Research Article
Technical Efficiency of Teff Production: The Case of Mareka District in Dawuro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Selamu Desta*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
29-38
Received:
1 January 2025
Accepted:
20 January 2025
Published:
13 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20251102.11
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Abstract: This study examines the technical efficiency of smallholder teff producers in Mareka district, revealing significant productivity differences attributed to varying efficiency in resource use. Data from 174 randomly selected farmers during the 2020/21 production season were analyzed using a Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function, resulting in a mean technical efficiency level of 70.7%. This indicates a potential for a 29.3% improvement in efficiency with existing resources. The analysis identified key factors influencing technical efficiency, showing that teff output was positively affected by the use of fertilizers, labor, oxen days, and land area. The inefficiency discrepancy ratio was approximately 67.16%. Furthermore, maximum likelihood estimation highlighted that factors such as sex, education, soil fertility, livestock ownership, off-farm income, training, credit access, and extension contact significantly influenced technical inefficiency. To enhance technical efficiency among teff producers, the study recommends improving education, asset ownership, credit access, and facilitating knowledge exchange between efficient and inefficient farmers. These strategies aim to increase overall teff productivity in the region.
Abstract: This study examines the technical efficiency of smallholder teff producers in Mareka district, revealing significant productivity differences attributed to varying efficiency in resource use. Data from 174 randomly selected farmers during the 2020/21 production season were analyzed using a Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function,...
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Research Article
On Farm Validation of Integrated Use of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizer for Soybean Production at Mima Watershed, at Bambasi District
Dessalegn Tamene*,
Bekele Anbesa,
Malefia Demerew
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
39-45
Received:
6 December 2024
Accepted:
22 December 2024
Published:
10 April 2025
Abstract: Crop yields are greatly influenced by soil fertility status, which can be improved with vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers. The effect of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) on the yield of soybean was validated under on-farm conditions in the Mima watershed over three cropping years (2011/12 - 2013/14 E.C.). The trial consisted of three treatments (recommended rate of NP or site-specific fertilizer recommendation, which is 23 kg of N and 46 kg of P/ha, farmers' practice (negative control), and 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% vermin compost (23 ton/ha based on N equivalence)). The plot size was 10 m by 10 m. Results of the experiment showed that the highest grain yield of soybean (2453.9 kg ha-1) was recoded for application of 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% of vermicompost, while the lowest mean yield was noted for the control plot. Application of 50% recommended rate of NP + 50% vermicompost increased yields of soybean by about 41.37% and 20.55% compared to the control and recommended NP treatment, respectively. Economic analysis also revealed that combined application of 50% recommended rate of NP and 50% vermicompost gave the highest net benefit (98165.43 ETB) with an acceptable marginal rate of return. Hence, this treatment is recommended for soybean production in Assosa area as well as in areas with similar agro-ecology.
Abstract: Crop yields are greatly influenced by soil fertility status, which can be improved with vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers. The effect of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) on the yield of soybean was validated under on-farm conditions in the Mima watershed over three cropping years (2011/12 - 2013/14 E.C.). The trial consisted of th...
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