Can Enhancing Efficiency Promote the Economic Viability of Smallholder Farmers? A Case of Sierra Leone

By developing meta-frontier efficiency and structural equation models, the paper examines whether farm economic viability is positively associated with technical in a highly food insecure context, such as that of rural Sierra Leone. The findings show can be sufficient but not necessary condition determining smallholder farming. It possible to breach reproductive thresholds at cost reduced efficiency, when crop diversification strategy smallholders includes market-oriented high-value crops. This calls for dual policy approach addresses farmers’ internal needs self-consumption (increasing production) while encouraging cash production (diversification assisted through reduction transaction costs establishment accessible commercialization channels export related crops and/or crops). work also out move-up or move-out small holders create viable farming systems world.