A comparative analysis of resource use and efficiency of ADP contact and non-contact farmers in Abia State Nigeria

The paper dealt on Comparative Analysis of Resource Use and Efficiency of ADP Contact and Noncontact Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used in the selection of the Local Government Areas, blocks, circles, contact farmers and non-contact farmers in the State. The sample size was five hundred and forty (540). A well structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Results showed that the liner regression function gave the best-fit explaining 86.4% and 67.2% of the total variation in the value of output of contact and non-contact farmers, respectively. The result of the gross margin analysis revealed an annual net return of 171,232.4 and 91,009 for contact and non-contact farmers respectively. The results of the two groups of farmers showed that efficiency ratio in both contact non contact farmers were less than unit. The production elasticities for each of the resources used by both groups of farmers were less than unit, indicating that the relationship between these resources and output was inelastic. The sum of the parameters in both cases was less than unit, indicating decreasing returns. It was therefore recommended that output increases could be made possible by making more funds available for production given the elasticity responses of output to amount of money invested, quantity of planting material and depreciation. Inputs should be made available to the farmers at the right time and at affordable price because the farmers are responsive with use of inputs.