Technical efficiency in grape farming among smallholder farmers in Dodoma urban district, central Tanzania

Abstract

Grape is one of the high value crops that can improve household income and welfare for smallholder farmers in Dodoma urban district. However, its potential to contribute to socio economic development in the area has not been fully exploited. A study was carried out in Dodoma urban district with the aim of estimating Cobb- Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production Function for grape production among smallholder farmers; identifying the production factors with significant influence on grape production; estimating values for technical efficiencies, and determining the factors for technical inefficiency. This study involved a random sample of 126 engaged in grape production for at least two years. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed for descriptive statistics using Statistical package for Social Sciences program version 18. Stochastic frontier production function, technical efficiencies and model for technical inefficiency were estimated using FRONTIER program version 4.1. Results indicated that the amount of grapes produced was positively influenced by farm size (p< 0.01). Technical efficiency among farmers ranged from 57.0% to 98.0% with a mean of 77.8%, indicating wider possibility for improvement. Increased education level, age, farming experience, and household size, as well as access to extension services were associated with increased technical efficiency. Thus, grape productivity can be increased through increased farm sizes coupled with optimal use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Strategies to increase grape production should also include providing agricultural education especially to young and less experienced farmers and to those with low level of formal education.