Analysis of Smallholder Maize Farmer’s Technical Efficiency and Farm Management Practices in the West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

AbstractThis study was undertaken to identify factors that influence smallholder maize farmers’ technical efficiency and farm Management practices in The West Region of Cameroon. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 maize farmers from eight divisions. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function. Results show that age, farming experience, maize variety, and extension contact were identified as key factors that influence farmers’ technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency shows that maize farmers’ output could be increased using the available technology. The estimated production function further revealed that farm size, labor, the quantity of fertilizer, and the quantity of seed significantly influenced maize production. Farming experience, extension contact, maize variety, and household size are positively and significantly related to their technical efficiency. Results show that maize production is profitable in the study area with an average profit of 35,000 FCFA per hectare despite poor record-keeping, an inadequate mechanism to finance family farms, and a lack of improved varieties. To raise maize production, the government should assist smallholder maize farmers by constructing good roads and providing input subsidies. Further, experienced farmers should be encouraged to remain in farming activities since they can acquire and master all stages of production. Efforts should also be made by the government to ensure efficient and viable extension contact.KeywordsTechnical efficiencyMaize farmersFarm managementSocioeconomic factorsProfitability