TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF TABLE SIZE CATFISH PRODUCTION IN KAINJI LAKE BASIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the technical efficiency of catfish table size production under intensive system among
cluster fish farmers in Kainji Lake Basin. Multistage sampling procedure was deployed to select 120 respondents
for the study from three clusters namely Monai, Fakun and New Bussa in 2020. Primary data were collected with
semi structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cobb-Douglas regression analysis to
determine technical efficiency of table size catfish production in the study area. Findings showed that the catfish
table size entrepreneurs are mostly men (86%) with mean age of 38 years. Majority (96%) are marriedand
educated (72.5%) with 40.83% having household size of 4-5 persons with good fish farming experience
(x=5years). Majority (99%) use earthen ponds while 94% farm hybrid (hetero-clarias) species. Total number of
fingerlings was 970,600 stocked in a 47,493m2 size of ponds and fed with 741,060kg feed. The significant
production efficiency factors were type of ponds, farming experience, household size, years of education, marital
status, age, size of ponds and labour. Therefore, improving production efficiency in the area requires adherence
to stocking density, mentoring young fish farmers, and adoption of best aquaculture practices. In addition, post
fingerlings should be stocked in earthen ponds supported with technical knowledge through training, embracing
agribusiness management and marketing principles to ensure profitable return on enterprise and sustainability
as well as cooperative approach to overcome common issue.