Abstract

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The study analyzed the technical efficiency in fluted pumpkin production in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 30 fluted pumpkin farmers from 4 villages in Itu Local Government Area. Out of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 90 were returned and used for the analysis. Information that was required centered on the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and other relevant inputs like fertilizers, chemicals, manure etc. Descriptive statistics which include frequencies and percentages were used in analyzing the socio economic characteristics of the farmers. Technical efficiency was analyzed using the stochastic frontier production function. The maximum likelihood estimate technique was employed in estimating the function while the t-test statistics was used in testing their statistical significance. The findings of the study reveal that fluted pumpkin farmers are not100% technically efficient due to factors such as lack of access to extension services and credit facilities. Based on these findings, recommendations on how to strengthen the effectiveness of extension services to improve fluted pumpkin production are made. Some of the recommendations are the areas of technological innovation, and proper agricultural financing to help the farmers to improve their efficiency levels.

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