Technical Efficiency of Cocoyam Production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: A Stochastic Production Frontier Approach

Abstract

Aims: Aims of the study were to describe socio-economic characteristics of cocoyam farmers, determine the technical efficiency of cocoyam producers and identify socio-economic factors influencing technical efficiency of cocoyam producers in Kaduna state. Study Design: Primary data were collected from cocoyam producers through the use of structured questionnaires. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in three local government area in Kaduna state, Nigeria between August and November 2013 cropping season. Methodology: Multistage purposive and random sampling techniques were employed for data collection.

Systematic Review on Farmers’ Perceptions, Preferences and Utilization Patterns of Taro [<i>Colocasia esculenta</i> (L.) Scott] for Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria

“…Papua New Guinea Taro beetle, taro leaf blight and alomae bobone virus complex Improving taro accessions for pest and disease resistance and implementing an integrated pest management system [30] East Africa Virus diseases Virus indexing [31] Uganda Less attention, shortage of cropland, lack of planting materials, poor extension services and poor crop husbandry Improving taro for yield, pest and disease resistance, anti-nutrient content, early maturation, and drought tolerance [32] Education level, wild animals, low yield, water logging, pests and diseases, poor soil fertility [33] Togo Propagation materials, less promoted lack of information, lack of preferred traits, weak breeding strategies, poor post-harvest handling, rainfall irregularity, poor soil infertility and inefficient marketing Improving productivity through molecular breeding (marker assisted selection), food processing, and credit availability [34] Gahanna Disease and insects infestation Access to fungicides and insecticides, as well as the development of resistant or tolerant hybrids [41] Climate change, inconsistency in planting and harvesting dates, nutrient deficiency (slowed growth), high post-harvest loss, inadequate storage facilities (brans), and poor shelf life are all factors to consider Crop management research, improvement toward early maturity, access to inputs, subsidized input costs, and improved storage facilities [42] The cost of input and the time it takes to supply input Fertilizer is delivered to farmers on time and in sufficient quantities at a reasonable cost [43] High inorganic fertilizer costs, wilting, and late planting Policy options, increased productivity, access to inputs, credit, and adequate motivation of extension agents [44] 6. Roadmap for an Up-Scale Production and Increased Adoption of Taro by Both Farmers and Consumers…”