Resource use efficiency among Sweet Potato Farmers in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State

Abstract

 The study examines the resource use efficiency among sweet potato farmers in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. Specifically, it described the socio economic characteristics of the respondents, determine allocative efficiency of sweet potato production, determine factors that affect sweet potato production in the study area. Multistage sampling techniques was used to select two districts from the study area, ninety eight (98) respondents was randomly selected. Data were collected through the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the findings revealed that the respondents were mostly male (71.4%), 78.6% were married, 36.7% had secondary education, 78.6% had years of experience of between 1-5years, 41.8% are between the age of 30-40years. Land and fertilizer were underutilized, output can increase if the quantities of these resources are increased and capital input was over utilized. Linear regression showed that there is significant relationship between educational levels, quantity of fertilizer, improved tillage practice and yield per hectare. Stochastic frontier result revealed that labor and farm size was significant at 1%. Pest and disease is the major constraints faced by the farmers. Therefore, it was recommended that farmers should use disease resistant varieties.