TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY AND DETERMINANTS AFFECTING MANGO FARMERS IN SON LA PROVINCE OF VIETNAM

Abstract

Mango is one of the economic valued trees and has a rapid increase of planted area and total production in Son La province as well. Improving competiveness is urgent need of mango farmers in commercial production. This study aims at measuring the potential of input-cost reduction by estimating technical efficiency of mango farmer using data envelopment analysis. Factors affecting production efficiency of mango farmers is determined by employing Tobi regression model. The study result reveals that mango farmers still have potential to improve their competiveness through improving technical efficiency or reducing about 20 percent without current output reduction. Moreover, the study also indicates that technical inefficiency of mango farmers is mainly attributed to household’s farm management skills and ability. Support policies should maintain the effectiveness of extension activities continuously and mobilize financial fundings to improve household’s access to irrigation system in study area.