Does plot size matter? Evidence from maize production in Babati District, Tanzania. Issue 2 (17th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baha, Michael Raphael
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 26:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2016-02-17
• Subjects: Environment (built and natural) – Food security, Agriculture -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2016.1136592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

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.