Technical Efficiency and Poultry Farming in Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractIt has been reported that one of the major challenges faced by Nigerians today is a lack of adequate protein intake both in quality to feed the nation's ever-growing population. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze the technical efficiency of poultry farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. A purposive and random sampling technique was used to select 295 poultry farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules, administered to the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production functions. The estimated production function of day–old chicks was significant at a 1% level implying that a percentage increase in chicks will increase output by 0.401 percent. The coefficients of extension visit, membership of association, and credit were found negative implying that the variables increase the technical efficiency of poultry farmers. Also, the mean technical efficiency for poultry farmers is 58% implying that technical efficiency could be increased by 42% given the current level of technology if the available resources are efficiently utilized. It is therefore recommended that access and use of credit should be encouraged because it can significantly improve productivity and welfare. Government should also encourage extension visits as well as membership of the association with poultry farmers in order to increase their efficiency in the Study Area.KeywordsTechnicalEfficiencyPoultryFarmers