Performance of smallholder minisett seed yam farm enterprises in Cameroon

Abstract

Access to quality seed yam is a major constraint to yam production in Cameroon. This study evaluated the performance of farm enterprises engaged in seed yam (minisett) production as a source of quality planting material for yam-growing communities. Using cross-sectional data from 131 smallholder seed yam farm enterprises, a translog stochastic production function with inefficiency effects model was estimated. The results show a wide variation in estimated technical efficiency, with an average score of 62%. Access to markets, number of extension visits, expected price of mature tubers, cropping system and training positively and significantly increase the technical efficiency of seed yam production. Our results highlight the importance of technical support and extension services, of improving access to markets and of pricing in order to enhance the productivity of smallholder seed yam farmers in developing countries.