DIFFERENTIALS IN PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AMONG ORGANIC AND INORGANIC VEGETABLE FARMERS IN ABIA STATE NIGERIA: A STOCHASTIC PRODUCTION FUNCTION APPROACH

The study examined the production efficiency differentials between organic and inorganic fertilizer vegetable farmers in Abia state, Nigeria. Farm-level data were obtained from 144 farm households in the state. The Cobb-Douglas stochastic production function was estimated for output and technical efficiency in single maximum likelihood estimation. The organic and inorganic farmers were able to obtain 93% and 72% of potential output from a given mixture of production inputs. The use of inorganic fertilizer had a negative relationship with output and technical efficiency of the inorganic farmers implying over-utilization of the resource while organic fertilizers and pesticides had a very strong positive effect on output of the organic farmers. It is recommended that adequate extension services geared towards enlightening the farmers on the productivity and health benefits of organic fertilizers’ use be vigorously pursued. Government should make available organic pesticides and fertilizers to farmers at low costs as this will encourage organic farming in the study area. Concerted efforts and public enlightenment on benefits of organic farming practices and controlled inorganic farming methods are also recommended