Assessment of Resource Use Efficiency in Tomato Production in Ayedire Local Government, Osun State

The study explored gender and resource use efficiency in tomato production in Ayedire Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Using a multistage random sampling technique, 120 tomato farmers were selected and interviewed with detailed questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and the stochastic frontier model. Findings revealed that the majority of farmers were male (63.3%), married (74.6%), and had a mean age of 42 years. Most farmers (66.4%) were educated, with an average household size of nine persons and a farm size of 3.24 hectares. Farmers had an average of 12 years of farming experience, though only 14.2% had access to extension services. Despite the weak institutional framework, tomato farming was profitable, with indicators such as the Rate of Return on Investment (0.75), Earning per Naira Invested (1.74), and Rate of Return on Fixed Cost (5.96) showing strong returns. Resources like seeds, farm size, labor, and herbicides were underutilized, while fertilizers and fungicides were overutilized. Key determinants of resource use efficiency included age, education, access to credit, and extension services. Major constraints were pests, perishability, weather conditions, poor storage, and high seed costs. The study recommends promoting female participation in tomato production through gender-sensitive policies, enhancing access to training and technology, and encouraging the formation of women’s farmer groups to improve knowledge sharing and resource access.