Michael B. Vabi^1,, Siéwé François², Abdulqudus A. Ibrahim¹, Ignatius I. Angarawai¹, Hakeem A. Ajeigbe¹, Chris Ojeiwo³, Nasiru S. Bako⁴

Evidence on efficiency remains helpful in development and policy reform initiatives. Using a sample of 1,267 farming households from seven States in Nigeria, comprising 258 technology adopters and 1,009 non-adopters, an exponential translog stochastic frontier production function and primal cost system model were used to estimate production efficiencies. Adopters and non-adopters achieved 59% and 52% of maximum output, respectively. Male and female adopters were 59% and 50% technically efficient, respectively. Also, the elderly were more efficient in resource allocation. Accounting for input endogeneity, adopters and non-adopters attained 74% and 70% of minimum cost, separately. Adopters were more efficient than non-adopters demonstrating economic efficiencies of 44% and 37%, respectively. These outcomes underline the importance of extension agents having basic knowledge and skills of on improved technologies being promoted. Similarly, linkages between research and extension require strengthening and facilitation of access to credit to enable stakeholders take advantage of emerging economies of scale.

production efficiency, pearl millet technologies, cost system model