Browsing by Author "Msuya, Elibariki Emmanuel"

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An estimation of technical efficiency in Tanzanian sugarcane production: a case study of Mtibwa sugar estate outgrowers scheme
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Msuya, Elibariki Emmanuel
This study describes the technical efficiency of sugarcane production and the factors affecting this efficiency. The study was conducted in Turiani Division, Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined and compared the level of technical efficiency of outgrower and non-outgrower farmers, and examined the relationship between levels of efficiency and various specific factors. A cross sectional single-visit survey that included randomly selected representative samples of 69 outgrower feimers and a cohort of 71 non-outgrower formers residing in the area surrounding the Mtibwa Sugar Estate (MSE) was conducted during October and November 2002. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview the farmers. To estimate technical efficiency analysis was done using a (FRONTIER Version 4.1) computer program for stochastic frontier production and cost function estimation developed by Coelli, (1996). Technical efficiency was estimated using the Cobb- Douglas production frontier assumed to have a truncated normal distribution. The results of the estimation showed that there were significant positive relationships between age, education, and experience with technical efficiency. Based on the findings, the study puts forward three major recommendations: First, pairing less experienced &nners with more experienced farmers, perhaps in some form of apprenticeship, would enhance the rapid exchange of experience and information. Second, new forms of information delivery need to be applied. Finally the possibility of encouraging collective sugar processing among private cane producers need to be explored. These measures could significantly improve the overall technical efficiency of outgrowers.