Sorghum plot managers in different locations have varying levels of resource endowment that in turn influence technical efficiency (TE). Therefore, plot managers operate at different levels of technology. The present study applied a stochastic metafrontier approach to assess TE and technology gaps of female, male and jointly-managed sorghum plots. A two limit-Tobit model was subsequently applied to assess determinants of TE. Results indicate that male-managed sorghum plots had the highest metafrontier technical efficiencies (MTEs) (61%, 56% and 15%) and technology gap ratios (TGRs) (98%, 92% and 20%) for Lira, Serere and Kumi districts, respectively compared to female and jointly managed plots. However, jointly managed plots had higher TE and TGRs compared to female plot managers but lower than those of the male-managed plots. Age, distance to plot and farmer group membership influenced TE positively while household size, years of farming sorghum and access to credit had negative effects on efficiency.

Gender gaps in crop productivity can negatively affect rural socio-economic development of agrarian economies with serious implications on food and nutrition security. We assess productivity in male and female-managed sorghum plots in Lira, Kumi, and Serere districts in Uganda. We find male-managed plots have higher productivity of 850.6 kgs/ha compared to female-managed plots (832.6 kgs/ha). An observed mean gender gap of 18% due to structural advantages of male plots (57%), structural disadvantages of female plots (33%), and endowment (10%) exists. Therefore, interventions aimed at promoting equitable access to institutional support services are paramount in reducing structural disadvantages against female farmers.