2026 Vol-6 Issue-2 | TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY AND DETERMINANTS OF RESOURCE USE AMONG SMALL-SCALE SWAMP RICE FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Rice is a staple food in Nigeria; its demand continues to outstrip local production, primarily due to the inefficiencies of small-scale farmers who rely on traditional farming methods. This study examined the technical efficiency of small-scale swamp rice farmers in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Using data collected from 120 swamp rice farmers through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary techniques and the stochastic frontier production model. The results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 44.91 years, predominantly male (64.2%), and married (84.2%). Education levels are relatively high, with an average of 11.71 years of formal schooling, mean plot size was 0.71 ha. The mean technical efficiency of farmers is 60.5%, indicating a 39.5% efficiency gap that could be bridged through improved resource use. Key factors enhancing efficiency include education (-0.346, p < 0.10), farming experience (-0.351, p < 0.10), and land size (-5.035, p < 0.01). In contrast, gender (5.199, p < 0.001), household size (1.176, p < 0.001), and social membership (2.981, p < 0.01) contribute to inefficiency. Farmers face significant production challenges, including high labour costs (x ̅ = 3.23), climate variability (x ̅= 3.23), lack of market information (x ̅= 3.23), inadequate storage facilities (x ̅= 3.22), and high processing costs (x ̅= 3.14). The study concludes that substantial inefficiencies persist due to socioeconomic constraints, gender disparities, and environmental risks. Bridging this efficiency gap requires targeted interventions such as mechanization, training on modern farming techniques, and policy reforms addressing land tenure and gender-based barriers