Technical Efficiency Analysis of Pineapple Production in the Eastern Region of Ghana: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Approach
Henry de Graft Acquah and Emmanuel Kumashie
Institute of Development Studies, University of Cape Coast Cape Coast, Ghana
Please cite the paper as:
Henry de Graft Acquah and Emmanuel Kumashie, (2016), Technical Efficiency Analysis of Pineapple Production in the Eastern Region of Ghana: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Approach, World Economics Association (WEA) Conferences, No. 2 2016, Food and Justice, 5th November to 15th December 2016
Abstract
The study examines the technical efficiency level of pineapple farmers and the factors that influence technical efficiency in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Two hundred and seventy one pineapple farmers were selected through a two stage sampling technique. A structured interview schedule was used to gather data relating to farm and farmer specific variables, inputs and output levels. The Data Envelopment Analysis was used to estimate the technical efficiency score. Findings from the study showed that pineapple farmers in the Region were not producing at the optimal level and that 85.85% of pineapple output was not realized as a result of inefficiencies in production. Also, sex, experience, access to credit, use of plastic mulch, and GlobalGAP certification were the factors that influenced technical efficiency in pineapple production.
Dear authors.
Usually there is a big difference in the combination of productive factors between different production methods, eg organic and with agrochemicals. However, market prices between organic and conventional are usually different. So it would be interesting for you to tell more about the different markets.
In that region, which production model would be more feasible? (Conventional with agrochemicals, organic, etc.)
Thank you.
Dear Armando Fornazier,
Thanks. In the study area they are involved in conventional with agrochemicals production model.
There are no organic markets in the area, so the conventional is the more feasible production model.
Dear authors,
Interesting paper about the challenges of samll farmers. Considering the policy implications of your research, uou conclude “The Ministry of Food and Agriculture through agricultural extension agents should educate and train farmers on the use of plastic mulch and the adoption of good agricultural practices.”.
I would like you to comment on the scope of current set of policies and programmes that are orientend to small farmers in Ghana.
Thanks
Maria Alejandra Mado
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in Ghana under Food and Agricultural Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II) has five policy objectives as follows;
1. Food Security and Emergency Preparedness
2. Increased Growth in Incomes
3. Increased Competitiveness and Enhanced Integration into Domestic and International Markets
4. Sustainable Management of Land and Environment
5. Science and Technology Applied in Food and Agriculture Development
Under these policy objectives, the ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) focuses on improving small scale farm production through provision of certified seeds, good agricultural practices, training small scale farmers on input use and providing access to technology and market information. However, the ministry of food and Agriculture does not reach all small scale farmers due to low levels of extension services among other reasons.
Dear Maria Alejandra Madi,
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in Ghana under Food and Agricultural Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II) has five policy objectives as follows;
1. Food Security and Emergency Preparedness
2. Increased Growth in Incomes
3. Increased Competitiveness and Enhanced Integration into Domestic and International Markets
4. Sustainable Management of Land and Environment
5. Science and Technology Applied in Food and Agriculture Development
Under these policy objectives, the ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) focuses on improving small scale farm production through provision of certified seeds, good agricultural practices, training small scale farmers on input use and providing access to technology and market information. However, the ministry of food and Agriculture does not reach all small scale farmers due to low levels of extension services among other reasons.