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Farm size, relative efficiency and agrarian policy in Côte d'Ivoire: profit function analysis of rice farms
Author(s) -
Adesina Akinwumi A.,
Djato Kouakou K.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
agricultural economics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.29
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1574-0862
pISSN - 0169-5150
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-0862.1996.tb00406.x
Subject(s) - allocative efficiency , inefficiency , profit (economics) , economics , efficiency , economic efficiency , agricultural economics , production (economics) , agrarian reform , cote d ivoire , agricultural science , business , agriculture , microeconomics , mathematics , geography , philosophy , statistics , environmental science , archaeology , estimator , humanities
This paper examines the relative economic efficiency of small and large rice farms in Côte d'Ivoire using a profit function approach. No differences in the relative economic efficiency of small and large farms were found. This conclusion is robust under alternative model specifications. Agrarian reforms directed towards further concentration of landholding for large farms in Côte d'Ivoire cannot be justified based on economic efficiency. Results show that access to credit and use of modern rice varieties significantly increase profits. To improve technical efficiency of rice farms, an accelerated program to provide information, credit, improved seeds and other inputs is needed. When all the farms (i.e. large and small) are taken together, there is evidence of allocative inefficiency. Strategies are needed to remove such management related inefficiencies in rice production either through the development of a better market price information system or effective farmer‐oriented technical training programs by rice extension workers.