The level and determinants of technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in maize intercropping and monocropping in Tanzania

Abstract

The study focused on examining and comparing the level and determinants of technical efficiency among maize smallholder farmers in maize intercropping options and maize monocropping in Tanzania on 5595 households (1323 in 2010, 1680 in 2012, 1219 in 2014 and 1373 in 2020) from the 2010/2011 to 2020/2021Tanzania National Panel Surveys data that were considered cross-sectional following the limited panel structure due to sample splitting, attrition and refreshment. By using a one-step Translog stochastic frontier model, the results revealed that, household that intercropped maize and legumes are consistently more technically efficient, with efficiency increasing from an average of 57% in 2010/11 to 76% in 2020/21 relative to54.2% to 67.4% in maize monocropping and 54% to 67% in maize and other crops. Concurrently, the trend was volatile in maize monocropping and decreasing in maize production regardless of the technology (72% to 62% respectively). Throughout the study, male-headed household emerges more efficient than female-headed households. Household joint farming decisions, agriculture as main occupation, livestock ownership reduce inefficiency in maize and legumes and maize monocropping, land ownership, secondary education or above reduce inefficiency in maize monocropping, household size and improved seed reduce inefficiency in maize and legumes, extensions services and irrigation reduce inefficiency in maize and other crops. Farming machinery reduces inefficiency, while environmental shocks and age increases inefficiency in all maize cropping systems. Government should promote maize and legumes intercropping as a strategic method, easy smallholder access to farming machinery, promote household joint decisions and attract young farmers in agriculture through subsidies.