Socio-Economic Determinants to Catfish Production in Anambra State, Nigeria

Effect of socio-economic variables on the output levels of catfish farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria was studied using information from sixty respondents. The objective of the study were to,(i)describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, (ii) determine the profitability of catfish production (iii) analyze the farmers’ socioeconomic factors that influence catfish production and (iv)identify the constraints to catfish production in the study area. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect appropriate information as relates to primary data. Percentage response was used to address objectives i and iv. Gross margin and profit analysis were used to address the objectives ii, while objective iii was addressed using multiple regression. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics shows that majority of the catfish farmers were male, youthful and had formal education. In addition, catfish was profitable in the study area with gross margin of N323,600 and profit of N155,100. Furthermore, the socioeconomic determinants to catfish farmers’ output were educational level, membership of organizations and farming experience. Finally, the major constraints to catfish production were poor access to credit, high cost of feed and poor fish seed. Farmers’ access to improved fingerlings and education and credit were recommende