Stochastic frontier analysis of technical efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro municipality: a reflection from RIPAT program
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology
Abstract
This study looks into the elements that influence maize production and
technical efficiency among households participating in the RIPAT
SUA Project in Morogoro Municipality, using stochastic frontier analysis for the 2022 – 2023 season. The focus was on socio-economic
characteristics, land size, seed usage, use of fertilizer extension services, training from the project, and education. The primaryobjective was to examine the factors influencing maize production and
Stochastic Frontier, efficiency by evaluating socioeconomic aspects and specific
Technical Efficiency, agricultural techniques. A total of 110 households were surveyed with
standardized questionnaires. Socioeconomic data was collected, key
variables were evaluated and key variables were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and analysis. The results
reveal that land size harms productivity (β = -0.436, p < 0.001),
whereas improved seed usage has a positive impact (β = 0.401, p =
0.016). Education level (β = -1.168, p = 0.002) and agriculture
experience (β = -0.016, p = 0.049) considerably reduce insisting on the importance of education interventions.
Additionally, 40% of households have access to VSLA, revealing
financial problems. While 94.55% of households got training, only
18.18% received extension services which could hamper the best
productivity. Every household reported owning land and using seeds
highlighting that they had the necessary materials for maize
production. Regarding technical efficiency, Magadu ward high score
of 5%, while Kauzeni has the lowest at 1.9% suggesting significant
disproportions in productivity among wards. These findings
emphasize the importance of focused initiatives to improve agriculture
productivity through enhancing farmer education and training,
experience, and increased access to finance. These strategies are
critical for improving maize productivity and addressing food security
issues among households participating in programs like the RIPAT
SUA initiative hence will increase agricultural efficiency and
contribute to more farmer-sustainable farming methods throughout
the region .
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Maize Production, RIPAT SUA Project, Stochastic Frontier, Technical Efficiency, Morogoro Municipality