Assesing Efficiciency in the Implementation on District Agricultural Development plans

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficiency of District Agricultural Development Plans (DADPs) in improving agricultural production and productivity in districts of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), The study computed the technical efficiency and examined its major determinants. It used the 2021/22 agricultural year dataset on crop and livestock production, where land, labor, fertilizer, seeds, and machinery were the selected inputs in the 31 LGAs. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the production inputs and outputs; Data envelopment analysis was employed to evaluate technical efficiency, and the Tobit regression model was used to examine the major determinants of technical efficiency among districts. The descriptive statistics for all variables indicated that the differences in technical efficiency between regions and districts were not statistically significant, implying that there are equal technical efficiencies across regions and districts in the SAGCOT. About 48 percent of districts attained full technical efficiency, with 52 percent having technical inefficiencies. This implies the existence of substantial room for improving the DADPs. The Tobit regression model indicated that the technical efficiency of DADPs was a function of land size, agricultural infrastructure, extension services, and farmer field schools. It is recommended that the availability and affordability of agricultural inputs, namely land, labor, farm machinery, fertilizer, and seeds, be ensured. In addition, districts, particularly those with lower technical efficiency, should invest in technology, agricultural infrastructure, extension services, and farmer field schools