Analysis of the Profitability of Catfish Production in Enugu East L.G.A. of Enugu State, Nigeria

Objectives of the Study: The study examined the profitability of catfish production in Enugu –East L.G.A of Enugu state.

Sample Size and Sampling Procedure: A purposive sampling technique was employed in the selection of 50 respondents used for the study.

Method of Data Collection: Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules.

Method of Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, gross-margin analysis and profitability ratios were used in analyzing the data.

Results and Discussion: The result of the analysis showed that majority of the fish farmers (70%) were males and within the age range of 31 - 50 years. The result equally revealed that majority of the farmers (86%) had at least a National Diploma with about 5 -14 years fish farming experience. The result further indicated that cost of feed and fingerlings were the major cost component involved in catfish production. The gross margin analysis and profitability ratios revealed that catfish production is very profitable in the study area with a net income of about N576, 667 and a BCR of 1.6. The study however revealed that the high cost of farm inputs and poor credit facilities were the major constraints to catfish production in the area.

Recommendations: It was recommended that more fish feed producers be encouraged into the business to reduce the high cost of feed.