文章基本信息

标题：Smallholders' Cost Efficiency in Mozambique: Implications for Improved Maize Seed Adoption
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作者：Zavale, Helder ; Mabaya, Edward T. ; Christy, Ralph D. 等
期刊名称：Journal of Agribusiness
印刷版ISSN：0738-8950
出版年度：2006
期号：suppl
出版社：Journal of Agribusiness
摘要：Maize is an important staple in Mozambique. It is also a dominant crop produced by smallholder farmers. However, the actual maize yields, currently estimated at 1.4 tons/ha, fall short of potential yields of 5-6.5 tons/ha. With population growth rate increasingly exceeding agricultural (and maize) productivity growth rate, the government of Mozambique faces a serious problem of food insecurity and poverty alleviation. This study examines cost inefficiency among smallholder maize farmers in Mozambique, and the impact of improved maize seed adoption on cost efficiency. A Translog functional form is used to estimate the frontier cost function. A cost-inefficiency function is used to examine the factors that determine cost inefficiency among farmers. Econometric techniques to control for self-selection bias resulting from endogeneity of the adoption variable are used.
关键词：stochastic frontier;technology adoption;selection bias;Mozambique