ABSTRACT
The profitability analysis of fish farming for the support of the ever growing population of people in terms of food provision is critical to national food security. This study was conducted to investigate the profitability of fish farming in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State by examining the socio-economic characteristics of fish farmers in the study area, computing the profitability indices of fish farming, and identifying the constraints which affected fish farmers in the study area. Primary data obtained from seventy five sampled respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and budgetary analysis procedures such as Net Farm Income (NFI) and profitability ratios. The results showed that the male respondents dominated fish farming in the study area. Most of the fish farmers were middle-aged, and consequently likely to be more apt to learn the best methods of fish farming. It was also observed that there were more married people in fish farming within the study area, compared to single individuals. Most of the respondents were learned and therefore better placed to adopt new technologies, relatively new to the business (1-3 years’ experience), had household sizes of 4-6 persons, and farm sizes of 1.6 to 2.5 hectares. An aggregate net farm income (NFI) of N15,144,400 and a gross margin ratio of 55.0% were realized, and these imply that fish farming operations in the study area were profitable. The study also showed that profitability of fish farming in the area was hindered by problems like inaccessibility of land, low farming experience, and high transportation costs. It was concluded that fish farming business in the area has great prospects. |
