Resource Use Efficiency in Small Holder Poultry Production in Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of resource utilization in small holder poultry production, in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured "questionnaire from 160 randomly selected small holder poultry farmers, and analysed using production function model estimated using the ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis and efficiency determination technique. Results obtained revealed that allocative efficiency values for labour, seed, drugs and medication, capital, management and other inputs were 0.02, 0.03, 0.37, 0.06, 0.05 and 0.32 respectively, implying that the resources were over utilized. Also the value of returns to scale was 1.535 which implies increasing returns to scale of production. This study recommended that farmers should improve on their resource use efficiency through rational planning and execution of farm business operations as well as generation of adequate production capital.