Abstract
Ethiopia is one of the east African countries which produce and exports various spices to other countries. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an important stiff annual flowering plant which mainly grows by producers for its seeds. An increasing demand of black cumin seed and oil in local, national and international market for medicinal, consumption and commercial purpose makes the best alternative crop for small holder farmers in Ethiopia. In spite of its importance, not much has been done to improve its production and productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research was designed to examining efficiency variations and factors influencing technical inefficiency levels of producers on black cumin production in northwest Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered on 188 black cumin producers selected using systematic random sampling technique. Moreover, various data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier model were used for analyzing the data. The empirical result obtained by applying maximum likelihood estimate of stochastic frontier model revealed that seed (p < 0.01) labor (p < 0.05), chemical (p < 0.01) and land (p < 0.05) were significant input variables in determining black cumin production. The mean technical efficiency level of black cumin producer was generally low, about 53.1%. The mean value of actual yield, potential yield and yield gap was 3.131, 5.832 and 2.701 quintals, respectively. Moreover, the result of stochastic frontier model together with the inefficiency parameters revealed that market price of black cumin (p < 0.01) and access of extension service (p < 0.1) were significant variables and positively influenced the efficiency levels of black cumin producers. Whereas age of producers (p < 0.05) and distance to farm plot (p < 0.01) negatively influenced the technical efficiency levels of black cumin producers. Therefore, the study recommends that adoption of latest agricultural technologies; development of institutions, agricultural extension services and infrastructure are advisable to improve the efficiency and commercial value of black cumin production.
Highlights
In developing countries, larger sections of the populations are depends on agriculture sector
3.5 Conclusion and recommendations Black cumin is an important spice crop which is mainly produced by Ethiopian small holder farmers for medicinal value, commercial purpose, and flavorings of food items
Information on production, productivity and technical efficiency levels of black cumin is limited in the country
Summary
Larger sections of the populations are depends on agriculture sector. In Africa, there is abundance of resources and high potential of attracting investors and producers in various agricultural productions and emerging markets The sector’s production, productivity and efficiency status is low in most African countries including Ethiopia (FAO and WFP 2012). A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetative agricultural product which produced for consumption and commercial purpose (Dessie et al 2019a), flavoring of foods, and sometimes as a preservative of food by killing and preventing the growth of some harmful bacteria (Tesfa et al 2017; Spice Sector Strategy Coordinating Committee 2010).
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