Analysis of technical efficiency among rice farmers in Ebonyi State of Nigeria: A stochastic frontier approach

This paper analysed the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It specifically analysed the levels and determinants of technical  efficiency. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. A total of 150 well-structured questionnaires were distributed but only 91 were returned. The Cobb-Douglas production function model was used to predict the farm level technical efficiency. Results from the Cobb- Douglas Regression showed a sigma square (σ2) of 0.06584 which was statistically significant at 1 percent. The technical efficiency scores among the rice farmers ranged from 0.012 to 1.000 with a mean of 0.350. Farm size, quantity of rice seedlings, quantity of fertilizer and quantity of  agrochemical all were showed positive correlation with coefficients of 0.93511, 0.08310, 0.11200 and 0.14345 respectively while farm labour showed  a negative correlation with technical efficiency. The determinants of technical inefficiency were age, household size and extension visits. This paper advocates the strengthening of existing extension system for timely sourcing of highly improved rice varieties and subsidized fertilizer. There is the need to enhance farmers’ technical efficiency through adequate training on optimum input mix. Keywords: Rice production, technical efficiency, cobb-douglas production functio

Determinants of savings among small-scale food crop farmers in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

The study on the Determinants of savings among small scale farmers was conducted in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 110 small scale farmers. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and the multiple linear regression analysis. The study showed that the mean age of farmers in the study area was 47.7years and that majority (78%) of the farmers were married with mean household size of 6 persons. Majority (45.4%) of the farmers had attained primary education and had mean farm sizes of 1.57 hectares. The result of the multiple regression analysis showed that farm size and income had a significant positive influence on the farmers volume of savings while, household size and distance to financial institutions had a significant negative influence on the farmers volume of savings. The main constraints to the small scale farmer’s inability to save are inadequate income, lack of access to credit facilities and delays and congestion in bank halls. The study recommended that Government, stakeholders and policy makers should provide incentives in the form of short and medium term loans to enhance the productivity and income levels of the small scale food crop farmers.Keywords: Savings, Small scale farmers and Incom

Credit management techniques and effect on agricultural loan repayment performance: The case of prospect microfinance bank, Akwa- Ibom State, Nigeria

The study assessed the effect of credit management techniques on agricultural loan repayment in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria using the Prospect Microfinance Bank (PMB) as a case study. The specific objectives were to examine the socio-economic characteristic of the farmer borrowers; examine the credit management techniques as used by the bank; the extent to which the customers divert loans and their loan repayment performance in terms of default and ascertain the determinants of loan repayment performance of the bank. Descriptive statistics, loan diversion and repayment indices as well as the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques were used in the data analysis. The results of the analysis showed that; the mean age of the PMB customers was 43.5 years, about 51% of the loan beneficiaries were females while 49 were males. Again, 57% of them had a household size of 5 persons, with an average of 5 years in their businesses. The average amount of loan collected was N246, 750, out of which N53, 736.73 was used for unintended purpose representing about 22% approximately as loan diversion index. Rate of repayment and default were34% and 64% respectively while level of education and loan duration has positive significant effects on the loan rate of repayment. The result of OLS indicated that age, and interest rate had significant negative effect on the loan repayment at 5% probability level. The study recommended that, PMB should ensure that loan recipients should provide adequate sureties and guarantors to minimize default rate and the recipients should use the facility for the intended economic purposes to ensure repayment.Keywords: Credit management techniques, and repayment performanc