EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTIVITY AMONG SMALLHOLDERS IN EKEREMOR, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Catfish farmers are facing new barriers in both their production and returns on investment. Despite its potentials, the level of fish production has failed to meet domestic demand. Profitability and productivity and analysis are important considerations in measuring efficiency or performance of a farm business. This study therefore analyzed Catfish Productivity among Smallholders in Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via random sampling were evaluated using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting model and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) techniques. The study revealed that net farm income of catfish production was ₦478,000/cycle; suggesting a relatively profitable venture with prospects for improved economic potentials. The estimated percentage profit margin and benefit-cost ratio were 40.2% and 0.67 respectively. Furthermore, most (68.3%) of catfish farmers were sub-optimally productive as their TFP indices were below the optimal scale; attributable to sub-efficient input mix and cost of production inputs. In addition, constraints of catfish production in the study area include high cost of feeds (95%), inadequate capital (80%), high cost of pond construction (73.3%); poor market linkages (70%), poor access to modern technologies (65%), high labour cost (51.7%), fish mortality (46.7%), water pollutants (38.3%), Seed (fingerling) scarcity (30%) and inadequate extension contact (25%). Alternative feed sources, adoption of practices and technology, financial and credit information; feed, construction materials and equipment subsidy, improved market linkages, extension contact, access to and adequate supply of water, production inputs, technological innovations and cooperative formation are strongly recommended.