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Article Title:
Livelihood Factors And Resource Use Efficiency Among Rural Farm Households In South East, Nigeria
by Igwe Augustine Abor and Uloh Emeka Victor (Ph.D)

Abstract:
The study examined the influence of livelihood factors on resource use efficiency among rural farm households in South East Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 400 farm households. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function was used for data analysis. Results showed that variables that positively contributed to the technical efficiency of rural farm households were: resource conflict, access to forest resources, age and level of education while the contributions of farm size, farm distance, access to extension services, access to credit facilities and membership of co-operative societies were negative. It was recommended that policies that will reform land tenure should be enacted, activation of regular and effective extension services to improve resource use by farm households, basic amenities should be provided by Government for conducive rural farming environment. Also government should revive the activities of Agricultural Development programmes, farmers should be motivated through setting up of stabilized and guaranteed prices of agricultural products to enhance their income. Furthermore, government should give grants and direct commercial banks to increase capital provision to farmers through low interest loans which will boost their productivity.

Keywords: Livelihood, Resource Use, Efficiency, Factors, Farm Household

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