ABSTRACT
Catfish farming plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's aquaculture sector, contributing significantly to local consumption and the national economy. This study examines the profitability analysis of catfish farming in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Three stage sampling procedure was used to selection 100 respondents. Data were collected using structure questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results showed that about 49.62% of the respondents were married, which is advantageous for cheap labor from family members. The majority (51.00%) of catfish farmers were between 40-51 years old, suggesting that they were in their prime years for economic activity. Results further showed that tarpaulin-based systems and flow-through systems were nearly evenly distributed for fingerling production. Results also showed that catfish farming in the study area was profitable. Regression analysis revealed that years of farming experience, quantity of feed, and pond size significantly affected catfish output. The most serious constraints identified were the high cost of feeds, lack of sufficient capital, poor extension services, poor quality feed, and theft. These constraints could impact the profitability and efficiency of catfish farming in the study area. It was concluded that catfish farming is profitable. It was recommended that there is need to support smallholder farmers given the prevalence of single and young farmers.
