How Efficient Are Egyptian Maize Producers? A Study of Maize Production in Egypt Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis Approach

This study aims to examine the technical efficiency (TE) and factors affecting maize (Zea mays) production. Scores of TE were obtained utilizing two stages Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). TE scores were obtained at the first stage. Then, TE scores were used by applying regression technique against factors that may affect these scores to understand variation in TE scores. Data span range from 1961 to 2019 and were mainly obtained from FAOSTAT. During the study period, imports showed superiority over local production creating a gap between increased demand and local supply. This widening gap may create concerns related to food security suggesting a problem of inefficiency in maize production. Results showed that the average TE is 92% with 54% as a minimum and 98% as a maximum. This means that using the current level of technology, the output can be increased by 8% using the same level of inputs. Factors that affect TE scores the most were the women workforce in agriculture, political stability, competitive agricultural commodities, credit devoted to agricultural activities, and rural areas percentage with electricity access