Resource use efficiency among small scale wheat farmers in Uasin Gishu district, Kenya

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficiency of the resources used by the small-scale wheat producers in Uasin Gishu District. The aim of the study is to suggest ways of increasing the productivity of these farms and hence the rural incomes as the sale of wheat is a source of revenue to the farmers. Increased productivi ty of the small-scale wheat producers is a step towards national self-sufficiency in wheat flour which is a basic foodstuff. The objective therefore, was to determine the marginal productivity of the resources and then establish the efficiency of their use. A Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to data collected from a cross-section sample of 50 farmers. Efficiency of resources used was determined by using the student t- -distribution to test whether the ratio of the Marginal Value Product (MVP) and Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) i.e (MVP/MFC) , differed significantly at 5% level from 1.O. The results indicated that the resources engaged in small-scale wheat production are being used inefficiently. The ratio MVP/MFC for wheat seed, Diamonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, mechanized land preparation and Herbicide were all significantly different from 1.0 at 5% lavel. The detected inefficiency is attributed to risk aversion by the farmers. It is expressed in cutting back on quantity of inputs used. The Ministry of Agriculture should have their own demonstration farms where recommended level of inputs are used and sound husbandry practices are observed. The eminent high quality yields will convince farmers on the benefits of using the recommended level of inputs. An aggressive extension service, workshops and field days to disseminate the idea is a necessary back-up service.