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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Economic Efficiency of Land Improvement Techniques among Cassava Farmers in the Wetlands of Nigeria |
Authors: | Bamire, A.S. Alimi, T. Ayanwale, A.B. |
Year: | 2004 |
Periodical: | Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development |
Volume: | 20 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 45-56 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | small farms cultivation systems fertilizers cassava efficiency Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Development and Technology Economics and Trade |
Abstract: | Breaking the inherent poverty cycle of rural households and enhancing their standard of living requires a transformation of their agricultural operations from subsistence to commercially-oriented production. This implies moving from subsistence to market-driven farming, of which changes in crop selection, land use, and the efficient use of resources are essential components.This paper examines the economic efficiency of land improvement techniques employed by smallholder cassava farmers in the delta area of Nigeria, with a view to improving farm production and productivity beyond subsistence levels. Data were collected from 180 respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire, while focus group discussions were held to understand land quality improvement approaches in the study area. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were employed to determine the economic efficiency of farm resources under different land improvement techniques. Results show that prevalent land improvement techniques are crop rotation, organic and inorganic fertilizers, bush fallow and alley cropping practice, while demographic and socioeconomic characteristics influence farmers' decisions on use of these technologies. Extension programmes targeted on the appropriate and efficient use of ecologically sound on-farm techniques are required for increased farm productivity and income levels as well as to conserve limited farm resources. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |