Technical and economic efficiency of plantain production in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria

This study examined the economic performance and production efficiency of plantain farming in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, estimate production costs and returns, determine technical efficiency using the stochastic frontier approach, and identify major production constraints. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 130 plantain farmers, while data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and stochastic frontier production function. Results showed that most farmers were economically active, experienced, and moderately educated. Plantain production was found to be profitable, with positive gross margin, net farm income, and benefit-cost ratio above one. Farm size, labour, planting materials, fertilizer, and agrochemicals significantly influenced output. The mean technical efficiency was 0.79, indicating that output could increase by 21% through better resource utilization. Factors such as education, farming experience, access to credit, cooperative membership, household size, and extension contact reduced inefficiency, while age increased inefficiency. Major constraints included limited access to credit, high labour costs, poor roads, high input costs, and inadequate extension services. The study recommends improved access to credit, stronger extension support, promotion of farmer cooperatives, and better rural infrastructure to enhance productivity and farmers’ welfare.