Abstract
This paper uses a directional distance function
and a single truncated bootstrap approach to investigate
inefficiency of lowland farming systems in the Benin
Republic. First, we employed a dual approach to estimate
and decompose short-run profit inefficiency of each
farming system into pure technical, allocative and scale
inefficiency and also into input and output inefficiency.
Second, an econometric analysis of factors affecting the
inefficiency was generated using a single truncated bootstrap
procedure to improve inefficiency analysis statistically
and obtain consistent estimates. In the short run, scale,
allocative and output inefficiency were found to be the
main sources of inefficiency. Based on inefficiency results,
the inefficiency of lowland farming systems is the most
diverse. Compared to a vegetable farming system, technical
inefficiency is significantly higher if farmers switch to a
rice farming system. Scale, allocative, output, and input
inefficiency are significantly lower with an integrated ricevegetable
farming system and there was high prevalence of
increasing returns to scale in the integrated rice-vegetable
farming system. Water control and lowland farming
systems are complements and play a significant role in the
level of inefficiency. Input inefficiency shows the difficulty
that the producers face in adjusting the quality and quantity
of seeds and fertilizers. The paper provides empirical
support for efforts to promote an integrated rice-vegetable
farming system in West Africa lowlands to increase food
security.
Keywords Lowlands . Inefficiency . Bootstrap . Benin
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 367-382 |
Journal | Food Security |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- data envelopment analysis
- productive efficiency
- allocative efficiency
- shadow wages
- cote-divoire
- education
- horticulture
- farmers
- demand
- models