Economic efficiency of cereal production under push-pull technology and non-push-pull farms in Eastern Africa region

Most governments in SSA are struggling to secure food security for the citizens focusing mainly on cereal crops which is the main staple food in most households. Efforts have been made to promote agricultural intensification through adoption of integrated technologies such as push-pull technology (PPT) which was introduced by the international Centre of insect physiology and ecology (icipe) in early 1990s. Despite the benefits associated with such technologies, a yield gap in cereal production still exists due to inefficiencies in production. The current study sought to evaluate the economic efficiency of maize production under the PPT and non-PPT sub-plots using data from 5 study countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia). A parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was used and the three estimated models were significant with goodness of fit. Sub-plot area, cost of fertilizer and chemicals had positive impact on economic efficiency for both PPT and non-PPT models; harvesting and threshing labour was positive for non-PPT; ploughing cost was positive or PPT and weeding labour negative for non-PPT. Variables on stemborer infestation, and land preparation methods were the main idiosyncratic variables that had either a positive of negative effect on economic efficiency. Credit and extension constraint, PPT use, gender, household size and country variable were significant. These results give insight into the areas which require attention in order to increase economic efficiency, improve productivity and enhance sustainable food systems that can support food security.