Improving Efficiency and TFP of Lowland Paddy Rice Farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The pressure on land for agricultural purposes is on the rise and sustainable agriculture remains the panacea for herdsmen attack on arable crop farmers in the study area. The present research empirically measured and identified the factors that influenced efficiency and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of lowland paddy rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria. Research Methodology: The study made use of cross-sectional data collected from 200 active farmers during the 2016 cropping season via Multi-stage sampling technique. Instrument used to elicit information from the active farmers was structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The results proved that majority of the farmers were not smart farmers which is responsible for negative TFP in most of the Decision making units (DMUs) as evident from poor robust increase in output index. However, the study inferred that there remained more untapped potentials in paddy rice production in the studied area. Limitations: The scope of the research is limited to lowland rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria. Originality/Value: Therefore, it was recommended that Government and non-governmental organisations should formulate supportive policies targeting sustainability of rice production viz. proper allocation of farm resources and also welfare improvement of the resource poor farmers for cultivating rice crops in the studied area.