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Rice production technical efficiency in a highly urbanised area in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand
Author(s)
Meelua, Naruebet
Date Issued
January 1, 2024
Type
Article
Abstract
This study investigates rice farmers’ technical efficiency in a highly urbanised area in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The study used a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) in measuring farmers’ level of technical efficiency (TE), while a Tobit regression was employed to assess the factors affecting TE. The results revealed that rice farmers’ TE levels ranged from 0.53-1.00, with an overall mean value of 0.84, indicating a considerable potential in enhancing TE to improve rice production. Moreover, the study found cultivated area, education level, and rice farming experience significantly affected production efficiency; whereas the significant association of the land area to the production efficiency suggests the need for government to be cautious about converting land areas for non-agricultural activities brought by urbanisation growth. Lastly, the study suggests improving TE levels through more substantial policy support and programmes targeting the strengthening of rice farmers’ technical knowledge.
Citation
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 51(4), 572-583, 2024