Abstract

<p>Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) plays a vital role in the agricultural economy of Nigeria, especially in Benue State, where it contributes to food security and income generation for smallholder farmers. However, the productivity and efficiency of groundnut farming in the region remain suboptimal. This study aims to evaluate the technical and allocative efficiencies of groundnut production in Benue State, Nigeria, while investigating the influence of socio-economic factors such as age, education, farm size, access to credit, and farming experience on these efficiencies. Technical efficiency refers to the ability of farmers to maximize output given a set of inputs, while allocative efficiency involves utilizing inputs in cost-effective proportions. The study identifies how factors such as education, extension services, and gender impact efficiency levels in groundnut farming. By addressing the existing knowledge gap on how socio-economic characteristics affect efficiencies in groundnut production in Benue State, this study offers insights into improving productivity and resource utilization. Findings from this research are expected to inform policy and strategies for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of groundnut farming in the region</p>