus, this translates that 27% accounted for technical inefficiency. Both the sigma square and gamma coefficients were found to be statistically significant at 1% level. The Log Likelihood Function (LLF) and the Log Rati (LR) test were found to be respectively 167.7 and 34.07. The results further revealed that, although none of the farms were found to be on the frontier, however, 9 farms were very near the frontier with efficiency score range between 0.90-0.99. And twenty (20) firms have range 0.80-0.90. Race, Tapping experience, household number and extension agent’s visits were found to be technically significant and are thus critical in determining technical efficiency of rubber smallholders in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Analysis of arable crop farmers’ awareness to causes and effects of climate change in south western Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 614-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakirat Bolatito Ibrahim ◽  
Idris Akanbi Ayinde ◽  
Aisha Olushola Arowolo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Arable Crop

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the determinants of arable crop farmers’ awareness to causes and effects of climate change in south western Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Using primary data, 150 arable crop farmers in Ogun State were selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Survey method was used to elicit information on farmers’ socioeconomic, production characteristics, and their level of awareness to causes and effects of climate change. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, environmental awareness index (EAI), and Tobit regression analysis. Findings – Most (81.08 percent) of the arable crop farmers were males with an average household size of eight persons, farming experience of 24 years and farm size of approximately 1 ha. The computed climate change EAI showed that only 47 percent of the respondents were aware of causes of climate change, while 68 percent were aware of its effects. Results further revealed that age, income from secondary occupation (p < 0.10), marital status, household size (p < 0.05), years of farming experience, frequency of extension contact, land size in hectare, and farm revenue (p < 0.01) were the determinants of respondents awareness to causes and effects of climate change. Practical implications – The study recommended among others that, awareness should be created among arable crop farmers on climate change causes and effects for appropriate mitigation actions to be taken for improved agricultural productivity. Originality/value – The study provided new empirical evidence on the awareness level of respondents to causes and effects of climate change on their production activities and livelihood in general. Implications for policy will be to provide a public education program that will target females, the poor, the illiterate, and the people in the economically active age group among others in order to create awareness and provide information and adequate knowledge on the causes and effects of climate change for proper mitigation and adaptation options.

scholarly journals Knowledge Level, Sosioeconomy Status of Family Head, and Ownership of Latrines in Gunung Agung Village Argamakmur North Bengkulu

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-85
Author(s):  
Suryani Suryani ◽  
Yusran Fauzi ◽  
Fikitri Maya Sari ◽  
Nahari Ratu Cempaka Wilis
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Family Head ◽  
The Family ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Sanitation is intentional behavior in empowering clean life that has the purpose of preventing humans from being in direct contact with dirt and other hazardous waste materials in the hope of maintaining and improving human health. The use of latrines as a place to dispose of human waste is very necessary to avoid and reduce various types of environmental pollution and transmission of diseases, and can support the creation of a clean and healthy environment. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and socioeconomic status of the family head with ownership of family latrines in Gunung Agung Village, Argamakmur City, North Bengkulu. The design of this study uses analytical survey with Cross Sectional approach. The population taken was all family heads in Gunung Agung Village, Argamakmur City, North Bengkulu. Sampling in this study were 85 samples, using proportional random sampling technique, namely 66 samples that had family latrines and 19 samples that did not have family latrines. Data collection in this study uses primary and secondary data with data analysis techniques carried out by univariate and bivariate analysis with Chi-Square test through SPSS program. The results obtained: from 85 household head respondents, it can be seen that there are 66 families (77.6%) who have family latrines, there are 42 families (49.4%) have a sufficient level of knowledge, there are 56 households (65.9%) with the status of Prosperous    Family I. This study shows that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and socioeconomic status of the head of the family with ownership of family latrines in Gunung Agung Village, Argamakmur City, North Bengkulu. Keywords: knowledge of family heads, ownership of family latrines, socio-economic status

scholarly journals THE ISSUE OF INCOME DIVERSIFICATION AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeniyi Felix Akinrinde ◽  
Kemi Funmilayo Omotesho ◽  
Israel Ogulande
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Income Diversification ◽  
Income Sources ◽  
Farming Families ◽  
The Government

The rising incidences of poverty among rural farming families are the reason behind renewed interest in income diversification. This study determined the level of income diversification; identified alternative income sources; examined the reasons for diversification; and identified the constraints to diversification. A three-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting 160 households on which a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics, a Likert-type scale, and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for data analyses. Findings reveal that 1.3% of the households had no additional sources of income while 40.6% had at least four. Trading (55%) and livestock keeping (40.7%) were the most popular alternative income sources. The declining farm income (mean = 2.96) was the primary reason for diversification, while poor rural infrastructure (mean = 3.04) was the most severe constraint to income diversification. Farm size, access to extension services, household size, age and educational level of the household head were significantly related to the level of income diversification at p < 0.05. The study concluded that the level of income diversification was high and influenced by socioeconomic characteristics of the households. It recommends that the government should provide adequate infrastructural facilities in rural areas. Farmer associations should also ensure better prices for agricultural produce through joint marketing.

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