Research Article
Technical Efficiency of Rice Producers in Mali: A Comparative Analysis of the Office Niger Zone and the Baguinéda Irrigated Perimeter Office
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
149-157
Received:
28 March 2025
Accepted:
9 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20251004.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: As in most sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture is the dominant economic sector in Mali, and the potential for rice production is also high but remains largely untapped. Although achieving potential production depends on many variables, farmers in the two production areas studied are generally below the global efficiency score. The objective of this comparative study is to evaluate the productive performance of rice farmers in the Office du Niger zone compared to those in the Baguinéda Irrigated Perimeter Office. To do this, using program 4.1, we used the maximum likelihood method to estimate both the production function and the inefficiency function. The analysis of production frontiers shows that the variables Area, Seed, Fertilizer, and Herbicide have a significant effect on the level of production. As for the analysis of rice farmers' technical efficiencies, it appears that farmers in the Office du Niger and those in the Baguinéda Irrigated Perimeter Office operate at 0.79 and 0.72 of their productive capacity, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of determinants shows that membership in a farmers' organization, ownership of equipment, main activity, technical support, and marital status are major factors in improving the efficiency of these rice farmers. There is therefore potential for increasing production without any additional inputs. The authorities responsible for rice development should therefore place particular emphasis on supplying farmers with agricultural equipment and materials, encouraging the creation of farmers' organizations, and intensifying rice production.
Abstract: As in most sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture is the dominant economic sector in Mali, and the potential for rice production is also high but remains largely untapped. Although achieving potential production depends on many variables, farmers in the two production areas studied are generally below the global efficiency score. The objective ...
Show More
