Efficiency Study of Cassava Production in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

This book assessed the profitability and technical efficiency of cassava production in Akure North and South Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Respondents for the study were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected from the respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data collected were analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, budgeting (Gross Margin) and econometric analyses (Stochastic Frontier Production Function). Results of the frontier analysis showed that farmers operated in stage II of the production function. Maximum Likelihood Estimates of the Stochastic Frontier Production Function showed that farm size, cost of labour, quantity of agrochemicals and quantity of cassava stem cuttings were the major determinants of output of farmers in the study area. In addition, the level of education, farming experience, household size and age of farmers were the major determinants of efficiency of cassava farmers in the study area. It is recommended that Farmers should be encouraged to go for adult education since the level of education increases their technical efficiencies