Effect of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Technical Efficiency of Gender Disaggregated Maize Farmers in Southwest, Nigeria

Background and Objective: This study focuses on the critical issues of sustainable agriculture and social justice, emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture in reshaping global development towards sustainability. It specifically highlights the inadequate compensation faced by African women farmers in policy development, despite their vital contributions to food production. The study aims to address the gender disparities in maize production efficiency in Ondo State, Nigeria, by incorporating entrepreneurial competencies into the analysis. Materials and Methods: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to gather data for this study. A total of 372 maize farmers in Ondo State were selected as the sample size. The study collected comprehensive data on gender-specific influences on production efficiency through this sampling method. Results: The analysis of the gathered data revealed significant inefficiencies in maize production in Ondo State. Both male and female-owned farms were found to be sensitive to input variables, showcasing gender-specific nuances. The findings highlight the need to promote improved maize varieties and optimize agrochemical usage to enhance production efficiency. Furthermore, it is imperative to tackle gender-related barriers in obtaining land for sustainable maize farming. Conclusion: To sum up, this research not only adds to academic discussions but also offers practical guidance for policymakers, extension services and development professionals.