Profitability of Catfish Production among Small holder Farmers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria, fish farming, especially catfish production has been embraced by many, regardless of age and educational qualification. According to the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF), fisheries subsector has made significant contributions to Nigerian economy. The broad objective of the study is to determine the profitability of catfish production among smallholder farmers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Fish production in Nigeria is not on the same level as the rapid population growth of about 200 million; with the projection of above 200 million by 2030. Thus, there exists a great deficit of fish production in the country and the inability of this industry to meet up with the supply of fish consumed annually due to the fast growing human population. The production of catfish in Nigeria is given much attention as a result of its capability to fill the demand and supply gap. Catfish production is a sustainable aquaculture and therefore, it is a lead way to national food security, wealth creation as well as nature conservation A multi stage sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of the sample size. In the first stage, Awka South Local Government Area was selected because of the dominance of catfish production in the area. 100 catfish farmers were finally selected for the study. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, multiple regression analysis and likert-type scales were used for data analysis. The study recommends that catfish is highly profitable and can contribute to food security and subsequently, economic development in Nigeria.