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Modelling efficiency with farm-produced inputs: dairying in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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  • Mkhabela, Thulasizwe S.
  • Piesse, Jenifer
  • Thirtle, Colin G.
  • Vink, Nick

Abstract

This paper models dairy farms in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, emphasising the complexities unique to this multi-product industry. Net and gross output approaches to measuring production are discussed and then tested using panel data from 37 dairy farms in KwaZulu-Natal from 1999 and 2007. Production functions for the three outputs: milk production, animals and farm-produced feed, are fitted as a simultaneous system to model the farms’ production activities. This simultaneous model is complemented by a single equation reduced form that is fitted as a frontier, which allows estimation of the relative efficiencies of the individual farms. The results show that, with data this detailed, it is possible to refine the model until it fits very tightly. Indeed, in the gross output model that includes cows there is nothing left to call inefficiency and what was clearly a frontier becomes a mean response function.

Suggested Citation

  • Mkhabela, Thulasizwe S. & Piesse, Jenifer & Thirtle, Colin G. & Vink, Nick, 2010. "Modelling efficiency with farm-produced inputs: dairying in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 49(1), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:61999
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.61999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boris E. Bravo-Ureta, 1986. "Technical Efficiency Measures for Dairy Farms Based on a Probabilistic Frontler Function Model," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 34(3), pages 399-415, November.
    2. Bailey, DeeVon & Biswas, Basudeb & Kumbhakar, Subal C. & Schulthies, B. Kris, 1989. "An Analysis Of Technical, Allocative, And Scale Inefficiency: The Case Of Ecuadorian Dairy Farms," Western Journal of Agricultural Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mulwa, Richard & Kabubo-Mariara, Jane, 2017. "Productive Efficiency and Its Determinants in a Changing Climate: A Monotonic Translog Stochastic Frontier Analysis," EfD Discussion Paper 17-6, Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg.
    2. Lindikaya W. Myeki & Nkhanedzeni B. Nengovhela & Livhuwani Mudau & Elvis Nakana & Simphiwe Ngqangweni, 2022. "Estimation of Technical, Allocative, and Economic Efficiencies for Smallholder Broiler Producers in South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-14, October.
    3. du Toit, J.P. & Ortmann, Gerald F. & Ramroop, S., 2010. "Factors influencing the long-term competitiveness of commercial milk producers: evidence from panel data in East Griqualand, South Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 49(1), pages 1-22, March.
    4. Temesgen T. Deressa, 2011. "Effects of climatic conditions and agro-ecological settings on the productive efficiencies of small-holder farmers in Ethopia," Working Papers 223, Economic Research Southern Africa.
    5. Camilo Olaya, 2015. "Cows, agency, and the significance of operational thinking," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 31(4), pages 183-219, October.

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