ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF FARMERS’ SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON NET FARM INCOME OF CATFISH FARMERS IN SELESCTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of farmers’ socio-economic attributes on the net farm income of catfish farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from selected catfish farmers with the aid of well-structured questionnaire and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 102 catfish farmers in the area. The analytical techniques involved the use of descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that 60% of the catfish farmers in the study area were males which implied the existence of gender inequality in catfish production in the area. The mean age of 47 years was an indication that they were at their economically productive age and could contribute positively to increased production of catfish in the area. Also, the mean household size was five while the mean year of experience was also five. The latter implied that the farmers were experienced in fishing techniques and fish culture which would assist in generating more revenue, reduce cost of production and eventual increase in profit levels of the farmers. The result also revealed that stock capacity (X3), labour (X4) and accessibility to credit (X7) were the main determinants of catfish production in the area. In addition farmer’s sex, household size, no of ponds, distance of the farm from market and access to credit were the main socio-economic factors influencing the net farm income of the catfish farmers in the area. The most serious constraints militating against catfish production in the study area were high mortality rate, insufficient market, inadequate credit facilities/ finance and inadequate skilled labour needed for daily production routine. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended that, to reduce the mortality rate of catfish extension agents should organize training workshops on improved methods and techniques of raising catfish right from juvenile to market size.