Assessing technical and scale efficiencies in tilapia production: influential factors and insights

This study assessed the technical and scale efficiency of tilapia farmers in Bangladesh with a focus on identifying key factors influencing their efficiency levels. Data from 199 randomly selected tilapia farmers were analyzed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), followed by a Tobit regression model to determine the key variables affecting efficiency. The results revealed a mean TE of 0.77 under CRS, 0.83 under VRS, and a mean SE of 0.92, indicating that most inefficiencies were technical rather than scale-related issues. The study also identified farming training, credit access, and years of experience had a positive effect on TE, while adverse climatic conditions negatively impacted efficiency. The findings emphasize the importance of mitigating climate impacts and improving resource management to enhance efficiency. Expanding credit access, improving training programs, and taking initiatives for mitigating climate impacts could significantly improve the efficiency and long-term viability of tilapia production in the region.