The level of yield among rice farmers is in decline; output and yield differences have been observed, indicating the existence of inefficiency in production systems and variation in input utilization. Efficiency in resource use must be sustained to improve productivity and maximize farm output. Despite extensive stochastic frontier studies on rice production in Nigeria, recent empirical evidence on swamp rice systems in Anambra State remains limited. Therefore, thisstudy analyzes the technical efficiency of rice farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria, using astochastic frontier production function. Also, the study addresses this gap by examining the technical efficiency of swamp rice farmers in Anambra State, identifying key determinants and constraints to inform targeted policy interventions. The broad objective is to analyze the technical efficiency of swamp rice production in Anambra State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty sampled rice farmers were selected using multistage random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire complemented with oral interview was used to collect data from the respondents for the study. Percentages, responses, and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function were used to analyse the objectives of the study. The result showed that the estimated level of technical efficiency ranged between 24%-94%. Also, the determinants factors to technical efficiency of the rice farmers were age of the farmers, level of education and extension services. The major constraints to rice production in the study area were pest and disease (92%), poor access to credit (83%), and high cost of labour (67%). Policy options aimed at enhancing farmers' access to labour-saving devices, credit facilities and educational programs were proffered.
Sylvanus I. Ogbonna (Thu,) studied this question.