Socioeconomic and profitability analysis of catfish production: a case study of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the economics of catfish production in Nigeria using Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria as a case study. To achieve the study objectives, 40 catfish producers were randomly sampled and data for the study were collected with the aid of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and net farm income analysis were employed for the analysis of the data collected. The study findings show that most (85%) of the catfish farmers were males, and majority of them are in their active ages (<35 to 55 years). About 20% of the total population sampled was involved in full time catfish farming and 80% were able to finance their catfish farm from personal savings. Majority of the respondents have rich experience in catfish farming and have attained some level of education which is expected to influence their output positively. The total cost of catfish production was estimated to be ₦584,968.041 ($1,614.73) per production cycle (average 7 months), and the total revenue generated from the sale of market size catfish in the study area was ₦2,257,098 ($6,226.48) per production cycle. The respondents made a net farm income of ₦1,672,129.96 ($4,615.70) in one production cycle (average 7 months). This indicates that catfish production is profitable in the area. To enhance the performance of catfish production, the study recommends improvement in infrastructural facilities that will create an enabling environment for increased productivity and profitability. Keywords: catfish; production; profitability, socio-economic factors