Does plot size matter? Evidence from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania

Type Journal Article - Development in Practice
Title Does plot size matter? Evidence from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania
Author(s)
Volume 26
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers 214-222
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09614524.2016.1136592
Abstract
Debates about optimal farm structure and size have a long history in agricultural economics. Agricultural and development economists argue for an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, but debates around this remain inconclusive. This article provides a case from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania. The efficiency level of 122 sampled smallholder farmers was estimated and found to be 62.3%, suggesting 37.7% of inefficiencies. A U-shape relationship between plot size and efficiency scores was found. There was high efficiency at plots <2 ha, compared to 2 ha and 3 ha, followed by efficiency at plots >4 ha. Policies stimulating small- and large-scale farms in the country are imperative.

Related studies

»