Economic and Extension Drivers of Technical Efficiency in Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Production in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the drivers of technical efficiency in sesame production. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 150 sesame farmers for the study. Data obtained were analyzed using farm budgeting techniques, stochastic frontier production function, and constraint index analysis. The results revealed that sesame production was profitable, with a net farm income of ₦143,007.63 per hectare and a return on investment of ₦1.60, indicating that farmers gained ₦1.60 for every naira invested in production. The stochastic frontier analysis showed an average technical efficiency level of 87%. Seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals, and labour were found to have positive effects on sesame output. However, 34% of farmers had contact with extension agents within the previous year, with an average of 1.8 extension visits. The major sources of production information were fellow farmers (62%) and radio (48%), while extension agents accounted for 28%. Major constraints affecting extension access included inadequate extension personnel (86.7%), high cost of accessing extension services (79.2%), and untimely dissemination of information (72.5%). The study concludes that although sesame production is technically efficient, weak extension delivery systems limit further productivity improvement. It recommends strengthening extension staffing, and promoting timely, farmer-oriented information delivery channels to enhance sesame productivity.