Abstract

Kelechi Nwapa, Raymond Enwerem and Iheme Obianuju

This study was conducted in Umuahia Capital Territory, of Abia state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 72 respondents. Data were collected for a year from a panel group of fish farmers using semi structured questionnaire and interview sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, net return analysis and multiple regression models. Results showed that mean age and mean farming experience of the fish farmers was 44 years and 8 years respectively, 63.9% of the respondents had no access to credit, 73.6% of them were males, 100.0% of them had acquired varied levels of formal education, 77.8% of them were married, 50.0% of the fish farmers were in civil service, 87.5% used purchased feed and 47.2% of them stocked their ponds with between 201 and 300 fingerlings per 10 m2 . Annual gross margin and net return from fish production was N 265,760.11 and N 225, 791.98 respectively. Fish farming had a BCR of 2.20 and RORCI of 90%. Farming experience, access to credit, farm income and pond size were significant determinants of production level at 1, 5, 10 and 10% critical levels respectively. High cost of feed and inadequate storage facilities were two main problems constraining fish farmers. It is recommended that unemployed youths should be trained in fish farming methods and given soft loans to engage in fish farming business since it had a BCR of 2.20.