Assessing technical efficiency of tomato farms in ALjabal Alakhdar, Libya: An input orientation model approach

Paper Details

Research Paper 10/06/2024
Views (200) Download (34)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Assessing technical efficiency of tomato farms in ALjabal Alakhdar, Libya: An input orientation model approach

Masauda A. Abuarosha
Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res.24( 6), 40-50, June 2024.
Certificate: IJAAR 2024 [Generate Certificate]

Abstract

Tomato cultivation holds significant importance in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region, yet the varied input utilization among farmers has led to discrepancies in technical efficiency. This study addresses the need to assess the efficiency of tomato farming in the region, aiming to identify input limitations and facilitate improvement processes to minimize resource consumption. Utilizing primary data collected in 2023 via a closed questionnaire distributed among 100 randomly selected farmers, the study employs Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in its input-oriented form, utilizing win4DEAP software. The results reveal that while pure technical efficiency surpasses technical efficiency, there’s a notable discrepancy between the flexible frontier of the Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) model and the Constant Returns to Scale (CRS) model. Specifically, the VRS model indicates a slightly lower input reduction of 11.3%, emphasizing the importance of considering both models in decision-making processes. Farm-specific projections clarify that some are well-managed and serve as benchmarks, while others require improvement to achieve 100% efficiency scores. Key observations highlight the potential for cost reduction through input streamlining, with DEA proving to be an effective and user-friendly method for farm management enhancement. Its accessibility benefits both researchers and farmers, enabling informed decision-making to optimize profits while maintaining performance standards. The estimation results underscore the necessity for input reduction among tomato farms in Libya, particularly regarding variable capital costs, emphasizing the importance of tighter control over cultivation expenses.

VIEWS 34

Bournaris T, Vlontzos G, Moulogianni C. 2019. Efficiency of vegetables produced in Glasshouses: The Impact of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Land Management Decision Making 8, 17.

Coelli TJ. 2008. A Guide to DEAP Version 2.1: A Data Envelopment Analysis (Computer) Program. CEPA Working Papers, 1–50.

Cooper WW, Seiford LM, Tone K. 2007. Data Envelopment Analysis. Data Envelopment Analysis: A Comprehensive Text with Models, Applications, References and DEA-Solver Software. 2 Ed.

Cooper WW, Seiford LM, Zhu J. 2011. Data Envelopment Analysis. In Chapter 1: Data Envelopment Analysis. 1–39.

Elbeydi RK. 2011. Estimating the supply response of tomato crops in Libya during the years 1980-2008. Libyan Journal of Agriculture Sciences 16, 82-87.

Farrell MJ. 1957. The measurement of productive efficiency. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Series A (General), 253-290. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/234310.290-253

Førsund R, Kittelsen A, Krivonozhko E. 2007. Farrell Revisited: Visualizing the DEA Production Frontier. Memorandum 15/2007, Oslo University, Department of Economics.

Fraser I, Cordina D. 1999. An application of data envelopment analysis to irrigated dairy farms in Northern Victoria, Australia. Agricultural Systems 59, 267–282.

Fumbwe F, Lihawa R, Andrew F, Kinyanjui G, Mkuna E. 2021. Examination on level of scale efficiency in public hospitals in Tanzania. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation 19, 49 1–10.

Ng’ombe J, Kalinda TA. 2015. Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Maize Production Under Minimum Tillage in Zambia. Sustainable Agriculture Research 4, 31-46.

Shaloof R. 2010. An economic study of the factors determining tomato production in Al Jabal Al Akhdar region. Msc. Omer Almokhtar University.