article · SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences
An investigation into small-scale tomato farming in Kano and Kaduna States, Nigeria, evaluated the returns to scale and production elasticity among 200 growers. Surveyed farmers had an average age of 44 years and managed an average landholding of 1.41 hectares. Analysis revealed that all key production inputs, including agrochemicals, fertiliser, seeds, farm size, and labour, had positive and statistically meaningful effects on tomato yields. The elasticities of production for all inputs were inelastic, with fertiliser showing the highest responsiveness at 0.2316. Overall, the production system exhibited decreasing returns to scale with a value of 0.8357, indicating that a one percent increase across all inputs results in a 0.8357 percent increase in tomato output. Because farming remains in an operational stage where yields can still rise with additional resources, supplying farmers with improved tomato seed varieties could help enhance total production.
Understanding the precise relationship between agricultural inputs and crop harvests helps identify where farming investments generate the greatest returns. For smallholder tomato growers, knowing that fertiliser, agrochemicals, and seeds directly constrain yields allows agricultural programmes to target resource distribution effectively, helping to optimise food production and boost rural household incomes.
These findings provide applied economic evidence for agricultural extension services, seed suppliers, and regional development initiatives working with smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria. The research indicates an immediate opportunity to improve yields by distributing improved tomato seed varieties alongside balanced fertiliser packages. The insights are applied and tested at farm level, though commercial impact relies on public or private supply chains delivering high-quality seeds to smallholders.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This research study focused on estimating the return to scale (RTS) and elasticity of production (EP) among small-scale tomato producers in Kano and Kaduna States of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling plan was utilized to select 200 small-scale tomato producers. Primary data of cross-sectional sources were utilized based on a well-planned questionnaire. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, RTS, EP, and stochastic frontier production model. The results show that the mean age of tomato producers was 44 years (SD = 6.12). The tomato producers were small-scale growers with a mean farm size of 1.41 hectares. The coefficient of agrochemicals, fertilizer usage, seeds, farm size, and labour were positive and considerably different from zero in affecting the output of tomato growers. The coefficients of elasticity of production were estimated as follows, agrochemicals (0.1674), fertilizer usage (0.2316), farm size (0.1635), seeds (0.1206), and labour (0.1526) respectively. The input elasticities were inelastic for tomato farming; this means a 1% rise in each factor, while keeping all other stimulus constant will result to less than 1% rise in tomato output. The RTS was evaluated at 0.8357, this connotes deceasing RTS, the tomato producers are operating in stage 1 of the production surfaces which is the output of tomato can still be raised by using more of the factors. An increase in all the inputs by 1% raises tomato output by 0.8357 percent. The improved varieties of tomato seeds should be given to producers to increase output.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.21608/svuijas.2025.345026.1420
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
