TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF CORN FARMERS: THE CASE OF SAAD PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES IN ALABEL SARANGANI PROVINCE

The study aimed to determine the technical efficiency of corn production in Alabel, Sarangani Province. Since accessibility and participation of the corn farmers were considered in selecting the participants of the study, purposive sampling alongside random sampling was utilized to strengthen the internal validity of this research. To collect the data, an in-person interview using a structured questionnaire was employed by the researcher. Furthermore, Stochastic Frontier Function Approach was used to determine the factors affecting the technical efficiency of corn production. The research was conducted within the duration of July to December 2021.

The results of this study revealed that among the given variables, gender, fertilizer, and labor were the significant factors affecting the efficiency of corn production in Alabel, Sarangani Province. It can be inferred that men are more efficient than women in terms of farm work. Moreso, an increase in the unit in fertilizer and labor will entail yield increase to 27% and 5% respectively. Hence, corn farmers may consider to augment labor and fertilizer use to achieve the potential yield of open- pollinated variety (OPV) corn farming. Furthermore, corn farmers may consider performing soil test to determine soil nutrient availability of corn which will help determine the right amount of fertilizer to increase corn productivity.

It is purported that the government should increase subsidy to the beneficiaries with regard to the farm inputs like fertilizers and provide trainings and seminars to further educate the farmers.