Determinants of profitability in catfish farming in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

This study analysed the profitability of catfish farming in Ilorin west Local Government Area of Kwara State. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 120 catfish farmers using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis and linear regression. Result shows that more than half (54.17%) of the catfish farmers were males while majority (63.34%) of the farmers were within the age group 31- 50 years. The mean age and household size of farmers in the study area were 38 years and 5 persons respectively. Most of the catfish farmers (45.83%) utilized concrete pond type while average fish pond size was 205 square metres. Major source of finance for farmers is from their personal savings. The gross margin analysis shows that gross margin for the catfish farmers was ₦22,013,583.1 while the average gross margin was ₦183,446.52 perproduction cycle indicating that catfish farming is profitable. The result of the linear regression reveals that pond maintenance,  transportation and feed cost are negative and have significant effects on income generated from catfish business while pond size and education is positive and significant at 5%. Since catfish business is a profitable venture, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should use this as a means to empower unemployed youths and rural households to reduce poverty level as well as dependence on fish importation in the country. Keywords: Catfish farmers, Profitability, Production, Gross margin, Personal saving