Gender inequalities in technical efficiency among small-holder cassava farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria.
2010
This study was designed to examine the relative technical efficiency and its determinants on gender basis in cassava production in Enugu state, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 180 cassava farmers (90 males and 90 females) from two out of three agricultural zones in the state. Interview schedules were used in data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive tools and Stochastic Frontier Production Function. The estimated farm level technical efficiency for male and female farmers were 89% and 53% respectively. Result further indicated that the estimated production function revealed that farm size 1%, labour 5%, cassava bundles 1% and quantity of fertilizer 5% significantly influenced the cassava production function for male farmers while farm size 1%, labour 1%, quantity of fertilizer 1% and capital input 1% significantly influenced that of the female. Household size, educational status, farming experience, land ownership and extension contact were found to be positively and significantly related to the technical efficiency of the male farmers while age and farm size were negatively but significantly related to their technical efficiency. For the female farmers, marital statuses, educational status, farming experience and farm size were positively significant while age and household size were negative but significantly related to their technical efficiency. The results therefore call for policies aimed at encouraging the youths who are agile and younger on experience to cultivate cassava The education is also important especially for girl-child. Keywords: Technical efficiency, Gender, inequalities and Cassava Small-holders.
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