Abstract
The study was conducted to assess tomato productivity and determine characteristics that influence technical efficiency among smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County using the production function approach. Data were collected by administering structured questionnaires to a sample of 384 respondents randomly selected from six wards using multistage stratified and probability proportionate to size sampling procedures. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design and primary data on tomato yield, production system, input usage and farmer demographics were collected. The stochastic Cobb Douglas production function was used to estimate the frontier production and efficiency levels using maximum likelihood. Tobit multiple regression was used to determine farm and farmer characteristics that impact technical efficiency. Results showed that respondents were inefficient with an average technical efficiency of 39.55% with greenhouse more efficient than open field system. Household size, production systems, seed type, fertilizer, extension and market information significantly and positively influenced technical efficiency, while land size was significant and inversely influenced technical efficiency. Results revealed a possibility to increase technical efficiency in tomato production using certified seeds and recommended fertilizer levels. In addition, policy interventions aimed at subsidizing costs of establishing greenhouses would serve as an incentive to motivate farmers to use technologies in tomato production. Key words: Cobb Douglas production function, production systems, technical efficiency, Tobit regression
Highlights
Comparable to other Sub-Saharan African countries, Kenya continues to rely on agriculture for food and economic development (Ochilo et al, 2019)
The results revealed that technical efficiency for tomato farmers in Kirinyaga remained low with greenhouse farmers more efficient than open field farmers
The age differences between farmers in the two production systems were different at 1% level implying that greenhouse farmers were significantly advanced in age than their open field farmers
Summary
Comparable to other Sub-Saharan African countries, Kenya continues to rely on agriculture for food and economic development (Ochilo et al, 2019). The sector is a key economic pillar contributing 24% of the gross domestic product and about 65% of exports (Nyamwamu, 2016). Smallholder farmers dominate the sector with farms ranging from 0.2 to 3 hectares and produces over 70% of total agricultural output (Ndirangu et al, 2018). Horticulture forms the bulk of agriculture with vegetables accounting for 80% of growers and 60% of exports (Yabs and Awuor, 2016). Tomato is among the widely cultivated vegetables and is ranked second after potato in terms of production and value (Mitra and Yunus, 2018). The Kenyan government has devised mechanisms to improve productivity among smallholder farmers (Wambua et al, 2019).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
