Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Technical Efficiency of Carrot Production in the Asante-Mampong Municipality Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Isaac Abunyuwah, Nanii Yenibehit, Evelyn Delali Ahiale

Abstract
This study was designed to estimate and explain the technical efficiency variations among carrot farmers in the Ashanti-Mampong Municipality of Ghana. This was motivated by great potential but lower yields in carrots production of the municipality, being one of the leading carrots producing districts in Ghana. A multistage sampling technique made up of purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed for the study. Determinants and level of technical efficiency among carrot farmers in the municipality were estimated using the stochastic frontier model. The mean technical efficiency was 76.5% with a potential productivity gap of 23.5% in the short run without any additional inputs. Labour and fuel used in irrigation significantly and positively influenced output levels of carrot. Socioeconomic characteristics of farmers such as farm size, access to credit, household labour, age and years of education were all significant determinants of technical inefficiency. It is recommended that agro-inputs and fuel usage for carrot farmers under irrigation in the dry season be increased to improve technical efficiency. It is also recommended that extension education to farmers on effective input allocation be intensified.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v8n2a3