Existing studies of agricultural production largely neglect technology heterogeneity. However, the assumption of homogeneous production may result in inadequate policy implications. There is a growing literature on this issue. In this paper we contribute to this literature by modelling the...

This paper proposes an alternative specification for technical efficiency effects in a stochastic production frontier model. The proposed specification is distribution free and thus eschews one-sided error term present in almost all the existing inefficiency effects models. The efficiency...

This paper proposes a stochastic frontier panel data model which includes time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity along with the efficiency effects. Following Paul and Shankar (2018), the efficiency effects are specified by a standard normal cumulative distribution function of exogenous...

The Fourier Flexible form provides a global approximation to an unknown data generating process. In terms of limiting function specification error, this form is preferable to functional forms based on second-order Taylor series expansions. The Fourier Flexible form is a truncated Fourier series...

The availability of efficiency estimation software - freely distributed via the internet and relatively easy to use - recently inflated the number of corresponding applications. The resulting efficiency estimates are used without a critical assessment with respect to the literature on...

The dominant practice in economics is to choose the mathematical specification of model relations on the basis of convenience, without much theoretical support. This paper discusses how quantitative model specifications can, in some cases, be given a more formal scientific underpinning in the...

This paper analyses the impact of technological change on Brazilian agricultural output and input mix from 1970 to 1985. We utilize an econometric model that considers two activities (vegetal and animal activities) and three inputs (labor, land and capital.It was observed in all period(1970 to...

This article is an empirical study about flexible and conventional functional forms of coffee production, minflex Laurent Translog function econometrically has been established in Colombia coffee zone for the farm size (smallholders, medium and large farms, general sector), using a stochastic...

La eficiencia técnica es un concepto relativo, utilizado convencionalmente, para saber si un productor obtiene el máximo nivel de producción, de acuerdo a la cantidad insumos empleados en el proceso. El presente estudio, con datos microeconómicos de los caficultores del país, determinó...

This paper explains the results of a research project, concerning Mexican peasants during the last two decades. Undoubtedly, the peasant has been a sector of rural environment that deserves major attention, because it has undergone hurried and dramatic economic, political and social decline in...