Idris, H., Shehab, S., Fathallah, M., Sherif, S. (2025). Estimation of Return to Scale Magnitude on Input Use by Tomato-Producing Farms in Katsina, Nigeria. Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 70(1), 54-60. doi: 10.21608/alexja.2024.337807.1111
Hussaini Idris; Sameh Shehab; Mohamed Ali Ali Fathallah; Sherin Sherif. "Estimation of Return to Scale Magnitude on Input Use by Tomato-Producing Farms in Katsina, Nigeria". Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 70, 1, 2025, 54-60. doi: 10.21608/alexja.2024.337807.1111
Idris, H., Shehab, S., Fathallah, M., Sherif, S. (2025). 'Estimation of Return to Scale Magnitude on Input Use by Tomato-Producing Farms in Katsina, Nigeria', Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 70(1), pp. 54-60. doi: 10.21608/alexja.2024.337807.1111
Idris, H., Shehab, S., Fathallah, M., Sherif, S. Estimation of Return to Scale Magnitude on Input Use by Tomato-Producing Farms in Katsina, Nigeria. Alexandria Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2025; 70(1): 54-60. doi: 10.21608/alexja.2024.337807.1111
Estimation of Return to Scale Magnitude on Input Use by Tomato-Producing Farms in Katsina, Nigeria
Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University
Receive Date: 21 November 2024,
Revise Date: 09 December 2024,
Accept Date: 09 December 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the returns to scale in tomato production in Batagarawa and Jibia L.G.A. of Katsina State, Nigeria. Primary data for the 2023 cropping season were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 250 farmers selected from six tomato-producing villages using multi-stage sampling techniques. The Cobb-Douglas production function, specifically the ordinary least squares method, was employed for parameter estimation. Reliability tests indicated minimal multicollinearity and autocorrelation. Results showed that seed (p < 0.01), fertilizer (p < 0.01), pesticide (p < 0.01), and family labor (p < 0.01) significantly influenced production, with seed having the highest coefficient (0.855). The estimated production elasticity was 1.481, indicating increasing returns to scale. A profit of ₦ 412,331.53 per acre and a return on investment (ROI) of ₦ 2.68 highlighted the profitability of tomato production in the area. Key challenges identified included high fertilizer costs, capital issues, pests, labor costs, and perishability. Recommendations include training farmers in local seed selection, establishing processing plants to reduce post-harvest losses, and the need for government interventions to support financing.
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