Abstract

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It has been reported that one of the major challenge faced by Nigerian today is lack of adequate protein intake both in quality to feed the nations ever-growing population. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze technical efficiency of poultry farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. A purposive and random sampling technique was used to select 295 poultry farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedule, administered on the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production functions. The estimated production function of day –old chicks was significant at 1% level implying that percentage increase of chicks will increase output by 0.401 percent. The coefficients of extension visit, membership of association and credit were found negative implying that the variables increase technical efficiency of poultry farmers. Also, the mean technical efficiency for poultry farmers is 58 percent implying that technical efficiency could be increased by 42 percent given the current level of technology if the available resources are efficiently utilized. It is therefore recommended that: access and use of credit should be encouraged because it can significantly improve productivity and welfare. Government should also encourage extension visit as well as membership of association to poultry farmers in order to increase their efficiency the Study Area

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