Abstract:
The study was conducted to assess tomato productivity and determine characteristics that influence
technical efficiency among smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County using the production function
approach. Data were collected by administering structured questionnaires to a sample of 384
respondents randomly selected from six wards using multistage stratified and probability proportionate
to size sampling procedures. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design and primary data on
tomato yield, production system, input usage and farmer demographics were collected. The stochastic
Cobb Douglas production function was used to estimate the frontier production and efficiency levels
using maximum likelihood. Tobit multiple regression was used to determine farm and farmer
characteristics that impact technical efficiency. Results showed that respondents were inefficient with
an average technical efficiency of 39.55% with greenhouse more efficient than open field system.
Household size, production systems, seed type, fertilizer, extension and market information
significantly and positively influenced technical efficiency, while land size was significant and inversely
influenced technical efficiency. Results revealed a possibility to increase technical efficiency in tomato
production using certified seeds and recommended fertilizer levels. In addition, policy interventions
aimed at subsidizing costs of establishing greenhouses would serve as an incentive to motivate
farmers to use technologies in tomato production.
