ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE OUTPUT OF CATFISH FARMERS IN CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study determined the socio-economic factors influencing the income of catfish farmers in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire complemented with an interview scheduled. Out of 80 questionnaire administered, only 77 questionnaire were returned by the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentage and means) and inferential statistics (Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis) as well as farm budgeting technique. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmer revealed that most (57.2%) of the respondents were between 26 - 55 years of age with mean age of 34 years, while 58.4% were males and 54.5% were married. The mean household size was 4 people, while mean farming experience was 6 years. Majority (84.4%) of the respondents acquired tertiary education implying high level of education. The costs and returns evaluation result revealed that the respondents incurred more expenses in labour (₦30,150.00) aside the fixed cost (₦55,630.00). The return from catfish production in the study area was ₦223,176.00 with a profitability and efficiency ratio of 1.14 and 2.14%, respectively. The OLS result revealed that age, education and experience of the respondents found to be positive and statistically significant at 1% and 5% level of probability, respectively, have a direct influence on the income of catfish farmers. The majority (63.6%) of the respondents identified inadequate farm for fishing which ranked 1st among others as the constraint faced in catfish farming. It was concluded that the catfish farmers were making reasonable income from catfish farming. Therefore, it was recommended that Government and relevant stakeholders should partner to formulate polices that will enhance and guide job creation through catfish farming in order to reduce over-dependency on fish importation.