Efficiency Differential of Adopters and Non-adopters of Improved Technologies among Plantain Farmers in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated efficiency differential of adopters and non-adopters of improved technologies among plantain farmers in South-South, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to analyze production factors of adopters and non- adopters’, measure productive efficiencies of adopters and non-adopters, and evaluate the factors affecting the adoptive behaviour of farmers in the study area. Multi stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 280 plantain farmers. Descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier production/cost function models and logistic regression model were used for analysis. The results showed that adopter obtained higher yield than the non-adopters (p<0.01). Significant difference existed between adopters and non-adopters in terms of farm size, labour, inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, income, education, credit status and extension contacts. The mean technical efficiency of the famers was 0.66 and 0.52 for adopters and non-adopters respectively which differs significantly (p<0.01). The mean allocative efficiency was 0.57 and 0.44 for adopters and non-adopters respectively, the mean economic efficiency was 0.52 and 0.42 for adopters and non-adopters respectively. Farming experience, family size, adoption index, education, extension contacts, and membership of association were significant factors affecting adoptive choice of the farmers.The study recommended increased use of technologies, more extension contacts, and increased farmers’ membership of association.