Do Migrants Matter for Farm Efficiency? A Stochastic Frontier Assessment of Rural-Urban Migration in Ghanaian Maize Production

Abstract While migration can provide economic opportunities and remittances for rural households, it may also lead to loss of skilled labor and disrupt farm operations. This study examines the impact of rural-urban migration on technical efficiency in Ghana, using robust methodology that combines propensity score matching with a difference-in-differences, selectivity-corrected stochastic frontier model. Analysis is based on panel data from 1,056 farm maize households. Results show that migration significantly improves technical efficiency and maize output. Migration history, farm characteristics, and education shape this relationship. Strengthening extension services and promoting the best farming practices are vital for improving smallholder productivity and efficiency.