Technical Efficiency of <i>Teff </i>Production: The Case of Mareka District in Dawuro Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

This study examines the technical efficiency of smallholder <i>teff</i> producers in Mareka district, revealing significant productivity differences attributed to varying efficiency in resource use. Data from 174 randomly selected farmers during the 2020/21 production season were analyzed using a Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production (SFP) function, resulting in a mean technical efficiency level of 70.7%. This indicates a potential for a 29.3% improvement in efficiency with existing resources. The analysis identified key factors influencing technical efficiency, showing that<i> teff</i> output was positively affected by the use of fertilizers, labor, oxen days, and land area. The inefficiency discrepancy ratio was approximately 67.16%. Furthermore, maximum likelihood estimation highlighted that factors such as sex, education, soil fertility, livestock ownership, off-farm income, training, credit access, and extension contact significantly influenced technical inefficiency. To enhance technical efficiency among <i>teff</i> producers, the study recommends improving education, asset ownership, credit access, and facilitating knowledge exchange between efficient and inefficient farmers. These strategies aim to increase overall teff productivity in the region.