Technical Efficiency of Mushroom Production Among Smallholder Farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Main Article Content
Keywords
Technical efficiency, mushroom production, efficiency, farmers, stochastic frontier production function, Kenya
Abstract
Mushroom cultivation is an emerging crop in Kenya with significant potential to alleviate poverty and food insecurity among smallholder farmers. However, low production levels in regions like Uasin Gishu County indicate potential technical inefficiencies that limit its market potential. This study was carried out to analyze the technical efficiency (TE) of smallholder mushroom farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, and to identify the determinants influencing that efficiency. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from a sample of 114 farmers from a target population of 162 mushroom farmers, primarily growing Oyster and Button species. The sampling technique employed was Stratified Random Sampling with Proportional Allocation. Both primary (survey data collected via semi-structured questionnaires) and secondary data were used. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) model. The SFA model was estimated using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), assuming a half-normal distribution for the inefficiency term. The descriptive results showed that the majority of farmers had limited access to institutional support, with 60.5% lacking access to agricultural extension services. The mean age of household heads was 52 years, with an average farming experience of 4 years. The SFA model revealed significant technical inefficiency, with TE scores ranging from 29% to 89%, and a mean TE of 67%. This implies that farmers could increase their current output by 33% without changing the existing technology or input levels. Frontier analysis showed that Man-hour Labour (β=0.665) was the most critical constraint to output, while inputs like fertilizer and wheat straw were found to be over-utilized. Analysis of the inefficiency determinants revealed that Access to Extension Services (increasing TE by 48.8%), Price of Mushroom Output (increasing TE by 33.5%), and Access to Credit (increasing TE by 8.1%) were the most significant factors in reducing technical inefficiency. However, distance to the Market was found to increase inefficiency significantly. The study concludes that substantial potential exists for mushroom output improvement in the short run. It recommends that county agricultural sectors prioritize strengthening extension service delivery and providing tailored credit facilities to enhance input allocation, close the efficiency gap, and maximize the economic benefits of mushroom production.
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Isaya Otieno Omondi , Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Elijah K. Ng’eno, Department of Applied Economics, School of Business Economics and Management Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125 – 30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Dr. Elijah Kiplangat Ng’eno is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Eldoret, Kenya, with over 10 years of teaching and research experience. He holds a PhD and a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management. In addition, he holds a Diploma in Project Management. Dr. Ng’eno has published extensively in refereed journals and has been recognized for his exceptional academic and research contributions. He has also been honored with recognition from the Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001:2013. He has participated in interdisciplinary, regional, and international research collaborative projects. He currently serves on numerous university and community committees and boards and is affiliated with some professional societies, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to both academia and society.
Joel Sumukwo , Department of Environmental Planning Sustainability and Geo-Informatics, School of Environmental Studies and Natural Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125 – 30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Environmental Planning Sustainability and Geo-Informatics, School of Environmental Studies and Natural Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125 – 30100, Eldoret, Kenya