Labour Diversification and Efficiency Trade-offs in Cassava Production: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria

Aim: This study examines the relationship between off-farm work participation and the technical efficiency of smallholder cassava farmers in Nigeria, addressing the trade-offs between labour diversification and on-farm efficiency. Method: Primary data were collected from 150 smallholder cassava farmers in Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling procedure and structured questionnaires. Data analysis employed stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate technical efficiency and logistic regression to identify determinants of off-farm work participation. Results: Off-farm work participation is associated with lower technical efficiency in cassava production. Farmers engaged in off-farm work achieved an average efficiency of 41.28%, compared to 51.42% among non-participants, suggesting that off-farm labour commitments may hinder timely farm management. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sex, household size, farming experience, and access to credit significantly influence participation in off-farm work. Conclusion: Findings emphasize policy imperatives for rural development that reconcile off-farm livelihood opportunities with sustainable cassava productivity. The need for policy efforts to promote labour-saving technologies, enhance access to rural credit, and develop flexible labour systems holds promise for enabling smallholder farmers to integrate livelihood diversification with efficient cassava production.