Evaluation of the productivity of onion (Allium cepa L) production factors of smallholders in the far north Cameroon zone

Abstract

In the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, one of the significant challenges is the low yield observed with onion varieties. An assessment of the productivity of the factors of production would enable the determination of the efficiency or inefficiency of utilizing these production inputs. A stratified random sampling method conducted in 112 representative villages enabled the survey of a sample of 1,561 farmers in the Far North area. The non-parametric approach (Linear Programming) based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method focused on production inputs was used to determine technical efficiency and/or inefficiency. The results revealed that mapping the fertilizer variety and formulations showed that the traditional Goudami variety and formulations (NPK 20-10-10 or 22-15-10-5S-1B) are more popular with small and medium-sized producers. While great onion producers’ use more imported seeds (Violet de Galmi) with the 20-10-10-6SO3 formulation. A technical efficacy/ineffectiveness evaluation showed that except for the Chagari variety (12.20% vs. 11.38%), all other onion varieties (Goudami, Sokoto and Violet de Galmi) used had higher values of inefficiencies (43.09% vs. 11.79%; 3.25% vs. 1.22% and 14.23% vs. 2.44% respectively). In addition, a proportion of 82.87% of use of two formulations (NPK 20-10-10-2.5CaO and NPK 22-15-10-5S-1B) of fertilizers was recorded, but its instructions for use are still ineffective (41.06% compared to 23.17% respectively). The mapping of fertilizer formulations and seeds used presented the same trends in distribution around 02 axes of standardization. The application of a few production inputs by onion producers is inefficient. However, the productivity of nutrients and onion varieties appears interesting when selecting the best nutrients, which would constitute one of the significant steps in improving onion bulb yield.