Participation in organizations and technical efficiency in the small-scale agriculture in Ñuble Province (Bio-Bio Region, Chile)

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to analyze the determinants of technical efficiency of wheat small farmers in Ñuble Province (Chile), and to assess the relation between  participation in organizations and technical efficiency. Using information collected by surveys, a stochastic frontier production function was estimated. The results show that property of the exploitation and size of farmers explain significantly the individual technical efficiency levels. The importance of social capital measured by participation in organization is enhanced as an alternative to achieve higher levels of technical efficiency. In this way, the participation in organization could transform into an important factor of development in rural communities through its contribution to share risks and diversify the production as well as by extending the opportunities to increase sales and reach more innovative and efficient practices.

Key words: participación, capital social, eficiencia técnica, pequeña agricultura, participation,  social capital, technical efficiency, small-scale agriculture