Improving economic efficiency and TFP of lowland paddy rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria

The present research empirically measured and identified the factors that influenced economic efficiency and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of lowland paddy rice farmers in Kwara State of Nigeria. The study made use of cross-sectional data collected from 200 active farmers during the 2016 cropping season via multi-stage sampling technique. Instrument used to elicit information from the active farmers was structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that majority of the farmers were not smart farmers and scenario responsible for negative TFP in most of the Decision Making Units (DMUs) as was evident from poor robust increase in output index. However, the study inferred that there remained more untapped potential in paddy rice production in the stay area. Therefore, it was recommended that government should formulate supportive policies targeting welfare improvement of the poor farmers cultivating the rice crop.